
Many years ago (22 to be exact), I moved to Knoxville, TN. The reason isn't very important anymore, let's just say there was a guy involved, yadda, yadda, yadda.
I worked for an advertising agency. The art director at the time, Stephen Lyn Bales (we all called him Lyn), became a very dear friend of mine. He grew up in Gatlinburg, TN and loved the outdoors. He started out as a photographer then moved on to Graphic Design. He was so talented. His drawing table (this was before we used computers in graphic design) was in his office surrounded by small toys he collected, wildlife photos, plants and other interesting objects. We all found ourselves at some point each day taking a few minutes in his office to talk to him. He was always interested in listening and always had something to share. We used to take walks on our lunch break when the weather was nice. Although he didn't own the company, he seemed to be the core of it.
Many times over the 5 years I knew him he talked about writing a book about Tennessee. His family had deep roots there. He knew many stories. He was a bird watcher, conservationist with a little bit of the 1960's still in him. He now works at the Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, TN.

I miss my Tennessee friends, I haven't been back since I left. Maybe someday I will stop by Lyn's house and get him to autograph my copy.
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