Headstall

Lol, thanks, buddy, but it takes time to hone our craft, something I'm still working on. I've been very fortunate to have had truly amazing support, and I'm still trying to figure out why. I haven't read anything of yours yet, but I'll do my best to get there. This is a story that came out of the blue... seriously... I was in a slump because of the pandemic, with a story halfway written. After many attempts to get moving on it, I finally decided to write something for myself, something fun that I might be passionate about. "Sidewinder" was the result. I won't say it was easy to get past my apathy, but it was definitely satisfying, and I look back on this one with a special fondness. I hope you like it, and I thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Cheers... Gary....

Yup... need my lubrication.

I didn't even reach minus eight, although it felt warmer in the sun. It's minus twelve now, and all the critters are warm in the barn, including a new male who's getting chased up in the loft by my old guy. I think he's orange, but he was moving pretty fast.

Lol. No, bro, although it would be handy if there was a wine section beside the horse feed. Full disclosure... I don't drink much at all, but I bought the wine first.

Totally get it... I was surprised at how many I hadn't read. It's kind of embarrassing as a writer, but every time I read, I feel like I should be writing. Still, I've left over sixty reviews, so I guess that's a less embarrassing way to gauge my reading... maybe.... I would like to support every writer, but there are so many new ones posting stories all the time, and my old eyes get tired quickly.

Thanks, Albert.

Also bought a bottle of Pinot Noir and some potato chips.

Hi, guys. Just got back from two feed stores.

Aloha, Albert.

Happy Saturday, all. Another bluefish cold day here.

He's more of a little worm.

Lol. No, Tink, just doing my regular chores.

My laundry is done (bedding) and I cleaned the bathroom, even the sink drain. The barn stall is clean, with fresh, sweet shavings, the path to the manure pile is shoveled, my mare is back inside with her three types of grain, and alfalfa cubes, and fresh hay. Her water is warm, and I gave the cats a big bowl of warm milk... which they loved. Cookie had her walk in the woods, albeit a short one, and she is fed and curled up on the bed behind me. I'm fed too... Well seasoned pan fried chicken breast sliced into strips (no breading) with onion, mushroom, green olives and salsa... and broccoli and cauliflower sprinkled with shredded cheddar. Very healthy and filling. There is a Leaf game on tonight, and my son should be home by about seven. Watching season four of Van Helsing on Netflix too, in between chores. A day in the life of an old guy.

Right now I would trade you. I just cleaned my mare's stall and turned her out. It is sunny, but the air is too cold to breathe. She needs to stay out for a couple of hours to keep her legs from stocking up. I have to walk this fine edge with her. I want her to be comfortable, but she needs exercise too. I will hand-walk her a few minutes when I go back out. My storm blue car is covered in white stuff.

Bluefish cold here. Have a great day, everyone.

My blacksmith cancelled because he is snowed in. It's fine with me... I have snow here but it isn't as bad as where he is. Y'all have a great day, and if you are in a stormy area, be careful.

Sweet dreams, Bucket

Morning/evening, all.

Beautiful song... got me in the feels... Thanks, Albert.

Morning, all.

I watched one episode on satellite TV... it was already partly into it... I wasn't sure what was going on. Travis Fimmel was great... I thought he was a bad guy at first... and I don't think he should have taken that kid along with him... and the three brothers in the desert was messed up.

For me, writing is an interactive experience. I love hearing and responding to a reader's thoughts, good or bad. Happy you are on a Headstall 'read-a-thon'. I wasn't really sure of this story after I finished it. I was finally coming out of my covid fog and felt it wasn't good enough. I submitted it to the Anthology, though, because it was me writing again, and I did feel great about that after some frustrating times unable to produce. Sometimes I am too hard on my self, and my work, and the reaction to this story made me see that. The way you describe how the story made you feel is incredibly validating, and I thank you sincerely. It really was a story I wanted to tell, because sudden and cruel loss is an inevitable part of life. So is learning to move past all the pain. Happy reading, my new friend.

Thank you, Ford! Another western is turning around in my mind, but that is all I will say for now. So glad you enjoyed this little tale, and of course I am going to ask you if you would be so kind as to leave a story review, a story recommendation(in the box on the front story page) and a story like (the thumb sign under the story description box). This humble author would appreciate these easy steps it you think the story deserving. I have lots more stories for you to read and I hope I hear from you again. Cheers! Gary....

Yup, and he's now taller than his mother.