SURPRISE, SURPRISE — Bob Howell of Wintersville holds his recently published book of poems — “Simple Things in Life,” a work he never envisioned himself doing but it happened just the same. -- Contributed
WINTERSVILLE — At 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, “rough-and-gruff” longtime mechanic Bob Howell is the first to admit he doesn’t fit the profile of the gentle poet sort.
And yet, he is one now and has a book to show for it.
It came out in June and is titled “Simple Things in Life,” which, as a two-time stroke survivor, constitute what the Wintersville man appreciates all the more.
But, granted, he noted in a recent phone conversation, writing poems and then compiling them into a book weren’t exactly on his radar.
An exercise regimen for health reasons was, however, as the 1977 graduate of Wintersville High School adopted a daily walking routine about three years ago.
BROTHERLY HELP -- Glenn Howell, left, provided the photographs he took for Bob Howell's book. -- Contributed
“I started walking in the early morning, like 4:30 a.m., and found it a very peaceful time for my mind,” explained Howell, owner of Howell’s Radiator and Air Conditioning at 1805 Cadiz Road, formerly Apple Radiator, of his pre-working-day strolls.
The 2-mile walks as new days dawned put Howell in a reflective state of mind, interested to transfer to paper some of those musings. Getting the thoughts on paper, though, was easier said than done.
“My mind was always faster than my hand and when I was finished writing, I couldn’t read any of it,” he laughed.
That his mind raced faster than his fingers could write was a situation remedied when he got a new phone, one he could use as a recorder. Now he could walk and talk.
Writing poems became much easier, and his daily strolls produced daily poem postings on Facebook.
“This became my routine,” he said. “I posted some and people say they wake up to me and look forward to these posts,” he said, surprised that readers responded with likes and comments. A poem with at least 30 likes was in the “good-one” category.
“People would stop me that I didn’t even know, telling me how my poems inspired them,” Howell said of his poems embracing memories, faith and inspiration, “never negative, never political.”
“Others told me I should write a book,” he said.
About a year ago is when that suggestion began to take shape with some family assistance, including his brother Glenn, a 1974 Wintersville High School graduate, a retired teacher and a professional photographer in Virginia.
“We decided to put my poetry to his photos,” Howell said of the process. “Over a year’s time, with the help of my daughter, Katrina, and my wife, Rhonda, editing, we came up with a draft and tried several publishers to no avail,” Howell said. He made headway when he mentioned his dilemma to Frank Rogers, Class of 1978, who contacted his brother, Dan, Class of 1981, about the publishing process for his book “America One Step at a Time.”
“People ask me why I wrote this book — for inspiration, faith and memories. I tell them I’m not working on my resume, I’m working on my obituary,” he quipped.
In a year or so, Howell hopes to publish a second book of poems, again using photos from his brother only this time Howell will pick what ones go with what poems.
“Simple Things in Life” — its author listed as Robert Patrick Howell — is $12 or $19 including shipping with checks payable to Robert Howell, 160 Circle Drive, Wintersville OH 43953.
They are available at the Warriors Museum that Howell started several years ago at his business. The hours there are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
On Saturday, however, it will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. because it’s the day of the Wintersville High School All-School Reunion, traditionally held on the third Saturday in August. It begins at noon at Aladdin Land, located at 6355 township Road 166, Bloomingdale.
Everyone is asked to bring a covered dish to share. Table service, soft drinks and bottled water will be provided. Donations will be accepted.
The WHS Class of 1970 and Class of 1971, celebrating 51 and 50 years out of school, respectively, will be honored. All Wintersville alumni are invited to attend, according to organizer Toni Jean Dondzila. Questions can be directed to her at (740) 266-6347.
- SURPRISE, SURPRISE — Bob Howell of Wintersville holds his recently published book of poems — “Simple Things in Life,” a work he never envisioned himself doing but it happened just the same. — Contributed
- BROTHERLY HELP — Glenn Howell, left, provided the photographs he took for Bob Howell’s book. — Contributed
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