I had the privilege of hearing (and afterward, meeting) Mr. Shepherd speak during a tour stop at my alma matter late in 1988. He was a raconteur of the first order, but his tales were often tinged with melancholy. For example, he told the audience that not long after the transpiration of the events that inspired what eventually became "A Christmas Story" (the nugget of which was related in his book titled "In God We Trust - All Others Pay Cash" as "Duel In The Snow, or Red Ryder Nails The Cleveland Street Kid") his parents divorced. Sadly, and not surprisingly, that split marked his life and writing.
And what a voice he had! It was one that made you lean in closer as to a cozy fire on a bitter cold night. He had the gift of being able to impart time-travel with his words, to take you out of your world and into his, and the effect was enhanced when he spoke them.
If you are familiar with him only via "A Christmas Story," then I urge you to seek out his books which in addition to the one mentioned above include: "The Ferrari in the Bedroom," "Wanda Hickey's Night of Golden Memories and Other Disasters," "Phantom of the Open Hearth," "A Fist Full of Fig Newtons," and "I, Libertine."
There are also collections of his radio broadcasts during his legendary tenure with WOR in New York, and a variety of other media by and about him. For more information on Mr. Shepherd click on
Flicklives.com.
. Wife was in town Christmas Shopping, calls and says I've got the best Surprise for you . Now she knows I love Christmas story , wanted a BB gun at 4, got a 22 at 5, Cajuns accelerate the gun thing .HaHa. When she got home she says want to see it, Does a Bear Shit in the woods. Ain't that the best A 4 pack of Pint glasses with Ralphie , Brother with tongue stuck on Flagpole, Ralphie in Bunny Suit, Ralphie in awe at Leg Lamp. What a glorious present.
