I am published, magazine version

I'm in the middle of one of those life explosions.

I think you know what I mean. Life goes along at its usual clip, alternating mild amusements with mild annoyances and then, suddenly, you're hit with a rapid-fire series of events that tests your ability to handle basic human tasks.

That's where I'm at right now. I've got zero time for anything fun, and yet I was made aware yesterday -- in the middle of another life explosion -- that my name is on an article in Beckett Vintage Collector with the title "Pure Fun".

Yes, I am a published magazine writer. Fun!

I have been a published newspaper writer for three decades and I couldn't tell you how many articles that is. Thousands, for sure. A lot more than the number of blog posts I've written. But my name has appeared in a magazine just once before. It was a couple of years ago. It was a golf story, in a magazine that is issued by the same company that publishes the newspaper where I work.

Even though that golf magazine was a mere extension of where I already earn a paycheck, I was thrilled. It was like seeing my name in lights. The glossy sheen. The big, bright photographs. That smell. That magazine smell.

I've always wanted to write for a magazine. And now I have on a national level.

I still haven't seen the latest Beckett Vintage Collector publication myself (I'm told Babe Ruth is on the cover). The image above was provided by Nick of Dime Boxes, who came across the magazine (and my byline) while stocking shelves where he works. But now you know my story subject.

I hope you all enjoy the article. I'll spend the next few days scouring whatever store I can find, cursing the fact that nobody can keep a bookstore open around here, looking for a copy. (I can't remember if they said they'd send me a copy and I'm too impatient to wait).

When I do land a copy, you will no doubt see another blog post about it.

I probably should get a subscription to the magazine, huh?