Headstall

Awesome! Thanks, Albert!

My better childhood memories were in rural New Brunswick, so on the east coast as well. We lived on the Mirimichi River for a time. You could walk out for a mile and it never got deep. It was the best playground, so I understand your idea of paradise. Between that and my cousins' farm across the road, there was always an adventure to be had. We had ditches full of blueberries that went for miles, and a vegetable garden that was about six acres. And the ocean was not very far away. I had a gaggle of cousins too... seven lived across the road and dozens more were nearby. It was freaking awesome. That was in the sixties for me. The good old days... now I'm in my actual sixties. Woot!

Lol. Speaking of which, I'll be right back. Just kidding. Yeah, so no one call it BM or the author might cry. BPM would be okay though, if the story increases a reader's heartrate.

Well, this was definitely worth the wait. Thank you so much. I actually think in western speak all the time now, and have to catch myself. It's great to hear you find it helpful because substituting what for that and who, and be for was, as examples is very hard for a writer who prides himself (hisself) on proper grammar. Research is so important to a story, and to my enthusiasm as a writer. I've learned so many things while going down rabbit holes. Bearpaw was actually considered for Larkspur as the name, but once I had Larkspur in my head I knew it was the right one, but what Bearpaw meant to native culture stayed with me. That sort of thing happens. A character doesn't fit a name I've chosen and I end up changing it. I guess it is one of those 'gut feelings'. Horses names are important to me too, as is any animal's name. Kema felt right for a stallion. They really are different from mares and geldings, and for them to work well for a rider, they have to be your friend. I named another stallion Cholo in another story, mostly to put a different connotation on a sometimes derogatory term for a mixed race person. Cholo was a mixed-race horse, and he was incredibly noble to my mind. I love that you had a dog named Kema/Friend. Dinah in this story was actually named for a dog I had for many years. There needs to be a reason for names, or at least a feeling, and I'm so pleased that is appreciated. Thanks, James, for this wonderful, thoughtful, and personal comment. I'll see you again on Bearpaw Monday, and please remember to leave a story like if you think the story deserves it. Cheers, my friend.

Lol. I enjoyed writing that part. When folks think something, it can be hard to move them off it. Hence... politics. I'll just say, it sounds like a river to me.

I still haven't ruled out continuing Wyatt and Virgil's story, but I had this feeling another story set in Larkspur might be too much of a good thing, no matter how much I might have wanted to. I'll let my muse tell me what to do... my brain goes off on all these tangents, and one thread will eventually makes its way to the forefront. I could tell you where this Lucas comes from, but where is the fun in that. All will be revealed eventually. Cheers, my friend.

No problem, James. I look forward to your comment.

They each give the other something. Lucas needs some help on his farm, and Jubal needs a place to lick his wounds while he figures out what he should do next. Yes, Parker, it could be a turn in both their fortunes. This chance meeting on a lonely stretch of road could be a blessing, and if not, at least a respite. What's next? A bunch of chapters is all I can say. Thanks for reading and commenting. It is much appreciated, my friend.

Excellent point, Doc. Bearpaw is just developing. Will it even have a hotel? Guess we'll find out in due course.

Lol. Possibly, but I don't think bubble baths like that were available on the frontier back then. One way or another, they will get that stench off them. Especially since blood was added to the mix. Thanks, Johnny, and thanks for the story like. Much appreciated.

Absolutely it was serendipitous. I researched the name but didn't find what you did. It's beautiful, and suits the place I wrote about. I honestly don't know where some of these things come from when they hit me. Thanks for this.

Hi, Kris! Lucas is a character from another story in fact, but it isn't Boundaries, so you can rest easy. That piece of crap was likely hung by his neck after what he did the the people of Matador Hill. I thought about continuing Wyatt and Virgil's story, but Bearpaw was calling to me. So pleased to know you are loving the interplay. They are in the process of feeling each other out, but I think they already feel the bond of friendship. Lucas rescued Jubal, and now Jubal has done the same. I'm looking forward to this journey too, buddy. Bearpaw Mondays get me excited. Cheers and thanks.

You're right the names I use are deliberate, although Larkspur, named simply for a beautiful blue flower that grew wild, I used more because I liked the sound of it. Bearpaws are totems... as you said, very important and powerful in native culture, and I named this place in the Larkspur book after researching. It was something that stuck in my mind, so when I needed a place that Sheriff Willard might travel to, it came to mind. Ever since, I wanted to 'go' there. There were requests for more stories set in Larkspur, but I wanted to take that journey to Bearpaw, so I did. I truly love it as the title for this story. I love what you see when you read, and where your mind goes. Thank you!

Hmmm. What should I say, dear friend? I suppose I can tell you there is a connection to someone, but I think it more fun for you to discover it for yourself. Absolutely, Lucas has experienced a great hurt, but that too is only hinted at in this chapter. I like how you say the sidewinder-like thief. I honestly never thought of that connection but it fits. He did come across as heartless and evil. We might find out more about him... or we might not. I think Jubal would trade a lot of that gold to have Kema back. I understand that bond a man can have with a horse. I've been fortunate to have that bond with three horses... and you never get over the loss. It is a partnership that is truly astonishing. We ask so much of them, and they often are the difference between life, death and loneliness to people through the ages. Jubal is certainly attracted to Lucas... that is apparent, but it is friendship he seems to really crave. We can never underestimate the power of that. Will this story provide romance? Pffft. I ain't telling. Thank you, dear friend. We have so much more to learn, but we will get all those answers eventually. Reading your comment makes my Bearpaw Monday that much better.

Thanks, Terry. That's two of you who mentioned the dialogue. I agree they have the same values it would seem. We learn a lot more about what kind of men these two are, and I hope you find them as likeable as I do. I think roping and working with that wilding colt is important to Jubal, but I wonder if that's all it is. Jubal doesn't seem like one to let his guard down, but I think we might be seeing a slip. Love the speculation about the sheriff. What will he be like? Lucas says he knows him, so I guess we'll find out if he is a decent one. Thanks for saying you enjoy my westerns, buddy. That means so much to me... don't ever want to overstay my welcome. Bearpaw is coming up next, or is it? Cheers!

Thanks, Albert! You are always so kind to me. I like Jubal, and I like Lucas. Thanks for mentioning my dialogue again. It's tricky trying to get it right without turning readers off of my western speak. I always worry about it being too much. It was only a little thing, but I liked that Jubal enjoyed listening to Lucas's voice. It would seem he's been alone a lot. I didn't dwell on the gunfight... they were usually oven in seconds, so I wrote it as fast as it would have happened. Now these two have to deal with taking a life. If it didn't bother them, then they wouldn't be likeable to me. You are the best, my friend, and I love the song!

I wanted to lull folks to sleep before guns showed up. It would seem the area they are in is not as tamed as Larkspur, at least not as far as accessibility and the lawless. Is the third bushwhacker long gone? Hmmm. Now what did I write? Men had to be very careful back then, but I agree. There are signs here they could have more in common than the realize. For now at least, I think Jubal is enjoying having a friend. He seems lonely to me, and there are times during their conversations Lucas seems lonely too. I'm having fun with this... hope you are too, buddy. When... if... Cheers and thanks, Doc.

Killing someone was one of the harsher realities of living in such times. I've always said I would have loved to live in that time period, but killing someone as a matter of survival is something I wouldn't want to face. These men are just getting to know one another, so I'm glad you liked the pacing. As much as was said during their opening conversation, there was a lot left unsaid. It takes time to reveal yourself to another, especially when you have secrets, and Jubal appears to have some. Jubal sticking to their arrangement for the wildings tells us a lot about him. I think he senses Lucas needs help with just more than the horses, and he seems intent on being there for him, at least for time enough to make a difference--allow Lucas to catch up. He has enough of his money back to begin a life somewhere--and Lucas would surely understand that--but Jubal's gut tells him he would regret taking a different path. We'll see about the sheriff. Will he be cagey like Sheriff Willard, or will he be someone different? I was surprised nobody asked about the story title after the first chapter, but now we know what it means. Is Bearpaw another Larkspur? We'll see. Thanks, Man, for the wonderful comment. As long as readers look forward to the next chapter, I am happy. Cheers!

A wonderful climb, Parker.

I'm confused as to how I missed these poems, but am thankful for finding the treasure. This one is captivating, and makes me want to dance with another. You never disappoint, Parker.

A beautiful sonnet, Parker. I see two meanings with this one, one involving sharing a journey through nature, and one involving the love we can share with another.

I must have missed these, Parker. These are my cup of tea... just wonderful and evocative. Thank you!

Wow. Powerful stuff, Parker, written with your usual brilliance.

Hey, all! Took me forever to get the new chapter right. It's up now.

Stench Worn out, Jubal’s body was thankful once he climbed up into the well-used buckboard. The seat weren’t wide, and Lucas took up a good bunch of it, but it had a back board he leaned against after adjusting his holster for comfort. He looked around at his tack stowed in one corner of the two-foot-deep wagon before letting loose a sigh. Everything he had left in this world was back there. Setting his feet on the footrest board this kind of wagon be named for, he ignor