Serendipity is my favorite word.

It was serendipitous, indeed, when the opportunity to become editor of the Times-Gazette presented itself recently, because newspapers have been a part of my life for more than 50 years. I've been fortunate enough to work for newspapers and the news business for about 40 of those years.

Editor of the Shelbyville Times-Gazette. Wow!

I've been visiting the newspaper off and on since 1983 soon after I began my tenure as Associated Press bureau chief for Tennessee. Shelbyville became one of my favorite cities and I visited as often as I could without wearing out my welcome.

Publisher Franklin Yates would take me to Rotary and invite me to be his guest at the Celebration.

The ringside seats at mid-field offered a great view of the Tennessee walking horses and their riders as they went through their paces around the ring. What a thrill.

But the chance to lead the newsroom of the Times-Gazette is an even bigger thrill.

I've worked for bigger newspapers in Texas and South Florida, but I love the feel of a smaller community newspaper, which gives me more hands on experience in producing each day's editions and interacting directly with readers, subscribers and newsmakers in the community.

Yes, I know that it may be a bed of roses and that roses have thorns. Want to check me out for scars?

It's still the most fun I can think of and still get paid for it.

And I want you all to share in that fun by getting involved with the Times-Gazette.

Call me. Visit. The welcome mat is out and I want to meet you all in person.