Hi! My Name Is…

My name is Kenny (or “Zoot” in my Florida A&M University alumni and musician circles).

I’m a photographer, musician, songwriter, soon-to-be author (fingers crossed), part-time wannabe chef, full-time father and life-long practical joker (so you’ve been warned).

I’m new to this particular blog spot (since August, 2019), but have been blogging since December, 2018 at Zoot580.blogspot.com, which I’m phasing out because this site is better equipped to suit my needs.

Originally from East Chicago, I now live in Reynoldsburg (Columbus), Ohio. I’m a former Safety, Environmental & Health Director of 25 years, hoping to enjoy life through photography, writing, providing occupational safety consultation & training, helping families/kids in the community and shooting everything in sight (relax, I’m talking photography, remember?).

I’ve also dusted off my sax and am forming an R&B/Funk group with a bunch of guys wanting to get back to what we all have enjoyed over the years, real music (coming soon, “Funk Preservation Society”).

I love sports (supporting all Chicago teams and FAMU) and music of all genres, especially jazz and R&B (I am Old School). My favorites: Earth, Wind & Fire, Luther Vandross and Chante’ Moore!

When it comes to eating, I am a certified carnivore. My weaknesses are Tamales (beef/pork/chicken), Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza and Chili. I don’t drink, but I’ll chug a root beer like no one’s business. I love cooking and creating new, delicious dishes that have absolutely ZERO nutritional value, but I’m working on that (link to some of my recipes at the bottom). I love cooking because I love eating. Consequently, because I love eating, I HAVE to love the gym so I don’t lose the battle with gravity.

I talk a lot, but I think even more. I have no problem being the life of the party, but I’m just as content disappearing in your corner chair, carefully observing everyone in the room. I’m quick to analyze a movie (I watch the end credits, so when you’re with me, don’t question why we haven’t left the theater yet!) and I love talking philosophy. I do listen intently and if you want my advice, I’ll give it. No guarantees that it will be worth anything though.

I love God and family like you can’t imagine. I was raised in a loving, close-knit crew and grew up to create one of my own. I’ve been researching my family history for over 10 years and have identified over 1,000 people in my family tree. I’ve also recently discovered that my roots began in Cameroon, Africa and neighboring countries. I love traveling and have my heart set on visiting there as well as Ghana; but first, Uganda (my favorite country). I hope to learn all that I can about my history, all the while experiencing the things I’ve blogged about in the recent past (you’ll see).

More than anything, when it comes to family, I’m quick to embrace my 4 boys (aka the Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse) and all of their friends. So in actuality, my wife and I have 40+ kids.

Now, what will I be talking about in my blog corner?
More than anything, you’ll get samples of my photography, cooking, pranks, thought-provoking editorials and crazy stories from my college & high school days. You know what? While I’m at it, I might as well include Jr. High and Elementary school because my mischief has been life-long. I’ll sprinkle in some poetry and songs and maybe some short tales of fiction, every now and then. You’ll also get some of my work shenanigans and misadventures out in the world (be especially on the lookout for my Top 10 lists, “Retail Re-Tales” and “…and Now, Another Message From Us Grown Folk” posts).

That being said, I hope you follow/subscribe, provide feedback and share for others to enjoy.

You can reach out me ZootsBlogSpot@gmail.com or KDPhoto580@hotmail.com (if you need a photographer in the Greater Columbus area, but I am open to travel).

You can also join me on social media:

Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Big Oven (for my recipes)
ZootShoot Photography (my photography page)

Let’s get to know one-another.

But remember, I AM crazy… …consider yourselves warned.