A misguided prank involving a classmate quickly escalates into a trip to the principal’s office for two country boys. But what follows is not punishment for the act itself—it’s their inability to contain their reaction during a painfully serious lecture. Viewed from their split perspective, the moment becomes one they’ll never forget… for all the wrong reasons.

Episode 6 is a true story of the robbery of the First State Bank of Matador, Texas, on a hot summer day in the mid-1960’s that my friend and I accurately, though jovially, predicted and how we spent the remainder of the summer working together imagining the various scenarios surrounding it that were not reported to the public.

Episode 5 is a nostalgic teenage boy’s view of a unique church service in the very small rural community of farmers and ranchers in the Rolling Plains of West Texas where J Mel grew up. This story is not meant to belittle, but to recognize that small societies are bound by the talents within their numbers and to acknowledge the bravery of those less blessed with musical talent to step forward to fill positions for which they are not qualified to perpetuate important community practices and customs. With that said, I include it, not to condemn, but because it still makes me laugh 60 years later. It really happened! Amen.

Episode 4 is a true story. The names of the guilty have been changed, except for the author's. It tells the story of what teenage boys in the rural Rolling Plains of West Texas found exciting to do in a creative, albeit, sadistic-sort-of way, Try to picture it - 1960's, lush green wheat fields, cool autumn night so remote no lights could be seen in any direction ... I will give you a hint. What is another name for a rabbit?

Episode 3 reveals why one adolescent teenage country boy did something that defied the ordinary bounds of human stupidity. It is a 100 percent true story about and told by J Mel who, having lived three-quarters of a century, is convinced every person in his or her own way has experienced, if truth be told. I am guilty. But the picture etched in my mind still makes me smile and blush.

Episode 2 is the true story of my father being thrown from a galloping Quarter Horse at full speed onto a barbed wire fence at our farm/ranch in the Rolling Plains of West Texas ... and living through it. Mom rushed him to country doctor 20 miles away who stitched him up. Dad had no disabilities from the injury.

My tribute to my high school English teacher's contribution to my life's success as remembered through a single unique classroom incident.