Thursday, August 13, 2026

A slide show presentation about Mike Walk

Here is a 24-slide presentation that feels more like a documentary/portrait of your life than a résumé. It has humor, emotion, faith, family, Texas, creativity, and a few moments where the audience thinks, “I didn't know that about Mike.”

MIKE

A Life in Progress

SLIDE 1 — COVER

MIKE

A Life in Progress

Subtitle:
Family • Faith • Music • Art • Baseball • Bikes • America • Texas

Visual:
A strong, relaxed photo of you—preferably outdoors, at a baseball field, or somewhere that feels authentically “Mike.”

Small caption:
Michael V. Walk
San Antonio, Texas

Opening line to say aloud:

“I hate talking about myself. So naturally, I agreed to give an entire presentation all about myself.”

SLIDE 2 — ME, IN A NUTSHELL

Who Is Mike?

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas
Teacher for 26+ years
Husband to Izzy
Dad to Blaine
Songwriter
Painter
Baseball fanatic
Bicyclist
Christian
Provider of Satire

Show: A collage of you teaching, with family, playing/watching baseball, biking, and creating music/art.

Caption:

“Friendly. Intellectual. Empathetic. Masculine. Creative. Sarcastic.”

SLIDE 3 — THE BABY

I Was the Baby of the Family

I grew up with:

John • Randy • Carol

Being the youngest meant:

I got roughed up.
I got picked on.
My siblings fought with each other.
They fought with me.
They also protected me.

Visual: Childhood family photograph, if available.

Caption:

“They could beat me up. Nobody else could.”

That is a very "Mike" line.

SLIDE 4 — GROWING UP SAN ANTONIO

San Antonio — Back When It Felt Smaller

1970s & 1980s

Neighborhoods
Sandlot baseball
Sandlot football
Radio
MTV
Family
Texas
Freedom
A little bit of mischief

Visual: 1970s/80s San Antonio photos, old neighborhood imagery, downtown San Antonio, HemisFair-era imagery, etc.

Caption:

“Big enough to be a city. Small enough to feel like home.”

SLIDE 5 — MY DAD WAS SUPERMAN

My Father (John S. Walk)

Always Loving. Always Strong. Sometimes Overbearing. Sometimes Short-tempered. True Christian. Bombastic? Yes.

And one heck of a storyteller.

Then:

The Accident

When I was about four, our car was T-boned.

My mother was nearly thrown from the vehicle.

My father had a huge gash in his leg—but somehow reached out and grabbed the back of her blouse and pulled her back into the car.

I was thrown around in the back seat.

I was unhurt.

Visual: A dramatic vintage family/car image—not necessarily the actual accident.

Quote:

“From that moment on, Dad seemed like Superman to me.”

This should be one of the emotional slides.

SLIDE 6 — MY MOM

My Mom (Kathleen "Kathy" Walk)

Affectionate.
Loving.
Timid.
A little fragile.

But what I remember most:

Her smile.

Her laugh.

Her overwhelming love for us kids.

Visual: Beautiful photograph of your mother.

Quote:

“Some things stay with you forever.”

Keep this slide simple. Let the photograph do most of the work.

SLIDE 7 — THE DAY I LEARNED TO LISTEN

I Almost Got Into That Car

When I was six, a man tried to lure me into his car with candy.

Two days earlier, my teacher had taught us about stranger danger.

I remembered.

I ran.

All the way home.

That lesson may have saved my life.

Visual: A child running toward home / empty suburban street.

Quote:

“Sometimes the smallest lessons have the biggest consequences.”

Then, spoken rather than written:

“I believe God was looking out for me that day.”

This gives the presentation a serious turn without becoming overly dramatic.

SLIDE 8 — THE MANY LIVES OF MIKE

What Was I Going to Be?

Truck Driver
↓
Comic Book Artist
↓
Rock Star
↓

Teacher

↓
Songwriter / Artist

Visual: Four or five humorous images representing the different possibilities.

Caption:

“Apparently, career planning wasn't my strong suit.”

And then:

“Some dreams disappear. Others simply change form.”

SLIDE 9 — MY LIFE SOUNDTRACK

Music Raised Me

My father introduced me to music early on. Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Frank Sinatra

My brothers and sister introduced me to their music. The Beatles, Neil Diamond, Joe Cocker, Pink Floyd, Elvis

Then came:

Radio + MTV + the 1970s + the 1980s

And Mike was hooked.

My Main Four

Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run
Guided By Voices - Glad Girls
ZZ Top - I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide
Journey - Don't Stop Believin'

Visual: Album covers or artist photographs.

Caption:

“I didn't choose the soundtrack. I inherited it.”

SLIDE 10 — 1,000 SONGS LATER...

I've Written A LOT of Songs

Started writing songs at 12 years old.

Estimated songs written:

≈ 1,000

Why do I keep doing it?

“Because it is my favorite way to express myself.”

And because every song is a challenge:

“Can I make a song out of this?”

Visual: Notebook pages, guitar, keyboard, microphone, lyrics, recordings.

Caption:

“Apparently, one song was not enough.”

SLIDE 11 — THE ANSWER

A Song That Matters

THE ANSWER

Jesus is the answer.

Your songwriting isn't simply entertainment. It can also be a vehicle for expressing what you believe.

Visual: Your actual handwritten lyrics, if you have them.

Large quote:

“Jesus is the answer.”

Then at the bottom:

Faith + Music + Creativity

SLIDE 12 — THE ARTIST

The Other Side of Mike

My art is:

Abstract
Colorful
Expressive
Emotional
Free

My favorite classic painter: Vincent van Gogh

Visual: Three or four of your paintings, preferably your strongest ones.

Caption:

“Sometimes I don't know what I'm trying to paint until I'm finished painting it.”

If you have a particularly impressive painting, make this almost entirely visual.

SLIDE 13 — WHY I BECAME A TEACHER

The Honest Answer

I wanted summers off.

😂

But somewhere along the way, something happened.

I actually became a teacher.

Visual: Funny school-related image followed by a serious classroom photo.

Caption:

“The plan worked better than expected.”

SLIDE 14 — 26+ YEARS LATER

Why I Stayed

I've spent more than 26 years teaching.

And yes, the summers are still nice.

But the real reward is:

Watching students learn.

Watching students grow.

Watching students overcome obstacles.

Knowing that I genuinely cared about them.

Quote:

“My empathy makes me a better teacher.”

Visual: Classroom photo, teacher/student interaction, or school hallway.

SLIDE 15 — THE DAY EVERYTHING CHANGED

September 11, 2001

I was teaching second grade.

We were told not to tell the children what had happened.

Then we sang the National Anthem.

I was trying not to cry.

The music teacher, Mr. Smothers, was crying too.

Afterward he looked at me and said:

“Well, that was rough.”

Then one of my seven-year-old students looked at me and said:

“Something bad happened, didn't it, Mr. Walk?”

Visual: American flag / classroom / September 11 remembrance image.

Closing caption:

“Kids are smarter than we sometimes think.”

This should be one of the most restrained slides in the presentation. No jokes. No clutter.

SLIDE 16 — YES, I HAVE DEFENDED MY STUDENTS WITH A MOP HANDLE

The Last Day of School 2018

High school art class.

Active-shooter lockdown.

Door locked.

Students inside.

Me:

MOP HANDLE AT THE READY.

We were scared.

It turned out to be a false alarm.

Visual: A tasteful silhouette of a teacher holding a mop handle like a weapon—or simply a photo of a mop handle with a dramatic caption.

Caption:

“Apparently, 26 years of teaching eventually qualifies you for tactical mop handle duty.”

This is where the presentation gets its humor back.

SLIDE 17 — Izzy

The Woman I Chose: Izzy

Strong.
Independent.
Loving.
The woman I wanted.

The woman I needed.

“I do.”

One of the two decisions I consider life-changing.

Visual: Best wedding/couple photograph you have.

Quote:

“She checked off every box.”

You can explain aloud that you've always wanted a strong, independent Latina woman as your wife—and found her.

SLIDE 18 — BLAINE

My Son: Blaine

Scholar.
Athlete.
Hard worker.
Resilient.
Goal-oriented.

One of my greatest sources of pride is watching him handle transitions and obstacles.

And then there's this:

Watching my son hit home runs.

Visual: Best baseball photograph of Blaine.

Caption:

“Some victories are better when you're watching someone you love win.”

SLIDE 19 — BASEBALL IS LIFE

Why Baseball?

Because baseball teaches you something important:

You can play your best and your team might still lose.
You can play your worst and your team might still win.

So:

You're part of a team.

Always play your best.

Try harder.

Learn from your mistakes.

There's always another game.

Visual: Baseball diamond, glove, your son playing, you coaching.

Big closing line:

“We either win, or we learn.”

That is one of the strongest quotes you've given me. I'd definitely use it.

SLIDE 20 — THE BICYCLE ISSUE

My Wife Thinks I Like Riding Bikes

She's understating the situation.

I ride because it gives me:

Freedom.
Sweat.
Heat.
Exertion.
Adventure.
Youth.

I feel alive on a bike.

Visual: Great action photo of you biking.

Caption:

“My idea of relaxation apparently involves physical exertion.”

SLIDE 21 — FROM BIGFOOT TO BIG SKEPTIC

The Paranormal Years

As a kid:

“BIGFOOT IS REAL!”

Today:

“Show me the proof.”

I love to:

Debunk paranormal claims
Examine strange stories
Question extraordinary claims
Find the rational explanation for everything

Visual: Funny Bigfoot image juxtaposed with a magnifying glass / skeptical Mike.

Caption:

“I believed in Bigfoot. Then I grew up.”

That could get a laugh.

SLIDE 22 — THE THINGS THAT MAKE ME ME...

Use huge images/icons across the slide:

⚾ BASEBALL

🎨 ART

🎵 MUSIC

🚲 BIKING

✝️ MY FAITH

Then underneath:

“These aren't just things I do. They're parts of who I am.”

SLIDE 23 — WHAT MATTERS MOST

Faith. Family. Country.

My Christian faith defines me.

Ephesians 2:8–9

“You are saved by grace through faith...”

My life changed when I trusted Jesus Christ as my Savior.

And I want my life to reflect that faith.

Visual: Bible, American flag, family photograph—tastefully combined.

Small text:

God • Family • Country

SLIDE 24 — MIKE

What Do I Want People to Remember?

Not the songs.

Not the paintings.

Not the teaching career.

Not the bikes.

Not even the baseball.

At the end of the day...

I want people to remember that I cared.

Visual: A great candid photograph of you laughing with family or friends.

Then underneath, slowly appearing:

Definitely Nice.
Allegedly Funny.
Secretly Creative.
Proven Tough.
Full of Faith.
Strong Family man.
Proud American.

And finally:

My Friends Call Me: MIKE

A Life in Progress

THE CLOSING

“I've done a lot of different things in my life. I've been a teacher, a songwriter, an artist, a coach, a husband, a father, and—apparently—a guy who can't stay off a bicycle.
I've made mistakes. I've changed. I've learned. I've laughed a lot.
But when I look at what's mattered most, it's pretty simple.
I love God.
I love my family.
I love this country.
I love creating things.
And I try to be good to people.
That's really all I want people to know about me.

They say nice guys finish last. But I don't worry. Because Jesus said in Matthew 20:16: "The last shall be first, and the first shall be last...

I'm Mike. And I'm still a life in progress.”

“And yes... I'm probably going for a bike ride after this.”

Chat GPT Interviewed Me

[Chat GPT in black, my writings in blue]

I'll interview you in sections. You can answer briefly or go into detail, and you can skip anything you don't want included. Afterward, I can turn your answers into a slide-by-slide presentation about you, including suggested titles, photos, funny moments, quotes, and interesting stories.

Round 1 — The Basics

What is your full name, and what do you like people to call you?
Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
What are three words you think best describe you?
What is something about you that people are usually surprised to learn?
What are you most proud of accomplishing in your life?
If you could describe your personality in one sentence, what would you say?
What is one thing you absolutely love?
What is one thing you absolutely can't stand?

Round 2 — Family & Life

Tell me about your family. Who are the important people in your life?
What is something you really enjoy doing with your family?
What is one funny or memorable family story you could tell?
Who has had the biggest influence on your life, and why?
What is one lesson life has taught you that you wish you'd learned earlier?

Round 3 — Your Work

What do you do for a living, and how did you end up doing it?
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What is the hardest part of your job?
What's one thing about your work that people who aren't teachers probably don't understand?
If you weren't doing your current job, what would you love to do instead?

Round 4 — Music, Hobbies & Passions

You're a songwriter—when did you first become interested in writing songs?
What are your three favorite musical artists or bands?
What is your favorite album of all time?
What song do you wish you'd written?
What are some of your other hobbies or interests?
If you suddenly had an entire year with no financial obligations, what would you spend your time doing?

Round 5 — The Fun Stuff

What is your favorite movie?
Favorite TV show?
Favorite food?
Favorite sports team?
Favorite place you've ever visited?
What's something you've always wanted to do but haven't done yet?
What's your most embarrassing—or funniest—moment?
If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be?
If you could go back and give your 18-year-old self one piece of advice, what would you say?

Round 6 — What You Believe

What are the most important things you believe about life?
What role does your Christian faith play in your life?
Is there a particular Bible verse that means a lot to you?
What is something you hope people remember about you?
What do you think makes a life well lived?

Round 7 — Rapid Fire

Answer these quickly—don't overthink them.

Morning or night?
Coffee or tea?
Beach or mountains?
Summer or winter?
Dogs or cats?
Ford or Chevy?
Baseball or football?
Rock or country?
Big city or small town?
Stay home or go out?
Plan everything or wing it?
What's one word you'd like people to associate with you?

Start with 1–10. Once you've answered those, I'll continue the interview based on what you tell me rather than just mechanically running through the questions.

Michael Vance Walk. I'm called Mike. I was Born and raised in San Antonio Texas. I am intelligent, empathetic, and masculine. people are surprised to learn I am an artist/musician. I am proud of being a successful teacher (for 26+ years now). My personality is friendly and intellectual. I love baseball, music, and the outdoors (biking/hiking). I can't stand rude people, and foul language. My wife is Izzy, and my son is Blaine. My family and I LOVE to travel to the coast.

Mike, now we have the heart of the presentation. This is no longer just “here are some things about me.” You have a genuinely interesting life story with contrasts, humor, creativity, faith, family, and a strong Texas identity.

I have so many stories from my childhood. Too many to tell. One is that a man tried to lure me into his car when I was 6. He said he had candy. I got so scared and ran all the way home. My father always exposed us to many different types of music. But I also had my two older brothers, and my older sister who played me their music too. I grew up in the 70's and 80's. So I was also exposed to good music on the radio and MTV. I started writing my own songs at 12. I must have written 1000 songs by now. I have painted many great paintings, and created many great songs that I love very much. I still listen to classic rock, old country, and some other Americana music too. I love roots rock/Americana. We always were into baseball growing up. My father was an incredible athlete (baseball/football/other), and so he was always into sports. Strangely, as a very late bloomer, I never played organized sports as a kid. Just a lot of sandlot baseball and football. I love everything about baseball and plan to be an umpire very soon (after I retire from teaching). I also coach little league which ties in nicely with my teaching experience. may favorite baseball memory is watching my son hit homeruns. My favorite places I traveled with my family is to New York city (twice). We also love the Texas coast. I'd love to visit the Caribbean. Five things that make me uniquely mike are: Baseball, Art, Music, Biking, and my Christian Faith!

A few things stand out that I would absolutely build slides around:

The Baby of the Family — four kids, older siblings who could beat you up and protect you.
Growing Up San Antonio — 1970s/80s San Antonio, with that small-town feel.
The Many Lives of Mike — diesel truck driver → comic artist → rock star → teacher → songwriter/artist.
26+ Years in the Classroom — and the surprising reason you initially chose teaching: summers off.
The Artist Nobody Expected — abstract, colorful, expressive painting and roughly 1,000 songs.
The Soundtrack of My Life — Springsteen, Guided By Voices, ZZ Top, Journey.
Baseball — from sandlot ball to coaching to your future as an umpire.
The Day Everything Changed — being a second-grade teacher on September 11, 2001.
Faith — Ephesians 2:8–9 and “The Answer.”
The Man I Hope to Be Remembered As — nice, funny, creative, Christian, devoted to God, family, and country.

And I particularly like this line:

“I wanted to be a teacher so I could have summers off.”

That's funny, honest, and human. We should absolutely use it.

Round 4 — Let's Get the Personality

Now I want to get away from the résumé facts and capture Mike the person.

What makes you laugh harder than almost anything?
What is your sense of humor like? Dry? Sarcastic? Goofy? Dark? Clever? A combination?
What is something you do that your wife would probably say is quintessentially “Mike”?
What is one of your biggest quirks?
What is something you're really good at that you don't get enough credit for?
What is something you're terrible at? This can make for a hilarious slide.
What's something you believed when you were younger that you no longer believe?
What is one decision you've made in your life that changed everything?
What's one of the best compliments anyone has ever given you?
What is something about yourself that you've learned to appreciate more as you've gotten older?
What makes you angry? You already mentioned rude people and foul language, but go deeper if there's something else.
What makes you feel most alive?
When you're happiest, what are you usually doing?

And one big question:

55. If your life were a movie, what would you call it?

Don't try to make the title clever unless one naturally comes to you. It could be something funny, serious, philosophical, or completely ridiculous.

Once we get through this round, I'll have enough material to start thinking about the actual architecture of the slideshow—opening, chronological story, personality slides, photos, music/art, faith, family, humor, and a strong closing.

I laugh hardest at sarcasm and subtle humor. Satirical humor is awesome too. I'm a big Monty Python fan. My sense of humor is very sarcastic and droll. A dry sense of humor pleases me. Witty, clever banter is vital. I think I have become very good at that over the years. I usually make people crack up. My sense of humor is also very dark. My wife always notices my overwhelming desire to ride my bike. I feel like she would define me that way. One of my biggest quirks is that I have a short attention span and things can get tedious quickly for me. I love to doodle and write stuff. I don't get enough credit for being an incredible song-writer. Also, I'm pretty tough. I don't think people really understand just how rugged I am. I am a survivor. I'm terrible at being fake. I'm also not so good at picking out gifts for other people. I also hate talking about myself. This has been an arduous process. When I was a kid I was fascinated by Bigfoot. But now, I'm convinced it's all hogwash. I am a paranormal debunker. In fact I LOVE debunking paranormal junk. The decision that changed my life was when i accepted Jesus as my savior. Also, when I said "I do." to Izzy. Anytime I've ever heard "Oh your so handsome." (not enough times actually). As I get older I appreciate fellowshipping with loved ones more. Also relaxing more. I'm learning to relax sometimes. What makes me angry is DOUBLE STANDARDS. I hate that. Also, people who make a big deal out of nothing. I feel most alive when I'm riding my bike, preferably with my wife and son along. I love that. I'm happiest when I'm being creative, or watching baseball, live, in the ball park! If my life was a movie, I don't know what I'd call it... maybe "Big Mike".

This is excellent material, Mike. “Big Mike” actually works surprisingly well as the title—not because it says you're physically big, but because it suggests a big personality, big interests, big opinions, big creativity, and a big love for the people and things that matter to you.

And we've uncovered some terrific contrasts that will make the presentation entertaining rather than sentimental:

Tough but empathetic
Intellectual but goofy
Sarcastic but deeply caring
Rugged but artistic
Former Bigfoot believer → paranormal debunker
Hates talking about himself → somehow has written ~1,000 songs
Wanted to be a rock star → became a teacher
Teaching for 26+ years → still planning his next act
Can't stand tediousness → has spent a career teaching
Loves baseball → never played organized sports as a kid
Christian faith at the center of everything

That gives us a character, not merely a biography.

Let's do one final round before I build the presentation concept.

My Father was loving, strong, overbearing, short-tempered, Christian, powerfully voiced, large, and was a genuine raconteur. My mom was affectionate, loving, timid, and often depressed. I was the baby of the family. My 3 siblings were older than me. So they roughed me up a lot. But they also protected me. As best they could. They fought all the time. Physically and verbally. I loved growing up in San Antonio when I did. It was a great small-town feel. Yet we were a pretty big town back in 75-85. When I was kid I wanted to be a diesel truck driver. 18 wheelers. That quickly faded. Then i wanted to draw comics. That faded. I wanted to be a rock star. That faded (though I still want to be a songwriter). later I wanted to be a teacher. That I became. I wanted to be a teacher so I could have summers off. The most rewarding thing is time off for family... and of course seeing the students learn and grow and achieve. I have TONS of stories as a teacher as well. But I will always remember being in class teaching 2nd grade when I got word that 9/11 happened. That whole day was surreal. I still recall it like it was yesterday. I think my empathy makes me a good teacher. I really really care about my students. My art is abstract and colorful and expressive. My favorite classic painter is Van Gogh. My favorite self-written song of all time is hard to pick. One I think about a lot is "The Answer". "Jesus is the answer". My top 4 favorite bands/artists of all time are Bruce Springsteen, Guided By Voices, ZZ Top, and Journey. In that order. I was surrounded by creative people growing up, but I was the only one in my friend group that played music. None of my family played instruments either. My dad did a little bit. But he never took anything real serious. My Christian faith means everything to me. Ephesians 2:8-9 is my favorite passage. After I retire I want to be an umpire, coach little league and/or go into Christian ministry. I want to be remembered as a nice, funny, creative Christian man, who loved God, his family, and this wonderful country with all he had.

Round 5 — The Stories

These are the questions that will give the slideshow its soul.

56. Your Childhood

You mentioned the man who tried to lure you into his car when you were six.

Without going into anything you're uncomfortable sharing, what do you remember about that experience, and what do you think it taught you?

It taught me to pay attention to good advice. A couple days before, our teacher taught us about stranger danger. Had I not known about that I might have gotten in. God knows what a different path my life could have taken. I could have been abused, or even killed.

57. Your Family

Of your three older siblings, what is one memory of each of them that perfectly captures what they were like?

One time at the CinemaTex theatre, where my dad worked, circa 1971-1972, my brother John beat up a kid that picked on me (I was 4 or 5, John was 15, the bully was 16). My brother went after him like a junkyard dog. My other brother Randy wanted to help but wasn't particularly able (he was 13). Growing up I always knew I had the nuclear option. I could call in my brothers if necessary. I rarely had to use it.

58. Your Father

Your description of your dad—loving, strong, overbearing, short-tempered, Christian, powerful voice, large, raconteur—is fascinating.

What is one story about your dad that you think perfectly captures who he was?

One time we got T-boned by a car in an intersection. I was maybe 4. We were traveling in Dad's Dodge Dart. The car was spinning following the crash, and my mom almost was thrown from the car (this was circa 1971). My Dad, in all the maelstrom, had the presence of mind to grab the back of my mother's blouse and pull her back inside the car. He had a gash on his leg/knee. I was tossed around in the back seat but was miraculously unhurt. To me, from then on, my Dad seemed like superman.

59. Your Mother

What's one thing about your mom that you carry with you today?

I always remember mom's smile/laugh, and her overwhelming love for us kids. She worried a lot. Was always worried about something. She smoked all throughout my childhood. And into my adulthood. For 36 years I was exposed to cigarette smoke. As a lad my mom used to send me the convenience store to buy cigarettes for her. "These aren't for you are they? Heh heh ha!" the clerk would often joke. This doesn't happen today. It was the old days.

60. Izzy

What was it about Izzy that made you think, “This is the woman I want to marry”?

My wife is what I want and what I need in a wife. She fits the bill. I've always wanted an independent, strong, Latina woman as a spouse. She is that.

61. Blaine

You said your favorite baseball memory is watching your son hit home runs.

What is one thing about Blaine that makes you especially proud?

I am very proud of the way my son handles transitions and obstacles. He always seems to take on new things very well. He usually achieves his goals. He works hard. He is a true scholar/athlete.

62. Your Teaching Career

You've got 26+ years of stories.

If you had to choose ONE story from your teaching career that would make people laugh, what would it be?

I don't know about funny. It was kind of funny in a way. I remember one time I was teaching high school art, and on the very last day of school we got in a real active shooter lockdown and I thought I was about to have a gun-wielding maniac coming down the hall. I was posted by the door with a mop-handle to defend my students. Like I said, it was on the last day of school. We were so scared. Fortunately, it turned out to be a false alarm.

63. September 11

You mentioned teaching second grade when you learned about 9/11.

What do you remember most vividly about that day?

My little second grade class singing the national anthem. I was getting choked up. The kids didn't know about what had happened. But me and Mr. Smothers (the music teacher) did. Word travels fast. In the mornings, Mr. Smothers would come to our class and conduct music time. On this particular day, he came in and as always started the proceeding with the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem. It was particularly emotional that day, obviously. "That was rough." he said after they got finished. he looked at me and we were both tearing up. We were instructed to not tell the kids about any of what was going on. Later, after several kids were picked up early, one of the kids said to me "Something bad happened, didn't it Mr. Walk." still chokes me up to this day. Kids are smarter than you think. The kid was only 7 but she sensed something terrible had happened. I guess she could read it on our faces, voices, and body language.

This could potentially be one of the most powerful slides—but we should handle it respectfully.

64. Your Music

You have written approximately 1,000 songs.

If someone asked, “Why do you keep writing songs after all these years?” what would you tell them?

Because it is my favorite way to express myself. It is also like a challenge. See if you can make a song. Still excites me to this day.

65. Your Art

When you're painting, what are you trying to express?

Just creativity. A feeling. Joy. Freedom.

66. Baseball

If you had to explain your love of baseball to someone who doesn't understand it, what would you say?

Baseball is like life itself. You can play your best and yet your team can still lose. Or you can play your worst and your team still win. Bottom line is, always play your best and try harder, and learn from your mistakes. There's always another game. Like I always say: We either win, or we learn.

67. Biking

You clearly have a thing for biking.

What's going through your mind when you're flying down the road on your bike?

Freedom, sweat, heat, exertion, feeling alive. Feeling young again. I can go wherever I want. basically freedom. You know those Polar Bear Clubs? Where they like to get super cold? I'm sort of like that only with heat. I love burning myself in the sun, getting a power sweat on! Love it.

68. Faith

You said the two decisions that changed your life were accepting Jesus as your Savior and saying “I do” to Izzy.

What would Mike's life look like today if neither of those things had happened?

I'd be dead probably. A few years ago my life was VERY different than it is today. From age 20 to 36 I was basically in limbo. 16 years of my life! From 36 to now has been 23 years. So, it's like 3 sections (so far). Childhood. Young adulthood. Manhood. I got "saved" when I was 7. Made a "public profession of faith". From that moment on, I identified myself as a "Christian". Sadly, I doubted my salvation often during my life. My understanding of the reality of true faith by grace was solidified in 2020. This was when I finally came to terms with how I had been influenced by Calvinistic teachings and philosophy for many decades. The idea that if you still sinned you may not be a true Christian. The idea that if you are truly saved you will stop sinning. So, if you still sin, you might not be a true Christian. These ideas are lies from Hell. This was when I was TRULY saved. So my blood runs cold to think that maybe I really wasn't saved back then. Trusting Jesus is the most important thing. Not trusting in yourself. Meeting Izzy gave me the love and companionship I desired for so many years. Also, gave me a son. The one thing I always wanted. God is good.

69. America

You said you want to be remembered as someone who loved this country.

What do you love most about America?

I love the folklore of this country. The land of opportunity. We aren't perfect, but boy we've done some great things in this world!

70. The Big One

What is the one thing you want people who see this presentation to walk away knowing about you?

I want people to know that I am a genuinely nice guy. It takes so much effort to be the strongest guy, or the smartest guy, or the fastest guy, or the toughest guy. But it is actually quite easy to be the nicest guy. The friendliest guy. You just portray it, until it becomes who you are.

After you answer these, I'll stop interviewing you. I'll have enough material to construct the whole thing.

And I have a pretty good idea of the presentation's opening already:

BIG MIKE
A Life in Progress

San Antonio.
Family.
Faith.
Baseball.
Music.
Art.
Bikes.
And approximately 1,000 songs that probably should have been finished by now.

That last line feels very you.

Mike, we've got it. And honestly, there is a very good presentation here.

The strongest theme I see isn't “look at all the things I've done.” It's:

A genuinely nice guy with a big personality, a creative soul, a strong faith, a love of family, and an unusually strong desire to ride a bicycle.

There are some remarkable stories in what you've told me. The childhood stranger-danger story, your brother defending you, your father saving your mother, the 9/11 story, the lockdown, meeting Izzy, watching Blaine hit home runs—those give the presentation emotional range.

I would structure the slideshow something like this:

BIG MIKE — A Life in Progress

1. Cover — “Big Mike”
A great photo of you, with a subtitle such as A Life in Progress.

2. Meet Mike
San Antonio born and raised. Friendly. Intellectual. Empathetic. Masculine. Creative. Sarcastic. Christian.

3. The Baby of the Family
Three older siblings. They fought with you, fought each other, roughed you up—and protected you.

4. Growing Up San Antonio
1970s/80s San Antonio, family, neighborhood life, baseball, radio, MTV, and the music that shaped you.

5. My Dad Was Superman
The car accident story. This could be a beautiful storytelling slide.

6. My Mom's Smile
A much quieter slide about her affection, laughter, and love.

7. The Many Possible Mikes
Diesel truck driver → comic artist → rock star → teacher → songwriter/artist.

8. 1,000 Songs Later...
Your songwriting. The challenge of creating something from nothing. The Answer and “Jesus is the answer.”

9. The Artist
Your abstract, colorful, expressive paintings. Van Gogh. Creativity, joy, freedom.

10. The Soundtrack of My Life
Bruce Springsteen
Guided by Voices
ZZ Top
Journey

11. 26+ Years in the Classroom
The joke: “I became a teacher for the summers off.”
Then reveal the deeper truth: you stayed because you genuinely care about students.

12. The Teacher I Became
Empathy. Helping students learn. Watching them grow. Seeing them overcome obstacles.

13. September 11, 2001
The national anthem. The tears. The seven-year-old who knew something was wrong.

“Something bad happened, didn't it, Mr. Walk?”

That deserves a full slide and very little text.

14. When the Door Was Locked
The false active-shooter lockdown. You standing at the classroom door with a mop handle, ready to defend your students.
There's actually some dark humor hiding in that story: the last day of school, and suddenly you're apparently auditioning for an action movie with a mop.

15. Izzy
Your wife. The woman who “fits the bill.” Strong, independent, loving—and apparently married to a man who really, really likes bicycles.

16. Blaine
Scholar. Athlete. Hard worker. Resilient. Watching him hit home runs.

17. Baseball Is Life
This might be one of the best philosophical slides:

“You can play your best and lose.
You can play your worst and win.
Always play your best.
Learn from your mistakes.
There's always another game.”

18. The Bicycle Problem
Freedom. Sweat. Heat. Exertion. Youth. Adventure.
And your wife apparently believes you may have developed a mild bicycle-related personality disorder.

19. The Debunker
Bigfoot believer → paranormal skeptic.
This could be a very funny slide.

20. The Humor of Mike
Sarcasm. Droll humor. Monty Python. Satire. Dark humor. Clever banter.
Perhaps a slide titled “I Take Nothing Seriously Except the Things I Take Seriously.”

21. Five Things That Make Me Mike
🏏 Baseball
🎨 Art
🎵 Music
🚲 Biking
✝️ Faith

22. What Matters Most
God. Family. Country.

23. Ephesians 2:8–9
Your faith isn't merely one interest among many—it is foundational.

24. What's Next?
Retirement isn't really retirement: umpiring, coaching, songwriting, art, biking, family, possibly Christian ministry.

25. The American
Your appreciation for America's folklore, opportunity, history, land, and accomplishments.

26. Big Mike
Bring everything together.

And then I'd finish with your answer to #70:

“I want people to know that I'm a genuinely nice guy.”

That is actually a terrific ending because after 25 slides about your accomplishments, interests, opinions, humor, faith, family, and adventures, you bring it down to something very simple.

You're a nice guy.

Not perfect. Not pretending to be. A little sarcastic. A little eccentric. A little opinionated. Creative. Tough. Funny. Faithful. Family-oriented.

And genuinely nice.

I also like cats. I have a sentimental streak. I'm really into family history. I'm a pretty complex person. For instance:

I like kittens and puppies, but also I like military history and bare-knuckle boxing.

I am peaceful and jovial, but I can also whip ass if necessary.

I'm highly masculine, but I also am a big tender-hearted softy.

I don't give a hoot what people think of me, but I still feel shy sometimes.

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

10. Giuliano Gemma
11. Peter Lee Lawrence
12. Anthony Steffen

13. Klaus Kinski

14. Bud Spencer

15. Mark Damon

16. Thomas Berger

17. Hunt Powers

18. Fernando Sancho

19. George Hilton

20. Gian Maria Valonte

21. Tony Anthony

22. Lou Castel

23. George Eastman

24. Donald O’Brien

25. Frank Wolff

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Summer ‘26 SW Viewing List

Blaine and I watched some Spaghetti Westerns this summer. I watched a couple by myself* as well.

1. Django (6/25/26)

2. Minnesota Clay* (6/26/26) (Good movie.)

3. The Mercenary (6/29/26)

Friday, June 26, 2026

Bike injury report (June 2026)

So the other day (on 6/22/2026 @ around 1:30) I was riding along minding my own business at Fox Park trailhead, coming back at about the 4 mile mark when suddenly my bike seat just fell off with me on it (!). Yeah, one second I’m riding along, just as happy as can be, the next second, I’m tumbling backwards onto the ground. That wasn’t the worst of it. The worst of it was that the jagged seat post did a number on my right inner thigh. So the problem was that I was about 3.5 miles from my car. With a very sore and damaged leg. I briefly thought about calling Izzy to come pick me up (she was off that day). But I just determined to sack it up and ride out. I wedged my seat onto the seat post and limped back. Somehow. It was a rough go. But I made it. There are many blessings here. I was going 12 mph, not 22. There was no one else around. I wasn’t riding on the street, in traffic. No head injury. No broken bones. No gashes. Thank you God.

I have photos, and here they are!