Deadlines

From Merriam-Webster
Main Entry: deadline
Pronunciation: \-ˌlīn\
Function: noun
Date: 1864
1: a line drawn within or around a prison that a prisoner passes at the risk of being shot2 a: a date or time before which something must be done b: the time after which copy is not accepted for a particular issue of a publication

It is not by accident the two definitions of deadlines are centered around prisoners and publications. Deadlines not only help me in the prevention of low blood pressure, but they keep me humble and honest.

This week is the final deadline for Longleaf Style magazine, of which I am the managing editor. I can make no more excuses about being held captive to a deadline since it is going to print on Friday. My hair seems thinner, words seem to blurry and I may have a slight panic attack on Thursday for fear of missing something. But, it will be worth it all when the Summer 2008 issue is mailed out in May.

I've heard nothing but fabulous comments about the Spring 2008 issue and I think you will be just as excited with the Summer. Our cover story is on the Negro Baseball League and centers around an untold story in our neck of the woods. The personality feature is about the only living umpire from the Negro Baseball League, who was born and raised in Alabama. His life is amazing and I have learned more about baseball than I ever imagined...and I am married to a sports broadcaster!

The Negro Baseball League is quite popular today, some might say "politically correct", but it has not always been that way. Even the Major League pays homage to the players, who were not allowed to play for them. Now, that is ironic! I didn't plan on writing the cover story but I have poured so much time, research and energy into it. So, I do hope readers will love it as much as I have writing it.

OK, so I must go...I'm on a deadline.