The Editor's Desk

All In The Family

By Dean Blinkhorn

I’ve been fortunate over a 23-year local publishing career to have assembled an amazing team of wonderful writers. Most of the time, they’re busy telling other people’s stories, so I’m sure it’s a little weird when they’re the ones being interviewed instead. This issue includes a short piece on Mary Ellen Saladino’s wonderful new romance book and a longer profile on Claudia O’Brien’s cool second act as an artist. They’re both super-talented.

I first met Claudia O’Brien—and her age-defying husband Steve—more than 20 years ago when I was editor of another local magazine. They scheduled an appointment, asked to see me, and then offered their services as an all-in-one writer/photographer duo. They were charming enough, but to be honest, most of the clips I saw of Claudia’s best work were from her newspaper career. Steve I knew I could use immediately. I thanked them both and got back to work.

When I had a spare hour later in the week, I started looking through Claudia’s archives more carefully. They had just moved to Ocala, and Claudia had simply dropped off a few Tupperware bins of her clippings. I started digging. The first few boxes were more of the same. I was beginning to think that, while I really clicked with Claudia’s completely authentic personality, she might not be the right fit for a local lifestyle magazine.

And then I opened the very last container, the one literally at the bottom of the stack.

It was filled with Claudia’s fascinating and quirky stories of people from all walks of life. She not only told their stories expertly, but she also captured their spirit as well—and in some amazingly tight word counts. In other words, she was exactly what I was looking for, someone to take over our magazine’s front-of-book section, which needed 4-6 pages of fascinating and quirky short features. Husband Steve could take the pictures.

This arrangement, one that extended into Ocala’s Good Life, lasted 20 years. In local publishing, that’s an eternity. Whenever I talked to people out in the community, Claudia and Steve’s names were the ones that came up most often. I didn’t know then that I had hired ambassadors for my publications.

I am honored once again to showcase Claudia and Steve’s talents for our readers’ enjoyment, this time with the camera lens pointed in the opposite direction. Thank you both for all the great memories.

Next up is Mary Ellen Saladino. She first appeared in Ocala’s Good Life as a cover subject. She had written a humorous piece on being a “reluctant gardener,” and I knew right away that her funny, sardonic style was one to corral for what was then a new publishing venture. Almost immediately, her popular column, “Just My Type,” appeared in this magazine. She hasn’t missed an issue since. But the best part about Mary Ellen isn’t her funny take on living the good life in a gated senior community, it’s her warmth, kindness, and wonderful personality. I can’t imagine an issue of this magazine without her remarkable words. She also is a name I hear often in the community—admittedly, for a while it was for her, shall we say, unusual hairstyle. But it was mostly for how genuinely nice she was and how her words had a humorous impact on our readers’ lives. Thank you for all the great stories.

Now we’re happy to share your stories.

All the best, Dean

Everyone who knows me well is aware that I love music of all kinds, so...

What’s Dean Playing?

Jefferson Starship, “Greatest Hits (Ten Years And Change)”—Get ready for their March 26 concert at the Reilly with this excellent compilation that also includes some of their biggest Starship hits like “Sara” and “We Built This City.” Even better are “Find Your Way Back,” Layin’ It On The Line,” and “No Way Out,” AOR jams of the highest order.

Suzy Bogguss, “20 Greatest Hits”— One of the top female country artists of the ‘90s, this set covers her Capitol period superbly, especially “Outbound Plane” and her cover of John Hiatt’s “Drive South.” Be sure to get a ticket for her March 18 show at the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale.

The Kingston Trio, “Capitol Collectors Series”—Most of the folk legend’s best tracks are here, including “Tom Dooley” and “Seasons In The Sun.” They also play the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale, with their show scheduled for March 27.