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!

Lulubelle Driving Miss Daisy

My ten year old yellow lab, Daisy, has been bringing in the San Antonio Express newspaper since she was six months old. When the paper hit the driveway, Daisy insisted I open the door, knowing the paper was important and getting it was her job.

A few months ago I noticed that Daisy lost interest in her job. I just attributed it to her age. I tried to train the younger lab, Lulubelle, for the job – taking her out, pointing at the paper. Lulubelle let me know “she didn’t do papers.” Frisbees, sticks, or tennis balls were her thing and she is quite good at retrieving them. I gave up and started getting the paper myself.

Easter weekend I went out of town. A friend stays with the dogs when I travel. When I returned, she mentioned that Daisy had brought the papers in. Surprised, I asked her how she did it. She said the same thing as always. When the paper is thrown, she looks at Daisy and with excitement in her voice, says “let’s get the paper.” When Daisy picks the paper up, she says “good girl” praising her and gives her a treat. Something I knew, but had not been doing.

I realized that in my efforts to make the deadline for book 3 of the Westward Sagas, I have neglected my dogs, not giving them the love and attention needed. We are back on track taking walks, throwing balls, giving praise and treats. I hope to soon connect with family and friends whom I have neglected the last few months.

Sometimes it takes a dog to remind us of the important things in life.

When invited to speak, I ask questions of the meeting planner to learn as much about the audience as possible. Every group has its own nomenclature, words that its members use frequently in everyday language. Sometimes the geography, age, social status, vocation, or avocation determines how your audience perceives or understands what you say.

I enjoy telling humorous stories about cowboys, farmers, and ranchers. Growing up in a family that practiced agrarian pursuits. I have encountered many rural characters to tell stories about. I spoke to a group of Texas Cattlemen once. I started my talk by saying, “I did a sheep dipping and a goat roping on the way to their event.” It got a great laugh. I used the same line at a retailer convention the next week and only received blank stares. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE.

In my circle of friends, the expression “going to a sheep dipping and a goat roping” meant we had a big event to attend. I don’t know that I ever attended an organized sheep dipping or goat roping, but I and most farmers and ranchers know what the saying means. If you don’t, come back to my next post to find out.

Whether you’re publishing a book, launching a performance career, or offering a service, a good marketing plan is the key to connecting you with your consumer. On Saturday, February 19, the Christian Writers Group of the Greater San Antonio Area will present a “Do-It-Yourself Marketing Boot Camp” with Sandy Lawrence of Perceptive Marketing. Topics include: Defining Your Message; Finding Your Target Audience; Developing Your Marketing Plan; and Creating Your Marketing Campaign.

Workshop runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Universal City, 1401 Pat Booker Road. Cost is $35. For registration and details, go to www.cwgsa.com.