I keep attracting amazing opportunities.

I have interned at NPR. My friend, Barb Bradley, eased me into a meeting with an influential person upon returning. That person is Kate Moos of American Public Media’s Speaking of Faith (SOF) show. Kate runs it. It’s a show that I love and respect. Though I must steal time to listen to it, it edifies me often.

When we met, Kate and I wound up with half the time than she had set aside to talk. She introduced to her small staff. I made a good impression. She said that she’d like to talk to me some more; to help me to learn and grow in the craft of radio storytelling. Neither her days, nor her job are forgiving. Still she wanted to spend more time with me. My friends in public radio are slowly teaching me what good fortune or grace I have in my life.

She had to help with an SOF-related book tour, but we could hook up after then.

We met again and she reintroduced to her small staff – warm people. Kate and I began talking about the first story that I filed for the Twin Cities’ KFAI radio. After she appraised my story, she began asking questions to find the answer an important question for me: do I have a producer or an editor partner? At the end of her questions, I told her that I am alone in my work with KFAI. “I ship my stuff off to Washington”, so that a great friend there with “picky ears” can give me her candid critique.

I don’t have a partner who can provide me with fresh ears, perspectives and insight that my friend can. There are several story elements and considerations that are vital to making a great and compelling story.

I opened this entry by mentioning amazing opportunities. Kate offered to produce and edit my story with me! I was shocked. I was moved. I didn’t want to seem like a bumpkin, so I didn’t drop my jaw – Gosh, I hope I didn’t. After chatting about the logistical details and how we would coordinate this, I remained incredulous. I reminded her: "You don’t have time to do this." She shook her head. I don’t know why I’m doing this either, she said. Then she paid me some decisive compliments

I’m still processing the meaning, the bounty and the prestige of her offer. “I feel like I’m back in Washington,” I said. There’s great pressure to perform in Washington. (Maybe it’s just healthy and reasonable motivation to work at the peak of your talent and potential.)