Between Friday and Monday, The Fletcher Lesson

Between Friday and Monday, The Fletcher Lesson… No matter what face we try to put on maybe we’re all in the same class regardless. I grew up in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia during the 60’s and early 70’s. To stretch the dollar, our father would take us to Fletcher’s Second Hand Store in the Post Oak area, not too far from Lake Anna. As a kid, I loved going to Fletcher’s because sometimes I would find an old 45 record or a pair of tennis shoes that wasn’t worn out too bad. Going to Fletcher’s was a good thing to me, but for some people, I later learned, it was something that was shunned upon. Looking back, I had an experience one particular weekend that taught me a valuable lesson about people and classes we are often mistakenly (and sometimes naively) placed into. There was a girl in my class who wore nice clothes and would speak in a friendly way to everybody at school. On Friday we said hi to each other, but the next day, on Saturday, that one moment at Fletcher’s taught us both something we didn’t fully understand or realize about ourselves, and when Monday morning came, back at school, we both knew that our lives and the way we look at things would be different from that point on. There I was near the Boy’s shoe section, checking the shoe sizes when all of a sudden, I look up and catch a quick glimpse of my classmate. She was with her mother a short distance away browsing through a rack of girl’s colorful dresses. We both would remember this brief moment at Fletcher’s for the rest of our lives. It was extremely awkward. I noticed her trying to avoid making direct eye contact with me. I was confused. And then came a rapid, quick look that was clearer. I wasn’t totally sure but her eyes were telling me to never speak about this moment, ever. Throughout our school years in Spotsylvania we shared plenty of classes together. At first, there was this awkward silence and weird facial expressions whenever we would see each other, but later, as we attended Spotsylvania Jr. High, she and I would have deeper conversations about that awkward moment at Fletcher’s. We became good friends all the way up to our junior year of high school when she and her family left Virginia and moved away out West. Over the years, we both definitely have learned more about ourselves and true friendship, and not just about the ills of society. Through the years our friendship has grown stronger. During the early stages when I was starting to take a more serious approach to writing, I remember telling her how I was having a real hard time dealing with a rejection letter which I’d recently received from a big publishing house. About a week later, I received this elegant-looking plaque in the mail from her which read, ‘Follow the path where your dreams may take you’. (I still have this plaque) We never know who maybe in need at any given moment. Our neighbors could be at the local soup kitchen getting a free meal, and because we rarely say hello to the people on our street, we may never know about their visits to get a decent, hot meal. Whenever I see the long row of cars lined up for bags of groceries at some of the local food pantries and Churches in my neighborhood, I think about that brief moment on that Saturday morning at Fletcher’s all them years ago. Since then I’ve learned not to make quick assumptions about anybody anywhere. Regardless of income level or race, never be ashamed of how you stretch the dollar. Life can be rough at times but having true friends can make it easier. As time goes by, it’s nice to have good friends touching base with you every now and then. My friend now lives in the Big Sky state of Montana. She tells me that the best part of her day is sitting on the porch watching deer grazing peacefully at the shrubbery around her front yard. And me, well, I currently reside in Iowa but I’ll always be that country boy from the backwoods of Virginia, still growing, still learning. Have a safe and enjoyable summer, EVERYONE! – Randolph Randy Camp More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Beauty Below Us

One of my favorite school field trips during my elementary years was to the Luray Caverns in Culpeper, Virginia. What my eyes witnessed that day will stay with me forever. I was so taken by the natural beauty of the underground Wishing Well and the other sites during our guided tour that these memories resurfaced as scenes in HEAVEN, one of the twelve stories in ‘Monica A Short Story Collection’, my most recent work. If you ever get the chance, please go visit this ‘beauty below us’. More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Books for Everyone!

I’ve been loving books ever since I was a little boy. It’s a shame and a disgrace that some politicians and school districts want to ban certain books nowadays. Placing strong restrictions on teachers and controlling how they conduct their classroom hurts the students. The classroom should be a place that nurtures open mindedness, not a place that erases history or attempts to brainwash young minds. I love it when some public libraries and book stores, large chains and small independent ones, proudly display and offer the ‘banned books’ to the general public. This photo was taken at Barnes & Noble, October 26, 2022. – Randolph Randy Camp

Monica: Classroom Book Talk

MONICA: Classroom Book Talk….I love it when two people have read, seen, or heard the same exact thing, but they each may have a different perception. I appreciate all of the book clubs and school teachers who are using any of my books for discussion. Regarding ‘MONICA a Short Story Collection’, here are a few topics and tips: (1) In RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY, do you think that the insulin samples are a symbol or a metaphor? If so, a metaphor for what? (2) In LABREA, what do the dandelions represent? (3) In MONICA, is there a symbolic meaning in the freeing of the cattle? (4) What is the underlying message in GI BLUES? (5) Regarding character development, how is Johnny different in the end of GI BLUES? (6) In RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY, what’s the reason why Phillip wants to be a doctor? (7) In THE WATCH, were the scenes in the story real or were they all an illusion? (8) Regarding HEAVEN, is there an underlying message in the story? If so, what is it? Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Another Trip To The VA

It’s the spring of 2022 and we’ve been coping with the coronavirus for a while now. The VA is offering the second booster shot to veterans. Any particular visit to the VA conjures up a vast array of emotions for me, good and bad. Stepping into any VA hospital you will definitely see amputees, and this humbles me every time. Seeing an amputee makes me appreciate the feet and hands I do have and makes me feel guilty when I catch myself complaining about something trivial. Walking through the hallways, sitting in the waiting rooms, or simply being in the presence of other military veterans can stir up stuff you’re still unable to talk about. I’m 61 years old now and these visits to the VA reminds me that some scars can’t be hidden. Veterans are notorious for keeping things bottled up. We have all heard the saying ‘boys don’t cry’, but I personally know that’s not true because every story I’d ever written is a form of me crying. It’s not easy for veterans to bring up past memories. Keeping things tucked away for long stretches of time isn’t healthy. On the average, twenty veterans commit suicide every day. After I got my booster shot the nurse had me sit for observation for about ten minutes in the waiting room. This is probably the hardest part of my visit to the VA because this is where I see myself in the faces of all the other vets sitting around me. We sit in silence, knowing each others’ scars. I served in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Marine Corps. Whether you’re a military veteran or a civilian, opening up is tough. Here’s the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255. – Randolph Randy Camp

America: No Purchase Necessary

We all have our different ways and methods of coping with stuff, especially heavy stuff. Writing ‘America: No Purchase Necessary’ has helped me a great deal during the past year. ‘America: No Purchase Necessary’ is a reflection of contemporary America, showing America’s ugly side as well as its beauty. It’s a fictional story, and here’s a teaser… Winning is great, but being accepted is greater. One of the many perks of winning the national ‘America’s Family’ Sweepstakes is the chance to meet and appear with the President on his reelection campaign. When an eclectic African-American family becomes the unexpected winner of this prestigious contest, the President and his shady reelection campaign manager tries to get the family disqualified, thinking that this particular family isn’t ‘American-looking’ enough, and to appear with them in public will hurt the President’s chance of getting reelected. Ultimately, America falls in love with the Lantern family and, in the end, the American people ‘disqualifies’ the President. ‘America: No Purchase Necessary’ is a feel good story about acceptance. If you ever felt left out, pushed out or shut out then this story is for you. More details available at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Brick by Brick

You’re capable of doing whatever you want to do. You are here for a purpose. Your thoughts and dreams are important. Regardless of your age, your zip code or your skin color, remember that there’s no expiration date on your goals and dreams. You were born for a reason. Rejection and ridicule are obstacles, but mere pebbles in the road. Don’t get discouraged. Dreams don’t expire. Brick by brick, step by step, keep your eye on the ball. You will get there. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

A Healthy You, A Healthy Valentine

I think that I do more things wrong than I do right. For instance, when it comes to eating nutritious foods, most likely, I would get a ‘D minus’ in that department.


I’m very blessed to be able to write, travel and meet some of my readers and fans. I find myself on the road quite a lot these days, appearing at book signings and classroom book talks. Maybe, just like some of you, I don’t always eat the best foods, especially when I’m on the go. I’m certainly guilty of indulging on all of the fatty menu items of any roadside café. And I definitely stand accused of consuming too many quick-fix, unhealthy foods from the convenient gas mart.


But, at least once a week, and sometimes twice, I actually do eat more nutritiously though. From my travels and readings years ago, I’d become aware of certain African tribes that would eat nothing but vegetation for at least a whole week out of the month just to cleanse their digestive system from toxins and various parasites. Through the years, I’ve been practicing this same healthy habit, although I’d modified it a bit. To rid my body of any toxins or parasites from my fatty consumption of unhealthy foods I will eat one, and sometimes, two fresh pineapples per week. Eating fresh pineapples, along with fresh garlic and so many other natural fruits and vegetables, are a great way to cleanse your body and stay healthy.


With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, chocolates and other sweet treats are always big sellers. If you’re not particularly a frequent produce-buyer, may I suggest, for you and your special Valentine this year to try adding some fresh fruits or vegetables with that box of chocolates. In all of the different ways in which we can say that we really care and love someone and that we want them to stick around for as long as possible, maybe nothing says it better than a fresh pineapple…..along with the chocolates, of course. – Randolph Randy Camp


More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Shining Brighter: 2018

Every year we all make new resolutions. Sometimes we accomplish them, and sometimes we just let them fade away. For me, personally, I’ve learned over the years to not put too much pressure on myself by setting strict deadlines or making strong commitments, which were unrealistic in the first place. For 2018, I simply want to shine brighter.


Shining brighter could mean different things to different people. Shining brighter, in my own life, is simply trying to reach and inspire more people than the previous year.


Setting goals and accomplishing goals are two separate things. Personally, taking baby steps instead of giant leaps have been greatly beneficial to me. We all get discouraged, but don’t throw in the towel, just keep taking those small steps. Life is always a struggle, and realistically, things will get rough at times, but in your own special way, I hope that all of you will find a way to shine brighter in 2018. – Randolph Randy Camp


More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Reflections: The Longest Walk

There used to be this dirt road in Spotsylvania County called County Road 715. Years ago this old road ran straight by our house and led to the edge of a paved blacktop where the school bus would pick up me and my brothers, and my cousins who lived on Route 715. Back then it seemed like it was a long walk to the bus stop in the early mornings, but actually it was only about a six-minute walk.


I remember one particular morning walking to the bus stop and I was practicing what I was going to say to this girl that I really liked in my class and had written a ‘Do You Like Me?’ note to the previous night. She sat one row away from me in class and I always liked the way she would run and giggle and say “You can’t catch me!” when we had recess outside. Although I’d carefully written the note and repeatedly rehearsed my lines when I was going to hand it to her, I fell way short of being a romantic Romeo as I got painfully nervous and talked myself out of giving her the note and I never uttered one single word to her that whole entire day at school.


When the bus dropped us off after school that day it was my longest walk ever. I still had that stupid note folded in my pocket, which I’d carried around all day at school. As my brothers and cousins got off the bus laughing and talking about their day at school and their plans for the rest of the evening, I just hung my head down and kicked at the rocks and mounds of dirt in the road as if I was kicking myself in the butt for being so scared, stupid and shy. About halfway down the road I got tired of having that stupid note in my pocket so I took it out, crumbled it up and tossed in the bushes along the dirt road. It’s the year 2017 now and it’s been nearly 46 years since the night I wrote that ‘Do You Like Me?’ note.


Ironically, the young girl who captured my heart back in elementary school is now one of my friends on Facebook (but she doesn’t know that I had a crush on her though). And, by the way, the old dirt road, County Road 715, that I grew up on in Spotsylvania, well today, it’s a paved road and it was renamed Camp Town Road quite a few years ago. – Randolph Randy Camp


More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Human Error

Every now and then we hear of these situations whereby a person’s skin color has unfortunately caused another person to make a human error. In my personal life this week, I had to face this superficial judgment head on, and I must be honest with you, I’m still deeply troubled by it.
Imagine a White supremacist refusing medical help once he or she finds out that their attending nurse or doctor is African-American. If the patient is conscious, he or she may possibly request to be attended by a White nurse or a White doctor. It’s terribly sad that America is still dealing with these superficial human errors in 2017.
Because of these unfortunate situations, I’ve gain a better understanding of God’s intervention in our human decisions. Now I truly understand why, in certain cases, a patient arrives at the hospital in an unconscious state. Did God intervene to prevent this patient from making another human error? – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Skyline Lessons

It’s getting increasingly harder every day to maintain a positive attitude and outlook, especially when your daily newsfeed is filled with negativity and hints of outright hatred. At times, the stuff in the news can make you sick to your stomach. It’s certainly not an easy task, but try not to let anyone or anything shade your world. Always remember that thunderstorms are temporary.
Growing up during the 60’s and early 70’s in rural Virginia made it difficult to keep a sunny outlook, especially for people of color living in a society that tried to make you feel inferior or secondary.


When I was a little boy I had a revelation during a school field trip. One of my most memorable field trips was when I was at Robert E. Lee Elementary and our class went to the beautiful Luray Caverns, approximately an hour or so drive from Charlottesville, Virginia. If any of you have never been through this part of Virginia, I strongly urge you to put it on your ‘to do’ list. Traveling through Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains is priceless, simply heaven on earth. As a little country boy I was awestruck as I couldn’t stop looking out the window as our chartered bus made its way along the scenic Skyline Drive through the mountains to the Luray Caverns.


As long as I can remember, I’d always been a nerd and had a crazy thirst for knowledge. Regardless of where I was at and whenever I had a chance, I would read newspapers and various magazines in waiting rooms, ect. About a week prior to our school field trip to the Luray Caverns, I had read an article in a magazine about the Emmett Till murder. This was the early 70’s, and this particular article touched upon the approaching twenty-year anniversary of this American tragedy that was one of the sparks which ignited the Civil Rights Movement. Reading this piece as a little boy of color, the article sadden me greatly.


My thoughts and outlook slowly began to change. I kept asking myself how could people be so cruel to one another. Then, about a week later, the very moment our class and a big group of other tourists stepped into the enormous Luray Caverns and was surrounded by the gigantic stalactites and majestic stalagmites, my little kid mind instantly thought how equally tiny we all were in this massive, magnificent cave.


From that moment on, every time I heard or read about a group or someone trying to belittle someone else in an effort to make themselves feel superior, I wish that they could take a trip to the Luray Caverns, step inside, and see how, in the big scheme of things, how we, as human beings, are so very equally small, and that no one is bigger or better than anyone else.


As I grew older, I always try to check out the local natural wonders in my area as a reminder to myself that I, too, am very tiny in the big scheme of things and that I am no better than anyone else.  – Randolph Randy Camp


More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Finding Beauty

Nowadays, in this sometimes chaotic, unpredictable world, it's becoming increasingly harder and harder to find something.....anything in our daily lives that puts a smile on our faces. On my birthday I got lucky and found some beauty today.


A few minutes ago I took a break from my next manuscript and checked my Facebook page. I saw a post from one of my elementary school classmates who I'd had a secret crush on some 46 years ago at Robert E. Lee Elementary in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. She never knew I had a crush on her, and to this very day, I refuse to reveal to anyone who this lady is, but every time I see one of her updates or posts online it instantly puts a big ol' country smile on my face. (I find it fascinating that after all of these years this young girl who I'd dreamed about in elementary school and wrote letters to, but never had the courage to give them to her, is now one of my Facebook friends.)


From the bottom of my heart, Thank You all for your wonderful birthday wishes, and I sincerely hope that all of you also find some beauty in the simple things in this sometimes complicated, negative world of ours. - Randolph Randy Camp


(Photo: Recent birthday gift from one of my daughters, Randie)


More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Finding Happiness

You ever met someone who appeared to be truly happy, the kind of happiness that comes from deep inside? I know people who’ve been searching for some inner peace for a long time. Personally, I think that in order to find your inner happiness you must first find your passion, and every day of your life you must take baby steps toward your passion and goals. Otherwise, as we grow older, we will become bitter and soon resent ourselves for ignoring our own dreams and desires. Yet, ironically, we spend most of our lives helping others achieve theirs.
I hope that each one of you will, from this day forward, begin to take baby steps toward your own dreams and goals….and eventually find your inner peace. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

The Well

"Most often, those who’ve been in the well are those most likely to pull others out of the well…When Jack Canaday was twelve years old he was once in the well…Now, twenty-one years later, Jack has an opportunity to reach down and help others out of the well…"  -Quote from 'Wet Matches: A Novel'
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Writing Advice: Different Voices

The thing that I enjoy most when I’m invited for a  meet-the-author/ book talk event is when an aspiring writer asks for any writing tips. My number one advice for any writer is to make sure that your characters have different voices. No two people in real life sounds the same. As a writer, you must reflect this in your characters and in your stories.


For practice, try writing the same character dialogue (in a sentence or a question) three or four different ways, using the same basic words. Remember that your creative writing style will take shape as you develop your own unique use of commas, the apostrophe, and contraction words. And simultaneously, while practicing this particular exercise, you will become better at ensuring that your characters aren’t sounding the same. Hint: It’s important to note that the apostrophe takes place of a missing letter (or letters), especially when writing dialogue. Good luck with your current or next writing project. – Randolph Randy Camp


More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

True Heart

For the most part I actually do get to see the brighter side of humans, but every now and then, unfortunately, my eyes will witness the darker side of some of those around me. When I was writing the first draft of ’29 Dimes’ a few years ago I was simultaneously going through a rough emotional period in my private life whereby I had to make a major decision of whether to keep a so-called friend in my life or not. (She gave me reasons to question her true heart.) So, as I was writing ‘Vehicles’, an original song for the character ‘Teki’ in ’29 Dimes’, the lyrics just poured out of me. ‘Vehicles’ is a song about people who pretends to love and care about you only to get what they want.
Yep, we must be mindful of those we have and keep in our circle. My life changed for the better once I’d cut the ties with this so-called friend. I hope that your life is filled with goodhearted people who show you daily that they want nothing but betterment and happiness for you. It’s a wonderful feeling when you’re surrounded by people who enjoys it when you rise. And you also get a kick out of seeing them rise up as well.
Here’s the lyrics to ‘Vehicles’…
‘VEHICLES’
You pick me up…take me around
You use me up when you’re feelin’ down
Just like vehicles goin’ around and around
Just like vehicles in my town
You only need me when you’re down
Next time when you’re passin’ by
I’ll remember you…and the smile and the lie
‘Cause you’re just another vehicle goin’ by and by
Yeah, just another vehicle goin’ by and by
You hold me… You kiss me
You give me a ride
Maybe some day…maybe some way
We may collide.
– Randolph Randy Camp (from the novel ’29 Dimes: A Love Story’)
Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Randolph Randy Camp

A Video Presentation of Contemporary Author Randolph Randy Camp

Keep Your Light Burning

We often encounter people who laugh at our flaws, others who can’t wait to punish us for our mistakes, and those who constantly judge and ridicule us for our decisions and actions of the past. Sadly, there are people around us who gets a rise from their attempt to dampen our spirit and drive. I’ve experienced this quite a bit in my 55 years, and I’ll be the first to admit that it’s certainly not an easy task to stay positive in the midst of negativity. But please, whatever you do, don’t ever let anyone blow out your candle. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Running Water

It’s a dream come true for me to be able to write and connect with people from around the world with my words and stories. I celebrated my 55th birthday this past week, and I want to thank EVERYONE for all of your birthday wishes and gifts. I came from humble beginnings, and I take nothing for granted. I’m always blown away by the slightest connection and interaction with my readers, followers, friends and family. I’m truly fortunate to have received emails and gift cards from folks all around the globe. It’s not too often that I find myself blushing, but this year, for some reason, my birthday wishes and gifts poured in from people and places that I honestly didn’t expect. Yes, indeed, I’m truly a blessed man.
Growing up in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia, our family and many other families around us did not have running water (modern plumbing and sewage system inside the home). So, in taking nothing for granted, I’m very appreciative of all gifts and blessings bestowed upon me, but I’ll always be extremely grateful for my sight, the fingers on my hands, the air in my lungs and running water all around me. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp