Bookseller Extraordinaire

I recently visited with Felton Cochran, owner of the Cactus Book Shop in downtown San Angelo, Texas. Felton has the largest collection of books on Texas history that this author has ever encountered. If a book is about Texas, he has it. Most of the titles in his well-organized store are non-fiction. Felton is not a fan of fiction, but if an author is true to history, he just might handle their novels. One such author, the late Elmer Kelton, was so true to Texas history that the Cactus Book Shop has about every title that Elmer ever wrote. Kelton said that the Cactus Book Shop was the largest single outlet for his books and dedicated his 2004 novel Texas Vendetta to Felton Cochran, bookseller extraordinaire. What an honor from an author who had won seven Spur Awards from Western Writers of America and earned lifetime achievement for his work.

Felton said in his tribute to the author, Elmer Kelton: Essays and Memories, TCU Press. “When you open a Kelton novel, you know beforehand that it will be clean, historically accurate, and entertaining. Somewhere on those pages will be a subtle message.”

Should your travels take you to San Angelo, be sure to stop by the Cactus Book Shop at #6 East Concho. If you cannot stop by, he also takes phone orders – 325-659-3788. Felton has my first two books in the Westward Sagas, Spring House and Adam’s Daughters. Be sure to tell him I sent you.

Ghost Town of Helena

The Karnes County Historical Society knows how to have a party. Lulubelle, Daisy, and I attended the Annual Indian Summer Festival at the Old Helena Courthouse and Museum which is always on the fourth Saturday in October. Lulubelle made new friends; fellow authors Barry Harrin, Jane Tennant, Cathy Passmore, and Robert Thonhoff, and I signed books and answered questions about the Old Ghost Town of Helena, Texas.

The first county seat of Karnes County was established in Helena in 1852. Helena was a bustling community until the railroad bypassed it in 1884. Then Helena became one of Texas’ official ghost towns. There were numerous hangings in the tree in front of the courthouse. Author Barry Harrin wrote a book “The Toughest Town on Earth” www.helenatexas.com. The few remaining mortals have reported some strange happenings and a paranormal crew reported ghostly activity. I saw nothing out of the ordinary on my nights on the grounds. However, I made them a deal, that I would not bother them, if they didn’t bother me.

“Thank you” to our Karnes County friends for their hospitality and especially to photographers Joe Baker and Sue Carter.

ANTI-SOCIAL MEDIA

Several years ago, I began to hear about social media. I am not quick to embrace new technology; agents and publishers said as an author, I should have a social media presence. Out of the many types of this media, I chose Facebook. I have been using it almost a year and have found it a useful tool to communicate with other writers and readers about the Westward Sagas series. It is not my choice of communication with close friends and family; a simple phone call, email, or snail mail works much better for me (HINT).

FB, unlike your website, can be tweaked by others easily and changes they make can alter things detrimentally on your page, hence the title of my post ANTI-SOCIAL MEDIA. A business associate mentioned that I might want to take a good look at my FB profile. Upon checking it, I noticed by birthday was listed for the world to see, which I immediately changed. Scrolling down to check other items, I found under Music a picture of this weird looking dude making an obscene gesture.

The last time I checked my Profile Page, under Music it said “I liked both kinds of music, country and western.” I thought it was clever when I set-up my profile. Apparently, there is a band named Both Kinds of Music and that’s the picture FB placed in the Music block for me.

I am not sure how it happened, but, it did and I am embarrassed. It has been corrected, thanks to my business associate bringing it to my attention. Those that saw it, I apologize. I am frequently asked to speak at schools and churches; therefore, this COWBOY STORYTELLER would never have posted such a picture.

Code of the Cow Country

The following poem is something I found in a barn many years ago on a feed sack. I tore it off and have since found the poem in various places; sometimes it was signed anonymous. In 1954, it was published in Songs of the Saddlemen by S. Omar Barker.

 They are still appropriate rules to live by.

It don’t take such a lot of laws

To keep the rangeland straight,

Nor books to write ‘em in, because

There’s only six or eight.

The first one is the welcome sign -

True brand of western hearts:

“My camp is yours an’ yours is mine,”

In all cow country parts. 

 

Treat with respect all womankind,

Same as you would your sister.

Take care of neighbors’ strays you find,

And don’t call cowboys “mister.”

Shut pasture gates when passin’ through;

An’ takin’ all in all,

Be just as rough as pleases you,

But never mean nor small.

 

Talk straight, shoot straight, and never break

Your word to man nor boss.

Plumb always kill a rattlesnake.

Don’t ride a sorebacked hoss.

It don’t take law nor pedigree

To live the best you can!

These few is all it takes to be

A cowboy – and a man!

Deadline for Spicewood Cemetery Photo Album

Just a reminder, the deadline for the Spicewood Cemetery Photo Album is July 23, 2011!

You can view the photos and order online at:

www.seeyourphotos.net

Event name: spicewood ceremony

Passcode: 20060896

Enter your email address and your first name. It will direct you to the photos from the event. There are many beautiful pictures and your opportunity to order prints will end on July 23.