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.

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.

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.

 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!

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.