by James Schaffranek | Jun 1, 2015 | Commentary on Society, Goal Setting, Guns, Life Advice
Back in 1885, Tinker Cantwaite became overly fond of a Big Fifty. He figured if he had one he could hunt anything he wanted. The man was short on patience and mouthy about having his own Big Fifty—a common nickname for the .50 caliber Sharps rifle—one of the West’s...
by James Schaffranek | May 25, 2015 | Commentary on Society, Horses, Law
To a first-time reader, Angus looks as a character hard to pin down. Not enough about him comes out in the early pages of Ten Shoes Up. So it’s hard to say whether he’s seeking reconciliation or company. He could be for the law, “agin” it, looking for it,...
by James Schaffranek | May 18, 2015 | Commentary on Society
Angus knew something about gates—he pretty much hated ‘em. If you’re horseback and come on a gate, it means somebody fenced you out. Can’t be a good thing, at least not in the 1880s when Angus was riding high ridgelines on the New Mexico—Colorado border. But corrals...
by James Schaffranek | May 11, 2015 | Communicating, Stress
Millions of people today use “Take Care” to say goodbye, so long, hope everything’s fine, and other salutations at the end of a chat, letter, email, or last hug. It’s a cliché, but it’s OK because it’s short for lots of things. It could be a warning, a fond farewell,...
by James Schaffranek | May 4, 2015 | Letting Go
Back in the day, say 1880, when you roped something that was not of a mind to stop, you had to dally your rope around the saddle horn or lose your seat, and the steer you’d intended on branding. Could be different now, especially when it ain’t a steer you’re roped but...
