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Read MoreFinding Inspiration on Route 66
I spent a lovely Saturday morning several weeks ago with my writing critique group on Route 66. We’ve discussed working together on a project for many years. This time a topic was suggested that had definite appeal to all of us. To set fire to our story settings and...
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Read MoreCowboy Approved Potato Casserole
By popular request, here is the potato casserole recipe that was served at this year’s branding. Belinda Sursa is a former team roper, all around ranch hand, and as part of being married to a New Mexico cowboy, she can cook too. She has fed day workin’ crews for...
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Read MoreCowboy Gear: Chaps
Chinks. Leggin’s. Woolies. Batwings. Hair pants. Shotguns. “Humans dress up but the cowboy dresses down.” Short for chaparejos, the Spanish term for overalls or leather breeches, chaps are an important part of the cowboy’s wardrobe. Northern cowboys used angora or sheep pelts for warmth; “woolies”. Texas...
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Read MoreCowboy Gear: Hat
Stetson. Conk-case. Lid. War-bonnet. Ten-gallon. “Don’t Mess with a cowboy’s hat.” The cowboy hat remains a universal image of the working cowboy. If you put one on your head, you’ll feel taller, perhaps a little more adventurous. In the fraction of a second, you suddenly become part of...
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Read MoreCowboy Gear: Wild Rag
Bandana. Neckerchief. Wipes. Wild Rag. “It’s the man that’s the cowhand, not the outfit he wears.” The history of cowboy gear can be traced back to the Spanish Vaquero, who without question, looked very fine sitting astride a horse. The clothes they wore added much to their mystique and...
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Read MoreBranding Crew Pea Salad
It’s that time of year… Time to round up the new crop of Angus calves for branding and vaccines. Cowboys and cowgirls are on their horses at sunrise, and the work is done by noon, way before the thermometer will reach its peak. The branding crews are quick and...
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Read MoreCalf on the ground!
“Nobody ever drowned himself in sweat.” Finally – it is spring! Birds singing, flower and garden planting, evening walks and vacation planning. If your livelihood has anything to do with a cattle ranch though, you best hold up because spring is when the real work begins. Cowmen spend...
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Read MoreHey Mom, You Should Know…
…I Kept the Bedspread. Remember the one that matched that wacky green carpet and odd gold walls in the new house on Cleveland Street? You laid it across your bed one day: mauve and pale pink flowers on a leafy background of green and gold along with a plaid...
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Prairie Purview
Moms Against THE WORLD
If You’re Not Tired, You’re Not doing it Right As we step into a new year, my teenagers remind me how fast time passes. Sticky fingers and fights over the bouncy ball have been replaced with bearded faces and accusations of using the other brother’s shampoo. In this new year, I’m praying that my young adults come closer to realizing what’s important in life. I want them to be happy, love the work they do, and behave like decent...
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Longfellow’s Christmas Bells
The sorrow behind the joyful words. As a writer, I’m always fascinated to learn the history behind the stories and how the events at the time might influence the words that flow onto a blank page. Good or bad, joyous or devastating–strong emotions can evolve into powerful prose. A good example is a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of my all time favorites. Longfellow’s Sorrow In the case of Christmas Bells, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the words to...
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Christmas Traditions at the White House
Each First Lady of the United States brought her own style to the holiday decorations and celebrations at the White House. Their contributions were recognized and a few of these traditions are still being honored. While visiting the George W Bush Museum and Library in Dallas, I purchased a book from the gift shop: CHRISTMAS AT THE WHITE HOUSE by Jennifer B. Pickens (Fife and Drum Press 2009). Filled with personal accounts, pictures, and historical information, the book spans...
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FREE eBook
Book #1 of the Rescue Animal Series is FREE A limited time offer December 1 – 3 Find it on Amazon and read it NOW! A heartwarming tale about two shelter puppies who find their forever home. Filled with vivid photos, this is a story about trust and love, and watching out for your...
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