Little Wrinkles Y'ever wonder ‘bout those little wrinkles that life puts in our way? Seems like sometimes they just come along to booger up our day. But in this stressful world we live, little wrinkles have their place. They move from our environment and end up on our face. I'm proud of all these wrinkles. I'm sure I've earned every one. They're reminders of the life I've led and all the things I've done. Like a road map on my body, each one leads me down Some trail that I have taken, that makes me who I am. I've walked the straight and narrow path and took a low road now and then. I've bridged some gaps between us, then crossed them once, again. I've took the road less traveled and climbed a hill or two. I've scaled the walls of mountains and sailed some lakes of blue. I've balanced on the thin blue line and walked in abject fear Of falling off in shades of gray where nothing seems so clear. I've stumbled and I've fallen short...gave in to foolish pride And dusted off my broken heart, ‘til I healed up inside. Yes, all these little wrinkles, that life puts in our day, Are really little road maps that help us find our way. As we travel down each road, until this life is through, It's all the little wrinkles that make us me and you. R. Atkinson

cont... The proper thing to do when a deer bites you is probably to freeze and draw back slowly. I tried screaming and shaking instead. My method was ineffective. It seems like the deer was biting and shaking for several minutes, but it was likely only several seconds. I, being smarter than a deer (though you may be questioning that claim by now), tricked it. While I kept it busy tearing the tendons out of my right arm, I reached up with my left hand and pulled that rope loose. That was when I got my final lesson in deer behavior for the day. Deer will strike at you with their front feet. They rear right up on their back feet and strike right about head and shoulder level, and their hooves are surprisingly sharp. I learned a long time ago that, when an animal -- like a horse --strikes at you with their hooves and you can't get away easily, the best thing to do is try to make a loud noise and make an aggressive move towards the animal. This will usually cause them to back down a bit so you can escape. This was not a horse. This was a deer, so obviously, such trickery would not work. In the course of a millisecond, I devised a different strategy. I screamed like a girl and tried to turn and run. The reason I had always been told NOT to try to turn and run from a horse that paws at you is that there is a good chance that it will hit you in the back of the head. Deer may not be so different from horses after all, besides being twice as strong and 3 times as evil, because the second I turned to run, it hit me right in the back of the head and knocked me down. Now, when a deer paws at you and knocks you down, it does not immediately leave. I suspect it does not recognize that the danger has passed. What they do instead is paw your back and jump up and down on you while you are laying there crying like a little girl and covering your head. I finally managed to crawl under the truck and the deer went away. ------ So now I know why, when people go deer hunting they bring a rifle with a scope to sort of even the odds. Author UNK

Roping A Deer (Names have been removed to protect the stupid!) ---------------------- I had this idea that I was going to rope a deer, put it in a stall, feed it up on corn for a couple of weeks, then kill it and eat it. The first step in this adventure was getting a deer. I figured that, since they congregate at my cattle feeder and do not seem to have much fear of me when we are there (a bold one will sometimes come right up and sniff at the bags of feed while I am in the back of the truck not 4 feet away), it should not be difficult to rope one, get up to it and toss a bag over its head (to calm it down) then hog tie it and transport it home. I filled the cattle feeder then hid down at the end with my rope. The cattle, having seen the roping thing before, stayed well back. They were not having any of it. After about 20 minutes, my deer showed up -- 3 of them. I picked out.. ..a likely looking one, stepped out from the end of the feeder, and threw.. .my rope. The deer just stood there and stared at me. I wrapped the rope around my waist and twisted the end so I would have a good hold. The deer still just stood and stared at me, but you could tell it was mildly concerned about the whole rope situation. I took a step towards it...it took a step away. I put a little tension on the rope and then received an education. The first thing that I learned is that, while a deer may just stand there looking at you funny while you rope it, they are spurred to action when you start pulling on that rope. That deer EXPLODED. The second thing I learned is that pound for pound, a deer is a L OT stronger than a cow or a colt. A cow or a colt in that weight range I could fight down with a rope and with some dignity. A deer-- no chance. That thing ran and bucked and twisted and pulled. There was no controlling it and certainly no getting close to it. As it jerked me off my feet and started dragging me across the ground, it occurred to me that having a deer on a rope was not nearly as good an idea as I had originally imagined. The only up side is that they do not have as much stamina as many other animals. A brief 10 minutes later, it was tired and not nearly as quick to jerk me off my feet and drag me when I managed to get up. It took me a few minutes to realize this, since I was mostly blinded by the blood flowing out of the big gash in my head. At that point, I had lost my taste for corn-fed venison. I just wanted to get that devil creature off the end of that rope. I figured if I just let it go with the rope hanging around its neck, it would likely die slow and painfully somewhere. At the time, there was no love at all between me and that deer. At that moment, I hated the thing, and I would venture a guess that the feeling was mutual. Despite the gash in my head and the several large knots where I had cleverly arrested the deer's momentum by bracing my head against various large rocks as it dragged me across the ground, I could still think clearly enough to recognize that there was a small chance that I shared some tiny amount of responsibility for the situation we were in, so I didn't want the deer to have to suffer a slow death, so I managed to get it lined back up in between my truck and the feeder - a little trap I had set before hand...kind of like a squeeze chute. I got it to back in there and I started moving up so I could get my rope back. Did you know that deer bite? They do! I never in a million years would have thought that a deer would bite somebody, so I was very surprised when I reached up there to grab that rope and the deer grabbed hold of my wrist. Now, when a deer bites you, it is not like being bit by a horse where they just bite you and then let go. A deer bites you and shakes its head --almost like a pit bull. They bite HARD and it hurts.

Whenever Whenever I see your face, whenever I hear your voice, icicles run through me, my heart just has no choice - but lovin' you. Whenever I hear your name, whenever I feel your touch, my heart cries out to say nothing else matters much - but lovin' you. Before I ever met you, I knew that you were there, beyond my horizon, waiting for me somewhere. My heart could feel your spirit, so loving, true, and strong. I knew I had to find you, that to you I'd belong. So I searched to try to find you, not knowing where to go. The others that I found couldn't pull on my heart so. When I finally met you, much to my surprise, it seemed the sparklin' of the stars was captured in your eyes. You seemed to see right through me, clear through my heart and soul. I knew my life was incomplete, but you could make me whole. So I asked if we could marry and live our lives as one. It's been now fifteen years, but it seems we've just begun. And if you're not perfect, it's not as I can see. Though at times I doubt your judgment, cause you're still here with me. I know we've had some hard times with troubles at our door, but one thing you can count on, each day I love you more. Now we have ourselves a family, three daughters fair and tall. I may not have a fortune, but in you I have it all. Doug Bryan, July 1996, for his lovely wife, Dianna.

Live Yesterday is history and can not be changed. Tomorrow is not here yet, so it is still perfect. You are wiser today because of your yesterdays. You have hope today because of your tomorrows. So live today. Live today without regrets of your yesterdays, for they have taught you of life. Live today in anticipation of your tomorrows, for each day offers a fresh start. Doug Bryan June '96 Live - was written for a coworker who tried to deal with her messed up life by taking a whole bottle of Tylenol. She had done a good job of messing up her life, especially as far as her choice of men to get involved with. Her low, if not non-existent, self esteem caused her to be the personification of a doormat.

the tears won't all be cried I'm sifting through the rubble that used to be my heart trying to find a fragment I can use to make a start of building myself a new life now that you are gone They say it was your time to go and I must carry on Some day I'll have a new life without you at my side but I'll ne'er forget you darlin' the tears won't all be cried I'm searching through the wreckage of all my hopes and dreams but there's nothing here to salvage they're all destroyed it seems I know my life's not over I must begin anew but my life lost all it's color the day that I lost you Some day I'll have a new life without you at my side but I'll ne'er forget you darlin' the tears won't all be cried I'm remembering the joy we had for those sixteen years I want to have that joy again instead there's only tears There's nothing left but emptiness where once I had a soul All I have's a vacuum to try and fill this hole Some day I'll have a new life without you at my side but I'll ne'er forget you darlin' the tears won't all be cried I'm hugging now our daughters in them you still remain I pray they'll not forget you your influence never wane I'll love and keep them darling I'll do the things I must to raise them as you would have this is my sacred trust Some day I'll have a new life without you at my side but I'll ne'er forget you darlin' the tears won't all be cried I'm looking for a tomorrow when I'll be over losing you They say that it will happen but I know that isn't true Some day I'll have a new life without you at my side but I'll ne'er forget you darlin' the tears won't all be cried I'll always love you Dianna the tears won't all be cried Doug Bryan - December 20, 1997

THE LOUDEST SOUND The loudest sound in the world is not a sudden crash of thunder; the roar of a jet engine; or the rumble of an earthquake. The loudest sound in the world isn't the cry of a small child for it's mother in the middle of the night, but that's close. The loudest sound in the world is so loud that nothing else can be heard until the last echoes fade. The sound is so tearing and wrenching that it often racks your body in pain. Even though, only you can hear it. Those around you often have no idea the sound exists. The loudest sound in the world is the horrible sound of your own heart truly breaking. Harmonics of this sound shatter your hopes, dreams, and wishes until nothing of yourself seems to remain. Like an earthquake, there are numerous aftershocks, each one potentially more devastating than the original. Folks say that time cures the effects of hearing this sound, but that's not true. Attempts to pick up the pieces of the old heart will ultimately prove futile. It's as if the original pieces are made of powder. A truly broken heart doesn't heal. You synthesize a new heart. Initially the aftershocks damage or destroy the heart faster than you can develop it. Eventually you develop the new heart faster, and the aftershocks decrease in frequency, duration, and intensity. Then you can begin to function. Ultimately the resilience of the human soul will cause you to adapt to a new life with your new heart. With time it is possible to go on. Your life will never be the same as it was before, but it may be better. Doug Bryan - Nov '97.

Ride... He saddled the horse as he'd done his whole life while on earth... Got a peaceful feelin' as his foot slid into the stirrup...it'd been awhile since he was a horseback, but this was by far from his first... The job he had been given was more like a vacation of sorts ...It didn't involve strays, or war, even piddly things such as everyday chores...The task he'd been given was to ride...simple as that...thats where this story truly starts...truly soars... He had just gotten the job and was sure nuff noticin' the onlookers as he loped the Bosses best mounts... Every hoof beat in harmony...the birds keepin rhythym with there songs...horses actin up as they wait for thier turn were the only sounds... Always quick with a smile, a gesture that would make your day...always seemed to have a few words for whatever the occassion was just his way... He's already met some friends from times gone by..soon as he rode thru the gate, like they'd been expectin him right down to the date... friends he'd had for a lifetime but lost track of with destiny and fate... On this particular day He was workin a big ole paint...just had spirit drippin off of him....thinkin of a name for his new friend...he decided on "it ain't Tim"... Well him and It ain't Tim were sortin cattle when he heard a voice that warmed his saddle and he spun on a dime to see...His ole heart raced as he noticed her...his love...on a horse of her own...way up on the hilltop, standin' in flowers...in the shade of a mighty oak tree... He spun his horse and loosed the riens...and with wind of a twister he yelled..."HEYAAAAAAH"...as his horse checked dirt and launched him back onto pockets...he was clearin' cattle, cactus, and creekbeds...It ain't Tim's hooves had turned into rockets... Every hoofbeat was like the heartbeat he had without her...since he lost her to the cancer so many years before...He'd been askin' all his friends about her, had they seen her...since walkin thru Heavens Door... He reaches her on the hilltop...where she's been waiting all these years...no sore bones from the hard ride to her...no illness...no burdens...and no tears... They saddle up and are now forever side by side...as he Turns and tips his hat one last time...He knows his heart is finally in the same place as his mind... This story is not and end but a beginnin'...of a man in a silverbelly felt, a smile and a shirt that is sure to be with a crease... It's about a Father, a Cowboy, a Veteran, and a Friend... Ride in Peace Dad...Ride in Peace... Dedicated to Brad Braden...if you walked away from him without learnin somethin', it's your own fault for not listenin'.. Phil J. Parks 06/27/09 copywrite

“COWGIRL” “Horse lover”, “roper”, “can chaser” or “barrel racer”, all of these and more she has been called; But “Cowgirl” is the term she likes best of all. It describes her right down to a tee you see; From her earliest childhood memories, it is what; she’s always wanted to be. From her Stetson down to her boots n’ spurs, oh how she looks the part; But her real cowgirl spirit lies deep within her heart. You see being a cowgirl is not just about how she may dress and talk; A real cowgirl not only talks the talk but she walks the walk. “Cowgirl” is an attitude that comes from deep in her heart within; To her it is a way of living life from the beginning to the very end. She can be tough and gentle, sexy and wild, sweet and kind; Sometimes you’ll swear that she has just plum lost her mind. For a cowgirl has a mind of her own you see; It will most often be a mystery and just seems to confound you and me. But never try to change her or fence her in; If you ever make her a promise, you’d better keep it my friend. As she may not remember it, but she will never forget; And in the end may leave you with a heart ach and regret. She may have the charms of a southern belle; But when the time comes she can be hard as nails. From cleaning stalls to riding all day; When this cowgirl dresses up for a night with her man, she will leave him breathless with nothing to say. She doesn’t need a man to make her feel right; But she sure does miss one, on some of those cold and lonesome nights. Alone with just her dog and horse she’d rather stay; Than to live with a man that doesn’t understand her cowgirl ways. In her mind it’s not too hard to comprehend; She just wants a man to love her unconditionally, and be her best and trusted friend. A friend and lover by both night and day; And to always stand by her side no matter what life may throw their way. Yes, a cowgirl is a very special woman in this world of strife; And if you’re lucky enough to find one, hang on to her as you’re in for the ride of your life. Thank God for all you cowgirls out there don’t ever change your ways; Sit deep in the saddle, grab hold of life’s reins and be proud of being a “COWGIRL” each and every day. ©2008 Cowboy Poet Aka / stetsonone

Age Old Confrontation He said it was the fuel pump cuz it’d crank over but not fire… Who was I to ask if he’d checked the fuses or possibly a wire… I drove him down to look at it and just in case grabbed a chain… The grimace on his face indicated his pride might be in pain… Sure enough he turned the key and that truck failed to start… Then it hit him, he’d have to wait til mornin’ to go and get the part… I backed ole faithful up as he grabbed the chain from the bed… His hat kicked to one side…but you could hear what ran thru his head… All the folks that were on the porches and walkin’ down the street… Were about to witness an age old confrontation met boldly by defeat… As I drove real slow as if in a parade his face was twisted in true accord… Just another man with a touch of broken pride, when a Chevy is towed by a Ford. Dedicated to Tamm and her “Ole Faithful” Phil J. Parks 5-30-09