While many writers blog about authors and books, I wanted to do something different. Yes, I’ll post a bit of book stuff, but I envision this blog as a place to discuss all things old and dusty. If you’re interested in hands-on history, antique firearms, the American Frontier, the great outdoors, things Western, or stuff that’s a little off center, then I hope you’ll feel at home and join the discussion. I’ll post on an eccentric variety of topics on a weekly basis, and even a few feature articles. Over the years, I’ve found that many of the so-called “amateur historians” are actually more knowledgable than some of the published non-fiction writers. Many of you have areas of specialty, and I hope that my random selections will give you all a chance to show off what you know. Keep it polite. A blog is no place for a gunfight. I’m looking forward to getting to know many of my readers and making some new friends.
BC
Hi Brett,
Thank you for the communication. I am working on a new story to send forth. I really appreciate what you are doing. I have a new four-line post (your approach is especially interesting if you were working a metaphor between a four-strand barb-wire fenceline and the idea of a “four-line post” -- accidental, or on purpose technology and tradition blend -- nicely done!) Anyway, because I do want one of your signed books, I am submitting my latest four-line post and hoping that it or the other one I sent might win. I’ll be in touch soon. I’m seeing, in this challenge, a bit of a Western “Spoon River Anthology” — what could we put on a cowboy’s tombstone? -- — --Tom (T.M.) Eaton.
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“Fat men sold my stock. Hungry farmers bought my land. The bankers danced at the town carnival not knowing that I could have killed them. I rode to Mexico for love and simple living and found what I’d lost.” – Dan Leadfield.
Great. Your story/epitaph reminds me of what rancher and Texas Ranger, Charles Goodnight said about ranching -- that it would be alright if it weren’t for the bankers and lawyers. He also said that being a “big man” in the country often meant owing the bank more money than anybody else (I paraphrase).
WESTERN MINI
My baby was born under the stars. Apache cries mingled with his. The safety of the fort was 100 miles yonder. The End.
Thanks for the opportunity to nwrite Western Mini stories.
-P-
You’re welcome.
Love it. -- BC
Hi Brett….Okay your Great Grandfather was John Franklin. Would Newton Jasper Be his brother? Newton is my Great Great Grandfather. Clark Terrell Cockburn should be father to both men. Then George Cockburn II his father. AM I in the right family tree here?
That’s a different family line you speak of -- distant cousins. My John Franklin was the son of John Wesley and the grandson of Patrick. The Cogburn forum is a better place to discuss genealogy. Post there with your family line and a title that will catch my attention, and I’ll get back to you.
Loved your bear story about your son. Keep up the good parenting. I killed my first “booger” from the back of a very tame paint plow horse at age 7. My life was farm life also and I would not give you a million dollars for my childhood as it was precious.
Thanks, Fran. Sometimes we don’t appreciate our upbringing until a lot of years have passed and those childhood times are long gone.