The Google Alert caught my eye. It pointed me to the Wichita Falls TimesRecordNews and an online post by its editor, Deanna Watson, introducing new outdoor writer Nancy Howell. Nancy’s story of how she came to be an outdoor writer is poignant. Her husband, Mark Howell, had been writing for the newspaper, until his unexpected death last summer. Nancy, the mother of two young sons, decided that to honor her husband’s memory, she would become an outdoor writer.
Mark and Nancy Howell at Walt Disney World in Fall 2010. Submitted photo.
She begins her first column with these words: “My name is Nancy Howell, and I’m a widow. For almost 23 years, I was married to your former outdoor writer, Mark Howell.”
She ends the column with these words:
To fulfill my promise, I plan on becoming an outdoors woman. It won’t be easy. Heck, it will be a lot of work. … Those of you who’ve known me for years may have doubts. But I am determined. And I am stubborn. I will keep my end of the bargain with him. If you’re interested in following me on my journey, you are sure to have some laughs at my expense. You may shake your head, but you most certainly won’t be bored as you read each week about the misadventures of an outdoor woman.
We support Nancy and her journey. We want her to know that there are a lot of women out there who will be inspired, and families that will be nurtured by her column. So, here’s a big — as our pal Kirstie Pike would say — “BooYah!” to Nancy. And, let’s talk about hooking up to hunt hogs soon?
Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird is a freelance writer in hunting, shooting and outdoor markets. Her bylines are found at several top hunting and shooting publications. She also is a travel writer, and you can follow her at https://www.ozarkian.com. View all posts by Barbara Baird
I know Nancy, and her two boys.
Nancy is the type of woman who will do anything she wants to do. I know this for a fact, and will support her in anyway I can.
TH, you know us done here in Angelo love you. Come on down any time.
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If anyone can do this, Nancy can, I am sure of that.
I’ll be following her journey. And who knows, maybe I’ll become a little “outdoorsey” (is that a word?) too.
Nancy will take us on a wonderful journey! She is very dedicated to the outdoors and everything it stand for! We look forward to her incites into the great outdoors as she carries the torch that Mark has left her to carry! We support you Nancy and those two precious sons! Love ya!