Keep On Smilin' is an inspirational memoir by Cal Duke about growing up in the South during the mid-1950's through the 1960's. Laced with humor and drama, Cal covers his spirited high school & college days, experiences as a teacher and coach, and his creation of an award-winning publishing firm at the age of 29. His thought-provoking "life lessons learned" (in spite of trials and tribulations in the 1970's through 2017), are presented at the end of each chapter.
If you enjoy reading about sports, music, entrepreneurship, travel, romance, or adventure–this book's for you, complete with 62 photographs related to travel and family. Cal and his wife Patty reside on Saint Simons Island, Georgia. Cal Duke Publishing, Inc., has produced 541 full-color publications for 68 communities over a 41-year stretch.
Diverse travel adventures and beneficial tips are an integral part of this book. The importance of love, faith, family, and persistence is demonstrated time and time again.
Paula Deen, the famous "queen of southern cuisine," TV personality, and author, is a friend of Cal who also attended Albany (Ga.) High School in the mid-1960's. She provides remarks on the back cover.
Who is Cal Duke and why should I buy his book you're asking???––Great question!
First, I wanted to write a book that would make you smile. At the same time, I wanted to offer some sound advice based on my "life lessons learned" the hard way...The sub-title of KEEP ON SMILIN' is "The Life & Adventures of a Road-Hog Publisher"...That's because I estimate I logged more than two-million miles driving around Georgia and Alabama over four decades.––Some pretty funny and unique events happened during this time as you will discover when you read this book. Couple those experiences with my travel adventures, and you have some pretty good material to work with!
So, now please indulge me while I will move forward with a more standard introduction:
Cal Duke was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 3, 1947. He graduated from Albany, Ga. High School in 1965 where he was active in sports and also became a part-time sports writer for local newspapers.
He attended and graduated from Georgia Southwestern State Universitiy in 1970 with a B.S. Degree in Social Studies and a minor in Political Science. While in college he served as President of the Student Council, Editor of the newspaper, played baseball, and was as charter member of the Kappa Kappa Chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
In his early career, he served his first three years as a teacher and coach in Albany, Georgia, before moving to Americus, Georgia where he worked for a couple of years at Metalux Corporation as a regional zone manager. Next, in 1976, at the age of 29, he established an award-winning community publishing firm which catered toward promoting Chamber of Commerces, primarily in Georgia and Alabama. Cal Duke Publishing, Inc. went on to produce 541 full-color publications over a 40 year-stretch for 68 different communities. He was hands-on with photography, feature writing, layout, and design.
Cal Duke is also an accomplished song-writer and is a BMI pubisher. KEEP ON SMILIN' is his first book. He and his talented wife, Patty, enjoy traveling and exploring the north Georgia mountains where they also own a cabin. The Dukes reside on Saint Simons Island, Ga. and are active in their church and community. They have 5 children, 6 grandchildren, the best dog ever, and a spunky cat.
Visit: www.CalDukePublishing.com or email CalDukePublishing@Gmail.com.
