Vcs

Thank you @IBEX, Little Man, a.k.a. Mannly (a chapter is coming up on how he became known as Mannly), was found by Jake at the north gate of Two Spirits Horse Ranch, left for dead after being brutally assaulted and bound with barbed wire. Please feel welcome and encouraged to share any other questions. Meanwhile, more adventures to come; enjoy! Please note, I've just gone in and added a note to the Chapter 2 header stating Little Man is also referred to as Mannly. Thank you again for pointing out the confusion.

Awe @Phredd2, what a fantastic smile to be gifted, thank you! As is no doubt often the case, this little tale has become unrelenting in its insistence on being told. Presently, there's quite a debate on whose turn it is to tell another part of their story. Perhaps while they argue, I'll return to AI imaging to create more images of the different characters. If only I weren't so technologically challenged, I could share. LOL

@Summerabbacat, you tickled my funny bone with "cosmetically tragic"; indeed, she is. As for her comprehension of what goes on around her, Shayna is much like many we've all met who live with what I call ignorance by choice. That girl is such a self-centered narcissist; she refuses to see anything that doesn't fall within her plan. Funny thing, Shayna started as a side character of little consequence. Once she started spouting off in my head, though, she came to life, and in a not-too-flattering way. Thank you for the heads-up on Adieu False Heart. I enjoy good bluegrass. Zydeco is a bit zippier; I think that is a decent description. It's fun to see instruments one might never know exist. If interested, check out Buckwheat Zydeco—Full Set—Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival 2025; I think you'll enjoy how upbeat it is. Check out what's on one of the musicians' chests: www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=popular+zydeco&mid=0628882728CCE5CD42460628882728CCE5CD4246&churl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fchannel%2fUC8yKCGqSRUf7ZZOBo-XUY3Q&FORM=VIRE

Continued... “Does Shir live in the bunkhouse too?” “Nah, that’s just fer us fellas. Shir’s got her’a li’l place down the gravel’a piece. She and CC like it to be quiet. I reckon she gets 'nough of all our carryin' on durin’ the day.” "That's nice; they can share the cabin. Does CC work at the ranch?" ---------- “Yep, and can’t say as she does, not really. CC be’a special friend to Shir and helps Doc out some when one of us be ailin’; she’s good like that. CC’s be’a nurs

Congratulations, Ben. It's fun to look back on when you first dipped your toes in the water with The Mock Orange Scrub, and two years later, you're still successfully putting pen to paper, so to speak. Keep on keeping us entertained!

It's good to see him coming around. Ah, the gris-gris, wonderful things similar to Native American medicine bags. I could use one myself.

Thank you @VBlew, Mannly's progress is getting there, slower than he, Jake, and the others would like, but he's actually doing well considering. Jake, while not a medicine man, is intuitive (okay, except for picking up on Mannly's mutual interest), gifted, and well-trained thanks to the Longfeathers. It will be interesting to see how they each progress.

It never ceases to amaze me how so few words can convey so much, hitting home and touching the reader's soul. I didn't know that language until much later, before illness ripped it away. Still hanging on though, refusing... You really do have a remarkable way with words. @Mikiesboy 💜

I've been thinking about Mannly's skills of observation and can't help but wonder if it's because of the injuries, pain, etc., or that no one has made a point of spelling things out. Poor boy really is clueless about the folks at the ranch and who is or isn't... Does he not remember Jake's statement? Funny, I can hear him in my head: "What, did I miss something?"

“Hey, Sam,” Jo greeted him, wearing a huge grin, bouncing as he ran. Having seen the look of sheer joy, Sam laughed, then took on as serious an expression as he could. “Yes, Jo, what is it now?” He couldn’t help but tease the bantam man, who, at times, felt was the very bane of his existence but, like everyone else on the ranch, loved him all the same. With unbridled enthusiasm for life and everything that came with it, Jo would often get so far ahead of himself that a jackrabbit would be c

Funny, I kept thinking of the old saying about not being able to keep something tucked away somewhere, but with Jake it's something else; he just can't keep his thoughts tucked into his head. This has been one of the most fun chapters to write thus far.

I found myself listening to this numerous times, waiting for Mannly to awaken. Sometimes it's hard to remember that: Sometimes the rain falls, but the sun will shine again. Sometimes a storm calls, but the clouds will part again...

She's a snippy little thing, but will that be her worst trait?

@Summerabbacat A treat for you, all mentioned are, in fact, real... INDIAN BLANKET OIL - The oil provides a penetrating warmth without the burn or chill caused by a number of commercial treatments (i.e., sore muscles, stiff joints) CHAGRA MUSHROOMS - Dry skin treatment - contains something called "polysaccharides" that aids hydration retention for skin (i.e., chapped skin, cracked hands, dry patches) Inflammation - helps sooth irritated skin, good for inflammatory conditions UV & Sun Protection - offers beneficial concentrations of melanin helps skin against UV and environmental damage Antioxidant & Anti-Aging Support - Chaga offers highest amount of any superfood, fighting free radical damage DREAMCATCHER BALM - Naturally plant-based herbal salve typically used to promote sleep, ease tension, and relieve mild headaches Amazing, isn't it, what nature provides?

What a delightful comment to awaken to @Summerabbacat. One of the most enjoyable parts of writing this story is listening to and being guided by the inner dialogues. Doc, often so stern and down to business, is fun to watch when he allows his happy button to show. As for Shir, just like the one who inspired her character, those she cares most about offer her amusement, as she does them. It's fun to hear I'm not the only one googling while following a story. Such places can be amazing. The added beauty of this one is that 'no wounded soul is ever turned away from Two Spirits Horse Ranch,' whether they have two legs or four. 🤗 Thank you for reading and for your delightful comments. Now, pardon me, please; more scenes ahead await writing to reveal thoughts within, surprises, and hullabaloo...

Loving your choice in music @Summerabbacat Shir is a nod to someone I once knew, one of those stoic ships that pass quietly, leaving little wake but a huge impression. While she stood strong for others, I always wondered who stood for her.

She's already shaping up to possibly be both. It'll be interesting to see which way the wind blows with that one. At the moment, I wouldn't mind living in an environment such as Two Spirits Horse Ranch. If there's anyplace Little Man can pull through, it seems the ranch would be it, but will what Jake and the others have to offer be enough?

The fact that this story can remind us of actual occurrences is both devastating and terrifying, but as long as there are bigots who can't keep out of other people's bedrooms, it'll keep happening. Right there with you @Summerabbacat , handguns especially make me uncomfortable, although I have owned one. Interestingly, it wasn't the biggest baby I ever pulled but rather a copy of a small pistol that only shot tear gas. Thankfully, the would-be assailant couldn't tell the difference, and just the threat did the job.

Thank you for reading, @VBlew Poor Mannly, if only the massage could have lasted a little bit longer. Yum for the red Jello, but is it coffee he wants more? With Jake overseeing care, will he even allow the magnificent juice of the bean to pass those lips he's longing for? Indeed, Jake is a bit smitten with his young traveler. Alas, if only they could hear each other's thoughts and not just their own. 💕 First though, Little Man has to be able to stay awake, right?

I know, right? Most of this story is written, or rather, I thought it was, but they keep talking to me. Rehab's coming, and what a challenge. Which will be hardest to recover from, the physical or psychological damage? What about the missing memories? Needless to say, much more to come...

“Oh, my goodness, pauvre bête! That Jake, he jokes about Jo being such a chatterbox, but I swear he can give his own run for the money,” Shir laughed. “Now, while he’s washing up, I’m going to spread some more Chaga mushroom salve on your skin. It’s full of good healing properties, and I believe you’ll enjoy the scent.” Stepping out of the shower, Jake heard a loud clatter. Alarmed, he quickly wrapped the towel he was drying with around his waist and stepped to the doorway. “I heard a noise

Thank you for joining the In the Barb adventures and for your kind feedback. Time to get back to writing...

Always the most challenging and sometimes the worst scars aren't the external ones. As for the perps, we'll see...

Thank you so much! 💝 Shir and Jake are fun characters and very vocal, I might add.

With his beliefs, plus Doc's and Dr. Mac's instructions, Jake's doing his darndest to fill Mannly with good thoughts and reassurances. Nice, too; we learn a little more about the folks there. Think he talks a lot in the story? Ha! Y'all should hear him and some of the characters in my head. 🙄🤣