campfireshadows

At one point in my younger days, I was the foreman of a large 4,000 acre cattle/horse ranch. My wife back then was the ranch house cook feeding up to thirty hands three times a day. Together we raised our 4 kids to trust in the good Lord and be grateful for what he gave us. Eventually though,the day came for us to head off to greener pastures and new adventures where the kids would have advantages that the rural life just can't give...but I never forgot those ranching days. Today when I pass a herd grazing roadside I still unconciously check the fencing for needed repairs and condition of the cattle. In Idaho, I grew up with Sheriff Spud and Hopalong Cassidy with Roy Rogers thrown in for good measure. My hero's were men of trust, stood by their word and always tipped their hats to a Lady. Today I sit with my laptop pounding out Old West stories drawn from memories, day dreams and an imagination that makes me wonder if I was born a hundred years too late. I'm a nobody in the writing world but then Van Gogh wasn't much of an artist either... that is untill he passed on. I hope for myself, I don't have to wait that long! Other than the self pleasure I get from telling tales, I really do hope that after someone reads my stories that they get a new respect for the Old West. I throw in some great tried and true heritage and trail recipes for you to try too. You are always welcome to come and sit by my campfire. Bring some tales of your own, I'd like to hear 'em. JW