I have many happy memories of visiting my maternal grandparents as a child. Inside the house on my grandparents’ wall was my grandfather’s impressive prize spur collection. Avid reader and horse lover that I was, I was always drawn to the Western Horseman magazines spread across the living room coffee table. I’d read them from cover to cover, even the classifieds, where I learned not only about real horses, but also the Breyer models I soon began to collect.
Outside, a crick gurgled behind the property with a rickety plank to cross to the other side. A crotchety rooster chased me around the yard more than once. Grandpa kept his tack in old wooden shed that smelled of leather and grease. Palomino quarter horses ran through the nearby meadow, and sometimes a donkey or two, and I spent hours out there just watching them. My heart be still.
Going into the yard, a white picket gate would snap behind me on a spring, leading to a canopied porch where extended family would gather to share in the blessing of delicious meals cooked by my grandmother.
But what I remember most about our biannual visits (from Colorado to Oregon) to my grandpa’s house were what happened after dinner, when the family would gather ‘round and Grampa would pull out his fiddle. He played by ear without knowing a note of music, sometimes accompanied by Uncle Jack on guitar. He regaled us with everything from Irish jigs to old country ballads. I still tear up when I hear one of these songs now.
My grandfather was a legit cowboy, so much so that he had several articles written about him. Ranching was in his blood. I hardly ever recall a moment when he wasn’t wearing his cowboy hat, his faithful dog Lucy at his side. He was a quiet man. Actions meant more than words. Yet I recall him as one of the strongest men I’ve ever known.
Growing up with exposure like this, is it any wonder that most of my heroes are cowboys?
~~Love Courageously~~ Publisher's Weekly Bestselling, award-winning author of 30 novels, Deb Kastner enjoys writing contemporary inspirational western stories set in small communities. She feels especially blessed to be able to include faith as a natural and genuine part of her characters' lives. Deb lives in beautiful Colorado with her husband and a pack of miscreant mutts. She is blessed with three adult daughters and two grandchildren. Her favorite hobby is spoiling her grandchildren, but she also enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music (The Texas Tenors are her fav), singing in the church choir, and exploring the Rocky Mountains on horseback.
This is a nice tribute to your grandfather. It’s no wonder you write about cowboys.
Love this. What great memories.
oh my what wonderful memories. And so many of them are what make us, who we are. Thanks for sharing.
What great memories!! I grew up watching westerns with my Daddy, and I still love westerns to this day. I also read some of Louis L’mour’s books, and watched the Sacketts the other night! Can’t go wrong with Sam Elliott!!
You have such beautiful memories of your grandfather!
Wow, this is Awesome! I dont blame you one bit for writing about Cowboys! This is so sweet of you how you pay tribute to your grandfather. When I was growing up, my dad loved watching westerns and so we all sat and watched them with him all 6 of us, I grew up with 5 siblings. I still love watching westerns. Have a Blessed day and week.
What an amazing man, how wonderful to have such a real life inspiration for your heroes.
My dad has always loved watching westerns, but living in the city in the UK he (and me too!) has barely seen a real life horse, let alone a real life cowboy!
What lovely childhood memories. ❤
Oh, my. Sam Elliott, one of only a few who can carry off a mustache. I’ve listened to a few L’mour books narrated by Broadway great Terrence Mann and really enjoyed them. I recommend a hilarious spaghetti western on Prime video called Gunless. I laughed until I had tears in my eyes.
My father still enjoys watching westerns on a regular basis. I occasionally put one on.
Oh, goodness. Horses are magnificent creatures. If you’re ever able to go see one, it’s well worth the effort. I’ve been blessed to be able to go to my sister’s ranch, where she has a whole herd of horses. I love just standing in the middle of them and absorbing their strength.
That is awesome. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
Having been born and initially raised in the country provides a unique perspective and reading such a touching tribute to your grandfather reminds me also that men of that era were shaped by circumstances so different to today and were predominantly what my aunt calls “gentle men”. One of my regrets is that my love of reading wasn’t nurtured until my grandfather’s library was gone, otherwise I would have read the entire Louis L’Amour catalogue. Have added Gunless to my tbwatch list, thanks for the recommendation. So happy that you have such wonderful memories of your grandfather and childhood. Thanks.