Well…big news to me.  In Eugene they have a weekly sports magazine called “Ducks Illustrated” which has a bunch of articles and pictures of the games.  They asked to use my “Auburn Analysis” for their week of an Auburn Preview, which is this week.  You can pick up a copy at the end of the day at Dari-Mart’s, Big Town Hero shops, and Knecht’s, with BiMart on Monday.  I’m published baby!

He indicated that he might use my conclusion article next week also depending upon how it turns out.  I’ve got a lot of notes and I’m curious to get your opinion when I post it next week.  Naturally I was quite surprised that they would take them with their bad English, excessive verbosity, silly attempts at humor, and a startling lack of humility!  The compensation is not robust as they are a small publication trying to keep the dream going.  I intend to barter for access to their vast picture files to construct a cool screensaver.  They dedicate their energy and passion for Oregon as a labor of love as we do, which is admirable for all.

My wife and daughter gave me a “congrats” upon hearing the news and then turned to each other and said that, “now he’ll be impossible to live with!”  For a while…that’s probably true!

When Duck buddies call my office—they have been greeted with the usual Financial Service Required verbiage  over the last 27 years, but now with Caller ID and I can see who is it—I answer with, “Oregon Football Sportswriter here!”  We both hoot ourselves darn near to tears.  Hey—it’s all fun and you have to enjoy it while you can.  So many of my clients who I dearly love and care about are amused with my new “hobby,” and know that I’ll be keeping my day job.

It’s amazing that most of what I’m writing about—I knew nothing of a year ago, and it confirms how much we can continue to learn and love doing it.  I’ve learned so much from so many of you on the boards over the years, that it’s nice to offer something in return and I’m grateful.  I’d love to hoist a hot cup of Java or a cold one with you when you’re in Eugene sometime.

What a way to start a New Year!

FishDuck

Charles Fischer    fishduck83@gmail.com