A Smile, a Story, and a Kentucky Hug

How would I describe myself to someone who can’t see me?

I’d start with the basics: I’m in my late 50s, about 5’8”, with salt-and-pepper hair (more salt these days) and a matching beard. Behind my glasses are hazel-green eyes, and I carry a little more weight than I should. But the thing you’d notice most is my smile—I tend to wear it often.

That’s just the outline. The real picture comes from the roles I hold most dear. I’m a man of faith, striving to live more like Jesus each day and honored to serve on my church’s worship team. I’m a husband, blessed to share life with my wife, Daryl. I’m a father to my amazing daughter, Lizzi, and “Papi” to my grandson, Sully—the role that lights up my heart the most. I’m a loyal friend, the kind who shows up and sticks around, like my best friend Scott and I have done for more than three decades.

I teach for a living, but I’m a writer at heart. Putting words on the page each week helps me process life and connect with others. Beyond that, I’m a sports fan (Gators, Cowboys, and a Philly trio: Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers), a music lover (especially classic rock, Yacht Rock, and my all-time favorite, Toto), and a bourbon enthusiast who savors a good “Kentucky hug,” particularly from Old Forester.

So, who am I? A smiling, gray-bearded man grounded in faith, anchored by family, loyal in friendship, and passionate about good stories, good music, and a well-aged pour. My life is full—and I’m grateful for every bit of it.

About Douglas Blaine

Capnpen is a writer who was a newspaper and magazine journalist in a previous life. A college journalism major, he now works as an English teacher, but gets his writing fix by blogging about a variety of topics, including politics, religion, movies and television. When he's not working or blogging, Capnpen spends time with his family, plays a little golf (badly) and loves to learn about virtually anything.

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