Headstall

Did it hurt to twist like that?

You must keep two leaps apart.

Are you talking about the position you like to bottom from?

Awww... you are so sweet. Maybe this is the one where there is no celebration.

Forgot to comment on this. This made me laugh. You guys and your enthusiastic engagement are the best!

It's only fair, buddy. I go down numerous rabbit holes with my story research. My God... in Sidewinder, I practically reread the bible in my search for the quotes that began each chapter, as well as ones Coy would use that he got from his ma. That was really hard, but I loved it anyway. For me, it adds so much to each chapter, and it didn't matter if many readers just glossed over them. It was as much for me as anyone. I believe words hold power, and names, doubly so. I think it is important they fit the character. @spike382 once told me he didn't even have to look up Phineas Lemon a year or more later when there was some sort of discussion about the land agent... he remembered it even though he isn't mentioned more than a couple of times... and that kind of thing makes my day. I think most readers of Cards will not forget the name 'Candy' too. If a name ever fit anyone, it fit her... and her journey.

Your memory serves you well, my friend. I think Lucas does fit his name. He has brought that light to Jubal... and you are so right he is now showing a positive outlook. All he needed was a little help from someone who could stir his excitement for his farm again. "the light Lucas brings is gentle, like a candle in the dark or the sun as it rises at dawn, not harsh, blaring or blinding, at all." Beautiful... and apt. As far as "messages", your conjecture is sometimes right. Not ever name has deeper meaning, but most do. Some just fit the character I see in my head, or stir a memory of a person I know or knew.

Thanks, Jeffrey! It's always great to hear from you. I have become quite comfortable with the western speak. I know there were folks who spoke a more educated, proper English back then in the Old West, and I do have little differences in how some of the characters speak... for example, Reid uses 'who' while others use 'what'... but for the ease of the readers, I stick with the more common dialect. Glad you like that aspect of the story. Appreciate your love for the characters and the settings, and your words of encouragement, my friend.

A truly wonderful comment. Easy to tell he's a writer.

That colt is 'coming two'. If he was born in early summer or earlier he would already be two full years. Once a horse's knees close (there's an opening between the bones while they are growing) it is safe to ride them without doing damage. That happens when they are two... or sometimes a little later. I waited till my big mare was three before I backed her, and didn't show her under saddle till her fourth year, but my other horses were started at two, once they were x-rayed. Back then, they could tell by size and movement etc. Nowadays we can x-ray to be sure the plates have closed. My point is, he is ready to gentle, and can be ridden and given light work. A good horseman would not work them heavy until they were in their third year... but horses do race as two-year-olds. So yeah, he is already a stallion, just not mature enough to take on his dad, who will soon chase him out of the herd so he doesn't become competition. If he starts sniffing around the mares he becomes exiled right away. Still, Lucas knows the incredible pull that colt already has on Jubal, so he does have an ally. The man is perceptive, and he seems to really get Jubal, so is figuring out how to make him comfortable, but he is not manipulative... not to say he isn't convincing. We don't know yet whether he doesn't want to lose his friend... or wants something more. Yeah, the comments have been great. It makes this all so much more fun for me, and I like that there is a mystery nagging at some of you. Good luck in your search. Jubal's name has a few meanings. 'Ram's Horn' is most common, and 'stream' is another one, but the one that intrigued me was 'one who runs'. Thanks for your research... I didn't know about that which glides away... it fits. Awesome stuff, buddy.

I like your positivity, Terry, but life can through a lot at a person. Will they even be together a month from now? Nobody knows but me... and maybe that land is already sold.

This is so cool... that readers are so invested in finding the connection. Good luck to you, my friend. Just don't expect any help from me.

There is always room for more words, Dan. Never worry about that. I love interacting after I post a new chapter. Westerns bring out the kid in me too, and you're right about Robert Conrad!. Big Valley... Heath Barkley... Bonanza... Little Joe. Sigh.... On Track was written at the same time as Boundaries, for the same anthology. It was tough to write in many ways, and I actually considered not posting it. That's why I started Boundaries, but after I had a bit of time away from On Track, I realized it was a story some readers would appreciate exactly for the reasons it was tough to write. Accidents do happen...so do illnesses, and we never know where or when loss will come from. I agree... simple celebrations are the best. If I remember right, like Woodrow, you found your Paul too. Cheers to the brave guys, my friend, and cheers to those who help us pick up the pieces. Thanks for sharing.

Works for me. "Boundaries" helped get me out of a writing slump, and it's a story that covers a lot of good ground despite being only four chapters. Those characters have stuck with me, and one day I may continue their story, but that time hasn't come yet. Larkspur does stand alone, but I think it is richer when Sidewinder is read first. Thanks, Dan. I do appreciate the shoutouts on my westerns.

Hi, Sherye!

He's a spanking monkey.

Sure you can.

Good move, Mr. South.

*high fives Froggy*

Riling folks up is my job, sir. Great tip, but a better tip is to read Sidewinder first, then Larkspur. Your conclusion is... I do like your high hopes... but beware some twists and turns... says the sneaky author. He he.

Hello, my friend! Would Reid dare to buy land next door to Lucas? I like the way you think... that would create a lot of drama and piss Lucas off most likely. Lol... peeking through the trees. All he's going to see is some horse wrangling, right? Finally, someone who's going against the grain, who doesn't think it's Coy or Boone. This is getting interesting. There are sparks, aren't there? Subtle, but I see them too. Amen. I'd like to think I never disappoint, but I'm sure I have... maybe just a time or two. Thank you, sweet lady. This is fun, isn't it?

Not yet, he ain't.