I think this is what happens when I read to many westerns

The gate slowly creaked open, and the jingle of spurs entered the corral. A tall young, bowlegged cowboy strode across the corral towards the waiting horse. He stood there for a moment contemplating the animal, while absentmindedly smoking a cigarette. The cowboy snugged his worn out Stetson down on his head, and took a final drag from his cigarette and tossed it off, as he stuck a worn out boot in the stirrup and put a hand on the reins.

“I’m a darn fool,” he thought to himself, as he swung up on the beast, exhaling plumes of tobacco smoke around his head. For a brief moment, he thought nothing was going to happen. Then the tough old mustang began to shake and tremor all over. Hernando sighed deeply, and gripped his legs tighter around the horse.

The horse seemed to sky rocket into the air, and came back down to earth with a bone jarring thud. Up and down, pitching and twisting, the beast raised hell for a few more leaps, and then the cowboy found himself suspended in mid air, with nothing below him. Reality kicked in for Hernando when he slammed into the poles of the fence with a sickening crash.

He got up slowly from the ground, brushing the dirt and grime from his chaps and reaching out for his hat, while swearing under his breath in Spanish. As he placed the Stetson firmly back on his head, he glanced across the corral at the old mustang. It stood there contemptuously watching the cowboy, stomping its foot and snorting loudly. Raucous laughter echoed across the arena, and Hernando glanced back over his shoulder to see Shorty nimbly climbing up the fence to take a seat.

“Boy when you gonna’ learn how to straddle a hoss’ like a real man,” he taunted in a deep Southern drawl.

“Well if it is so easy, why don’t you get off the fence and ride the animal yourself,” Hernando retorted with great irritation.

“Naw, it is more enjoyable, if I seat right here and watch you make a fool of yourself,” was Shorty’s reply as he lackadaisically rolled himself a smoke.

By this time Hernando, had managed to catch the mustang again, and was talking soothingly too as it as he tightened the cinch. Gritting his teeth, he stuck his worn out boot back into the stirrup and swung into the saddle again. As the horse began to shake again he dug his spurs into his side and hung on for dear life. Up and down, left and right, he pitched with all his might, but the mustang could not throw the cowboy. Slowly the fight began to leave him and the bucking lessened up.

Hernando loped the horse over to the fence where Shorty was sitting in total shock, and said, “Well, I reckon it’s your turn.” He swung down off the horse handed the reins to Shorty, and began to roll a cigarette.

Donald Duck

Just a few minutes ago, I received a phone call from my dear Uncle Don. When Uncle Don calls it always makes my day, in fact he is in my opinion the coolest Uncle I have, on my mom's side of the family. Uncle Don is a quirky fellow, but in truth I often think that I would like to be just like him. Anyway we had a most delightful conversation, and he said I don't keep up with this blog. So this is for you Uncle Don. I am in Houston, chilling at my friends house, doing absolutely nothing. I enjoyed your phone call and hope I can come to see your house at the end of the summer. There you go Uncle Don. Remember you are the coolest.

Camp Wyldewood Wranglers

This is what I helped do this week.

Regenerating Rains

Rain is a powerful force. It can reak havoc and destruction on the world, and yet at the same time prepare for the growth of new life. Rain is a part of the natural healing cycle provided by God's hand. Tonight it is raining in Searcy. As I sat inside Midnight Oil, I longed to go outside and stand, head thrown back and arms held high, in the midst of the torrents of rain as they drove towards the hardened ground. To have the reckoning force of the storm sweep away all that is within me and prepare me for something new. A new growth, that is what my life needs. It is as if I were a plot of soil, over farmed with no nutrients left in me, and I need the rain to flow over me washing away the old and restoring health to my body and soul.

What is waiting for you around the bend?

From Up Above

Have you ever stood up in a high place and looked out over the land? From this height, you can see all that is in front of you and all that is behind you. The new year is just a day away and we are all at this point. Each one of us can look back on the past year and look forward to the new year. As you look back there are regrets and there are happy memories, but what will the next year be like? It may be painful, it may be exhilarating, it may be the same as last year, all we can do is venture down from our high spot and live life to the fullest. If we don't we will never grow but simply fade away into the past. Happy travels and happy New Years.

The Will to Live

Recently I have discovered that I really enjoy being alone. I often find myself just walking, with no goal in mind just meandering along the paths at Harding, and the streets of Searcy. Last night was one of those lonely nights, as I left bible study, I found myself walking down the back streets of Searcy in the dark. My gaze was soon drawn to the sky, where the stars glimmered down upon me. The air was cool and crisp and it left me with a feeling of rejuvenation, after a hard and confusing week. As I strolled along I listened to the title track from Ben Harper's album, The Will to Live. Because I often find myself pondering my purpose here on earth, the songs lyrics struck a deep chord in my soul.

I met a girl whose heart
was on the right hand side
and upon the left
an angel did reside
they told her mother
that she never would survive
but she kept the rhythm
and is still alive

We must all have
the will to live
you got to have
the will to live

Then I met a man
who had to walk with his hands
born into a world
he couldn't stand
blessed with life
but cursed as a man
still he walks taller
than most of us can

We must all have
the will to live
you got to have
the will to live

Some are born with more
and some born with less
so don't take for granted
the life we've been blessed
it's hard to understand
that we're only a guest
and each one of us
shall be put to life's test

We must all have
the will to live
you got to have
the will to live

As these lyrics passed through my brain, I realized how fortunate and blessed my life has been. I came to an understanding that the trials that I face in life, are small compared to many of those in this world. A feeling of serenity came over my body, and I lifted my eyes up to the heavens and looked upon the stars in peaceful meditation. I know that my purpose in life will come to me someday, but until then I will just keep on living. Do you have the will to live?