Daddy and the Bear--Wish I had a Picture

Trout Creek Ranch, the adjoining ranch up the valley, needed some help riding fences before bringing cattle down from the upper range, so Daddy went over, saddled up and spent a long day checking and mending fences.  As they headed back to the ranch, they took a break in a little clearing, probably had a few beers, and were discussing life in general.

When out of the forest a black bear appeared, it was a couple of years old. One of the cowboys bet Daddy that he couldn't rope the bear. Daddy, never one to turn down a dare, shook out a loop, roped that bear on the first try.  The bear was shocked, shot up the closest tree with Daddy right behind.  He followed that bear out on a limb--snap the limb broke, the bear tumbled down, Daddy following landed on the bear.  They never could say who was more surprised Daddy or the bear.  Of course, Daddy said, "What else could I do, I had to get my lariat" 

 A good rope is priceless to a cowboy.
It has made for a story retold many times.

In my Little Corner of the World

Did you ever wonder where all the randomness that you read on my blog comes from? Probably not, but I'll show you any way.
This is the corner of my home office where I write and do the computer generation of pictures for my mini-books.  I labeled the wall art that inspires me.  Click on the picture to read the labels.
The rest of the office consists of a comfortable easy chair, floor lamp, and a lot of bookcases.
Now the creative part comes from my brain, but you'll have to trust me that I have one, just haven't been able to get a photograph of it.





1. I wish I had more time to _________?

Read.  I have to put off reading until all the other "important stuff" is done, by then I am ready for bed.

2. What is your favorite kind of soup?

Rustic mushroom soup.

3. Where will you eat Thanksgiving dinner? 

At my youngest daughter's home.

4. What is your favorite time of day?

Sunrise.  I love the beauty and freshness that a new day brings, a chance for a whole new start.

5. Did you start Christmas shopping yet?

I make most of my gifts, and they are ready to be wrapped.  That way no last minute stress.

Mother's Bible

Almost every page of my mother's Bible has verses underlined in red, and many pages have a note in the margin.  She not only read the Bible she lived it.  It was her guidebook.  


When she passed away, she noted that she wanted me to have her Bible.  I Timothy 6:6-7 was bookmarked.  "But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."

Coming Home

This was her guide for living.  Now, she is living in riches beyond imagination.

On Being the Oldest

Several days ago, a friend's blog posed this question--Who is your oldest living relative?  I hadn't really given this much thought before, but upon reflection, I realized that I am the oldest living relative.  For awhile this was a depressing thought--reinforcing my mortality, that my days are numbered, but also realizing that I had no one more experienced to learn life's lessons from.  My mom was always such an inspiration, as was my dad, but they are gone.  I was sad.


Upon further reflection, I realized that maybe being the oldest wasn't so bad.  Growing up I relished being the oldest child.  I was the first to get to try things.   My folks let me do tasks before any of the siblings. I figured that I was so much wiser than all those little brothers and sisters.  So being oldest had its advantages.

Great grand-daughter

Now, being the oldest I have to learn from those younger.  That is challenging.  I have to examine the way they do things and compare it with how I do it.  Often, I find that the old ways are not necessarily the best.  I have to keep thinking young in order to be able to relate to all these youngsters, and in the process I am beginning to think that surely, the calendar is wrong; and I am not that old.

atonementparish.blogspot.com

Being the oldest also carries a big responsibility.  I must be an example of how to endure life's trials.  I must show that maturity is a rewarding experience.  And I must be a guide for those who are traveling along life's bumpy road, a road that I have already traveled.


Today I am thankful for change

Change

is the

Law of life

and those

who look only

to the past

or present

are certain

to miss

the future.

I made this collage several years ago and it hangs in my entrance hallway, but the message is as true today as it was back then.  This is a lesson I need to remember.

Care Bear Keeper

Five years ago, Harmony Care Bear came to visit this little 28 week, 2 pound baby.  She was a fighter. After a couple months in NICU, she came home.


Against all odds she turned out to be a perfectly formed, independent, smart little girl.

Today she is in kindergarten, and was awarded Student of the Month.  Yes, I am a proud, thankful grandma.