Back when we owned the coffee shop, I’d developed a friendship with a young college student, Tamara (names changed).  One day my work uniform was a little more laid back:   I was wearing a tie-dyed T-shirt, a hot pink bandana in my hair and a “Peace” symbol dangling from a chain around my neck.  Tamara came in, we chatted a bit as I prepared her latte and then she paid me a tremendous compliment, “You’re the coolest Christian hippie I’ve ever met!”

Last night, we had …

Last night, State Rep. Tyler Olson went canvassing with Art (thanks, Tyler!), so I have no door-knocking stories to relate.  Instead, I’ll share how I spent a chunk of my day- single-handedly implementing Operation Covert Retrieval….

It all started innocently enough with a phone call Art received Saturday.  A supporter called to say, “Good Luck” and to ask for an Obama yard sign to complement the Art Staed sign already decorating his yard.  I must confess to mild surprise when I heard Art say, “Sure, I’ll …

I’ve gotta admit, I had misgivings when we pulled up to the house with the Ron Paul sign planted in the front yard.  Not ready to face a possibly negative voter-contact, I chickened out and waited in the car while Art unabashedly strode up to the front door.  I rolled the window down, though, so that I could hear how he handled this one.  Turns out, there were no fireworks, no slammed doors.  This young couple had just “early voted”, and although they voted for …

It felt like a lazy Saturday and we were walking in a ghost town – hardly anyone outside enjoying this glorious day and the streets were eerily quiet.  Nonetheless, Art made a bunch of great contacts and gained more support as we were out door-knocking.

We stopped again at the home of James (names changed).  Art had visited with him at his door last year and pegged James as an “undecided”.  This meeting we received a different response.  James had done his homework, researching Art’s votes …

My daughter – who lives in Arkansas – and I, speak several times a week.  I enjoy these telephone visits, and Kirsten ends every conversation with, “I love you, Mom.” Yep, we’re one of those kind of families….

 While door-knocking with Art we met Joyce (names changed), mother of a severely autistic young son, Brett.  Joyce welcomed us inside out of the cold wind so she could share her story.  She and her Veteran husband care for an elderly father who lives with them.  Her husband …

We’ve had a few unusual encounters while door-knocking lately.  A young man answered the door as we were out canvassing. 

 Bill (names changed) smiled politely as he looked at Art’s cowboy card and listened to Art’s introduction.  Quite suddenly, he jerked his head up and with a huge grin on his face asked, “Are you a Christian?”  We were both a trifle surprised, not by the question so much as the exuberance with which he posed it.  And he wasn’t finished, “What’s your favorite Bible verse?  …