Happy New Year

And, Good Evenin'

Well, a quiet evenin', 'cept for the stirrin' a the horses. The Queen missy mum, figured out my fence, two strands of electric rope, keep 'em away from the neighbors horse, to the south, don't have no juice and he's a pleasant fella. We all like ta be appreciated, I suppose, and where he's only got two goats fer company, he's kinda vulnerable to her charms and not bad lookin', himself. Long story short, I had to close the gate; the whole bunch gets down there and sparks'll fly. Tubby, much as he pretends to ignore her, is pretty partial to Queeny, himself and is like to have a word with that pony and someone'll get tore up. So, they can't go up the hill to the cliffs, which I suspect hold a little sunshine into the night, where they warm there buns. There makin' the best of it, here by the tent, but not used to gettin' comfortable, in close for the night.

Anyway, man~ana, maybe I can beef up that stretch and they can go back to their boudoir for the evenin's and we'll all sleep peaceful.

So, another huntin' season bites the dust and I reckin' the elk are dern pleased for that. The days are inchin' longer and 'fore ya know it, we'll be warmin' up. Already had a meltin' breeze, past few days, but I don't figure winter's quite ready give up without a word or two.

Sure, wish y'all the best for 2012 and God willin', we'll all turn a new leaf, make a stand for the better, each in our own way.

Have a great night and a very happy new year!

Best,

The Present

Good Evenin',

Another fine, spring day. A meltin' breeze outta the south, sunny and 50 degrees. Never did make it to the tradin' post; neighbor come by with some christmas cookies and wanted ta visit, then the poachers hit ma low gate. Heard a shot, close in, heard 'em comin' down the hill, couldna been three minutes for I broke outta the woods, 'tween here and there, they'd already cut the chain and gone. Shouldn't let it get to me, but it does get my back up, hard as it is, keep everybody fed and cared for out here, then here come some city folk, just tearin' things up and runnin' around like it all belongs ta them.

Anyway, now I'm like ta wait around tomorrow, keep and eye on things. I did get a good earful a that truck and I think I mighta seen it earlier. Then I better go check ma north gate they mighta got that one too. Thank goodness there's only a few more days 'till the seasons over, anyway, then things tend ta quiet down.

Otherwise, inspiration and more inspiration, even my dreams, late. Seems like everywhere I look, just reminders, like that somewhat, cutesy sayin' been goin' round; too true, nonetheless. "The past is history, the future, a mystery. This moment a gift; that's why it's called the present."

Have a nice night.

Best

Unbelievable, But True

Good Evenin'

Well, another pretty fair day! Didn't warm up quite like yesterday; a cool breeze from the south and some high clouds, but all in all, pretty pleasant. Probably oughta check the weather, see if anything's comin', scale up my wood gatherin'.

A little progress with Funny, just a half hour followin' her around askin' for this foot and that. She's such a good girl. Maybe tomorrow, I'll trim one a the other horses, so she don't get a complex, er somethin'.

Otherwise, lotsa inspiration on the wind; feelin' and seein' possibilities, I mighta always hoped for but never really believed. Funny how that works, no? Maybe ya spend yer whole life workin' on somethin', then it begins ta take shape and all of a sudden ya realize, somehow, I put my whole life inta this and never really believed it'd work. That's curious! That's really curious! And, fantastic!

Anyway, I'm bound ta figure out what I mean one a these days and I'll try again.

Have a great night.

Best,

Holy Trust

Good Evenin'

Well, another beautiful day and yup, I got my solar panels straightened out. It was corrosion; the red wire had plumb disintegrated, under the dogs bed. I lost about a foot a wire, but repositioned the panels, to where there leanin' on the roof; looks quite spiffy and might even work a little better. They only fire my little radio and one little lightbulb I took off my old truck, but it works like a charm.

Otherwise, another simple day; wood gatherin' and feedin'. But, I did make a connection with a bookkeeper which'll come in real handy, when the book gets movin' and had a real inspirin' conversation with the woman, recommended the bookkeeper. She wants to start a grass root kinda thing for preserving the culture and environment a the northwest a New Mexico; very inspirin' and timely.

Played with Funny, my rat tail appaloosa, too; just a little. She's the only one, never let me pickup her feet. She has bad eyes and I've never had her in a round pen. But we made a little progress and I keep it up, we'll getter trimmed. Mostly, they been breakin' off and stayin' pretty short, where they're movin' so regular, but it's gettin' time shape 'em up. She's so sweet, but where she don't see so well, it makes her a little nervous give up her feet. But, this is what I love about workin' with horses; trustin' don't come easy, but when it does, it's a joy to behold.

Listenin' to my Heart teacher last couple a days, talkin' 'bout trust; sayin' what a powerful thing it is. Don't know why, but I do know it's true; maybe the simple beauty of life. When trust happens, and a life shines out, wow; that's somethin'. And, more it grows, more that beauty shines, well it just gets amazin'. One a my favorite sayin's: "ya ever find trust, don't break it!" If there is somethin' like "holy", it's gotta be trust.

Have a nice night!

Best,

On Sale

Good Mornin'

Well, the mercury is missin' the sun, quite some; did make it up to almost 40 degrees yesterday and it is possible, I'm feelin' my age, but it sure was nippy this mornin'.

Otherwise, a quiet Christmas day. Thought about goin' ta see my neighbors for coffee, but my solar panels decided ta give up the ghost and I spent most a the afternoon, runnin' back and forth, outside ta in, see if I could find their complaint. I think I got figured, moisture and corrosion on a few patches I'd made, but we'll find out ta day, right or wrong.

Anyway, the ponies got an extra flake of two, and the puppies got some pretty good gravy from that goat bone I threw in the pot, the other day. And, lots a warm greetin's floatin' around the web, as well as, quite some inspiration, which is about the best Christmas present, anyone could ask for. Sometimes, just stayin' opto mystic can be a challenge, and every little drop, a friend seein' the good and promise of their life, well, that's precious stuff.

I reposted this link I'd found to a video of a Mayan Elder; really makes me smile. I'll put it in here down below. Basically, he's sayin' don't listen to these lyin' SOB's, that aren't Mayan, anyway, the end of our calendar is a good thing; it's when the wise ones return. So, be happy; it's happened before, it'll happen again, don't worry.

Just reminds me, I was thinkin' about religion, past few days. And don't get me wrong, I do have a sense and a feel, tremendous gratitude for my life and creator, but "religion", can be funny stuff. I was wonderin' about the Koran and bettin' myself I could find a lot a good there, despite what most folks say, least in the west. So, I went and read an article about it. Guess what? Just like the bible; there's some folks say, "it's the word of God" and cuss and swear about anybody tryin' to put it in an historical context and point out all the revisions and editin' by "people" across the years. By the way, "people" would be human bein's, like you and me; capable of great inspiration, also capable of misunderstandin', selective interpretation.

So, this is my consideration and we might not notice it so much in this country, surrounded as we are by abundance, but when times are hard, people might try to sell just about anything. Ya really notice this if ya ever go to a poor country; people by the side a the road, sellin' things we could never imagine, cow dung! Same way, maybe some folks aren't so good at conventional business, so it's just possible, they could come up with some inspiration and sell a story about God, that just could be and allows them to make a livin'. Doesn't mean it's true, no matter how many people they get to "buy" their product. I mean, isn't it curious how most religions are based on people and events, long ago and far away and it was all so "holy", that anybody asks a question will immediately go to hell. Did ya ever hear the story of the Emperor's New Clothes; there's gotta be a story, behind the story, 'bout goin' to hell, if ya ever ask a question. And there's the little kid, hadn't yet heard the "sales pitch", simply noticin', "wow, he ain't wearin' no clothes!". And, there's a wise man, ya 2000 years ago, but neither does time and place make him wrong, and what did he say? "Let the children come.".

Maybe, it ain't about "the sales pitch". Maybe, like a child, it's just about seein' things for what they are and appreciatin' the good, just the way it is; no sales pitch necessary.

The goodnews, same way, whoever wrote those "holy" books, was likely human and capable of misunderstandin', we are human and capable of real understandin'. It was all there then. It's all here now and always the choice is ours; genuine inspiration or hype and sales! Neither can we put our ancestors on pedestals or resign them to hell; both fracture the continuity. And, while the fracture might allow us some curious sense of freedom, it can also contribute to a terrible disease. Try cuttin' of the flow of blood to a limb.

There's a great line in one a those old stories, one a those old "wisemen", comin' to some understandin', "I am no better than my fathers!". So, why's it great? We are no worse! The inspiration of our great books of wisdom; we can have that, too. We just gotta want it, really, just like they did. And, yup, we too, are bound to understand, imperfectly, despite all our protestations; swear up and down to our children, "this is the ultimate truth!". But, maybe our children'll come a little closer; least the ones don't buy our pitch.

Have a great day.

Best,

http://m.youtube.com/watch?desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DwbAvF0Qcb2o%26sns%3Dfb&sns=fb&v=wbAvF0Qcb2o&gl=US

Happy Holidays

And Good Mornin'

A beautiful sunny mornin', here middle a nowhere, northern New Mexico; a bit nippy, but beautiful. All kinda, heartfelt greetin's and expressions, floatin' around the internet.

Went out to feed the horses, in the early mornin' sun, hummin' a Christmas song. Rememberin' how horses don't talk, like us anyway, and wonderin' if we wouldn't be better off, a little more like them. Ya know, if all we could do was smile or frown. 'Stead a gettin' in fights, over names for love and feelin' good, make it a little simpler; if you were grateful and happy, a smile pretty much says it all. If you're grumpy and cranky, I don't care what you call that god, that frown a yours, pretty much let me know, I'd rather go the other way.

So, god bless the horse, and careful for the words, I ain't come across a wise man yet, boil it down, didn't encourage me and point; "thataway, happy is good!".

Have a great day!

Best,

Here Comes Spring!

Good Evenin'

Well, another quiet day, recuperatin' from my big day in the city; nearly 40 miles south, with a population of pretty near 3000! Good thing it's only once a month. But, it was kinda fun. Three of us was yakkin' away, most other folks lookin' around, kinda doubtful, afterall, they were white folks in Indian Country, middle a nowhere, ya can't be too careful. I'm bein' a little mean, but it was kinda funny. We was cussin' politicans, laughin' about the end a the world, only one more year to go, and figurin' it's a good thing, as much older and we wouldn't remember anything anyway.

Anyway, it's finally snowin' serious, mostly, but it's really been a merciful mild winter, so far. And, I found a great stash a old trees, today; the kind that been down for years and dried just so, where they're hard as coal and break about the same. Gotta be a little careful, as they can heat that stove red, I get careless.

The ponies are well, the hay's holdin' up and the dogs got a goat leg from a friend over Hen. I was talkin' to old Larry, runs the store, tellin' him it's like ta be a short winter. He asked why and I told him I couldn't afford a long one! I think that's called wishful thinkin'. Similar to my contention, that today's the first day a spring! Whatever it takes.

Have a nice night.

Best,

No Rules

Good Evenin'

Well, still chewin' on my question, but it seems like the momentum is toward the better, slightly more difficult version. I should be used ta listenin' to my heart, but sometimes it takes on such a different notion it takes a while for my mind ta let go; or me ta let go of my "logic".

Got a lift inta town ta day, get some staples for the month. A horse friend from Hen, over cross the Queen's Valley. Her and another friend of ours all had lunch, they wouldn't take no, 'cause I was broke. Anyway, we got talkin' 'bout instinct and intuition and, I was rememberin' one a my favorite considerations, when it comes to logic and reason. That bein' how logic and reason are pretty straight forward, but they can't see around corners. And time, is the biggest corner there is.

But, I'll wait a little more; anything we do's like ta wait 'till the first, now. And, as my horse mentors liked ta say, "dam few rules about life and horses; gotta take it as it comes, the day, the horse and the rider!"

Have a nice night.

Best,

Qualified

Good Evenin'

Well, I'd say that storm went right around us here. Overcast for a couple a days, but mild temps and likely, less than an inch. Pretty simple day; feedin', wood gatherin' and a little progress on another book, looks like it might come together. I kinda liked that "Rusty" story, but I think I could tell it a little better and flesh it out some.

Otherwise, chewin' on the current book situation; kinda have the option of two printers. One looks easier, the other looks better. I been thinkin' on it for a couple a days. Seems like I always do things the hard way, and I'm wonderin' if it ain't a "wired for failure" thing. But, the question here is quality and maybe it's just my contrary nature, but, I sure get some kinda satisfaction, resistin' the current and stickin' with quality; dam the torpedoes. Somehow or other, I just wonder if it doesn't color our whole experience; the difference 'tween a little sugar in our tea or lemon in our milk. It just takes a little, but what a difference.

Anyway, lotta times I go ta bed with a question and wake up feelin' like I had a good conversation with a good old friend and everything seems ta line up. Maybe, I'll put this is the "help" file. Mean time, hope you enjoy the picture of Julio; there's a fella knows what quality means!

Have a nice night.

Best,

P.S. That photo is from Brandon, Santa Fe Photography Pro, again, another "qualified" fella.

Friends

Good Evenin'

Well, another peaceful day; snowed just enough last night, half inch or so, put the muffle on everything. Fairly mild, all in all. I think the worst, did I spell that right, past to the south of us. Got a few more risidual flurries, afternoon, when the cold air come in behind it. Still think that worst looks funny; how about wurst. This is like that "sight gag" where Bud Abbot is tryin' to get the scotch tape off his finger. Every time I type worse, it looks worse. See, there it goes again! How come horse isn't pronounced hurse; no wonder people from other countries have such a hard time with english.

Anyway, it's the holiday season and though thanksgivin' is past, has passed, (here we go again!) would be a nice time to thank all my friends, now that looks wrong, how do ya spell fiend, how about frends? To thank all my frends for all their kindness along the way, helps keep me and the horses afloat, as we keep pluggin' away on the book thing, in our effort get self sufficient. Thank You! Thank You! We're all eatin' and there's wood on the fire. (And, fire in the phone; another frend paid my bill today.)

Happiest of Holidays, to One and All!

Best,

P.S. Brandon took a lot a pictures, didn't make it in the book, that's one up top. Thanks, again!

Winter Break

Good Mornin'

Well, I took a little break after completin' my Rusty Barnyard story; for a crazy old fella, keepin' track of a story like that and rememberin' enough, make it coherent, mostly, s'no small feat. Besides, winter had eased it's grip, just a hair and I took advantage, catch up with my wood gatherin' and, where we hit a couple a wrinkles in "the book" department, spent a little more time with the very kind folks, been helpin' me.

Anyway, but, god willin' it'll all work out. See if I can't maybe, catch half a bath today, mild as it is. Might be a merciful gesture, case I get ta town this week, catch up on groceries; one thing bein' grizzly out here all by myself, another scarin' the daylights outta half the county, them runnin' for cover and fresh air, on a chance encounter.

So, 'till later, have a great day and 'case I forgot, happiest of holidays to you and yours!

Best,

Barnyard; Chapter 10

Good Mornin'

And, on to the Rusty Trail! I did try writin' last night, but scrapped the effort; it was o.k., I suppose, but, no wise fair to the question of the meetin', 'tween ol' Rustoleum and the famous horseman from the north.

Ya see, this fella, friend of half a mine, is a genuinely great horseman, least far as I can figure, based on all I heard and read, stories from my friends, spent time with him, articles, books, some of 'em written by friends of my mentors, videos I've watched of him, some time back. But, seems ta me, there comes a time, where the urgency, the glue, that really binds a fella to his craft, comes into question. A fella might get really good at somethin' 'cause it's all he's got and the work, really speaks to a part of him and allows him to speak to that part in others. But, it's when a momentum, an expectation builds, maybe fame and fortune, come into play, when the glue really meets the test. And, to me this is a huge question, as that authenticity is the very thing, really, really attracts us. I see it in myself; I live when it's close and I mourn when it's gone. And, I suppose, I see it in Rusty; it might be the soul of New Mexico. Somehow, since the beginnin' of time, it seems, those that stayed, stayed 'cause it was all they had and they knew it.

So, for these two ta meet, at OK Corral, it was a real question for me, as to who's serious here. This is what I believe, made Tom so great; clarity. The love of the horse was such a real part a him and workin' with horses such a real and heartfelt question, that "the day, the horse and the rider" never escaped his focus, far as I can tell. So, here we had Rusty, an extremely smart and serious old fella, with real concerns about survivin' and maintainin' his sense of "self" and a pretender to Tom's throne. And, so my interest, as the whole story so clearly highlighted the question of integrity and focus, so relevant to any serious consideration of horsework, or life, far as I can tell. And, so it was. Way I heard it the owner, Rusty, Ranger and his daughter loaded up that mornin' and headed for the fairgrounds. Ranger and his daughter, fairin' pretty well, but Rusty had broke out in a full sweat, soon as he entered the arena, full terror in his eye, aware, I suppose, that this just might be his Waterloo; a whole fairground full of horses and people, with big ideas and expectations, fly in the face of every rule Rusty mighta ever come up with on how ta survive, ever and always, himself.

And, a course, it had ta pass, our horseman from the north, noticin' all was fairly well, save one curious horse, in a full sweat, wouldn't have any of it; just walkin' here and there, straight line like he'd always done. I'm told he even came up and considered, he could help, only, after some time, ta figure he didn't have enough for a horse like that, dismount, cuss Rusty and all his ancestors and return to the horses that held some hope of ever livin' up to the name. Rusty, had stumped the chump, and lived, walk all the straight lines, he ever felt inclined.

And, speakin' of happy endin's, the owner had ta take another job and really didn't need a horse anymore and his daughter had grownup and made some choices, took her away from the barn and the horses, so, Rusty and Ranger had come home ta retire, run with my bunch; 1200 acres, five waterholes, half a dozen good friends and for each a paricular mare, that seemed ta like 'em just fine. Rusty, go figure, stealin' the heart a the cutest, sweetest little girlfriend, a fella could ever ask for! That's her, Graceful, up top, and that's her Rusty Barnyard.

Have a great day!

Best,

Barnyard; Chapter 9

Good Evenin'

Well, everything seemed ta be goin' o.k. for Rusty and Ranger, though neither of 'em ever lived close to a city, in a barn, but they were gettin' rid some and I new they was gettin' fed, so it coulda been worse. Now, and then, from what I heard, the owner would let 'em pasture out where he was workin', so they'd get ta be themselves, some, too.

Then, low and behold, the owner had been takin' his daughter and Ranger to a ridin'instructor, there in town and it just so happened that this instructor was real big on a fella I knew, one of the very top clinicians in the country and he was comin' to town. This instructor had convinced the owner and his daughter to sign up and ride in the clinic. Oh, lord, was I startin' to smile; not so much for the horses, who individually had had more drunk cowboys on their backs, than fleas on my dog, nor for the owner and his daughter, but anybody, comes to New Mexico, for example this trainer, thinkin' it's just another state in the union, well, there just apt to meet somebody like Rusty Barnyard.

See, what I'd come ta understand about Rusty, knowin' a little about where he'd grown up and the folks in that particular burrough, I figure he'd run into so many crazy people and crazy situations, nobody ever takin' the time, explain anything, as a means of survival, he'd had come up with a strategy. Over years, I reckin', he had honed the fine art of doin' as little as equinely possible and just enough, to where nobody would get mad enough to shoot him. And, where folks that had too much ta drink aren't too long on persistence, by and large, he'd come ta figure, he could outlast, just about anyone.

So, once again, I was countin' time, with mixed emotions, a course, hopin' all'd go well for the owner and his very sweet daughter and the boys, Rusty and Ranger, but with half a tickle, I couldn't shake, suspectin' that this trainer, good friend a half a mine, just might never have met anyone, quite like Rusty Barnyard. And, everytime it crossed my mind, I'd start ta chuckle.

More, man~ana; have a nice night.

Best,

Barnyard; Chapter 8

Good Mornin'

Just plain, too tired last night; not that I did so much yesterday, but some times I think, bracin' for the cold, it just wears ya out and it's sure easy sleep more than usual.

Anyway, next major event I recall in the Rusty Barnyard saga, would be the owner here, decidin' to move Rusty and Ranger down to Santa Fe, where he was consultin' on a project, southeast a there and havin' a horse would be a benefit, least wise an excuse, get out and ride some. Thing is, people do have different ideas about movin' horses and way it turned out, this fella made up his mind move 'em in December in a stock trailer. Now, I can't criticize him, as there is a broad range of ideas, far as what's acceptable and I tend ta come down on the softer side a things, but a hundred miles in 20 degree weather, in a stock trailer, ta my mind that's stretchin' things some. Sure they're like ta survive, but how far ya wanta push a friendship and/or mental, emotional limits, with a critter you aim ta climb on and count on, special when your skill level ain't exactly advanced.

Anyway, I did all I could think ta board up the holes in the trailer; neither a these guys, Rusty or Ranger, ever had much doin's with travel and both were older. And, off they went, much as I weren't real pleased and I counted time 'till I thought they'd arrive and called ta see how it went. Aside from the owner, 'bout gettin killed, when they bust out, another spot when ya wanta think things through, for ya go ta openin' gates, special when the critters might be some insulted by what they just went through, all in all, everybody was o.k..

So, off they were on their own adventure, in their own new barnyard and, time to time I'd get news and stories.

So, 'till next time, have a good day.

Best,

Barnyard; Chapter 7

Good Evenin'

Well, I thought some more on the continuing saga of Rusty Barnyard, and truthfully, it was a long time ago, must be ten years, since Rusty come in. But, best I recall, Rusty spent some time up here with my bunch. I think I kept him up by the barn for a while, let him settle in, then turned him out and I do remember ridin' him some, see if he was steady, as the previous owner had said.

But, my most vivid recollection of that time, was just how much Rusty seemed ta like the it here. I've noticed, workin' a lot of horses around other peoples barns, how aware the horses are of the overall atmosphere and how much it affects their attitude. Well, Rusty, by all appearances, found our operation, just dandy! I remember goin' out to check on the bunch, shortly after I'd turned him loose. They were grazin' up in the woods, about a quarter mile north a the barn. Rusty was so tickled with the pasture and his new friends, he was bouncin' through the trees, like a baby deer; first this way, then that as he made his way down the slope, back and forth, 'tween trees; delirious! Sure made me laugh.

So, there we were; I think at the time, it was Big, Tubby, Sombra, the old grey mare, Rusty and Ranger, another of my "contract" purchases for the ranch, on behalf of one of the other partners. Big I had bought out from under the "meat man" for 30 cents a pound, and Tubby, I had brought down from Utah, back in the nineties, when I first come back to New Mexico. Sombra, I had rescued from a ranch where she'd been left by her ailing owner, had to go south for her health. Anyway, a motley but fairly happy bunch, middle a nowhere New Mexico.

And, it's late again, so, god willin' will pick 'er up tomorrow.

Have a nice night.

Best

Barnyard; Chapter 6 and a Half.

Good Afternoon,

Well, just plain cold last night and, similar the night before, I'd woke up about 4am, with the dog's wonderin' about a fire and myself, havin' not yet broke out my second sleepin' bag, cold enough ta consider, "that would be a good idea!". So, cold again last night and wakin' up so early in the mornin', now with my other bag in place, warm and in bed, trumped cold and writin'. I hope you followed all that, as there will be a quiz tomorrow.

Anyway, now I gotta defend myself, save face, in the face of my paricularly "ungraceful" loadin' experience, with ol' Rusty. And, I suppose it boils down to a couple of simple mistakes. One, not thinkin' ahead, like "how well do I know this horse and how long could it take" and maybe startin' out ealier, and, two, forgettin' basic principals of horse work, applyin' muscle stead a wisdom, for example, as old Tom would say, "goin' faster by goin' slower!", or, maybe more important, "OBSERVE, remember and compare". But, truthfully, I'm not sure I'd a had anything compare Rusty to, no matter, how much I observed.

But, that's all hind sight, we were loaded, we did make it home, Rusty got his dinner and I'd learned another great lesson. And, just ta add another twist, sometimes, ya just gotta make a call, special when you're workin' with other peoples horses; if a horse has become used to a certain kinda handlin', even if you, yourself, don't consider it "proper", sometimes you gotta figure, what you gotta do, how much time ya have and do ya wanta address "the how, now or later". Point bein' that, sometimes, askin' a horse, special an older horse, consider a different way a doin' things, can take sometime. So, that's my story, the defense has made it's case, and, as I said, all in all, we were both alive, fairly well and on our way home.

So, now it's time for "blankets! We got out the old sleepin' bags, one for me and one for the dogs, which means we're pretty cozy, sleepin', but now, a few blankets on the wall and we won't have ta rush, so much, 'tween eatin' and gettin' in bed. The west wall ain't bundled up like last year and the cold just shines right in, offa that wall, soon as we get down around zero, but I think that wool blanket'll make a difference. If not we'll go back, try to bundle 'er up like last year, though my resources aren't quite so abundant.

Anyway, happy afternoon and I'll think on the next chapter of "Rusty O'Barnyard".

Best,

Barnyard; Chapter 6

Good Evenin'

Well, don't even remember what happened last night; though I think it may have been a phone call. Had a brief career in film making; an idea for a movie. But, two or three phone calls and I decided to retire; too much controversy! The upside, I broke even and still have some time to get back to my other career as a starving writer and saddle tramp.

Anyway, this storm, just passed, wasn't much in terms of snow, maybe six inches, but boy, the mercury sure fell outta the thermometer; mighta made twenty today, but little more. I suspect we'll be down in the minus numbers tonight. But, so far my "wood piles under the pine trees" system is holdin' up and workin' fairly well.

And, I might make a little correction, on my last installment of the Barnyard Saga; always wondered what a saga was. But, I was tryin' to remember exactly how that trailer loadin' deal wound up, 'cause it seemed like both me and Rusty went flyin' when that rope broke. So, I was thinkin' about it and remembered that, that trailer didn't have a ball on the back. Then I remembered. I was usin' my hips as the "winch". In other words, I had brought the rope back from the front window and wrapped it around my hips, so that everytime Rusty gave a little, I would take up the slack and lean into it with my posterity! Then I remembered that Rusty hadn't quite sat down, but was pullin' back with so much conviction, that he was darn close. So, when the rope give, Rustoleum went ta backpeddlin' best he could and the cowboy, similarly, proceeded to "watusi" this way and that until both ended up in their respective piles; Rustoleum seated like a dog, back side down, front side up and I, in some sort of creative yoga thing, lookin' at the sky, upside down, from 'tween my legs. But, keen as I was ta get goin', as I said, I scrambled up, 'fore Rusty figured out what happened, grabbed the lead and headed for the trailer, Rusty either too confused to consider any alternative, or figurin' I was, just maybe, more stubborn than him and he might as well go along, as it was gettin' on toward dinner time.

So, there ya have it; I do remember stuff, sometimes it just takes me a day, or two.

Have a nice night.

Best,

Barnyard; Chapter 5

Good Evenin',

And, back to the adventures of "Rustoleum". So, the owner here decided to go ahead and take old Rusty and somehow, or other I set it up, where the fella that owned him would drop him off at a neighbors house, though I can't remember, exactly why. But, I do remember takin' my old one horse wagon, a well made, but home made deal that was pretty tight, but safe, go pick him up.

When I had gone to see Rusty Barnyard, first time, the fella that owned him had said that he'd owned Rusty since he was little and that he'd roped off him, gathered with him, packed with him and there had never been a problem loadin' him. He'd even takin' the lead rope and jumped up on a flatbed trailer, parked in his yard, and Rusty had jumped right up with him. So, I really wasn't anticipatin' any problems, far as loadin' went, but I was wrong.

And, who knows, maybe it was that little bitty trailer, maybe it was leavin' home; maybe I had a different way a goin' about things, but rusty wasn't about ta set foot in that wagon. Quite a surprise. So, I tried all my best and most patient variations on gettin a horse to load, but to no avail. Finally, several hours had passed, I got my lariat, looped it over the end of the lead rope, pulled it tight, fed it up through the nose of the trailer and back along the side, to where I could pull on the lariat, which would pull on the lead rope, toward the trailer, so I could stand beside Rusty, rub and encourage him and keep him from driftin' off ta the side. No good.

So, now it was gettin' dark, I had other horses ta feed and water and it was just plain time for Rusty to get in! So, we started a sort of tug a war. I was still rubbin' on him and encouragin' him best I could, but every time he'd give an inch, I'd suck up the lariat and wrap it around a ball I had, welded on the back, case I ever had to drag a calf in. We were makin' progress, but it wasn't "pretty" or anywhere near my usual dealin's with any horse, I'd ever met.

And, I can't remember if the rope broke and then Rusty sat down, or if he sat down and leaned back and then the rope broke, but break it did, to our mutual astonishment. And, again, I do remember Rusty, quite suddenly fifteen or twenty feet back from where he had been, one half of one second before. But, in that split second of pure astonishment, I must have seen my "window", 'cause, with out hesitatin', I ran back, grabbed the remains of the lead rope and run into the trailer; a very tight fit. But, in his astonishment, he just followed me in. I tied a quick knot, slipped out and closed the door, 'fore he knew where he was.
I jumped in the truck, fired it up, put 'er in gear, made a quick loop around the neighbors house, with a wave, and headed home. Rusty, in my rear view mirror, still lookin' quite puzzled at how, on earth, he had ended up in that old tin can of a trailer.

More, man~ana.

G'night and Best, always.
jeune

Barnyard; Chapter 4

Afternoon!

Well, it blew pretty steady, yesterday, and I was over in a little town, kinda up in the hills, trimmin' burros and mules. Don't know why exactly, but, time I got home and fed, it was all I could do cook some supper and hit the bunk.

So, back to the Barnyard trail and I'm gonna take another turn here, try to keep this simple; my favorite rule a thumb, the "Kiss" principal, keep it simple, silly. 'Cause, end a the day, I wonder if this story about Barnyard, Rusty, isn't just a story about how different people can be, and how their experiences color the way they see the world.

I know, back in the fifties and sixties, along with the "TV Westerns" there were a lot of "Big Screen" Westerns and almost everybody, either heard of, or remembers John Wayne. And, it's kinda funny 'cause I knew people like him, but all to say, there definitely came a point in my life, where I had to admit, "I am not like that!". Heck, I had a brother, one a those amazing people, seemed like whatever he put his mind to, it just turn to gold; handsome, popular, an amazin' athlete, you name it.

But, I remember a dream I had, when I was fairly young; twelve or so. Same dream, every night; lasted several weeks. Simple, really; jist of it, nobody really knew anybody. Whole thing was a shadow game, smoke and mirrors, but the scary part, was not knowin' my own self. All I could do was cry when I woke up and, a course, young as I was, I couldn't explain it to anyone.

But, it seems, it took me 'till my late teens, tryin' ta be like my brother, 'fore I could admit, I wasn't him and start ta look for myself. So, I guess what I'm sayin' is, there might be a lot of people, look at life as a matter of "doin", but the circumstances of my life, kinda left me with a big question of "seein". And, it's really pretty funny; I feel like, maybe, ever since I had those dreams, I've tried ta "do" so many things. Now, here I am, fifty years later, and maybe over all those years and all that "doin", the question remains, and maybe even stronger, "ok, but do you see?".

So, I think this is the "bottom of the barrel"; with a different sort of meanin'. Kinda like the heart of my story about Rusty, and me. Now, let's see if I can find my way back to the horse.

Have a nice night.

Best,

Barnyard; Chapter 3

Good Evenin'

A course, I was very young then, but maybe all the more, ya see things for what they are. Those sure were magical times and our society, there, me and the horses, couldn't have been more important to my sanity and well bein'. It was just so honest; I loved them and they loved me. And, sure I got "corrected" on occasion, a kick or a bite, but it always seemed ta make sense and soon as it was done, it was done. But, it was as real or more, personalities and all, than all my other recollections of my first years on the planet.

I guess that's why, I still slip into that world, and hardly notice; there's a "job skill" for ya. Sometimes, I'll be trimmin' a horse and we'll just be havin' a good ol' conversation, of sorts and all of a sudden, I notice, they clammed up. Sometimes, I'll stop and look around, and sure enough, "the owner's" walkin' toward us. Sometimes ya gotta play dead! Human's can get real upset, ask 'em the wrong question!

Have a nice night.

Best,

Barnyard; Chapter 2

Good Evenin'

So, I been thinkin' some, exactly how far, I'd have to go back, give ya some sense of how I see horses and I suppose, my first few years ambulent, would be the simplest. As I mention in the book, I was the youngest, by a large margin in a large family. And, by the time I came along, most a my brothers and sisters were quite a bit older. Personalities were formin' and runnin' into each other and, after the war and all, I don't think things were goin' real well with the adults, either.

So, quick as I started gettin' out and about, I discovered the barn and the horses. It was a welcome world; quiet and simple and full a creatures, plumb tickled ta visit. And, soon enough I could see how each one had a different personality; a way a seein' things, actin' and reactin' all their own. Even, physical they were different and somehow, the whole package for each one, all seemed kinda consistent.

As I mentioned, their was Mighty Atom, the pint size rascal, smart as they come. A wooly little bay pony, cagey as the day is long. You could put a baby on his back and he' tip toe around careful as could be. I'd climb on and all bets were off; he'd bounce and hop and dart and scoot, stop and spin. Just enjoyin' the daylights outta dumpin' me here and there, then actin' all sweet and concerned, so I'd climb back on. Then there were big horses and fine horses and one paint horse I remember with one blue eye.

Anyway, maybe I was too young to know better, or maybe better's a good question, but pretty soon, we were quite the family, all our own. Comin' and goin', feedin' and cleanin', brushin' and playin'; by contrast to the house and all, way harmonius and good natured. So, maybe it was a set up, but I guess I grew up with a question about "smart" and whether it all belonged to the human.

And, it's late again, so I guess I'll call that enough for today.

Have a nice night.

Best,

Barnyard

Good Evenin',

Well, I'd thought to tell a story about one a my rescue horses, but I tried it out on a friend, who doesn't have a lot of experience around horses, some, but not a lot, and it seems I'd have to back up some, 'fore the story'd really come clear. So, I guess this is an experiment, see if I can really describe the horse and the circumstance he mighta grown up in.

It all began when the owner, here, asked me to find him a horse, that he, his wife, or daughter, then eight, or so, could ride, without worry. And, it just so happened I knew a fella near buy, wanted ta sell a middle aged horse that his wife and kids rode. So, I went ta look. Now, honestly, I'm not the best person anyone would wanta send lookin' for a horse. I'm just not very practical in some ways, maybe many. And, I seem ta have a facility for fallin' in love with just about anythin' with hooves. And, so it was. Soon as I saw Rusty, then passin' for "Barnyard", I immediately liked the fella. He reminded me of one of the first horses I ever knew, a pony, in fact, "Mighty Atom". They both had this way about 'em; a mixture of good nature, wit and wisdom.

Rusty, as he became known, was short, stout, bright copper red, with a fairly nice head, if somewhat small, relation to the rest a him, and had a thin blaze a white, forelock to nose. I trimmed his feet, combination of courtesy to the owner and a chance to get under and around the boy, and when I was done, I picked up the lead line, fastened to the halter and moved him around a little, swingin' the tail a the line gentle toward his hind quarters. I could see his eyes light up a little, anticipatin' "another human expects me ta know what he wants, out any explanation", but we'd had a nice visit, trimmin' his feet, so I stopped and give him a rub, remind him we were in it together and I wouldn't ask for anything he wasn't ready for and nothin' in a hurry. He seemed ta like that consideration and so I took the lead, grabbed some mane and swung up on his back. He seemed all the fella had said; nothin' fancy, just steady. We walked and trotted a little around the yard, then I got down give him a good rub and told the fella I'd pass on the details and call him, if the fella where I lived, wanted to take him.

And, I guess that'll be "chapter one". See what happens.

Have a nice night.

Best,

Things I Remember

Good Evenin'

Ya, another sunny day; almost made 50 degrees. Awful pleasant, for this time a year. And, pretty similar, yesterday, a little muckin', a little feedin' and wood gatherin'.

Most any change on the inside; small prayers, a slightly deeper commitment, a remark from a friend, makin' me think; a word from a wiseman recalled. Today, it was a question of "default". I remember my heart teacher once sayin' how love is our default and I was thinkin' about it, after I let the mustang boys loose; kneelin' in the pasture, watchin' 'em play. "When you stop doin' everythin' else, that's where you end up!"

Then, he substituted "peace" for "love". I like that, 'cause, seems to me, they're so connected. Maybe not in terms of our ideas, but truly; in fact. Sometimes it seems to me, that peace is like water, a stillness within. The heart is like a seed. Soak the seed in the water and love grows, but almost inseparable from the water that gave it life. Again, I hear his voice, "if you have to redefine love, then do so!".

Anyway, amazing and so practical, present, palpable; just letting go a the rest. Again, I hear his voice, "give up what YOU are looking for an instantly, you will find God."

One peaceful afternoon! The mustang boys are havin' a romp and a half. Ruben lies down to roll, Julio makes a mock threat. Ruben's up with a buck and report, scramblin' for safety. Julio lies down same spot, prime real estate, Ruben returns with the same medecine. Julio scrambles up and the chase is on. Lord, have mercy; simple pleasures!

Have a nice night.

Best,

Short Stuff

Good Evenin',

Well, it was sunny, but it never got real warm. Snow and ice softened up a little, mid day, but pretty brief.

Otherwise, another simple day; a little muckin', a little feedin', a little wood gatherin', and a few phone calls. And, much as I hate to admit it, the physical plant is a little outta sorts this evenin', so, I might bid ya a good one and lay it down.

Thanks very much for all the questions and kind comments.

Best,

Pretty is, as Pretty Do!

Good Evenin',

Well, it's late and I'm tarred. Didn't even do, too much today; it snowed last night and melted mostly today. So, greasy, couldn't hardly walk. So, I fed the wood stove and took a nap. Did check my wood piles and mucked the boys pen some. Fed and watered as usual.

Took some extra prayer time and thought a little more about paths. Nothin' earth shakin', just how some follow fence lines and some go through gates. Sometimes they blend into roads for a spell. But, there's also another part of a path I haven't quite understood, maybe, and I'm not even sure if it's the path or the woods and the fields that they cross. But, special in the woods, it's the beauty and the pull of a spot on a path, and the path maybe makin' the spot more beautiful. But, it sure is somethin'.

Often times, I'll joke with a friend, how "cows, too, have fung shwe!". It always makes me laugh, how, even cows, have a way of pickin' out a nice spot; maybe a knoll, with a few trees, a nice view and a little breeze. There house keepin' might leave a little desired, but, pick a spot, that they can!

So, in the midst of all the practical reasons for paths, there's an element of "just plain pretty" I don't think, ya could ever rule out! That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. (With a big smile!)

Have a nice night.

Best,

Path Ology

Good Evenin',

Well, aside from a few aches and pains, one peaceful day. It's quiet by any standard out here, but holidays, by and large, it gets real quiet; thick quiet. And somethin' inside me just soaks it up. I remember a quote, someone posted the other day, Morgan Freeman, something about learning stillness to where it becomes a radiant part a yourself. Sure made some kinda sense, even if I'm not sure why, but, seems like I've met folks like that.

Anyway, always got my ear to the ground and today I contacted 33%a my readers, and they all wanted me to talk more about "paths" and what they are sayin'; by the way, that'd be Chris, my childhood foster brother, from the northwoods, called ta wish him a happy bird day.

So, I thought about it as I walked around today, movin horses, feedin' and gatherin' firewood. And, truthfully, I suppose, I had avoided the question, even as I hinted of their wonder, knowin' it was one large topic and it'd take some kinda artist do 'em any justice. That said, I could try, pass on a few things that occurred to me.

For starters, they speak of creatures, me, the horses, the dogs and the wild things that come and go; deer, elk, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks, snakes, porcupine, badger and fox, probably a bear and lion, now and then. They speak of the seasons and changing pastures. They speak of relationships; me lookin' for horses, horses lookin' for me, the dogs that follow and make their own, under the low branches. The earth and trees, the roll of the ground, lurin' me this way, discouragin' me that. They speak of needs, like water and feed. They speak of choices, like footing and light, depending on temperature, time a day, season and air flow. They speak of safety, like the ones we borrow from the deer and elk, that wind through the trees along the ridges. They speak of change, like trees that fall and gates that close, maybe predators shiftin' territory or makin' room for offspring. Sometimes they speak of views and fun, when a particular drop is so appealing, me, the horses or deer, just couldn't resist the call of gravity and the thrill of the fling, out on to the flat. They talk of sweet spots and cool spots, different flavored grasses, warm spots in winter. They speak of feet and wanderin', times together, times apart, like planets that orbit, near and far, maintainin' some kinda fluid attraction. They tell time in a sense, like who passed when, before or since. They tell stories of events and surprise, mosie and graze. But, maybe best, and I don't know how, they sing the song of life and thanks; to have feet and earth and plants to walk among. To have each other to look for, and hide from. To have habits and preferences and seasons and different ways of gettin' to the same place. Weather, soil and circumstance that change and inspire new paths. To leave marks, so others can know we passed and glean why and where we were headed, maybe make it just a little easier for them to go, too, should they be inclined.

Have a nice night

Best,

Pathos Pete

Good Evenin'

Well, another beautiful day! Musta been 55, calm and sunny. Horses out, horses in; a flake here and there. One load a laundry and a bath; a little on the "rapid" side, but a bath, none the less. Even fit in a shave and a hair cut with the horse clippers and still made a load a wood 'fore I ran outta day light.

Got to walk a little today, but truthfully, I walk a lot everyday; let the rescue bunch out the low gate again and closed 'em out for a few, let the mustang boys have a run. Just noticin' how nice it is to walk around here; paths. They go this way and that; some for me, some the horses, some we share, but the soil is so nice these days. A little bit a moisture, a little bit a frost, some go through the trees, some go through the sage; some through the grass around the barn. The soil changes, the light changes, but they sure are an intimate part of our life around here; and they sure remember and they sure like ta talk.

Who was it wrote that poem, "I doubt I'll ever see, a poem as sweet as a tree." Well, I got some paths, might just come a close second.

Have a nice night.

Best,

A Very Simple Day

Good Evenin'

Well, sunny and back in the 50's. Sure is different; last night, just about sun down, it felt like the bottom 'd come out and we'd hit zero. This mornin' it was mild and nary a lick a ice on the tanks. I can't complain, darn sure, but when I first come up here, we'd be down around zero, most nights, come november. Who knows? The poles 're shiftin'!

Anyway, darn pleasant. Hayman come this mornin', just a quarter load; two a my neighbors took the rest. He sure goes outta his way take care of us down here and that's rare, anymore. Made three stops, 'cause no one of us got all the dough for a full load any one time, these days.

So, were full as can be, pretty much and cross our fingers, it keeps so mild, stretch that hay 'till summer. See what happens.

Otherwise, let the bunch out the bottom gate, no hunters these days. Let 'em get some fresh grass, down the bottom. The wheat's still growin'. They sure seemed ta like that; hit it like a pack a lawn mowers. Give 'em a whistle, sundown, they liked that, too. Here they come buckin' and a runnin', knowin' I'd thrown a flake.

Kept the boys in, let their run dry out from the rain, but I did give each a few go round, the round pen; clean their feet and give a scratch and a brush. Simple day, I guess. Tomorrow "the scrub brush"; see if I can't clean up for the "thanks day", put on some fresh clothes.

Have a nice night.

Best,

The Big Guy With the Big Heart

Good Evenin'

Well, actually rained a little, just like they said it might. Gave me the excuse, go see my neighbors, share that box a cookies I got in the mail, for they did me in. We always have a good time; cup a coffee, a few good stories, then back ta work. Dianne even stitched up my saddle slicker, get me through ta spring; ya know, with the book and all, I'll be rich and famous by then. It's a good thing, too, I noticed drivin' over there, my glasses are gettin' so scratched, I can just about see better without 'em and that's a scary thought.

Otherwise, a pretty simple day. Feedin', waterin', keepin' the fire up. And, a course, like the old JC Superstar, "day by day, three things I pray, see thee more clearly, follow thee more nearly, love thee more dearly." Kinda corny, but take away the hype and there somethin' in there, make a rainy day bright.

Talkin' to a friend this mornin', 'bout Big, my high dollar ropin' horse, I bought out from Oscar Myer. (That's the "meat people".) He's got sore feet, from all the poundin' down cows. He's gettin' old and tired I think from the pain. Always give him a hug in the mornin', just remind him how beautiful he is. He believed a human and paid a price. He mighta made a mistake, but his heart was right and I don't want him forget; ever.

I guess that's what I mean by "see you more clearly", if it ain't the good in us all, than I can't imagine where I'd begin.

Have a nice night.

Best,

It's a Miracle

Good Evenin'

Well, another mild and sunny juan; even got the better half of my thanksgivin' bath, checked off the "todo" list. Just warm enough and just serious enough, where I filled up the tub and give a dunk. It was pretty quick, I have ta admit. Tomorrow, see if I can't give the top half a scrub.

Otherwise, called it a sunny day and just plain, took a nap; still ain't feelin' 100%. Got up, took a few minutes a quiet time, made some coffee and let the boys out; let 'em stretch their legs, case we get any moisture outta this next system.

Still gettin' used to the book sorta done and headin' for the printer. I reckin' it's been three or four years since I started the thing and now, it's time for the next phase and I'm really unsure of what and how that works. And then, I suppose, y'add winter comin', shorter days, wood gatherin' and feedin', there just ain't that much time in a day, do much anyway.

So, rest and quiet time; ask for direction, help and clarity. My favorite old gospel song, "A Closer Walk With Thee." Ya know, some people think a miracle is this amazing event, like water to wine or the sky openin' up and a voice comin' down. I've always felt kinda fortunate, oh, somewhere in my late teens, when I realized I was just plain different and things most other folks took for granted, just didn't come natural to me. So, to me, miracles, never had to be real fancy; just gettin' by and feelin' good, always struck me as pretty large. And, it only seems larger with age.

Have a nice night.

Best,

jeune

Letter to a Friend

Good Evenin'

Well, it got late and I'm tarred, sure, so I figured I'd just pass on this note I wrote to a friend, just watched "Buck" and enjoyed it quite a lot:

Very Cool, Fernie! Buck's a fine and accomplished horseman; now ya get a sense of the impact, Tom and Ray have had on folks. Buck's got a book he wrote, too, called the Far Away Horses. I enjoyed it quite some.

Another, fine day; wood gatherin' and visitin' ponies. Weather's been just sweet; 50 some degrees, clear and breezy. Also playin' some, with the wood gatherin; pullin' sage and makin' a clearin' in the woods, help the ponies, find a little more grass, just up the hill from camp, where they like ta bed down.

It's kinda nutty, but the ponies get a kick outta watchin' me "graze" with 'em and somehow 'er other, it's just fun, cleanin' up the dead trees and makin' pretty, fer no (good) reason'.

And, now I got piles a pretty fair firewood, here and there, tucked under trees, with a good umbrella, I can pull from, through the winter. Who knows, maybe there is a rhyme and a reason, to it somewhere.

Might just make this the blog for the night. Tarred! Thanks so much for the note. And, ya, life is good.

Best,

jeune

P.S. Thing about Tom and Ray, and Bill, Tom's brother, Buck spent quite some time with him, they were not only great horsemen, but they were just plain good people. So, they not only helped a lot a folks with their horse, I really believe they helped a LOT of "horses with their people"; really changed peoples lives, with their honesty and commitment. Then ya consider that everyone a them, Tom, Ray and Bill, said, "everything I learned, I learned from the horse!". Horse oughta get some credit too, no? Think of all the people on the planet, kids special, whose lives have , really been saved, by the good nature of the horse. So, it's really quite a story and, a course, follow it all the way back to the beginnin' and we can't help but thank the one, made us all, put the good in there, hopin' we'd find it one day.

The Compass

Good Evenin'

Well, a little discombobulated, today; this time a year is always a little rough, as I don't handle sugar very well and everybody's passin' it around.

Never the less, I did wake up this mornin' and that's a start. I think I was musin' on my young friend, so kindly offered to take a look at my book, maybe help me promote it. Anyway, it occurred to me how odd we must seem to the younger set; I remember Mr. Gibran, in "The Prophet", sayin', " don't even try to understand your kids; they were born for tomorrow.". And, I suppose the opposite is just as true.

The "up side" is this, best I can figure, with age I am beginnin' to understand that I am, what I am and it's very likely, just what the creator had in mind, in order to best fulfill my role, whatever that is. I guess you could say, it's a kind of detachment, born of a growing awareness of how little I know. If, in fact, I understand very little, no sense judging and gettin' all wound up about the "shoulds", when I really don't have a clue.

So, then where's the compass? I believe it's happiness. And, for an old geezer, I'd have to say, I'm a very happy and fortunate one.

Have a nice night.

Best,

Whataday

Good Evenin'

Boy, what a day! "A", number one just a peach of a fall day. Almost sixty degrees, nary a cloud in the sky and quiet as a lamb.

I had ta make a run, go pay my phone bill and everybody in town was there at the post office; musta been half a dozen of us. And, everybody seemed ta be in the best mood. On top a that, I got a box a cookies in the mail from some ranch/horse friends up north and we all got sugarred up. So, when I finally left the post office and figured I'd swing by the tradin' post, low on dog food, it was no surprise find the same, same. Everybody, musta had spring fever, pretty as it was.

Anyway, then I got home and all kinda folk, were sendin' me comments and messages, all of the happiest nature. So, I don't even know if it was the weather; some a these folk, come from all over the place. All I can figure is it musta been one a those "astro logical" things.

Quite a day. And, always good ta get home and pick up where I left off; feedin' horses, gatherin' wood and just enjoyin' life, middle a nowhere, New Mexico.

Have a nice night.

Best,

Showin' Up

Good Evenin'

It's a "chilly juan" this evenin'! But, we're headin' for the solstice and that's what happens.

A little more muckin' and a little more gatherin'; sunny day, but breezy and cool. Let the boys out for a spell, this after. They sure are pleased, be able to strut around, front a the bunch, steada peerin' out sidewards from behind the barn. But, I suppose, if I were as handsome as them, I do a little struttin' myself.

Listened to the "bioneers" this mornin', wednesday on public radio. They always interview a lot a native elders, talk about our relationship to the earth. It's real nice, listen to their wisdom and how they work things out in their communities. This one fella mentioned they were havin' an election and it got real negative. So, the elders called it off, said "we're gonna start over!". Came up with some new guidelines. Whoever could find the most good in the other candidates, would be the winner. Sure made me chuckle.

Same fella, also mentioned, how they deal with trouble makers. Seems all the men in town get together and make a big type a sauna; maybe somethin' like a bonfire, so they all get naked and sit around swettin' and tellin' stories, generally related to the kinda trouble been stirred up, but never get specific, so no one gets singled out, or feels humiliated.

Thought about my mentor, Ray, Tom too, both, often, talked about preservin' the spirit of the horse. Talked about it, just as important as the horses very life. Interestin' how wisdom keeps comin' round.

Have a nice night.

Best,

Just Horsin'

Good Evenin'

Well, pretty nice day. Not quite as warm as they said, but pretty fair. And, with a little shovelin' and wood gatherin', warm the mule, just fine.

Woke up this mornin' thinkin' about the book. I'd sent my last promo copy to a very sweet friend, had volunteered ta help me promote it. It was just about time she shoulda received it and I was wonderin' what part she mighta liked best.

Kinda fun, really, as it caught me right in the early mornin, as I was comin' out a the dream time and in to the wake time, when in inspiration always seems so generous. And, in the process, I kinda got ta see the whole book from a slightly different angle.

Got into a friendly discussion with another friend, about whether a writer can ever appreciate what they wrote. Well, I'm still not convinced I'm a writer and much as the whole thing seems like a gift to me, I reckin' I can appreciate it just as much as anyone; maybe even more, in some respect, 'cause I know it wasn't really me, that wrote it.

Anyway, kinda like workin' horses, ya just do yer best, see if you can build a bridge and if ya manage, then ya just try, send some "I love you", back and forth; "wanta dance?".

Have a nice night.

Best,

Gifts

Good Evenin'

And humble a pologies; I suppose I been caught up with winter comin' and firewood gatherin'. Dark comes early and soon as I eat, generally, I'm a goner.

And, I might a mentioned that I'm in a bit of a quandry; so focused on the book thing, this past year, and now, with it kinda on "automatic" for a while, I'm kinda tryin' to re-discover my orientation and direction. Kinda neat, truly; kinda like a new beginnin'. It's changed me. Time has past. I'm older. All kinda a variables ta sort out, add up, add my prayer and see what "gives".

And, if I've learned anything, over the years, it's not ta "think" it too hard, but more ta listen, trust and wait. I was tellin' a friend, recent, " ya kinda get used ta meaning, maybe like a sense a great value. And, more ya do, more ya have ta admit, it's a gift. So, you look and listen and wait for the Giver."

Have a nice night.

Best,

Weather or Not

Good Evenin',

Well, kinda similar today, fresh and gray, only the wind was up for this one. Hard ta tell if it was gonna let loose and precip, or break up and sun. I was thinkin' this afternoon, how nice it is that the weather doesn't give a flip what the weatherman said. Could be kind of a personal thing; I tried so hard to fulfill all the "prophecies" of my parents and teachers and friends, when I finally woke up and realized I wasn't pleasin' anyone and most important "me", I guess I broke out with a vengence, find out who "I" was. So, the weather doin' just what it has to, weatherman, not withstanding, just makes me smile; "ya, thank you! Those little people in those little boxes, those little voices, it's just noise; be what you must! It's far more beautiful than all the "shoulds" on earth!
Have a nice night.

Best

P.S. Above, Anda Lucia, "Queen of the San Juans".

A Fine Day

Good Evenin'

Well, back side to the fire. Late and "tarred". But, all in all, a fine day. One a those super quiet gray days, when the weather's decidin' if it feels like precipitatin'. I suppose, extra quiet, for veterans day; oil field, not quite so busy.

Mostly, caught up on some correspondence, hung with the ponies and gathered wood. Let the boys out for a romp and romp they did; sure is good, get 'em out now and then. Only reason I don't let 'em out everyday, I'm hopin' not tear up the grass too bad, so they still got a little pasture, come spring.

But, ya, a fine day; simple and quiet. So good, get out and just be, stead a all this "co-municatin' and wranglin'" on the book stuff. But, could be worse and it's my best shot, keepin' the ponies fed, with me gettin' older; bottom line.

Have a nice night.

Best,
jeune

There's Always a Balance

Good Evenin'

Well, I been missed and remissed! Got caught up with firewood and winterizin', feedin' ponies and trimmin' hooves. Made a grocery run and spent some time with the neighbor's horse yesterday. And, days are gettin' shorter. Then a course there's fences and hunters and postin'.

Anyway, I think it's the full moon, tonight. I was comin' back from the west side just after sun down and, here it comes; one a those huge orange moons, justa hangin' over "the keys". That's the divide, just east of us, maybe 10 miles.

Otherwise, the books movin' along, kinda in a slow spot, but movin' and I reckin' part a me's kinda figurin', what's next. Tryin' ta keep a balance, 'tween the day ta day, the short term and the long. Mostly, prayin', just ta stay "in my game" and see what unfolds; trust.

But, it is a challenge; ya don't wanta be too sure and miss yer try and ya don't wanta be tryin' so hard, ya go right past a turn off. Prayer's a good thing, even if it's just ta remind me, all the help I do need.

Anyway, I think I am tired, again.

Have a good night.

Best
jeune

Old Mr. Hunt

Good Mornin'

Well, might have ta adjust again; last two nights, thinkin' I oughta post a story, 'bout as far as I got, 'fore I realized I was way too tired.

Anyway, a couple a snowy, socked in days, give way to a clear frosty, full sunlight mornin'. Did get the tent wrapped up fer winter and, for a change, got my last load a laundry, outta the tub, 'fore it froze solid and sat there 'till spring, like most winters.

Off ta the tradin' post pick up some beans and one more visit, see my big black horse over to the neighbors, for they're back. I'd been thinkin' about that "confidence" question and how it helps the horse and rememberin' a story 'bout Ray. A young woman had writ a story 'bout an encounter she had with Ray, at a clinic, where she was kinda strugglin' try ta get somethin' right with her horse. Ray came up and said, "Debbie ( I think her name was) there's somethin' ya need to remember", she stopped, waitin' for some really technical detail she might have overlooked, and Ray just smiled and said, "it'll all work out!".

He did have a way a comin' up with the simplest things, make a big difference.

Have a great day.

Best,

Nothin'

Good Evenin'

Well, it's later than we think! But, I better not get started on time changes and politicians, can't leave anything alone! Ok, just one little joke: my new slogan, " if it ain't broke, they'll fix it!".

Well, tarnation, now they wanta close our post office! They can afford the salary for fancy folk, drive all the way up here from Arizona, in their fancy cars, all dolled up in their fancy clothes and give a whole bunch a fancy reasons, why we can't keep our post office, but they can't afford the post office! This is what politicans do; pay themselves so well, ain't no money left do anything else, 'cept save up for their re-election campaign! See, I never should a said a word.

Anyway, on ta bigger and brighter topics, like horses. Got ta go back and see the neighbors horse, again. This'd be the one with the confidence issue. I'd been thinking about what I could do, help him out some, where he's got so many mixed and confusing messages, from his owner and "trainers", none of which seem to have understood, maybe for good reason, a) that every horse is different, generally good and full a "want to" and b) that whatever ya do, ya got ta do it with confidence.

People quess, stead a just payin' attention to the horse in fronta them. When ya guess, yer gonna get nervous. The horse'll get nervous. It's really pretty simple.

Anyway, trimmed his front feet, per request, then moved him around, workin' on "feel"; gait and direction, drawin' him in, movin' him off the other way. Here to, I could tell, folks had been clumsy and heavy handed, by the way he'd disconnect and respond outta fear, stead a "feel. Anyway, I just kept tellin' him it was ok and tryin' again. When he'd settled down some, I put the lead rope on and lead him over to the rail for some figure eights and some leanin' and leg rubbin'. Again, waitin' for some "let down", then I tried my best consideration for helpin' him relax and forget all his doubts about "doin anything right", I just slid on real casual, lay forward, put my arms around his neck and just rubbed on his shoulders, not askin' for anything more; sure 'nough, four or five minutes, he just dropped his head and started lickin' his lips.

Maybe, we'll just work on "nothin'" for a while, then see if we can't build on that; nice and easy, same "feel".

Have a nice night.

Best,
jeune

Seasons

Good Evenin'

Well, just when I completely give up on the weatherman, he went and got somethin' right. Blew all night; woke up this mornin' with an inch a fresh snow. Oh, well! Did manage ta get the sidin' up and with my new beddin', sort of, slept like a bear.

Went and checked my wood piles, out yonder, and they faired pretty well. Brought in a couple a loads, mildly damp, but it's burnin' nice and hot.

Pretty simple day, I guess. Kinda interestin' how the same seasons come round every year, but each one manages ta come up with somethin' a little different, every year. Then, a course, we're changin' too. I been noticin' how I'm really appreciatin' the onset a winter, this year, what with the book and all, way more society than I'm used to. So, where that's kinda on pause, waitin' for some technical attention, and winter comin' on, I'm catchin' a hint a solitude on the wind.

I think it has somethin' ta do with "grace" or "magic". I've never had much of a knack fer plannin', but seems ta me if I get real quiet and ask fer direction, somethin' amazin' always turns up. So, I'm hopin' this winter's like that; a chance to get quiet, remember the tenuous nature of my life, take stock, feel thanks and invite the magic, show me how to live it well.

Ain't it neat; I don't care who y'are, ask just about anyone, private, where there's no one else to impress, and just about everyone'll admit, " it ain't the quantity, years that we live, but the quality, makes all the difference!".

So, this winter shapes up, where I get a little more quiet time/prayer time, I do believe, assistance, instruction, along those lines is first class request; that I might keep growin', like the Navajo say, in that "beautiful living".

Have a nice night.

Best,