Friday, December 28, 2012

December: A Good Month to Cowboy



Stephen Bly (1944-2011)

DECEMBER IS A GOOD MONTH TO COWBOY
Cowboy Poetry
Stephen Bly
Copyright©2001


December is a good month to cowboy,
   if you're fond of the wind, snow and cold.
It ain't that I don't like winter, boys,
   it's just tougher when a man grows old.

Snow whipped down off the Elkhorns,
   drifted the draws and the ridge.
I turned Sage's rump to the mountain
   and plodded our way to the bridge.

With my Carhartt yanked up to my ears,
   and my Resistol screwed down tight,
We pushed them two old stubborn cows
   into the afternoon's fadin' daylight.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Mary, Did You Know?

An excellent video with one of my fav Christmas songs, by Ceelo Green, promo for the upcoming Bible Series .... original music by Mark Lowry & Buddy Green.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Introducing The Texas Tenors

Just heard these guys for the first time tonight on "Fox & Friends" show. Wow! They're country. They're Classic. And a bit of Gospel music too. First discovered on "America's Got Talent!" Here's some sample clips ....

Monday, December 10, 2012

6 Meanings of Immanuel "God With Us"



Stephen Bly in home office
Stephen Bly

Stephen Bly 

Copyright©1996




"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means "God With Us" (Matthew 1:23)

Life can be tough, confusing, scary. But if you have someone to come alongside and go through stuff with you, it's not as bad.



1.) God is not against you. 
     Romans 8:31-34

2.) You are not alone. 
     Hebrews 13:5

3.) You have instant help, if you'll only ask. 
     John 15:16

4.) You are where the action is. 
     Mark 2:45

5.) He is close in tough times. 
     Acts 7:55
6.) Everything will turn out for good in the end. 
     Revelation 21:4

~~~~~~~~~
Check out these links ....
 http://www.blybooks.com/2012/12/five-ways-to-celebrate/#

Thursday, November 29, 2012

5 RESEARCH NUGGETS


Author Stephen Bly
Stephen Bly
Stephen Bly
Copyright ©2008


Writers are gold miners at heart. Any story worth its gems has the sweat of pickax research behind it.

In the historical novel, Cowboy For A Rainy Afternoon, I discovered these jewels of info that played out in the plot ...

1.) Personal experience
Set in 1955, with the narrator as a 10-year-old boy, same as I would have been, I was able to draw on some past knowledge.
Gary Cooper in High Noon
In the story Tex Ritter sang, "Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin'" on a juke box, and I had known all the words since my youth when I saw High Noon multiple times at the theater. But I didn't realize that Gary Cooper, who played Will Cane, was a Montana boy, from Helena.

2.) History of a brand
Part of the story happens in a Woolworth's store, which was a Five & Dime, sort of like a "Dollar Store," only it included a soda fountain/lunch bar, better merchandise, and a friendly clerk behind every counter.

The first Woolworth's store was founded with a loan of $300 in 1878 by Frank Winfield Woolworth. Despite growing to be one of the largest retail chains in the world through most of the 20th Century, increased competition led to its decline, beginning in the 1980s. 

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Author Stephen Bly with horse and chaps
Stephen Bly

Stephen Bly

Copyright©1992  

Robert Jack lived right down the road. He called me Butch and I called him Junior. We discovered we agreed on almost everything ... Dwight David Eisenhower and the New York Yankees, Dodge pickup trucks and quetta nectarines, Coca Cola and International Harvester Tractors, Daisey BB guns and High Noon. But Junior never concurred with me about horses or rodeo. He insisted horses were dumb and useless and that folks who did rodeo were too stubborn and stupid to stay safe and healthy.

But rodeo has taught me important truths.

1.) For some folks, life can seem like an 8-second ride. The secret is holding on until you hear the buzzer.

Some of you are riding bad bulls. A rocky marriage. A job that's wearing you down. No job at all. A strange storm of circumstances. If you let go, you get trampled. But one day when you reach eternity's door, your whole life on earth will seem like an 8-second ride. So, hang on.

Saint Paul said it this way: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Bury Me With My Boots On

Author Stephen Bly photo
Stephen Bly

Stephen Bly

Copyright©1992  

The lady seemed restless, like she wanted to ask me something important. The pastor and his well-dressed wife had met me at the airport and she hadn't had a chance to break into the conversation. As we merged into freeway traffic, she cleared her throat. Pointing to my footware, she blurted out, "You don't wear those when you preach ... do you?"

assorted cowboy bootsNow I suppose in some parts of the country it might seem strange that my heavy shoes have pointed toes, underslung heels and 13" finely stitched quarters. "Yes, ma'am, I wear cowboy boots to the market, the office, the rodeo, to lunch in New York City, and even in the pulpit."

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

3 Ways To Know How Your Stick Floats

Author Stephen Blyby Stephen Bly

A man from Bellevue, Washington wrote to me that he could recall his grandfather always saying, “Well, if that’s the way your stick floats.” He wondered where that came from.

 I wasn’t sure if it was a western-ism, but dug around until I found the source. 

Monday, October 22, 2012

A New Book For Kids: The Song of Pounce

The Song of Pounce, a new book for kids, by Nita Berquist
The Song of Pounce

by Nita Berquist

Here's a new book for kids, written by a friend ... 

Can a really different outsider ever belong?

Life for Pounce is upside down. He is thrown away, cruelly treated; a housecat dishonored by people, chased by wild animals, and faced with strange adventures. 


Friday, October 19, 2012

Western Movies & Women's Wear


Western Movie: Shane starring Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin
Movie: Shane

by Stephen Bly

The main drawback to some western movies is what I call "Shane's Disease." This is a cinematic illness that's non-fatal, but that weakens a tad an otherwise decent movie.


For instance, in a couple different scenes of Tom Selleck's Last Stand at Saber River, Lorraine Kidston (played well by Tracey Needham) wears pants. The movie is set in 1865, Arizona Territory. No lady of any standing would have dreamed of wearing pants.

Thursday, October 04, 2012

TWICE A BRIDE novel by Mona Hodgson


Twice A Bride novel by Mona Hodgson
Twice A Bride by Mona Hodgson

Love lost doesn't mean love lost forever.

Can unexpected romance deliver a second chance
for two deserving widows?

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

AFTER TWO WEBSITE CRASHES ...

Free Download Limited Time Specials Bly Books website
 

After two Bly Books website crashes this last summer,

this site has finally been launched once again.

 

To celebrate, we're offering . . .

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Stephen Bly's Western Movie Take on Shane

Stephen Bly (1944-2011)
Stephen Bly (1944-2011)
by Stephen Bly 
 December 12, 2008



Janet went to the big city of Spokane for a few days to Christmas shop, so I caught up on watching western movies. I pulled out Last Stand at Saber River, a movie I watched once when it came out in 1997 on Turner Cable Television. Turner and AMC have kept the classic western genre alive over the years.

 

Friday, September 21, 2012

Change of Heart, Heart of Courage - Novels by Carmen Peone


From left: authors Carmen Peone, Paty Jeger & Janet Chester Bly at booksigning in Clarkston, WAI had the pleasure of meeting Carmen Peone at a recent booksigning at And Books Too! in Clarkston, Washington. She's at the left of the picture, with author Paty Jeger in the center and myself to the right. 


We also presented our books later that same day at a Cowgirl Rendezvous at Hell's Gate State Park and toured the decorated trailers of the gals of the Sisters On The Fly traveling group. Dinner and cowboy western music followed. Lots of fun. 

Here's some blurbs on Carmen Peone's books . . . .

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Historical Romance Author Paty Jager


From left: authors Carmen Peone, Paty Jeger & Janet Chester Bly

Recently I had the delight of meeting a couple regional writers, Carmen Peone (far left) and Paty Jager (center)  at a booksigning for And Books Too! in Clarkston, Washington, the weekend of the Lewiston, Idaho rodeo. Paty mentioned in her blog about how we also made our own mini writer's conference as the three of us discussed everything from promoting to how we came up with our ideas.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

AUTHOR'S NOTES ON HIS MANUSCRIPT


devotional author Janet Chester Bly and western author Stephen Bly
Janet Chester Bly & Stephen Bly
Reading A Writer's Mind
by Janet Chester Bly
Copyright©2012


Author Stephen Bly, my late husband, wrote commentary to his fans about the books he wrote, even sometimes while he was writing them, as in these sidebar comments he made for Creede of Old Montana. To begin with, this novel was originally titled by him, The Lady Who Lingered Too Long. However, the publisher wanted a more western ring for their Bly customers, rather than an allusion to a romantic story. But this book's still a historical western romance by any other name.

Monday, August 27, 2012

MONA HODGSON'S book trailer for historical romance novel series

Author Mona Hodgson
Mona Hodgson
Today Mona Hodgson, author of the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series, is celebrating the release of her very first series book trailer! 

The final book in this series, Twice a Bride, comes out on October 2, 2012, from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.  

You can join Mona's celebration this week at http://monahodgson.wordpress.com/. "Congratulations on completing this wonderful series, Mona!"


  • Below is the book trailer for Twice A Bride by Mona Hodgson 
  • Tuesday, August 21, 2012

    STUART BRANNON'S FINAL SHOT Book Trailer

    STUART BRANNON'S FINAL SHOT by Stephen Bly, shorter edition without narrator YouTube Book Trailer ... which of these two samples do you like the best and why? STUART BRANNON'S FINAL SHOT by Stephen Bly, longer version with narrator YouTube Book Trailer ...

    Wednesday, August 01, 2012

    WARNING: WATCH FOR FAITH THEFT


    Author Stephen Bly with horse Sundance
    Stephen Bly with Sundance
    Stephen Bly
    Copyright©1993,2010

    I spoke at a conference in a large eastern U.S. city and was driven to the location by a friend. Even though security guards patrolled the parking lot, I discovered that crowbar looking devices had to be bolted across vehicle steering wheels. “To protect from theft,” my friend explained.

    Sunday, July 29, 2012

    WHAT'S YOUR PEACE SYMBOL?

    Peace sign: Peace to all who enter
    by Janet Chester Bly
    Copyright 2008

    In that day the wolf and the lamb will lie down together, and the leopard and goats will be at peace. Calves and fat cattle will be safe among lions, and a little child shall lead them all. Isaiah 11:6

    That's a startling, true picture of what heaven will be like. The New Earth that God has planned for all His children. I can hardly wait.

    Wednesday, July 25, 2012

    HOW'S YOUR HOULIHAN?


    Author Stephen Bly with horse Sundance
    Stephen Bly with Sundance
    Stephen Bly
    Copyright©1993,2010

    I never laid any claim to being a roper, although I do enjoy tossing a loop now and then. One thing you learn right away. . .there are different types of throws to lasso a critter. One of the slickest is what old timers call the houlihan. Most often used when the cowboy worked from the ground, it was a favorite throw on cattle drives for roping the next horse out of the remuda. A quick, accurate throw that doesn’t spook the other horses because they’ll be the next in line to be caught.

    Wednesday, July 11, 2012

    INESCAPABLE, romantic suspense novel by Nancy Mehl

    Author Nancy Mehl
    Set Against the Backdrop of a Small Mennonite Town . . .
    from the Road To Kingdom Series

    Lizzie Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, her family, and her faith with plans never to return. Five years later, Lizzie finds she'll have to run again. False accusations at her job, a stalker, and a string of anonymous threatening letters have left her with no other options. This time, however, her escape is back to Kingdom, her hometown.

    Thursday, July 05, 2012

    7 QUICK TIPS TO WRITE A WESTERN


    Author Stephen Bly
    Stephen Bly
    by Stephen Bly
    Copyright©2008

    The man with the cowboy hat is holding a thesaurus and a dictionary and he tells his friend, "I've got all the words I need for my western. Now I've got to put them in the right order."

    So, you want to be a writer? That's a noble goal, it's true. Jist like big time wrestlin', the urge comes over you, to pen that one immortal line before your life is through and find your name in micro-print in America's Who's Who.

    So, you want to be a writer? Well, pardner, shake my hand. I hope your journey's short and swift to that published Promised Land, where reviews flow in from coast to coast with accolades so grand. And among them literary giants, you're asked to take your stand.

    Manual Underwood Typewriter
    So, you want to be a writer? Well, it don't sound all that tough. I hope you find the contracts big and loaded down with fluff. And editors a beggin' you to send them some more stuff, while your banker's holdin' up his hands, cryin', "Hold it! That's enough!"

    So, you want to be a writer? I know jist how you feel. It holds a certain status and a glamorous appeal. I've been there once or twice myself. That hunger's kind of real. 'Til one day you wake up and find, it ain't that big a deal.
    (from "So, You Want To Be A Writer?" copyright©1997)

    Here's seven quick tips that might help you kick that barrel down the trail. 

    Monday, July 02, 2012

    THE DOCTOR'S DEVOTION, a novel by Cheryl Wyatt


    The Doctor's Devotion, novel by Cheryl Wyatt
    The Doctor's Devotion
    Eagle Point Emergency Series: 
    Saving lives—and losing their hearts—in a small Illinois town.

    ABOUT THE BOOK:
    When he fled Eagle Point years ago, former air force trauma surgeon Mitch Wellington left only broken dreams behind. Now he’s back with a new dream—opening a trauma center in the rural area and saving lives. He hopes to hire the quick-thinking nurse who impressed him during an emergency. But Lauren Bates lost her faith and doesn’t believe she deserves to help anyone. Mitch knows firsthand what loss feels like. And it’ll take all his devotion to show Lauren that sometimes the best medicine is a combination of faith, community—and love. 

    FIRST CHAPTER EXCERPT LINK:
    http://bit.ly/LzbYLP

    Wednesday, June 27, 2012

    THE COEN BROTHERS' TRUE GRIT

    John Wayne's True Grit
    by guest blogger Duane Spurlock
    Spur and Lock Mercantile
    http://spurandlock.blogspot.com/

    During the Silent Era and Hollywood's Golden Age, when westerns were a regularly produced film genre, new films based on western novels and stories were commonplace. New western fiction appeared weekly on newsstands and on bookstore shelves, and Hollywood producers saw little need for remaking a western movie that already had been based on a prose work.

    Therefore the number of western films that have had remakes is relatively low. Consider, then, the number of western remakes of movies already assigned classic status. A smaller number still, right?

    Look at this in another manner – how many western films have been based on books whose remakes have been produced during the original author's lifetime?

    Can you count 'em on one hand? I can, if I don't take time to gargle the Internet for further research (other than to double-check some dates) . . .


    Monday, June 25, 2012

    Bees In The Butterfly Garden, novel by Maureen Lang

    Bees In The Butterfly Garden
    A note from Maureen Lang:

    I always say whatever book I'm working on is my favorite, but even though I'm on to a new project I readily admit having had special fun with Bees In The Butterfly Garden.


    First, it's set in New York City's Gilded Age—a time easy to romanticize if you stick to those who gilded the era. Lots of wealth to be found amid a developing brand of American aristocracy . . . a world in which a thief's daughter never should have been invited.


    That's right, my heroine Meg is the daughter of a thief. Only Meg never knew that her father has been a thief since she was a bit older than a toddler, after the death of her mother. He protected her from the truth by sending her to be raised at an exclusive New England school for girls. Living among the rich, trained to be a lady, Meg nonetheless missed the one thing she's never had in her life: a father's love. Little did she know he loved her in the only way he knew how, by shielding her from himself.


    Monday, June 11, 2012

    A DREAM OF HIS OWN, new novel by Gail Gaymer Martin

    A Dream Of His Own
    The Story:
    The only thing philanthropist Quinn O'Neill wants is to forget the accident that took his wife and son. He doesn't expect a fender bender with a lovely stranger to change his life in a major way. Struggling single mom Ava Darnell and her teenage son have their own hardships.

    What better way for him to lend a hand than through the Dreams Come True Foundation? But helping Ava means earning her trust…and having faith that dreams of healing and family just might become reality.

    Tuesday, June 05, 2012

    PRISON BREAK by Janet Chester Bly



    When you want peace from the stress of life, if you can play your own instrument. . .or sing a power song. . .or create your own surround sound, that's a bonus.

    I enjoy pleasurable memories of my mother playing "Moonlight Sonata" or one of many other classics she mostly played by ear on her antique upright piano.

    Singer Pam Thum
    Pam Thum told interviewer Camerin J. Courtney in Today's Christian Woman that she was raised by traveling evangelist parents. They produced dramas for the road.

    "But moving around every month or so was really hard. We'd pull into a new town and I'd go up to the kids and say, 'Hi, my name's Pam. Want to be my best friend for four weeks?"

    She'd find some pals, then cry when they left town.

    "I was a happy, bubbly kid on the outside, but deep inside I was lonely. With friends constantly ripped from me, I became fearful of goodbyes."

    She found peace in her music, in helping her fans not to feel so lonely through her songs.

    Paul and Silas in prison
    Charged with disturbing the peace, the magistrates ordered Paul and Silas to be stripped, beaten, flogged and tossed in jail (Acts 16). Talk about a very bad, no good day.

    But instead of griping or cursing or wailing, Paul and Silas sang hymns. That got the ground to quake so hard, the prison rumbled, the doors flew open, and chains broke loose. Tossed like dirty, bloody mops into a moldy cellar, this pair praised God. Then, they refused to escape when they had a chance, on account of maybe saving some soul. In this case, the jailer's and all his household.

    Their peace when they got an unfair shaft changed a whole family's eternal destiny.

    How about trying to create music during your next torment that seems like a prison and see what happens? For you. For your circumstance. For those around you. You never know. You might walk out healed and free. And take some others with you.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Find free downloads of articles by Janet Chester Bly, including "31 Ways To Win The Fight For Personal Peace" at http://www.BlyBooks.com 
     
    Find out more about Pam Thum at http://www.PamThum.com 
    Pam Thum CD, DVD & Devo Book

    Friday, May 18, 2012

    8 SIGNS OF HOT WESTERN TRENDS


    Terry Burns
    by Terry Burns
    Copyright 2012
    author & agent for Hartline Literary Agency

    I'm in an invitation only online group with some of the most published western writers today. Most of them have published hundreds of books. I've always been amazed that they invited me in.

    They have been discussing something that is very good news if the trend continues. They have been noticing that royalties have been trending higher than in recent years. Berkley, which has been a mainstay of the western book market even when some other publishers quit doing them or scaled back is bringing back some earlier series.

    Monday, May 14, 2012

    HAVE YOU EVER BEEN HORNSWOGGLED?


    Stephen Bly  (1944-2011)
    Copyright©1993,2010

    The man who called me on the phone the other night sounded friendly…maybe too friendly. It was the old, “Hi, Stephen. How are you doin’? How’s everything in Idaho? How’s the weather treatin’ the ranchers? Well, I know you aren’t thinkin’ about the busy fall yet, but I ran across a deal and you came to mind. Have you got a minute to hear about a truly great bargain?”

    I took a breath and jumped right in. “I am rather tied up. Let’s get right to it. What are you trying to sell me?”

    “Oh, well,” he stammered, as though I threw him off script. “Can I call back at a more convenient time?”

    “I’ll be busy then too,” I insisted.
    Dino Power air compressor

    He finally admitted he felt sure I’d want to purchase his air compressor. I asked about the price, the quality. Then, I discovered my long lost ‘friend’ worked for a telemarketing company. I explained that a) I had no use for an air compressor, and b) I never buy anything on the phone anyway. 

    (As a side note: A week later, I noticed the same product at a warehouse store for $150 cheaper than the phone guy stated -- when you added up the installment payments he emphasized). He had the nerve to try to hornswoggle me. 

    Wednesday, May 09, 2012

    NEED SPIRITUAL SURROUND SOUND?


    Janet Chester Bly at Oregon Beach
    by Janet Chester Bly
    Copyright 2008



    When I need peace, I face the music. I pull out the CDs that pulsate with gentle wind, waves and seagull sounds, such as "Ocean Tides Interludes" by Steven Gruskin. I almost feel a crackling in my spine and spirit as my very sinews soothe.


    Or I pluck up the full range of offerings by John Denver.
    Or any Bill & Gloria Gaither recording will do.
    Or I download a full orchestra without voices.

    In that one way, I can call upon the healing benefits of peace any time I want. And so can you. What are your peace tunes?

    If you were assaulted by noisy neighbors in a hotel room what songs would you play on your iPod or Walkman that would mask the intrusive clamor and help you fall asleep? What would bring quiet? Rest? Sweet relief? Once you've isolate your trove of tunes, record them back-to-back, so you can enjoy the best ones straight through for your peace break. I like to pull a couple here and there from each singer or group I enjoy.

    Play them when pouring over your tax returns. Or dealing with your ex. Or trying to figure out a new computer. Or answering the phone for the umpteenth ring. Listen to them while doing housework or homework, commuting to your job, or raking leaves (pine needles in my neck of the woods). Orchestrate your own placid isle at the peak of your storms. The world in all its fury may remain, but the sharp points can be softened.

    If you have means, hire your own live music. That's how King Saul tamed his inner beast. "Some of Saul's servants suggested a remedy. 'Let us find a good musician to play the harp for you whenever the tormenting spirit is bothering you. The harp music will quiet you, and you will soon be well again'" (1 Samuel 16:16 NIV).

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    What's the music that washes peace over you every time you hear it?

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Get free article downloads, such as "31 Days To Win The Fight For Personal Peace," for yourself or your study group at the Bly Books website: http://www.BlyBooks.com


    Sunday, April 22, 2012

    HURRAH! & HOOK ‘EM!


    Cowboy Rider, painting by Russell Bly
    Stephen Bly 
    Copyright©1993,2010


    The National Finals Rodeo (NFR) is like the World Series or the Super Bowl. The very best cowboys and cowgirls in the world converge on Las Vegas every December to compete for millions in prize money. Not only do you watch superior rodeo athletes, but also the top bucking stock. Every bareback horse, saddle bronc and bull puts on an entertaining show of their own.

    In addition, the event attracts the most knowledgeable rodeo fans. It’s not unusual to hear someone high up in the Thomas & Mack Arena holler, “Hook ‘em, cow!” That’s a shout of encouragement used since the days when rodeos provided after-work recreation at the branding corrals.

    “Hook ‘em, cow!” That’s rodeo talk. Every sport’s got its own vocabulary. When a team-mate’s down or just getting steam, you’re liable to hear roars from the crowd or dugout or the coach’s bench. Sure, there’s boos. But also plenty of bravos and cheers.

    The Bible exhorts us to spur others on in their trials and troubles: “Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13).

    What do you say to someone who’s going through a mental, physical, or spiritual struggle? You might mention how sorry you are that they have to go through this crisis. “I’ll pray for you,” often means you’ll pray that the problem will go away, that he or she won’t have to face hard stuff.

    That’s misguided.

    What if you told the rodeo cowboy, “I’m so sorry you have to ride or chase that mean old bull. Maybe he’ll get sick and not show up. Or not buck at all!” But what he wants is the bull’s full participation, to buck its head off, so better to prove his ability to stay on anyway. To be a champion.

    Life’s a ride, sometimes a very rough one. You need cheerleaders. You also need to be the one who reassures and heartens others. So those in the chutes can meet each new challenge head-on midst roars of "Hurrah!"


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Ever been to a rodeo? What impressed you most?

    When was time you most needed and encouragement and who gave it to you?

    ~~~~~~~~~~~

     
    Stuart Brannon's Final Shot
    Now available -- hardback & ebook & paperback
    Stuart Brannon's Final Shot, by Stephen Bly
    with Janet Chester Bly, Russell Bly, Michael Bly & Aaron Bly
    Finishing Dad's novel was a family affair. Can a committee create fiction? We had the passion and four months to find out.
     
    It's 1905. Two orphans flee from Oregon's Tillamook Head. One of them is branded a hero. Dare they tell the truth and risk the wrath of a dangerous man? Meanwhile, a retired lawman searches for his missing U.S. Marshal friend while he grapples with the game of golf on behalf of a celebrity tournament.
     
    The first 3 original Stuart Brannon Series and Stuart Brannon's Final Shot now available on Amazon Kindle, Nook & Apple iBook. Paperback releases soon. Titles: Hard Winter At Broken Arrow Crossing, False Claims At The Little Stephen Mine and Last Hanging At Paradise Meadow.
     
    "Stuart Brannon's Final Shot delivers and reminds us what we'll miss most about the beloved author." Jerry B. Jenkins, NYT Bestselling novelist & biographer

    Thursday, April 05, 2012

    COWBOY HONDAS


                                              By Stephen Bly
        Copyright©1993,2010

    Long before Japanese car imports…in fact, decades before they invented automobiles…hondas existed in the U.S.A. To an old-time cowboy, a honda is a knotted or spliced eyelet at the business end of a rope used for making or building a loop.
     
    Sometimes a metal honda or ring was used, but many a cattleman figured the metal could gouge out an eye and wouldn’t set tight as well. So, most hondas are tied into the rope itself, whether it’s hemp or nylon, with a piece of slick leather, called a burner, sewn about the upper end of the loop. The rope won’t easily wear through it. A rawhide reata consists of a honda braided into the rope.

    The honda is a tiny loop that allows the main part of the rope to thread like string through the eye of a needle. The honda and the burner provide places to check out an old rope to see how much it’s been abused. No matter what the size of the catch, the pressure mounts on the honda.

     Ever feel like a honda? Got the main stress for a program? A group? A problem? A relationship?

    St. Paul endured that kind of tension: “Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?” (2 Corinthians 11:28,29).

    Everyone who's serious about leadership relates to Paul. That’s part of the calling, the divine duty to bear.

    Here’s some simple helps if you’re feeling honda heavy.

    1) Get out. Breathe a moment of pure air. Jiggle some joy.
    2) Take some time off—get away from the strain, if only an hour or two.
    2) Plan a mini-vacation—one you’ve put off for a long time.
    3) Save change in a get-away jar—fun money that saves your sanity.

     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Stuart Brannon's Final Shot
     Stuart Brannon's Final Shot by Stephen Bly
    (with Janet, Russell, Michael & Aaron Bly)
    now available in hardback. . .ebook. . .paperback.

    Finishing Dad's novel was a family affair. Can a committee create fiction? We had the passion and four months to find out.

    Two orphans flee Oregon's Tillamook Head. One of them is branded a hero. Dare they tell the truth and risk the wrath of a dangerous man? Meanwhile, a retired lawman searches for his missing U.S. Marshal friend while he grapples with the game of golf on behalf of a celebrity tournament.


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