Art

Good Mornin'

Well, it is a bit cooler and the clouds are gatherin' but no rain. There is a nice flow from the south and it is hazy; keep our fingers crossed.

Rememberin' one of old Tom's favorite sayin's yesterday; "observe, remember and compare". Laughin' with a friend, on how, so many folks have come along and got so accomplished, brought horsemanship to a whole another level and how, likely, I'm better fit for "special ed"; ya know the kids that aren't pickin' up, like the others and might need more attention. I can't get passed the observe part.

Good news, similar conversation with another friend, if learnin' is my passion, I got no worries; what ever I do, no matter how "slow", I'm bound ta learn. And, there my deep affection for old Tom and another of my favorite stories; someone once asked Tom how come he'd so seldom take money for workin' horses, his reply, "if they ain't payin' me, they can't fire me!".

Have a great day!

Best,

jeune

P.S. Thanks to Judy Reynolds for the photo.

Even Crows Know Draft

Good Mornin'

Well, it's milder and there was a show of clouds, here and there, off in the distance, some wind, but no rain.

Guess, I'm takin' this time, these days, like the famous, "window of opportunity"; make hay while the sun shines, etc. I just found it so inspirin', see my heart teacher, there, those weeks back, rather than do too much, I'm more inclined to take advantage of the quiet, "lonely time", and the pull, ask for elevation. I know it's real and with elevation vision improves. When you can see, doin' gets easier and more meanin' full. It's really a simple propositon and maybe, it's a function of age; more you understand the value of time, more you want to make it count.

So, I'm makin' some efforts, spend time with the boys, work on the fencin', visit with "the bunch", but largely, climbin'. It's so real. It makes all the sense and every day I feel more clear; there is meaning and it means everything.

Have a great day!

Best,
jeune

Movin' Forward

Good Mornin'

Yup, behind again. "Hurrier I go, behinder I get", as the sayin' goes. More thunder, lots a lightin', no rain. Haul another tank.

Did make a little progress on the boys run; got my system lined out any way. See if my t-post corners are up to the task. Seems they might work, one season, if I brace 'em just right.

Played with Julio, on toward dark; been distracted, catchin' up (still) from my pilgrimmage and debatin' this question of movin' to another ranch, where they want me ta watch their house and cows, while they're gone.

Kinda nice, I can feel a change comin' with the boys; time I might ask a little more. See how they react. So far, Julio seems like he might be willin' give it a go. I'm steppin' up the question by relaxin' some; presumin' just a little, he is ready, see if he buys it.
Movin' with and around a little more casual, "pretendin'" he's an old broke horse and nothin' would bother him.

Sometimes, it's a little like kids, when they're young; maybe somethin' happens and they look at you, see if it was serious. It's a fine line; you do care and ya don't want 'em ta suffer, but sometimes just yer consideration, "didn't look serious", and they're willin' ta let it go. Move on, always ready, help 'em if it is.

Have a great day!

Best,
jeune

Flies and Hunters

Good mornin'

More showers, mostly thunder and lightnin'; haul another tub for the wild bunch. Haven't seen 'em in two or three days, maybe more; flies, I reckon'. They probably up in the woods, gettin' away from the flies and mosquitoes, cropped up with the rain.

See, if I can't get after that run for the boys, get them some grass, 'fore the wild bunch comes back in with the hunters showin' up and all.

Have a great day!

Best,
jeune

Pause fer Thought

Good Mornin',

Few more showers and the grass is greenin'; tanks are gettin' mushy, but, save one 12 inch puddle, in one tank, nothin' to write home for.

And, this cowboy, sure could use an overhaul; seems the smallest event, like 250 bales a hay and it takes him a week, get back on track. Might have ta reconsider some a my lesser habits, I developed, livin' out here; paddin' the edges with caffeine and nicotine. That'd be a good thing.

Have a great day!

Best,
jeune

Shy a Little Starch

Good Afternoon,

Yes, it is. Just had time fer coffee yesterday, when the hay wagon showed up; 250 bales later, a wee bowl a instant oatmeal and young Brandon Johnson, my camera friend from the book, pulled up to the gate. Two years since we had a chance ta visit.

And, visit we did; dark 'fore he pulled out and 'tween conversations and pictures, we'd hiked most up to the north end, try to find the horses, and back. Well, I was so tuckered, time he left, I made it far as the fridge, found 1/2 a can a beans, a piece a cheese and an oatmeal cookie, called it good enough!

So, this is why it's afternoon and I'm just gettin' round to "good mornin'".

Have a great day!

Best,
jeune

Time Flies

Good Mornin'

Well, almost afternoon, truthful. Another fair shower, last night; ain't got out to check the ponds. And, yup, I'm behind fer all my bridge buildin'; see if I can get this show on the road. But, the critters are fed and final, the cowboy.

And, winters, just around the corner; might not seems so, August. But, a week or two and huntin's afoot; hop, skip and a jump and there'll be turkey on the table and a fire in the stove.

Got a load a hay comin', tomorrow; see if I can't give the barn a lick and a promise, for the truck pulls in. And, god willin', it won't rain tonight, sure hope the clouds ain't listenin', otherwise that trailer'll bury the hubs right in front and we'll be packin' 'fore we're stackin'. Oh, well, a bad day stackin' hay, beats a good day at the office!

Have a great one!

Best,
jeune

Perseverance Furthers

Good Mornin'

Well, back to thunder and lightin' off in the distance; ponds are muddy with a few puddles, but we get another and they just might start ta fill.

Made a nice connection with some folks from South Dakota; kinda miraculous. Might have ta go visit; horse lovers and community advocates. See what happens.

Otherwise, gotta clean up, shape up, catch up with my ponies; kinda hopin' they'll be patient with me. Hopefully, some a this'll shape up and we'll all get to spend more time together; to borrow Uncle Albert's expression, "expand our circle of compassion!".

Have a great day!

Best,
jeune

Kindness

Good Mornin'

Well, it rained; not a real gully washer like the monsoon's, but a good rain. Couple a hours, just before dark and then it picked up again, probably midnight and kept at it, quite some; can't wait ta see if the tanks, ponds, soaked it all up, or actually filled some. Probably shouldn't get too excited, some a the cracks, develop when it's that dry, look like they mighta gone clear to China.

Otherwise, cleaned out the wood stove, check fer mice, and fired it up, last night; come off quite cool with all that rain. Helps dry out the canvas too. Made a good pot a rice and beans. Slept pretty good, though it was one a those "long conversation" nights. Often times, when I'm puzzlin' on what I could do, make a difference, sleep's fit with conversation; back and forth, possibilities, apparent realities, options, factors. Quite amazin'; kindness and all the ways it shows up, given a chance.

Have a great day!

Best,
jeune

Impress Who?

Good Mornin',

Cloudy day. Rain here and there, off yonder; cooler temps, that's for sure and even without the water, that's a blessin' of sorts.

And, we made it ta Saturday. Funny, how it's just another day, but often there's a sense, that somehow "we made it"; like another island, in a great ocean we must cross. But, either way, out here in the oilfields, just a little quieter and this mornin', somehow, way quiet. Sometimes, it feels like a meal; some kinda nutrition, ya just wanta soak up. Maybe, just a sense, that no one's about and ya got no 'cause "put on yer makeup"; no one to impress. And, maybe that's where I get the sense a nutrition; sometimes, growin' up we're taught how important it is, "make a good impression". And, sometimes, it becomes such an obsession, we forget what we are, "impressions" be damned. So, maybe with the quiet I relax and just enjoy what I am, that I am, all the measurin' tapes packed up for another day. I mean, who my goin' to impress; the horses, the creator? That'd be a chore; if He/She already knows everything, exactly what kind of "impression". am I like ta "fabricate"?

Have a good one!

Best,
jeune

Showers

Good Mornin'

Well, storms come in every which way, and it did rain for an hour or so, gentle. Every little bit helps, but a whole different way a doin' things; no doubt about it.

And, come ta think of it, I could see a parallel in my own life. There's an old chineses fella, practiced a certain kinda exercise; supposed ta have a very beneficial impact on yer health and well bein'. He once said,"I was blessed with poor health; I had no choice but to practice.". Maybe, in my life it's kinda similar; whatever reason, I grew up so curious, there just wasn't much doubt, me needin' miracles in my life. And now, gettin' older, maybe I'm startin' ta see, it's not the big downpour ones that matter the most; gettin' way off track and countin' on a thunder bolt straighten me out. But, the little regular, almost invisible ones, I need everyday; not so dramatic, but just as miraculous.

Have a great day!

Best,

jeune

Knowin' When

Good Mornin'

Fine turn of the seasons; just a wee bit cooler, a few lingering clouds to the east, hint of the moisture, rain that fell nearby. Same pattern, unfortunately, afternoon; storms, black clouds, wind and rain, but none save a sprinkle, makin' it here.

Got to say, it is amazin', though; on goin' conversation, born of the weather's conviction, things must be done, just so. Been like that, all my life; always admired them that had a certain understanding and stuck to it. No doubt, compromise is vital, in some situations, but sometimes, clarity stands all alone and god bless them, got the courage stand with it when they know it. Fascinatin' question, no?

Have a great day!

Best,

jeune

Takin' Stock

Good Mornin',

Well, it ain't rainin' but everythings, wanin'; full moon and summer, the exhaustion from my escapade west and back. And, they say there's a chance of heavy rain, today. See what happens.

Otherwise, just feelin' grateful for my life with the horses. As always, I suppose there's a tendancy, think "I did it!", and to some extent, that might be true. But, often times, after the fact, it occurs to me, "ya know, there's somethin' so good about things, contrary to all likelihood, it's just possible, this wasn't all my idea; at least, a mix of my idea and some greater kindness, if not, all together, the hand of a greater kindness, simply movin' me over, takin' the reins and steerin' this old coach toward a sweet valley, I could never have imagined.". It's humbling, no?

I was talkin' to a friend the other day, considerin' how amazin' it is, that, after all these years, contemplatin' the creator and how things work, the notion that I could be loved, is only, just beginnin' to dawn on me. And, seems to me, double so, amazin', considerin' all the attitude, not all good, I started out with. Kinda like the Creator worked a long hard row, just ta get me where he could find somethin' ta love. Then pretends, it was always so. That's a stretch of divine proportion, near as I can tell.

Just maybe, I could take a little bit of that kinda patience and persistance with me, down the road; least I could do. Least I could do.

Have a great day!

Best,
jeune

The Prophet

Good Mornin'

More sun; no rain. Still draggin' my wagon.

I was remembering a joke yesterday, about a turtle family, decided to go for a picnic. They packed up a nice basket and headed out. It took them a day, reach the spot they had decided upon, down by the lake. When they arrived, they began unpacking the basket, only to find they had forgot the can opener, ta open the can a tuna. They all looked at each other and scratched their heads. Finally, the pop said to their son, "Junior, would you go back and get it?". Junior protested that they might start without him and he'd miss the picnic. The pop assured him they would wait and reluctantly, Junior headed home. They waited and waited; one day passed. They figured he'd be home. The second day passed and no Junior. They wondered if all was well, but figured he mighta got distracted and surely would arrive, shortly. A third day passed and now they were worried and hungry. They figured they better go look for Junior, but they really should eat something, 'fore they set out. They looked at the can a tuna and figured, "well, it will be messy, but if we put the can on a rock under the ledge, and push another rock off the ledge, we could break it open, eat the scraps and then start back.". They proceeded to execute the plan and it did work. Then, just as they were fixin' ta eat the scraps, Junior came out from behind a nearby tree, yelling, "see, see, I knew you wouldn't wait for me!".

Have a great day!

Best,
jeune

Crops

Good Mornin'

Well, the seasons march on. Fascinatin' ta watch things unfold these days, inside and out. But, the weather's so different, it's like readin' a brand new book, or maybe I'm just payin' more attention to an old one, I used to take for granted. That happens, too, I think. Ya start ta get older and maybe ya start ta realize that things ya never thought much about are really important and they're talkin' to you!

Maybe, that's one part of what I liked so much about that piece, yesterday, about Custer; the gentle inuendo that Custer was perfectly comfortable with "his" monologue about war, but couldn't tolerate the possibility of a dialogue. To kill, or be killed does represent a certain strange simplicity; to live and love, I suppose, might require real effort and some humility, that "yes, I do need help!". And, from every quarter, within and without.

Just the other day, I was thinkin' about my mustang boys and how, seems to me, they kinda got their minds blown; pulled outta the forest, where they'd lived with their wild horse ancestors, some hundreds a years. My horse teacher used ta call it "overexposed"; too much, too quick. The forest service pens, people, yellin' and screamin', bangin' and slammin', squeeze chutes and brandin'; too much! Some years now, I've just been waitin'; lovin', brushin', feedin', playin' simple games. 'Till and unless, they consider, that was a bad dream and life could be harmonious, again, there's only so much we can share, safely.

Maybe, someday, "careful", will take on new meaning for us, like the weather; could be important and it could be talkin' to us. And, round it comes; if we aren't careful, we can dash the hope that allows us to listen; that there's anything worth listening to.

Have a great day!

Best,

jeune

Sunday

Good Afternoon,

Practically, evening! Sure am havin' trouble gettin' my feet back under me, since my adventure in "public Transportation". Completely changed my life, on the Heart side, but sure took a bite on the Body side. Tellin' someone the other day, "feel like I was roped and drug!". Oh, well, the things we do for Love.

And, truthfully, I might not mind so much, but the poor ponies wonderin' what's got into me; daylight comes and goes and I barely make it out and back, throw a flake. Try another walk this evening, see the wild bunch, give 'em a scratch. Like an old lawn mower, I suppose, sooner or later, it'll fire. Patience.

Anyway, absent the content on my end, I'll promote another fella I run across this mornin' and one fantastic piece he put together:

<http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php?date=2011/08/14>

Have a nice evenin'.

Best,
jeune

Super Vision

Good Mornin'

Well, warm and dry; hotter than usual. Still got a nice breeze; sure can't complain. Is the first summer I remember, though, every one of our ponds are dry and in theory we're past the monsoons. Could be a long dry fall. Then, again it could pour tomorrow. See what happens.

Slowly, gettin' up and around. Walked out ta find the wild bunch last night and did spot 'em way out yonder. Didn't push on out, but just ta see 'em worth the trip. Try and drive out today, give 'em a scratch and check their feet.

I suppose, I'm kinda waitin' for my life. There's an old story 'bout native folk from the south, how, when they had to travel, they'd stop now and then, wait for the spirit to catch up. Always liked that story, 'cause it made so much sense to me. Some folks seem to be able to "decide" this or that and push on, no matter what. And, I tried, real hard to pretend I was the same, but pretty young, I had to admit, "it really didn't work for me!"; disaster after disaster.

So, anymore, I wait for life. I know, if that's with me, if that's settin' the tone, the pace and the direction, it'll work; no matter how long the odds.

Have a great day!

Best,


P.S. Have to include a joke here in honor of a dear friend and "foster parent" who recently passed on, August 12, 2011; Chief Clair Chesley.

I'm was told, when Barbara and Clair were newly wed, Barbara asked Clair, one morning if he'd like one egg or two. Clair's response, "one egg is an-ouef!"

Thanks, Chief, for sprinkling my youth, with some of the best-worst jokes in the entire universe.

jeune

Super Natural

Good Mornin'

Well, another small shower; no gully washer. Could be worse, but it sure ain't anything like normal.

Pretty simple day; more rest. That trip to L.A., sure took the starch outta me. Pretty much 60 hours of busses, trains and taxis, with nothin' but cat naps, sprinkled on top. Two fair nights, in the lap of luxury; old friends rollin' out the red carpet, like I was royalty. No accoutin' for taste, as some say; shabby old cowboy in a big feather bed. First eyeful a the effort they'd made, I figured I might have to sleep on the floor; that room was just too beautiful. Stayed with my "foster family"; our "foster dad" now passed away, us kids, kids no more, but, love care and kindness, piled high as the roof.

Still and all, sure good ta be back with the horses; ya dogs, too. Somethin' about the critters; no yesterday, no tomorrow, no grand plan. Just now; maybe some grass, maybe some water and what we can share, might be fun. Bounce some light, our life, back and forth; feel the moment and the magic of bein' alive, together. So simple; very sweet. I relax; back to work.

Have a great day!

Best,

jeune

Our Bones

Good Mornin'

Well, actually had a thunderstorm come right over the top of us last night. Lots of thunder, a little bit of rain; keep our fingers crossed.

Still whooped from the road; reeling a little, body and soul. But, every mornin', a little more steady and opto-mistic! I guess I'm one a those people, there's virtually no gap 'tween my sense of rest and good attitude; kinda like a kid, where they might seem ta be pure discontent, but really they just need a nap.

Got ta play with the mustang boys last night; a little exercise and a good brush. Sure would like ta take them a little further; get 'em used to a workin' schedule, challenge their assumptions, just a little. A lot of time, so far, just lettin' 'em be; forget some of the shock, pulled outta the forest, like they were. Sometimes, I think we don't begin ta understand how strong and deep culture lives in our bones, casually supposing we can separate a creature from everything they and their ancestors have lived for hundreds of years, then wonderin' howcome they seem uncomfortable or disoriented.

See what happens; try ta balance the fencin' and the horse work.

Have a great day!

Best,


jeune

Cowboy Trail

Good Mornin'

Well, back in the saddle, maybe.
Made a run to Los Angeles; God knows how they came up with a name like that. But, when they did, ya gotta figure it was a different time and place and, testament, I suppose, to hope.

And, I gotta say, gravitatin' toward the simple folk, as I am inclined, I did meet some sweet people. The jist of the journey was a chance to see my heart teacher; 40th anniversary of our journey together. And, it was sweet; fundamental theme, seems ta me, the difference 'tween ideas and beliefs and reality, sprinkled with fantastic humor. Outstanding among examples, a toilet in Japan that plays music; lots of bass tones, I suppose. Secondarily, I figured, a chance to talk up my book a little, least 'mong my friends; get some feed back.

Similar good news on that front; great response and many offers of support, pre-orders and some, flat out donations, just ta see it go forward. Quite humbling for a cowboy from the middle a nowhere. I mean this ain't exactly shakespeare:

Breakfast

Can peaches
Can peaches
They're full a corn syrup

It's like ta rot my brain

Can peaches
Can peaches
Oh, what can I do

Ain't much of a livin' in stirrups!


But, the photographer, yup, pictures, is a youngster with world class talent and the critters, horses and dogs, the country side, they sure upgrade the product.

So, all in all, pretty amazin', despite the 60 hours of busses, trains and taxis, for a 48 hour visit. But, friends, people ya meet, conversations, the kindness fillin' in the gaps, seein' the critters, happy, have me back, my heart teacher's eyes and smile, burned inta the memory banks, again; "worth it", don't begin.

It's a brand new day! Have a good one.

Best,

jeune

Good Friends

In an effort, be a good friend, to myself also, I'm gonna take a break from my writin'; let some fresh air pass through the trees. Take a look, next week; see how it feels, where it fits. It's been great fun and thanks to all, came by ta visit.

I'll keep ya appraised a developments!

Best,
jeune