Every once in a while, a reader will actually recognize me from my mug shot and stop to ask me questions.

Most of the questions are about my family, since many of my columns seem to focus on them and the trials that come with trying to raise a somewhat normal family in an abnormal world.

My answers are as follows: "Yes," my son did actually run naked around the house as naked boy; "Yes," that was my sister who got engaged a few weeks ago in the paper; "No," I don't subliminally like driving the van and a resounding "Yes," I am that messy in real life. (Just ask my business partner, who will be happy to tell sordid tales of my desk.)

The question I get more often than any other, though, is "How do you know what to write about?"

Taking this job four years ago, I vividly recall managing editor Mark Mann and at the time, focus editor Lorraine Kollar, telling me to "Write about whatever comes to your mind, and remember, we are a family paper."

So it is with those marching orders I head into the battlefield each week, hoping to discover some little-known fact that can help you, dear reader, reach a higher level. And when that can't happen, I simply try to get something on paper that will make you chuckle and brighten an otherwise mundane, war-filled, angst-driven world.

Most times it's easy. Kids are an easy target since many of you have them and they are so damn, er (family paper), darn cute. Additionally, they usually bring me back to reality when the rest of the world tries to pull me into its web of adulthood.

Kids also say things when they shouldn't, which makes stories funnier.

Other times, it's easy to take a soft approach, like on Father's Day or another holiday, when you can reminisce.

There are times, however, when I write something that I consider "soft" and non-controversial that turns out to generate tons of e-mail.

Take squirrels, for instance.

I wrote a story about a year or so ago about feeding the birds but not being able to get rid of the squirrels that kept eating my high-grade birdseed. While it was something I enjoyed writing, I never imagined the 20-plus letters from all types of people recommending how to rid myself of the horrible little menace.

Suggestions ranged from greasing the pole with Crisco to filling the little critters with lead. I haven't tried either yet.

Tattoos were another big issue that I promise not to touch again. I wasn't aware that so many of you wore "tats" as badges of honor.

I will let you in on a little secret. When I write about how much I love my wife, it's probably because I screwed up more than once in the past 10 days. You won't read about her this week because I've been good for a change.

Sports are often left to the experts working for sports editor John Enrietto, although I occasionally dip my toe in the water of fantasy football, NASCAR and such.

I am still waiting for an invite to his Fantasy Football League, or at least to be a stringer for a game, by the way.

Politics is a no-no due to my own ruling, not the Eagle's. It's a shame, though. There is so much material on either side of the aisle I could work with; but again, I enjoy being recognized as a somewhat nice guy instead of a cynical stick-in-the-mud.

I guess when it's all said and done, this is one of the greatest jobs a guy could ask for. I get to write 600 words every other week about whatever I feel like. It's kind of like "Seinfeld," where I get to write about nothing. Many of you readers have told me as much. Thanks.

Regardless, my 600 word obligation is done. Thanks to my many friends working in downtown Butler who always ask "How do you know what to write about?" for providing inspiration this week.

Christian Ola, a community columnist for the Butler Eagle, resides in Mars with his wife, son and daughter and can be reached through www.christianola.com.