The Moment I may never see tomorrow, theres no written guarantee And things that happened yesterday belong to history. I cannot predict the future, I cannot change the past, I have just the present moment, I must treat it as my last. I must use this moment wisely for it soon will pass away, And be lost to me forever as part of yesterday. I must exercise compassion, help the fallen to their feet, Be a friend unto the friendless, make an empty life complete. The unkind things I do today may never be undone, and, Friendships that I fail to win may never more be won. I may not have a second chance to bended knee pray, To thank God with Humble heart for giving me this day.

I was asked to write about this word...never realized how hard it would be to tie this one down...Here it is.....Soon. When He asked his gals father for her hand, he left there not knowin' exactly where he would stand...for all he heard was her old man say "soon"... Before a date was set, He was off to war...doin' what was asked of him there...He thought of her often, and wondered of the life they would share... He was wounded one night in a fierce fire fight but nothin' serious enough to send him home... Made him think...was the feelin's he had for her out in the open, he wondered of the love he had shown... It's been some time since they had talked and the letters got fewer and fewer it seamed... He couldn't let his comrades down by takin' time to figure out what it all means... The day came when he got a letter from home, one he hadn't anticipated at all...seems the girl he loves is doin' perty bad and her folks are afraid to cancer she might fall... She was diagnosed just months after he deployed but never said a word of it to him...always more concerned of her "better half" and the worry it would put him in... His world changed that day...and oh how the enemy paid...He had a deathwish that he might die before her...Knowin' since they weren't married he wouldn't be allowed to see her for sure... A few weeks went by when his name was called out in a manner without haste..."Get your gear get on the bird!...he had no time to waste... A few days later he arrived at home and was greeted by all his family, friends and Her father was the host... He shook his hand..."welcome home Son", now lets go see who ya want to see the most... He opened the door and hung up his hat and they waited for her to come down those stairs... He looked at her father and asked if she was okay, would she need help getting down there?... Her father put his hand on his shoulder and smiled, said "soon...she'll be here soon"..."ya know I had this very talk one time with my daughter when she asked if you would return, all I could answer was exactly what I just said to you"... "Some people are meant to be together, doesn't matter what the world has in mind....just takes the two of em to be patient and realize thier dealin' with Gods Time"... He looked at her father and nodded as to agree, then there she was...at the top of those stairs...her precious smile is all he could see... She walked down those stairs one step at a time...thier eyes were fixed on each others... Silently inside he said a quick thank you to all his comrades and brothers... She walked up before him as he met her half way...They'd both been thru hell and back workin' for this day... He'd been thru war and her own battles had been won...They were both Veterans...seasoned and tough...He placed his hands on her cheeks...as she whispered this question....simply asked..."Soon Enough?" Phil. Parks 3/18/09

This one is for Dasher...she requested this along time ago and just now remembered it.... (disclaimer)...all names have been changed to protect the individuals claimin' thier innocents and all names and locations may or may not be actual)... There was a gatherin of sorts at a local rendevouz...when a trailer pulled in carryin' two... The truck door opened on the drivers side and thats when folks started scratchin' and squintin' thier eyes... She stood about 4 foot 12 and hadda stagger to her walk... Couldn't help but see the jaws drop and mercy the wimmens started to talk... She opened up the trailer and snapped a finger at the ground... Nothin'...absolutely nothin' else to be heard..not a sound... She tied a "horse" to the trailer and ya heard an occasional chuckle or laugh... Danged thing looked like a chihuahua on steroids cross bred with a girraffe... It stood there true, notta care to be found... Then all ya heard was her snappin her fingers agian....pointin at the ground... The second pony came out and friend it was a sight... All tweeked and eager..without a hint of fright... The owners of the place introduced themselves and welcomed her to thier spread... Ya could always tell where she was standin just by the turn of the heads... The next mornin was the big race and thats where this story actually begins... She walked outta her trailer ready to take names, and no prisoners...but she had socks on way up over her shins... She jingled when she walked which her horses new the sound... It wasn't spurs of any kind but blinged out flip flops as they hit the ground... She hadda "whatcha lookin at" attitude as she fed her horses grain... And a tramp stamp in cursive barbed wire that said "Love is Pain"... Folks were out parousin'....just startin off thier day... And all the boys she came across politely stood out of her way... She was sportin "daisy" cuttoffs with a slickwire belt tied low... And a blinged out handcuff case with all the hardware ridin right in tow... It didn't take her long to answer the few brave enough to ask her straight to her face... "Why do ya dress like that"?...She simplied replied "To add to your disgrace"... The race was over faster than it started with some fine horses taken part... And no matter her horse was geared in a copperhead breast collar....it sure hadda lotta heart... She loaded up soon as it was over and waved as she headed out the gate... The "disgrace " she mentioned when she was asked about it...sure seemed to hit alotta folks like fate... The one thing that most heard which nearly brought a tear... Those simple words of a viscious victor...."See ya'll next year"... Phil

Trust In Your Heart Trust in your heart, to feel what is real, Let go of the past and allow yourself to heal. Trust in your heart, for it knows what to do, It is seeking to find something for you. Try to trust that all things will be for the good, That your heart can love again, as it always should. Nurture for once, yourself and be whole, Get back what is lost, what is deep in your soul. Trust in your heart, to do what is right, Then something will happen, a splendid delight. You will feel so much better, and things will progress, And at last you can and will, feel true happiness. I tell you sincerely, true love does exist, And is always found by those who persist. Please let go of all things that tore you apart, Be once again whole, be you, trust in your heart. Tammylee 3/1/2009

My Gift To You I Give to you, A fire to light inside your heart To feel the warm embers glow. A piece of the suns warm rays, To bask in its fiery show. I Give to you, A piece of a rainbow to color your world, When all seems totally gray. Some peonies for their sweet perfume, To kiss your senses with their sweet bouquet. I Give to you A sprinkling of some twinkling stars, To wish upon at night. The morning dew to kiss the day, To bask in its delight. I Give to you A summers breeze to caress your face, To show that someone cares. The sweet song of the nightingale, To remind you that I am always there. I Give to you my Dear My lasting friendship, always true. A Gift of love to hold inside, Whenever you feel blue, Or because you need a friend. This friend,,,,will always be here for you. Tammylee 3/1/2009

Distance is only an obstacle that really don't account for much... Cept for feelin' the warmth of the side of your neck...or the smoothness of your touch... Leanin' in the truck seat differently as your sittin' to my right... Seein' ya wish upon that shootin' star thats dancin' across the night... Ridin' right beside ya as we're crossin' thru the creek... Your hand on my knee as ya lean in to kiss my cheek... Picnics in the barn isle when it's flat out pourin' rain... Thinkin' of all we could be doin' can just drive ya plum insane... Talkin' on the phone, hangin' on every word... Wonderin' how it's possible...the smile ya just heard... Knowin' my work here ain't finished yet, not sure when it'll be... Askin you to hold them tears...the ones fallin', that are meant for me... We'll meet again soon, If it's the Good Lords will, and my goal... So save up all that wealth your'e cryin'... Cause tears are diamonds of the soul... Phil 03/01/09

(REST OF STORY) If we make it to adulthood with horses still in our lives, most of us have to squeeze riding into our oversaturated schedules; balancing our need for things equine with those of our households and employers. There is never enough time to ride, or to ride as well as we'd like. Hours in the barn are stolen pleasures. If it is in your blood to love horses, you share your life with them. Our horses know our secrets; we braid our tears into their manes and whisper our hopes into their ears. A barn is a sanctuary in an unsettled world, a sheltered place where life's true priorities are clear: a warm place to sleep, someone who loves us, and the luxury of regular meals. Some of us need these reminders. When you step back, it's not just about horses - it's about love, life, and learning. On any given day, a friend is celebrating the birth of a foal, a blue ribbon, or recovery from an illness. That same day, there is also loss: a broken limb, a case of colic, a decision to sustain a life or end it gently. As horse people, we share the accelerated life cycle of horses: the hurried rush of life, love, loss, and death that caring for these animals brings us. When our partners pass, it is more than a moment of sorrow. We mark our loss with words of gratitude for the ways our lives have been blessed. Our memories are of joy, awe, and wonder. Absolute union. We honor our horses for their brave hearts, courage, and willingness to give. To those outside our circle, it must seem strange. To see us in our muddy boots, who would guess such poetry lives in our hearts? We celebrate our companions with praise worthy of heroes. Indeed, horses have the hearts of warriors and often carry us into and out of fields of battle. Listen to stories of that once-in-a-lifetime horse; of journeys made and challenges met. The best of horses rise to the challenges we set before them, asking little in return. Those who know them understand how fully a horse can hold a human heart. Together, we share the pain of sudden loss and the lingering taste of long-term illness. We shoulder the burden of deciding when or whether to end the life of a true companion. In the end, we're not certain if God entrusts us to our horses--or our horses to us. Does it matter? We're grateful God loaned us the horse in the first place. Author Unknown

Wearin' Western ...Now, he didn't grow up a cowboy...more like a farmer I suppose. But, he always dressed in boots and jeans, when it came down to his clothes. No, he wasn't tryin' to be like all them cowboys on TV. He bought his clothes at the feed store, 'cause it was all he could afford, you see. He bought 'em 'cause they held up to the rigors of daily life. Like workin' the fields or feedin' the cows or dancin' on Saturday night. Now, these days are quite different...thanks to the cowboy wannabes. The price of jeans and boots and hats have risen exponentially. Why, now a hat cost half a grand and the same is true for boots! He could save a chunk of money if he'd shop for business suits. ...And the Levis and the Wranglers, he bought so long ago? They're no longer made in the USA, but down in Mexico. But, he's glad he ain't a cowgirl, 'cause things get even worse. A “bling bling” belt runs 400 bucks...a grand with a matchin' purse! Yep, he'll still dress up in boots and jeans, 'cause it's all he really knows. Then he'll wonder at the end of the month... “Where the hell did my money go?” R. Atkinson

"May your belly never grumble. May your heart never ache. May your horse never stumble. May your cinch never break." --Cowboy Blessing--

Ode To ES Some folks are timid. Some folks are bold. Some folks post pictures that are ten years old. Some look to the future. Some live in the past. Some search for their first love. Some search for their last. Some are just lookin' for friends or maybe a dance partner or two. But they all have one thing in common. They're all just like me and you. A love for the land. A good horse to ride. The sun on their face. A friend by their side. Yep...each is unique, but yet still the same. They're not lookin' for fortune. They're not lookin' for fame. They're just lookin' for someone who knows where they've been. And I'll stay here with them...a friend 'til the end. Ron Atkinson