Bits & Pieces: Just A Few Notes

This column previously ran
in May 3, 2013 issue
of The Grove Sun.

Last week, I used this space to introduce myself. Today, I want to introduce how I’m going to use this column.

Each week, unless writer’s block hits, I’ll fill this space with musings and random observations about life. Some weeks I’m sure I’ll have lots to say about a single subject. Others, like today, well, will be “bits and pieces,” or snippets of life of a small-town gal.

Warm Welome
Thanks to everyone who has smiled, said hi, or, in general, welcomed me to Grove. As you read this, I’m officially celebrating the end of the second week.

I’m hoping to get some time in the very near future to do some serious exploring—but I can tell you this: I can already tell this is a great community.

Thanks especially to the Masons and the Pritchard family for filling my second Saturday in town with joy. Those Masons, you never know what those guys will say or do—good thing most of the pancake breakfast was “off the record.”

Y’all started my day with laughter, and for that I’m thankful. Mr. Frank—who has connections to a former stomping ground, and probably mutual friends if we dig deeper—even treated me to breakfast.

A sweet treat.
Thanks also to the Pritchard family who were gracious enough to let me “crash” Olive’s 95th birthday, to get a fun feature for last Tuesday’s paper. If you missed the story about the surprise party, check it out at www.grandlakes.com.

So Does This Mean You’ll Cover….
OK. We (the “royal we” of the newspaper) can’t cover every event or run every photo suggestion. One of the best things about being a community newspaper is that we CAN cover things that the “big guys” might skip. That’s the blessings of being your community newspaper.

So here’s the deal. Please do not assume we know about an event or potential photo opportunity—and do not assume we’re not interested.. (Remember what your English teacher told you about assuming….)

We can only be at things, if we know about them. We’ll be honest and tell you if we can get somewhere, and if we can’t make an event, we’ll encourage you to submit a photo with the who, what, when, where, why and how, along with your best contact info.

Using Social Media
Next time you are on Facebook, swing by and “like” our page: www.facebook.com/grovesun. We’re having all kinds of fun, asking Questions of the Day (#QofD), posting reader submitted photos and more. Sometimes we even ask for news or feature story ideas. How we use Facebook is evolving, so feel free to check back often. Not on Facebook? You can follow us on Twitter at @grovesun

A Story Update
Kenton Jackson let me know about another benefit for Melissa, Quintin and Kallen Blevins. The next one will be from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 11, at Honey Creek Resort. It will include Indian Tacos, live music and more. Team Kallen T-shirts will also be available for $10.

Uncle Kenton says Kallen has had some “ups and downs” but has gained 3 ounces, and, as of now, doctors say he’s doing well. “Kallen gives them a hard time with wiggling around and pulling on his intubation tubes. [A] very active little guy.”

One Last Thing
We’re looking for either a “newbie” or “seasoned veteran” mom to possibly feature in an upcoming issue. (Psst... Mother’s Day is next weekend. Have you bought your momma a present yet?). If you have a suggestion, or an idea let me know—you can contact me through email, by phone or with a Facebook private message.

On Personal Note
A 9-year-old “kidlet” in my life, Avery, is becoming the face of Autism/Asperger’s Awareness in northwest Arkansas and beyond. He’s spoken in front of government officials and been interviewed by the news media. His mom is a dear friend, and I’m quite proud to say I’m one of Avery’s fans. Feel free to check out his efforts at www.facebook.com/AverysProject

So that’s the bits and pieces for this week. I hear there’s an event Saturday involving the “burning of socks” that I shouldn’t miss. Hopefully I’ll be back (from a funeral) in time to catch the fun. I have a feeling it’s going to provide lots of photos and much amusement for my pals following my adventures with the hashtag #lifeofaneditor.

Kaylea M. Hutson is the managing editor of The Grove Sun. She can be reached at kaylea.hutson@grovesun.com or 918.786.2228.

Week 1: A few favorite photos

It's been a week of me rediscovering a love of photojournalism as I started my adventure as the new managing editor for The Grove Sun.

I keep looking at photo assignments and thinking "WWMG" or "What Would Mike Gullett" do....and actually thinking how would Steve Fairchild, John Hacker and Chris Cox also shoot the event.

All of these guys are photographers I've had the privilege to watch and learn from since I started my journalism journey in 1990.

All four approach photojournalism in a slightly different and non-traditional way - and impacted how I see life through a camera lens - and for that, I'm forever grateful.

This week I shot photos at prom (quite fun) and at an extension event for younger elementary students.

Here are a few of my favorites from prom.

I really tried to capture that special first dance moment of the royal couple - while portraying the feel of the entire event.


This was my next favorite one because I loved the action of the games and just how the couple interacted with each other. I tried this shot from a variety of angles and well, this was my favorite of all of the attempts.


This is my other favorite. I hung out quite a while to get it. I wanted to capture the scene of the "candy volunteer" passing out a treat to a party goer.


The other fun pics came from the Farm to You event. On the outset it could seem boring - just a group of speakers talking to kids. However, I think I caught a couple of unique moments - looking beyond the "normal moment."


The first one took place in the "mouth" as students learned about brushing and flossing. I thought framing the pic with teeth and lips showing gave it a unique perspective.


During that station the kids got a chance to "floss" teeth. I thought this showed the kids really getting into it. I wish I could have gotten a bit lower (and the little boy might have had his face up a wee bit more) but regardless, it was a decent shot.

So there you have it. My favorite pics from the week of April 22, 2013.

I'll try to post a few of my select pics each weekend.

Another fun way to share my #lifeofaneditor.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad.

Bits & Pieces: Meet The New Editor

“You’re moving where?” is the question I’ve answered most in the last two weeks, since accepting the position as managing editor for the Grove Sun.

After hearing my answer — in the corner of northeast Oklahoma, roughly an hour or so from Joplin, Mo., Rogers, Ark., and Tulsa, Okla. — the next question that followed typically was “so how far is it to Starbucks?” Oh, my friends know me so well — judging by the laughter that would follow.

(For the record, I had a great latte at Cafe Yum on Wednesday that could give Starbucks a run for its money, and the coffee at Daylight Donuts is pretty sweet as well.)

The last two weeks have been a blur of activity — think warp speed — as I’ve accepted this new opportunity, packed up my life in Little Rock and found an apartment here in Grove.

In the midst of unpacking, I even found time to hang out at prom on Saturday night and take a few pictures — which frankly, was a pleasant diversion.

So I thought I’d use this first column to simply answer a few questions I’m sure you’re thinking.

Why the Grove Sun?

This position gives me a chance to jump back into the newsroom and pursue two things I am passionate about — writing and photography. I love community journalism and know how a strong paper can be an asset to its residents.

I’ll be honest and say, that moving to Grove puts me closer to 90 percent of my friends and family (with the exception of those who live in Little Rock), so that’s definitely a huge plus.

I’m a “Joplin, Mo., Metro” girl. I grew up on a dairy (now beef and horse) farm equal distance from Carthage, Diamond and Joplin. I went to school in Diamond, church in Carthage and college in Joplin — and worked in newspapers throughout southwest Missouri.

My parents and brother still live on the farm. I have a nephew, Collin, and a niece, Taylor. I also have several “adopted” kidlets (children of friends) in my life who call me Aunt Kaylea, including the “Palmer Five” and more. This move puts me closer to most of them, but I promise not to bore you with too many pictures.

So you have this seminary degree...

Yes, I went to seminary. It was the best four years of my life. To say it was life changing would almost be an understatement.

I went to seminary to pursue a career in writing for the church. Along the way, I fell in love with working with students — youth first, then children. Since 2007, I’ve worked for two churches within the Arkansas United Methodist conference as a children’s pastor.

Does this mean I’ll cover religious stuff for the paper? Yes. But frankly, I’ll cover it, just like I would cover school, government and anything else that comes across my desk that is newsworthy — with a mixture of justice and mercy.

What’s up with the “ma’am” and “sir” bit?

Remember, I’ve been working with children in the “south” — their lessons in manners rubbed off. So don’t be surprised if I call you sir or ma’am. It just kind of rolls off the tongue now. 

(And yes, I’ll probably answer to Miss Kaylea...that, too, is another southern habit that will be hard to break.)

So what’s next?

Honestly, I’m open to meeting people around Grove, and getting to know the city and northeast Oklahoma. I’ve already started making the rounds, introducing myself.

If you see me around town, feel free to say hi. If you have a story idea or a suggestion or two, feel free to email me at kaylea.hutson@grovesun.com or catch me in person. You can even leave me a message on the Grove Sun’s Facebook page.

Oh yeah, one other thing. Please don’t give me directions to something like I’ve lived here all my life — I’ll just end up lost, and that will just give my friends more to laugh about on Facebook.

Kaylea M. Hutson is the managing editor at the Grove Sun. She can be reached at 918.786.2228 or kaylea.hutson@grovesun.com.

Editor's Note: This column appeared in the Friday, April 26 issue of The Grove Sun

Life As An Editor

Well, I've survived.

If you've been following me on twitter, or for friends on Facebook, you may have seen my posts labeled #lifeofaneditor (life of an editor).

That's my new role in life.

On Monday, I became the new managing editor of The Grove Sun, in Grove, Okla.

In the last week (if you think of the week starting last Friday), I've moved my entire life from Little Rock, unpacked enough to get me started, covered prom on my second night in town and hit the ground running on Monday.

Two issues of the newspaper (we publish on Tuesday and Friday) and a Friday magazine insert, this week is finished.

Well, as I type this, I'm already at work on Tuesday's issue - and trying to get my sea legs under me.

But it's good.

I can see lots of fodder for my column - the first one will be posted soon. I've been warmly welcomed by some, and looked at curiously by others.

I told someone I heard the new managing editor (aka me) is a bit of a maverick - but that's not the best definition. I think I'm probably better described as an Frankly,  an enigma - a little bit of a curiosity, and a bit puzzling.

In the meantime - I thought I'd share the front pages from my first two issues - and the page of prom pictures.

Ready or not, here I am. The new managing editor of The Grove Sun. Looking forward to this new chapter in life. It's definitely going to be a fun ride.

Scraps of Life: Plant. Grow. Serve.

Note: this column appeared in the March issue of Christian Family Living, a new publication in Little Rock. Http://www.christianfamilyliving.net


“Plow your fields, scatter seeds of justice, and harvest faithfulness. Worship me, the Lord, and I will send my saving power down like rain.” - Hosea 12:10 (CEV)

Spring flowers are blooming and we’re being bombarded with adds full of Easter bunnies, candies and more.

Let’s face it, if you are like me, you can’t walk through a check-out line at “the big box store” without seeing (and thus purchasing and eating) at least one peanut butter egg.

So it’s probably understandable if your dreams are filled with visions of jelly beans rather than spiritual stuff during this time of year.

But Easter is more than bunnies, chicks and beans. It’s a celebration of new life.

It’s the day we remember how Jesus gave us ultimate gift and sacrifice, so that we could have everlasting life.

His death on Good Friday and resurrection three days later shows us how he lived out his promise “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” (John 11:25 NLT).

So amid the bunnies and eggs, how do you keep your focus turned toward Jesus, and less on candy-filled eggs.

Here’s a three-minute retreat you can try at home (or even in the carpool lane) to help you adjust your spiritual perspective.

Start by reading Hosea 12:10.
“Plow your fields, scatter seeds of justice, and harvest faithfulness. Worship me, the Lord, and I will send my saving power down like rain.” - Hosea 12:10 (CEV)

1) Plow your fields.
What does your “field” aka, work or home look like? Is it overflowing with toys and endless carpool trips to soccer practice. Or is your smart phone “blowing up” with to-dos, reminders and emails?

Think about how God could use you now, in this specific time and place, to serve Him.

2) Scatter seeds of justice….harvest faithfulness.
What issues are you passionate about? What ministry or faith-based non-profit could you bless with your time, talents or even financial gifts?

If you have children, what projects or activities could you do with them – to help nurture a passion for service in their lives?

3) Worship me.
Think about your best friend – and how much you talk to her (or him). You probably tell your best friend your joys and sorrows, your dreams and fears, your plans and stumbling blocks. Basically, you tell your friend EVERYTHING.

God wants to have that kind of relationship with you – and know everything about you. So take a minute today to simply talk to God. Talking can lead to worship – even in the carpool line.

Refocusing your spiritual life is pretty simple. Be aware of how God is present, in your life today.

Hopefully the next time you see a peanut butter egg in the aisle, it will remind you to stop and look for Jesus in the midst of the Easter hype.

Action Step: Here are a few things you could do to help you gain a new focus:

• Take time out to pray each day. Constantly and consistently talk to God.

• Download a Bible app (I love YouVersion) and choose a reading plan that will work for your life.

• Designate one night a week for family time – eat dinner together, play a game. What you do doesn’t matter as much as DOING something together, as a family.

• Disconnect from the world. Step away from the screens and do something that nurtures your creative side. Take a painting class. Read a book. Go for a hike. Take your kids to the park and fly a kite.

• Find a way to serve others. Volunteer for a non-profit like The Arkansas Rice Depot or Heifer International. Bake some cookies for the families at Our House. Visit someone living in a nursing home.

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