tag:marklredmond.com,2005:/blogs/blog?p=1Blog2019-01-06T18:37:30-06:00Mark L. Redmondfalsetag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/55836832019-01-06T18:37:30-06:002019-01-06T18:37:30-06:00Happy New Year From Tombstone!<p><span class="font_regular">Susie and I returned to Apache Junction, Arizona, after a delightful Christmas with part of our family in California. Then on December 28, we drove between 3 and 4 hours to Bisbee, where we spent the night in the Bisbee Grand Hotel. The next morning after breakfast, we wandered around, visiting shops and museums. Of course, I was also gathering material for stories. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">That afternoon we drove half an hour to Tombstone, one of our favorite places in Arizona. We stayed two nights in the Tombstone Bordello, a bed and breakfast near the edge of town. When we arrived in town, we spent the rest of the afternoon looking in some of the stores on Allen Street. After eating dinner at The Long Branch Saloon, we headed for the bed and breakfast.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">The next morning we had breakfast and then headed for the historic courthouse. This time we were dressed in our period clothing. After we had toured the courthouse, we walked on the wooden sidewalks in our cowboy boots from shop to shop, stopping to do some target practice with six-shooters and have lunch at The Chrystal Palace. We took some of our own photos and then stopped at an old fashioned photo parlor to have a professional photographer take a picture of us. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Big Nose Kate's Saloon was our choice for dinner, and then we returned to the bordello. We felt as if we had stepped into the past for a day.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">We had breakfast the next morning, loaded the car, and then took another walk through town. This time one of our main stops was the office of the <em>Tombstone Epitaph, </em>the town's newspaper.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">The entire time we were there, I was soaking up the history of Tombstone and its inhabitants. One of my stories will be set in or around this old western town.</span></p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/55446042018-12-07T15:35:47-06:002018-12-07T15:35:47-06:00We Wish You A Cowboy Christmas! <p>Merry Christmas from sunny Arizona, Pardners!</p>
<p><span class="font_regular">When I was growing up, one of the Christmas traditions that my siblings and I enjoyed was having stockings. We didn't always have a fireplace on which to hang them, but they were fun anyway. They were filled with inexpensive gifts--candy, small toys and games, flashlights, and other items that delighted us. The tradition is still kept in homes across the country. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">If your home is one of those that follows the Christmas stocking tradition, or if you're thinking about joining those who do, consider making one or more of your child's stocking stuffers a book. Thousands of parents have purchased these entertaining,educational books for their children. Many have read and enjoyed the books with their children. Here's what some of them said.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>"Ab<span class="font_regular">out a month ago I ordered four of the Arty books for Nathan. He was already in the middle of another book so he didn't start right away with the new books. Meantime, our reluctant reader son, Stephen 10, picked up the books and started reading them. He LOVES them! It's the first time in ages he finished a chapter book. I found such delight in in listening to Stephen retell parts of the book with such excitement. The only reason I let our kids stay up late is to read. Needless to say there have been many late nights for these boys. Thank you for writing such wholesome books that boys love. </span></i></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>Sincerely,</em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>D.M."</em></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em>"I felt like I was in the saddle right next to Arty during his exciting (sometimes humorous) adventures. I enjoyed Arty's adventures so much that they have become a regular part of our nightly reading with our children. LD"</em></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>"<i>I love the books. I want to buy them</i> <em>for my nephew for Christmas. I haven't been able to put them down. I laugh out loud at Jasper. This is a great time in my life to be reading these books because I have some of the same battles with God that Arty has over the loss of a parent. No one could have written it more clearly than you because of your experiences and watching your kids go through losing a parent. I know these books will impact many young kids. Thank you for writing them. Amy"</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>At only $8 each or $48 for the complete set, these books make excellent stocking stuffers or Christmas gifts. If you order by December 20, my gift to you will be free shipping. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Merry Christmas from Susie and me,</p>
<p>Mark L. Redmond<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/612bee4977fddc788a7a6b658d3f2e2699e9cde4/original/img-20161220-200845.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54954402018-11-01T12:59:19-05:002018-11-01T12:59:19-05:00Greetings from Gatlinburg<p>Susie and Mark have left the park! We're relaxing for a few days in a cabin in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and attending two buyers' shows. We'll be shopping for items to sell in our ranger station next season. Sunday we'll head for Covington, Kentucky, where we'll attend the annual symposium for Yogi Bear's Jellystone Parks. We'll attend seminars and another buyers' show, this time shopping for Yogi Bear merchandise. Friday morning, November 9, we plan to return to the park, spend the night in our motorhome, and head for Colorado Saturday morning.</p>
<p>I've been busy during our free time, working on both writing and reading. I sent out my first email from this site yesterday. We haven't taken photos on this trip so far, but I want to show you what my lovely Susie looked like for Halloween.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54076862018-07-25T12:25:00-05:002023-10-16T09:52:56-05:00 National Day of the Cowboy <p>Join Susie and me at Moose Lake Christian Craft Village in La Otto, Indiana, this Saturday, July 28, from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. We'll be joining thousands of other people across the country as we celebrate an American icon, the Cowboy. Good food, good music, good activities and other entertainment await you. We'll have a book table and some giveaways. Don't miss the fun!</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54076872018-06-17T12:30:00-05:002018-08-30T12:27:01-05:00Father's Day Reflections<p>I have mixed emotions on Father's Day each year. I don't really remember most of the Father's Days I've celebrated since I became a father in 1976. The one Father's Day I will always remember came in 2005. Early in the morning, my daughter Melody and I sat in a waiting room at our local hospital, waiting for my son Ben and his wife Patti to arrive from Minnesota. When I had called him in the middle of the night to tell him that his mother had died in her bed, he had asked me to keep her connected to the life support system until he arrived. Ben and I sat on opposite sides of Susi until that precious heart stopped beating. After 25 years of suffering, My best friend went home to Heaven. </p>
<p>I don't remember much about Father's Day in 2006; but when it arrived in 2007, my father had been gone for four months. By that time, however, my life had begun to change. <br>This Father's Day finds me married to a different Susie (now my best friend and an amazing lady) for almost 11 years. In addition to my two biological children, I have gained four more. All six of my children and their spouses are among my dearest friends. I also have become grandfather to 10 precious children. Because of these incredible people whom God has placed in my life, today is truly a happy Father's Day to me. Thank you, Susie, my children, and my grandchildren, for making my life wonderful. I love you all.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54077432018-06-07T12:30:00-05:002018-08-30T12:58:54-05:00Our Motorhome on the Range <p>The exterior of our 2002 Winnebago Brave was beginning to show its age. Last summer I spent some long, hot hours, removing the old, faded decals with a heat gun and a putty knife. We checked on getting our motorhome painted, but the cost of a good paint job was too high for our budget. When Susie investigated other options, she discovered Andersons' Signs of the Times, an Elkhart company that does wraps. An old friend and former co-worker of mine started the company 13 years ago. We decided that if we were going to change the appearance of our home, we might as well get what we wanted. Susie selected the pictures because she's very creative with this kind of project. Let us know what you think of the results. </p>
<p>I will say that I really do have to get busy writing now that we live in our wild west home!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/bc5980c2dae219c4eefe6878762bb6d758be716e/original/redmond-rv-front-proof-1-orig.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/51e161c75d8e8c796b68b9369e81dedb66adca2f/original/redmond-rv-wrap-driver-side-town-proof3-1-orig.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/348412fdc03ad973319fa632a6f8c45e4e8bb9f9/original/fb-img-1526439602850-1-orig.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/7f3197f45cdf63c88731dd5d9e2ce62c21f5c7e2/original/redmond-rv-back-proof-1-orig.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54077922018-04-01T13:20:00-05:002018-08-30T13:21:58-05:00Back in Indiana, but with a New Plan! <p>Last night at 8:30, Susie and I parked our motorhome in the parking lot of our Fremont, Indiana, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort. We had spent 10 days in Mesa Arizona, enjoying the sunshine, the warm days, and the incredible scenery. Then we left Arizona and drove our motorhome to Colorado Springs, where we spent a day visiting our daughter, son-in-law, and 4 of our grandchildren. </p>
<p>We left there Wednesday morning, encountering some fairly serious (20-25 mph) winds while driving through Kansas. We stopped to visit some treasured friends in Champaign, Illinois, and spent Friday night at their house. Back on the road Saturday morning, we traveled about 10 miles in 30-40 mph winds that ripped off our awning. After a 2-hour wait for roadside service, I helped a service tech cut the awning loose and remove the remaining awning arm from the motorhome while we fought the wind. Five hours later we reached the park. <br>While we were in Arizona, we took another step toward my resuming my writing career. For 5 years Susie had wanted to replace our dining table and booth seats with a writing desk. We discovered that some friends in Mesa wanted to replace their dining table and chairs with a table and booth seats, so we gave them ours and bought a desk. Below are photos of before and after. <br>My plan for this summer is to get up at 5:00 so I can write for an hour before Susie begins her day. I have also set some quarterly, monthly, and weekly writing goals. I'll keep you posted as I achieve my goals.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/694597bb871edb7c074185d5bbf1f80604beb89a/original/img-20180319-091830-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/b004056a325fffce64552f77782872198421d31a/original/img-20180323-204518-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54078012018-03-18T13:30:00-05:002018-08-30T13:30:36-05:00Go West, Old Man! <p>Last Wednesday Susie and I flew from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Mesa, Arizona. How we love this area of the country! Right now the temperatures are in the mid 60's to mid 70's. We're only here until next Saturday, but we're thankful for any time we can spend in Mesa. </p>
<p>While we're here, I'm recharging my writing batteries by absorbing more history and scenery that I can use in future stories. I mentioned in an earlier post that I'm currently working on a picture book, but I still plan to write another middle grade (or younger) western series--this time set in Arizona instead of Texas. I'm also about ready to dust off the grown-up western I started too many years ago. I promise, I'll do everything in my power to give you stories that you'll think were worth waiting for. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, last Saturday morning an old cowboy, named J.C. Hulsey, interviewed me for his Wild West Showdown radio program. J.C. owns Outlaw Publishing, one of the top western publishers in the country. The interview is featured on show # 144. Here's the link to the show: www.blogtalkradio.com/wildwestshowdown/. Check it out! </p>
<p>Well, that's all for now. Susie and I are heading out to explore more of this beautiful country.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54078142018-03-06T13:35:00-06:002018-08-30T13:35:01-05:00A Different Direction <p>Howdy, Readers! </p>
<p>I know I've been silent for the past two months, but I certainly haven't been idle. Before I share with you what I'm currently doing in my writing, let me tell you what Susie and I have been doing. </p>
<p>After spending time in Colorado and California, where we enjoyed our kids and grandkids, we stayed in Mesa, Arizona, for a few days. Then we put the motorhome in storage and flew back to Indiana. For the third consecutive year, we represented Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort on Barton Lake at four RV trade shows. </p>
<p>We did shows in Cleveland, Ohio, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, in January and shows in Novi (near Detroit), Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois, in February. Working at those shows involves loading the park's SUV with several banners, a TV and laptop for video presentations, and dozens of boxes of literature before each show. When we arrive at each show, we unload the SUV and set up our booth. For the next four or five days, Susie and I spend 7-12 hours each day talking to show attendees about our park.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/6df4cf619d7eb991163e0d911071b8426e335ad7/original/img-20180113-170522.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/096747e074bac19c4b9eb165df0ab02471949de2/original/img-20180216-203038-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>After we finished the final trade show February 18, we enjoyed lunch and a show at Medieval Times in Schaumburg, Illinois, on the way home. We rested for a day, then began working at the Ranger Station, unpacking merchandise, pricing it, and entering it into our inventory. </p>
<p>Because our daughter-in-law Abby now works in the store, she has been helping Susie 3 days each week. Therefore, instead of helping Susie in the store on those days I have been able to return to writing. </p>
<p>Now, here's the part about the different direction my writing is taking. I am working through a course on writing picture books (age 4-7). I hope to have my first picture book manuscript ready to submit to a publisher before we return to work at he park in early April. My plans still involve finishing the western I started ten years ago as well as writing another middle grade western series. I just need to adjust my lifestyle so that I can write while working at the park. I don't really need all that sleep anyway, right? I'd nearly forgotten how much I love to write. Stay tuned for updates.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54078152017-12-23T13:40:00-06:002018-08-30T13:39:41-05:00Merry Christmas From California! <p>Our stay in California will end the day after Christmas when we return to Mesa, Arizona for a few days. I promised to share some poetry with you, and I thought Christmas might be a good time to start. As you read the following poem, please remember that I wrote it when I was in high school. </p>
<p>The Night Before Christmas </p>
<p>"Twas the night before Christmas <br>And all through the home, <br>Rats and mice <br>Were beginning to roam. <br>The stockings were hung <br>By the chimney with wire; <br>I'd put them there, hoping <br>That they'd catch on fire. <br>The children were gagged <br>And tied to their beds, <br>While visions of killing me <br>Danced in their heads. <br>I with my nightcap <br>and Ma with her jug, <br>Sat kicking the hound dog <br>That lay on the rug. <br>Ma went to sleep, <br>But I had a cause; <br>I was staying awake <br>To see Santa Claus. <br>Out in the driveway <br>I heard a loud roar; <br>Someone was waiting <br>Outside our front door. <br>I sprang to the window <br>And then, with a crash, <br>I fell through the shutters <br>And into the trash. <br>Then what to my wondering <br>Eyes should appear, <br>But my mother-in-law <br>With a six-pack of beer. <br>"You're not Santa Claus!" <br>I said with a shout, <br>As I bolted the door <br>And locked the hag out. <br>An hour or so later, <br>Across the dark sky <br>Like a leaf in a gale, <br>I saw Santa fly. <br>Then up on the rooftop <br>I heard, I confess, <br>A noise like a battle <br>With Eliot Ness. <br>And then from the chimney <br>I heard a great shout, <br>And I realized the fire <br>Had not been put out. <br>Like a jet, up the chimney <br>Flew the old man in red; <br>And the words "Merry Christmas!" <br>Were not what he said. <br>With the speed of lightning, <br>He shot up the flu; <br>He wiped out his sleigh <br>And his reindeer too. <br>So, listen to me, kids, <br>You'd better believe, <br>That was no shooting star <br>You saw Christmas Eve! </p>
<p>Susie and I want to wish our friends and family a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Stay tuned for more of my prose and poetry, and please feel free to leave a comment on my website or Facebook page.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54078162017-12-19T13:40:00-06:002018-08-30T13:43:02-05:00A Note from Out West <p>Susie and I left Indiana on December 12 and headed west. I want to share some highlights from our journey so far. The first event of our trip actually occurred the night before we left. We had said goodbye to Kyle, Abby, and Sawyer (our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson) and were driving toward home in our 2012 Toyota Corolla when we collided with a large deer and did over $6000 worth of damage to our car. The deer was totaled. </p>
<p>We left the next morning in our motorhome and drove to Champaign, Illinois, intending to spend the night with good friends, Deb and Tim Pico. As we prepared to leave the following morning, I discovered a quarter-sized hole in the sidewall of one of our nearly new rear tires. After searching for several hours and spending a little more than $400 for a new tire, we accepted the Picos' invitation to stay a second night. <br>We ambled westward, making a surprise stop (planned by Susie) in Dodge City, Kansas. Eventually we arrived safely in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where we thoroughly enjoyed a 2-week visit with Samantha and Alex (our daughter and someday son-in-law) and 4 grandchildren (King, Robi, Zibiah, and Jezebel). <br>We are currently staying in an RV park near Los Angeles, California, visiting Ryan and Raquel (our son and daughter-in-law) until the day after Christmas. <br>We plan to visit Joshua Tree National Park on our way to Mesa, Arizona. After we spend a few days in Mesa, we have to return to Indiana to represent our RV park at 4 RV shows (Cleveland, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Novi, Michigan; and Chicago, Illinois.) <br>We have been enjoying our leisure time, visiting local points of interest and relaxing. I have had the opportunity to work on writing-related tasks such as organizing and marketing. This area of the country inspires me to create. I'm hoping I'll build enough momentum to keep me writing after our return to Indiana.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/01d09bf1c3a21696d1a851638725181f88b77325/original/img-20171218-160439-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/5782248475b65e601f3a61a617d5f3d3bc3b4fc5/original/img-20171116-111731-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/727d224bb4f567cba304916b01a8b145a1bdf205/original/img-20171116-122454-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54091502017-10-30T10:20:00-05:002018-08-31T10:19:55-05:00Rhyme Time for an Old-Timer <p>Susie and I have finished another season at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp Resort at Barton Lake in Fremont, Indiana. We are still working for the next two weeks, but the pace and the length of our workdays has changed drastically. </p>
<p>We left the park to attend a buyers' show in the Gatlinburg area. After some rather tense, sleep-deprived, rainy night, road construction driving, we arrived safely at our cabin in Pigeon Forge. For the next five days, we'll be walking for miles (literally) as we shop for items to sell in our Ranger Station store. Sunday we'll pack up and head for the annual Yogi Bear Symposium in Covington, Kentucky. While we're there, we'll do more shopping for our store (this time we'll be looking mainly at Yogi Bear merchandise). We'll also attend seminars that will help us be better and more knowledgeable employees. <br>Then next Friday we plan to return to the park for a day or two. We'll finish packing our motorhome and head for Colorado Springs to visit one of our daughters and four of our grandchildren. From there, Lord-willing, we'll head for Los Angeles to visit a son and daughter-in-law. Anyone who actually reads this post might be thinking, How nice, but what does all of this information have to do with writing? <br>I'm delighted that you asked! Finally I should be able to get some writing done as well as posting some of my previous works. Some of those works are poems. Although I haven't said much about the fact, I've been writing poetry since I was in elementary school. Stay tuned, and I'll share some of my poetry with you.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54091532017-07-22T10:25:00-05:002018-08-31T10:25:10-05:00Excerpt from My New Book; "Five for the Trail"<p>A few of you have asked if I'd post some of my work so you could read it. I reckon some folks might respond by saying, "If you want to read my writing, you can buy my books," but I'll share one of the stories from my book, Five for the Trail, and let you decide whether you want to spend a measly $10 (plus $3 s&h) to read the other five stories in the book. There really are six stories in the book, but you'll have to buy it to get the explanation. </p>
<p>THE SPITTOON </p>
<p>I’m a private kind of man. I don’t make a habit of poking my nose into other folks’ business, and I’m obliged when they stay out of mine. I’m not unfriendly, and I try not to be unpleasant, but some people just don’t know when to quit. When the loud man flung the bat wing doors open and stomped into the saloon, I just knew he was one of those people. <br>I was sitting at a table in the back corner with my back to the wall. Less than half an hour earlier I had ridden into Bisby, Arizona. After two weeks of riding from sunup to sundown to get there, I was tired of beans and jerky. I was tired of washing particles of sand from my mouth with the brackish water from my canteen. I was tired of sweating all day and sleeping on rocky ground. Almost thirty years as a cowboy, pony express rider, and Texas Ranger had accustomed me to discomfort; they had not made me fond of it. </p>
<p>On the table in front of me sat my supper: a large, juicy steak; four big, fluffy sourdough biscuits; a large, open tin of peaches; and a cup of the best coffee I had ever tasted. All I wanted was to be left alone to enjoy my meal. Now I was pretty sure that I was about to be interrupted. Keeping my attention on my plate, I decided to put away as much of my meal as I could. Besides, maybe the loud man wouldn’t pay any mind to me. <br>“Hey, Grandpa!” he said. Ignoring him, I continued to eat. <br>“I guess the old man must be deaf!’ he said. The two cowboys who had come in with him, smaller rags torn from the same bolt of cloth, laughed. <br>“Maybe you should speak up, big brother,” one of them said. <br>“Or move a little closer, Del,” the other added. <br>I poured a second cup of steaming coffee from the pot that the bartender had left for me. Still looking at my plate, I bit into a biscuit. <br>“I ain’t getting any closer,” said Del. That old man stinks bad enough from here.” Again there was laughter. <br>He was right about one thing; I didn’t smell very good. Riding straight through town to the livery stable, I had unsaddled Midnight and paid the stable boy to rub him down and give him a double helping of oats. I had stopped at the hotel, paid for a room, and left my gear there. On my way out I had asked the clerk to recommend an eating place and then ordered a bath to be ready in an hour. Then I had come here to enjoy my supper. <br>I ate another piece of steak so tender I could almost cut it with my fork. As I chewed, I closed my eyes and anticipated soaking my tired, aching body in a tub of hot water while </p>
<p>smoking one of the stogies I had tucked away in my saddlebags. <br>“Shhhh-- I think Grandpa has dozed off,” said Del. “Matt, he just might fall into his plate and smother hisself. Maybe you better wake him up.” <br>I heard the distinct sound of someone cocking a Colt. A nearly deafening explosion followed; and I could feel the bullet smash into the floor inches from my feet, showering my pant leg with splinters. As I glanced in their direction, Matt, who appeared to be the youngest of the three, spun his six-shooter on his finger and slipped it smoothly into his holster. <br>“Grandpa,” said Del, “I reckon you ought to thank Matt here for saving your life. I would have asked Tony to do it; but he’s such a bad shot, he might have hit you.” <br>I knew they weren’t going to go away, but I wasn’t about to give up my supper because these rowdy boys wanted some entertainment. They appeared to be more bored than bad. I took another bite of biscuit and washed it down with a swig of coffee. Saluting them with my cup, I smiled. <br>“I’m obliged, Matt, for keeping me awake. I’m mighty tired right now. I’m obliged to you, too, Del, for picking the best shot to do the honors. Why, who could tell by looking that he’s the one that can shoot straight enough to hit the floor?” <br>I had another bite of steak while the brothers digested what I had said. <br>“I think that old man is making fun of us,” said Tony, taking a step forward. <br>“Hold on,” said Del, placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Old man, are you trying to make fools of us?” </p>
<p>“Now, that would be closing the corral gate after the horses were gone, wouldn’t it?” I asked. <br>“What horses?” Matt whispered. <br>I buttered another biscuit, took a bite, and then cut off another piece of steak. Del was about to speak, but I cut him off. “I’m saying my dear, departed grandmother could have made that shot from twice as far away and without her spectacles. But then you weren’t wearing yours either.” <br>“Matt don’t wear spectacles,” Del said. <br>“Maybe he needs to,” I said, sipping more coffee. <br>“Del, he is making fun of us,” said Tony. “Can I--” <br>“I’ll take care of this,” said Del, his hand resting on the butt of his Colt. “You got some mouth on you, Grandpa,” he said. <br>“Thank you,” I said. I finished my biscuit and began to butter another one. <br>“Stand up!” Del said. <br>“Can’t,” I said. <br>“What did you say?” he asked. <br>“Can’t!” I said, nearly shouting. Taking a bite of steak, I shook my head. “Matt’s eyes are bad, and Del’s hard of hearing. Is anything wrong with you, Tony?” <br>Leaning with his back against the bar and his thumbs hooked in his gun belt, Tony focused his attention on raking the floor with his spur. “Well, sometimes when the thunder and lightning gets real bad, I--” <br>“Shut up, Tony!” said Del. “Grandpa, I told you to stand up.” </p>
<p>“Can’t,” I said. <br>“Why not--are your knees knocking too bad?” Del asked. <br>“Nope,” I said, chewing a large piece of steak and gesturing at the table with my fork. “I’m eating my supper, and I like to eat sitting down when I can.” <br>Three explosions followed so quickly that they sounded more like one long roar in the room. A small cloud of smoke drifted toward the ceiling. Brushing splinters from my pants, I glanced at the bullet holes in the floor. I shook my head slowly and looked at Del, who was still holding his Colt. <br>“Granny shot like that one time,” I said. “Shut herself in her cabin for a week--wouldn’t talk to anybody for the pure shame of it. Bar keep says he’s got some dried apple pie in the kitchen. You wouldn’t happen to know if it’s any good, would you?” <br>“Yes, sir,” said Matt. “I have a piece pretty near every time I’m in town--” <br>“Shut up!” Del said. “I hit what I’m aiming at, old man.” <br>I buttered my last biscuit, laid my knife across the edge of my plate, and then took a silver dollar from my vest pocket. Holding it up, I asked, “Del, are you a gambler?” <br>Del looked confused. “What are you getting at?” <br>I smiled and laid the dollar on the edge of the table. That dollar says you’re not a good enough shot to move the spittoon at the end of the bar twice without putting a hole in it.” <br>“I only get two shots?” he asked, squinting at the spittoon. <br>“Yep,” I said. I drank what was left of my coffee and then refilled my cup. I put another piece of steak in my mouth and chewed slowly. </p>
<p>When Del’s first slug hit the floor close enough to rock the spittoon slightly, I gave him a nod. His second shot was too far to the left. He holstered his Colt and flipped me a dollar, which I caught and laid on top of the first one. “Double or nothing, Matt?” I asked. “You get four shots to move it three times.” <br>“I don’t mind taking on old man’s money,” Matt said, smiling. “Let me get your dollar back for you, big brother.” He drew smoothly and fired. <br>“Looks like one of us is going to be buying a new spittoon,” I said. <br>“You talk too much, Grandpa,” said Matt, taking deliberate aim and squeezing the trigger. The spittoon scooted two inches, nearly turning over. His third shot moved it again. <br>The bar keep, standing behind the bar at the same end as the brothers, had been silently polishing glasses and stacking them within easy reach, stopping occasionally to pour more whiskey for them. “Someone will have to pay for it,” he mumbled. <br>“Loser pays for the spittoon,” said Del, smiling, I reckon, at the idea of getting his money back. <br>“Fair enough,” I replied, brushing the two silver dollars off the table just as Matt fired. It wasn’t much of a distraction, but it was enough. Matt’s face reddened as he holstered his gun. “You did that on purpose, old man!” <br>“Sorry to be so clumsy,” I said, stooping to retrieve the coins. “Tell you what I’ll do though, boys; I’ll call off that bet and make the same bet with Tony. All he has to do is hit the spittoon three of five times. It’s ruined anyway. What do you say?” </p>
<p>Del and Matt looked at each other and then at Tony. “You got the two dollars?” Del asked. <br>“Come on, Del,” said Tony, a trace of a whine in his voice. “I can do it--I know I can! Just give me a chance!” <br>I used that last biscuit to soak up some of the juice from the steak. Wiping my mouth with a cloth napkin, I leaned back in my chair and smiled. <br>“You’d better hit the danged thing!” said Del, giving Tony a shove that put him two feet closer to the spittoon. I noticed that Tony’s brothers stepped behind him as he drew his gun, and I wondered if I should move. I was, after all, only fifteen feet to the left of the spittoon. I had reckoned that Del had exaggerated about how bad Tony’s shooting was, but he hadn’t. The one time he did hit the spittoon, his thumb slipped on the hammer, causing him to fire before he had taken time to aim. Head hanging, Tony turned to the bar and finished his drink. <br>“Here, mister,” he said, shuffling toward me and holding out a handful of coins. “You win.” <br>“Wait a minute!” said Del, grabbing Tony’s shoulder. “This old man has stole all the money from us he’s going to--in fact, I’m going to take back my dollar and his too.” As he started toward me, each brother grabbed an arm. <br>“We agreed to the bet, Del,” said Matt, “and we lost. Pay the man, Tony.” <br>As Tony let go of his brother’s arm and started toward me, Del’s head drooped; and his shoulders sagged. He must have felt Matt’s grip relax because suddenly Del tore free. Jumping to his left, the big man leveled his Colt at my chest. </p>
<p>Sipping coffee, I studied him over the rim of my cup. “Bar keep,” I said, smiling, “I’m ready for pie.” <br>“Don’t get between us, Tony,” said Del. “Just keep walking to the side, and get them two dollars. Bring them back here and give them to me.” <br>“Del,” said Tony, “I don’t want no trouble. Why don’t we--” <br>“Move!” Del said. <br>“Del,” I said, “listen to Tony. You don’t want trouble. I want to show you something very special, and then we’ll see if you still want the money. May I? I’m going to move very slowly so you can see what I’m doing.” With my thumb and forefinger, I pulled my own Colt from its holster and laid it on the table. <br>Matt’s spurs jingled as he stepped to Del’s side. The three stood in a rough semicircle in front of my table with Tony a step or two closer to me. “It looks like a plain old Colt to me,” <br>said Del. “What’s so special about it?” <br>“It has something your guns don’t have,” I said. I picked it up with my right hand and cocked it, keeping the barrel pointed at the ceiling. <br>Instantly Matt and Tony drew their guns and pointed them at me. Del chuckled. “That Colt of yours is outnumbered three to one, Grandpa. What does it have that ours don’t?” <br>I motioned to the bar keep, who started toward the kitchen. “Bullets, Del,” I said with a smile. “You boys light a shuck. I have some pie to eat, a bath to take, and a cigar to smoke.” I extended my left hand toward Tony for the coins. “I’m much obliged to you for the entertainment and for the supper which you have so generously provided. I’ll be happy to recommend your hospitality to others if you wish; but if not, I’ll never breathe a word of what happened here today.” <br>They shuffled from the room without looking back. The bar keep set a huge piece of dried apple pie on the table in front of me. Holstering my Colt, I ate my pie in peace.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54091542017-07-04T10:30:00-05:002018-08-31T10:26:55-05:00What I've Been Doing With My Writing Time... <p>When Susie and I tell people that we're in the hospitality business, working at a large campground/resort, they often think of us as a vacationing couple. Many think of us as hosts who welcome campers to our park the way a greeter welcomes shoppers to Walmart. As my loyal readers wait for the next book or short story, they wonder,what can possibly be keeping Mark from writing? </p>
<p>Since you asked, let me tell you why I haven't finished my current book or produced any poetry or short stories for awhile. <br>Susie and I are responsible for operating our park's store and café. On a normal work day, I get up at 6:00, make our coffee, pray for our family and friends, and start breakfast (usually bacon and eggs) while Susie is getting ready for work. We leave our park model around 7:30 and generally return home at night between 7:30 and 8:30. <br>usually we work from 35-40 hours between Saturday morning and Monday night. In addition to our regular duties, we do other things that need to be done around the park. I could go into more detail, but after a 15-hour day yesterday and a 10-hour day today, I'm having a lot of trouble staying awake as I try to type. <br>We spend part of our days off working on tasks that demand our attention. We do our laundry and grocery shopping, and I still get up at 6:00 to unlock the store for our employees. We love what we're doing, but what we're doing is very hard work. I will write again for you, my friends and family, but not tonight.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54091552017-06-27T10:30:00-05:002018-08-31T11:17:00-05:00At Least I'm Still Reading! <p>Although I haven't been able to write much for the past couple years, I have continued to read nearly every day. Most of what I read comes from the genres in which I write--westerns, middle grade, and children's books. Reading fuels the desire to write that burns inside me. </p>
<p>I recently finished Zorro, by Johnston McCulley. I have seen most of the movies based on this thrilling adventure, but the book was better than many of them. If you can find a copy, read it. I've also read Gary Paulsen's Tucket's Gold, Marian Flandrick Bray's The Bounty Hunter, and Andy Thompson's Sheriff at Waterstop. I regularly read articles from True West magazine and Roundup, the monthly publication of Western Writers of America. Last month I finished The Adventures of Ben Gunn, an interesting and entertaining story written as the narrative o a character fro Treasure Island. <br>I have dozens of stories locked away in my head. I need to make time to let them escape onto paper. Meanwhile, I'll at least keep reading.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54091882017-06-22T10:30:00-05:002018-08-31T10:30:49-05:00The Cowboy Ten Commandments <p>Susie and I both grew up in church. We were taught to follow the principles taught in the Bible. Although we continue as adults to live by those same principles, we have recognized and abandoned the teaching that led us to be judgmental and legalistic. When I think back on my behavior during the years when I was teaching, I am embarrassed by the way I responded to some people and some situations. </p>
<p>God gave us ten commandments by which we are to live. Many of the men who have taught those commandments to people have added their own opinions as additional commandments. Perhaps we need to simplify the way we live as Christians. <br>What does all this have to do with cowboys or the old West? Some cowboy decided to simplify the Ten Commandments by re-stating them in a cowboy's language. They're easy to understand, but not so easy to follow. Susie and I do our best to live by these ten rules. </p>
<p> (1) Just one God. <br> (2) Honor yer Ma & Pa. <br> (3) No telling tales or gossipin'. <br> (4) Git yourself to Sunday meeting. <br> (5) Put nothin' before God. <br> (6) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal. <br> (7) No killin.' <br> (8) Watch yer mouth. <br> (9) Don't take what ain't yers. <br> (10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff. </p>
<p>It's not the way King James had it written, but then, the whole "King James only" stance is really just someone's opinion, added as a commandment.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54091892017-05-27T10:35:00-05:002018-08-31T10:32:22-05:00More About a Hero <p>I looked through my scribblings to find this essay that I wrote about my mother while I was attending college long, long ago. I have edited it to make it current. Although it's not a western story, I want to share it with those of you who read my work. </p>
<p>MARTY </p>
<p>I was my mother’s first son, the second of six children. From the beginning of my memory, I watched her; and what I saw soaked into my soul. She was forgiving when she fell and broke her ankle while chasing a three-year-old me because I didn’t want to take a nap. She was patient when I rang the fire alarm in kindergarten but firm when she took me to the principal’s office the next morning to apologize for lying to him about my misconduct. During the evening between these two events, she told me the story of the boy who had cried “Wolf!” and explained to me why ringing the fire alarm was not funny, but was dangerous. Maybe she realized that I hadn’t known the purpose of the small, black button on the wall. <br>She was compassionate when she discovered that I had rubbed poison ivy on my forearms to prove to a fellow third grader that I was as immune to it as he was. She was sympathetic when, confused about a home remedy, she poured ammonia over the resulting rash and left me scarred. That same year she was just (although I didn’t think so at the time) when she followed my apology to an angry motorist—I only hit his hub cap—with the confiscation of my slingshot. <br>The summer after my fourth-grade year, our family moved to a 156-acre farm, where I became my father’s right-hand man. My mother demonstrated her unselfishness repeatedly by taking my place as Dad’s helper when he worked late in the barn on a school night. As I was growing up, she worked part-time jobs when she could find them. She spent most, if not all of her wages on other people, usually us kids. While I was in high school, she helped me deliver newspapers even though she had to get up at two o’clock Sunday mornings and work for over four hours before we went to church. <br>She was always compassionate. I came home after school one day during my senior year to find her crying. She had had to call the veterinarian to put down my sister’s dying pony. When a lonely old hermit, our neighbor, passed away, my mother was the only friend who went to his funeral. In the midst of endless housework, laundry, canning, and part-time jobs, my mother was never too busy to listen to a story, laugh at a joke, doctor a wound, or help a friend. <br>My mother was humble. No task was too menial for her. I have many memories of the times she bragged about us, but I have no recollection of her boasting on her own behalf. She was as real a Christian as any person I have ever known. <br>She was positive. Quick as she was to chasten or scold when the need arose, my mother was quicker to praise when praise was due. Her marriage was not the happiest, and we children were not models for good behavior; but more often than she sighed, my mother sang. Her sweet alto voice was among the most beautiful I have ever heard. When people hurt her, she didn’t retaliate; she prayed for the abusive and thoughtless ones. <br>She was tenacious when she encountered difficulties. While reason and common sense tried to persuade her to quit, she exercised love and commitment; and she persevered. <br>I am not and never will be a millionaire. I was, however, happily married to a beautiful lady from May 28, 1974, until June 18, 2005, when God took her Home. In spite of the severe rheumatoid arthritis and devastating migraine headaches that God allowed to enter her life, we had a beautiful relationship. I have two adult children, who are among my closest and most-trusted friends. I was a high school English teacher in the same Christian high school from 1978 to 2006. For the past thirty years, I have been a freelance writer. I have published nearly thirty short stories, a six-book middle grade (ages 8-12) fiction series, and a book of short stories for adults. My writing got off to a slow start because of time restrictions. In order to make ends meet, I was working two part-time jobs during the school year. When my mother started getting a social-security check, she asked me to quit one of my part-time jobs and began to send me $150.00 each month. Because of my success and her increased expenses, she eventually had to cut her support in half. It still enabled me to write. I wanted to repay her, but the only currency she would accept was printed copies of my stories. <br>After my wife’s funeral, Mom wanted me to come to live with her and Dad so that I wouldn’t be alone. Because I intended to teach one more year, I declined. <br>When my father passed away in 2007, he left Mom pretty well off. Her philosophy concerning money became, “Do your giving while you’re living so you’re knowing where it’s going.” She knew I was facing some medical expenses from my late wife’s treatments that my teacher’s salary couldn’t cover. Although I tried to avoid telling her how much I owed, she kept asking until I gave her the lowest amount I thought she would believe. She sent me a check for $15,000. <br>Later that same year, I surprised Mom on one of my visits by introducing her to another beautiful lady, who became my wife in September of 2007. Once again God has blessed me with a very happy marriage to an incredible lady. <br>Susie and I spent the winter of 2012-13 with Mom. I don’t recall ever seeing her so happy. We played Scrabble nearly every day and watched numerous episodes of Monk, Matlock, and The Waltons. We both worked part-time jobs and paid for groceries. We cleaned the house and cooked her meals. We spoiled her and had a delightful time doing it. Mom was grateful for everything that people did for her. She invited us to stay with her every winter. <br>On March 21, 2017, she went to Heaven. Although we know she is much better off now, many of us miss her. She impacted the lives of all who knew her; she still does. She still impacts me. Our oldest son Ben reminded us in Mom’s eulogy that because she is gone, the world has a little less love, a little less kindness, a little less generosity, and a little less compassion. He challenged us to compensate for the loss by living our lives a little more like Mom lived hers. For the rest of our lives, Susie and I intend to accept that challenge every day.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54091902017-03-27T10:35:00-05:002018-08-31T10:33:30-05:00A Tribute to One of My Heroes <p>For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to write. Along the way, I have been inspired by a number of people, some of whom I would call my heroes. At the top of my list is my mother. She always believed in me. She encouraged me to follow my dream; she bragged on me when I wrote something and let her read it. She bought multiple copies of my books and gave them to anyone who could read. She even sent me money for awhile so that I could quit my second job and use that time to write. She has been an important part of my life; but on March 21, 2017, she went to Heaven. I lost a great fan and a beloved friend, but I know Mom's free from pain and sorrow. Happy trails, sweet Mom. Until we meet again, I'll keep writing and try to make you proud of me. I love you.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54091912017-02-17T10:35:00-06:002018-08-31T10:34:40-05:00Back in the Saddle in 2017 <p>I haven't done a good job with my blog, but this year I intend to get back into writing mode and start behaving like a writer. I intend to make an entry here at least once each week. I want you, my readers, to get to know me better. I also hope to get to know you better through your comments. Right now I'm 63. My wife Susie (who was born in 19-none of your business:) and I have 6 children and 10 grandchildren. We are workampers. The term is spelled correctly, and it refers to anyone who earns a living while living in an RV. Susie and I live either in our park model (while we work at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp Resort in Fremont, Indiana) or our motor home (when we're in Arizona or other places). We love to travel, especially in the western states. We spend time in Indiana because half of our children and six of our grandchildren live in Indiana and Michigan. The others are in North Carolina, Colorado, and California. This year I want to share what's happening in my life and in my writing. I'll do my best to post things that will make you want to come back often. </p>
<p>For most of my life, I have been fascinated with the old West and the cowboy. I have read hundreds of books, both fiction and non-fiction, about the the West and the people who lived there. I have explored and continue to explore that wild, beautiful country. I feel at home when I'm dressed in my old West clothes from hat to boots with my six-shooter strapped around my waist. (to be continued...)</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54091922015-06-18T10:35:00-05:002018-08-31T10:36:28-05:00Here Comes the Heat! <p>As I walked through our nearly deserted park today, I could understand why it was nearly deserted. With the temperature at 117, the breeze that blew in my face felt as if it were coming from a furnace vent. I wore my newest hat, a straw "Gus," instead of my usual black flat-crowned wool one. </p>
<p>We have air conditioned buildings into which we can escape. The pioneers, the ranchers, and the cowboys had no such luxuries. I tried to imagine riding on a horse, in a wagon, or in a stagecoach. I'm not certain, but I think we might be sissies. :)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/b917ee889c02dc7e9b721342c11ad665a9d8af60/original/5292663-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54091932015-05-27T10:40:00-05:002018-08-31T10:37:54-05:00Exploring Arizona <p>Susie and I are headed into our first summer in Arizona. We've already had several days with 100+ temperatures, but we're still excited about being here. We plan to spend our weekends exploring this state, absorbing its history and viewing its magnificent scenery. I'm back into "writing mode," both writing and marketing. Stay tuned; I'll share our adventures with you as we experience them.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54091942015-03-31T10:40:00-05:002018-08-31T10:42:47-05:00It's a Dry Heat! <p>Susie and I had intended to return to Indiana for our fifth summer at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort in Fremont, but early in 2015 we switched to plan B. We are staying in Mesa, Arizona, at Val Vista Villages, where we have been working during the winter. </p>
<p>Our decision involved much discussion and prayer because we both desire to follow God's will for us. We intend to pay off some bills and avoid the very expensive trip to Indiana and back. God has given us a good income here that should also help us reach our goal. </p>
<p>I really like this area of the country. This summer I hope to finish a novel I'm writing that's set not far from where we live. We are exploring the country and its history when we have free time. The temperature is already creeping into the mid 90's, and we'll see plenty of days when it will exceed 100 degrees. </p>
<p>I want to share a few photos of what we see out here as we wander around the Mesa area.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/b09d659149222522e8a9aa644312abf20e835b60/original/8198001-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/798ad767a794b9b45e99f6c8554cec9cb9ad2c37/original/762950-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/7669acc35add9ee29ae2517b40f52e93b4f9112c/original/1216677-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/dabb4e2790cc89b8041156f4207d84a9632e22cd/original/7967140-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/bdec26c279072c60dad9fb6166526fc051ec3162/original/3848530-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/911efaa23272ff504ae7d1bc9a1892f9a202803a/original/5412508-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54092192014-11-10T10:45:00-06:002018-08-31T10:47:53-05:00A Chuck Wagon Breakfast <p>Yesterday Susie and I spent a wonderful day in Chandler, Arizona, as we accompanied some friends to a chuck wagon cooking competition. Each of us selected one of the dozen or more of the chuck wagons as our breakfast source When the dinner bells sounded, we headed in different directions, collected our meals, and gathered at a picnic table. I thoroughly enjoyed my cowboy breakfast. It consisted of a split biscuit, half with jam and half with gravy; a casserole made of eggs, potatoes, sausage, and a few other ingredients; canned peaches, and a cup of black coffee with grounds at the bottom of the cup. My wife and our friends had a variety of similar foods, all cooked in cast iron skillets over open fires or in dutch ovens, covered in hot coals. I felt a kindred spirit with some of the characters from my latest book, a collection of short stories, titled Five for the Trail. Here are a few of the photos we took. I'll post more later.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/e1110f44c7b9b3138abfe4b7c3dc2409bc17c86c/original/2246300-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/f47e55175936b678650aba1f1256fede6b7c5ea4/original/1662716-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/23200bb4d1d47125206b8ba23068040121ac55a4/original/6209565-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/0e8a392bcb3b2102acfe523884c7c200a923cbbb/original/2114252-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/3f9df5abff5b22970161e3aa8d818b86fb85e7a6/original/5662359-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54092202014-10-21T10:50:00-05:002018-08-31T10:50:49-05:00Buy a Book, and Get a Bonus! <p>Okay, Pardners, here's the deal: Christmas is coming. I have books that you want to buy, and I have a few bonus gifts that I want to give you. I have the best beef jerky I've ever tasted, some great western books, and some other cool cowboy stuff. If you order any number of books from me, I'll put something extra in your envelope when I ship your order.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/a6bdd1a8e6554de72cf145e541f33eb327cbdee2/original/2500314-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/b393db1dcda8c80119dc144956041e2d87ca9ada/original/9296263-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/3981e2d2025cc0e67a60f9e576b45343f8ec3d22/original/477170-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54092222014-07-21T10:55:00-05:002018-08-31T10:51:40-05:00Indiana Ranger for the Summer <p>Susie and I returned to Indiana in May. We have been working at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort and visiting the Midwestern part of our family. As a ranger, I do some of the same kind of tasks that old West rangers did. I roam through our park, helping people and dealing with whatever problems arise. My fellow rangers and I have to cover an area too large for our small group, but we do our best. I am the only ranger on duty Wednesday mornings. One Wednesday morning a camper asked, "There's only one ranger on duty?" I couldn't resist. Smiling, I replied, "There's only one park, isn't there?" </p>
<p>We look forward to our return to Arizona, but we'll miss our family while we're gone.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54092232014-02-09T10:55:00-06:002018-08-31T10:52:22-05:00February 09th, 2014 <p>A lot of time has passed since I last wrote anything here. I have no excuses. I could give you a few reasons, but I won't. I will say that on this ninth day of February, 2014, I am sitting in the afternoon sun at Good Life Resort in Mesa, Arizona, enjoying a 75-degree day. Susie and I are workamping at this beautiful resort and wandering around Arizona. The book I'm currently writing is set in Arizona, close to where we are. We both love this part of the country. Check out my Facebook page under Mark L. Redmond</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54092302013-02-01T11:05:00-06:002018-08-31T11:11:28-05:008/10/2011 <p>Park Your Horse proved to be a lot of fun! Susie and I made some new amigos, ate some cowboy beans, and watched a fast-draw contest, Then I got to do one of my favorite things, talk about cowboys and the old West. Here are a few photos Susie took.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/df1d7ea0a05da85d990668344933551955dd643c/original/9708572.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Some of the young folks had questions before I even started talking." /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/e321bd8f49d4e84f2f9a42d2ca3423772f2337b9/original/883401.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Picture The competition was fierce as fast-draw contestants battled to win the golden gun." /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/c0d14cb87cb66259a302eaf4cf4c43892caaac38/original/3724701.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Cowgirls competed too!" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/a1e14ba923e19d5adb14d1a0b5f393ef78dc670d/original/6047194.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="I lost in the first round to one of the toughest competitors. She was lightning quick!" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/3b9c54c6299e54fdf5f96ae84a45d7374ae16f3a/original/6659138.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Two of the good guys, Dave (left) and Scott, also lost to Little Lady Lightning." /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/dee1d8f23e5ff4702bd01b715a4730f6e340d813/original/5618156.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Some are born cowboys!" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/a59e01ec5bd4cab3e22b7d4bdb5543f2cfe7a369/original/9492379.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54092292013-02-01T11:05:00-06:002018-08-31T11:04:17-05:008/13/2011 <p>A man called me a few days ago to tell me that his grandson had stolen something from the display table I had set up at an event. Then he asked me for a favor. I granted the favor. Yesterday on my day off I dressed in my cowboy outfit (including a six-gun) and made the 30-minute drive to my young pardner's house. I spoke briefly to him, his siblings, and their parents about stealing and forgiveness from a Biblical perspective. He returned the stolen item and asked for my forgiveness. I forgave him, we hugged, and I left. Some things just aren't about money.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54092282013-02-01T11:05:00-06:002018-08-31T11:03:37-05:009/12/2011 <p>I have read and written about Texas Rangers and Arizona Rangers. Now I am a ranger. Like those rangers of the old West, I patrol my territory, enforcing the law and helping people in need. I ride with other rangers, rounding up those who choose to violate the law. </p>
<p>Okay, so I'm riding a golf cart instead of a horse. I'm a park ranger at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park--but I AM a ranger! I love my job.</p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54092272013-02-01T11:05:00-06:002018-08-31T11:03:04-05:00 11/11/2011<p>We finally got copies of the last book in the Arty Anderson series just in time for our community gift and craft show at Fairview Missionary Church. We had a great day November 6, signing books and visiting with people. Folks of all ages seem to enjoy reading about Arty. By the way, I'm signing a book here, not proposing!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/041a49e2f52fc6491a4617cf97c08973e5b5744e/original/9722925.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />These two pardners are part of a new generation of Arty readers. Their grandparents drove more than an hour to bring them to meet me. Their parents are former students of mine. So is their grandfather! Am I old or what?</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/2e5c1bd210552b993805fa61a468ad874fb63e2d/original/4861151.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54092262013-02-01T10:55:00-06:002018-08-31T10:59:34-05:0012/20/2011 <p>Thursday, December 15, Susie and I returned to the Granger/South Bend area of Indiana for two events. We had a book signing from 2:00-6:00 pm at Granger Christian school, where I taught high school English for 28 years. From 6:30-8:00 pm, I spoke to a group of young people in a community drama class. We had a great day, visiting old friends and making new ones. Here are a few photos from the day.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/9c308be215d27b43f20faaa395b47f98b41a6762/original/2397183-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/8d9398c5ac63affd7a2f19abbc84f14491f09392/original/4788677-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54092252013-02-01T10:55:00-06:002018-08-31T10:56:44-05:001/6/2012 <p>Happy New Year, Pardners! I'm planning, Lord willing, to write some more exciting stories for you in 2012--and for your parents too. I'm working on a book of short stories, a historical novel for grownups, and a new series for my middle grade people. Susie and I will be scheduling some school and library visits. Let us know if you're interested in having us visit your school or library or some other special event. Here are a few more photos from our Granger visit. What are your plans for 2012? Send me an email and let me know.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/9aa526979dfb464528924283e839e10ef63dd8e2/original/462286-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/312987/1135aa0ca23349f4f0c036106ef83feec89c3f38/original/864702-orig.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Mark L. Redmondtag:marklredmond.com,2005:Post/54092242013-02-01T10:55:00-06:002018-08-31T10:53:57-05:003/3/2012 <p>Now that the Arty Anderson series is complete, a number of you have been asking me about my plans for new writing projects. I'm finishing a book of five short stories right now. I'm planning to get back to work on the first book in a series for grown ups, but I'm also planning another series for kids. This one will be set in Arizona in the late 1800s. Meanwhile I'm looking forward to getting back to work at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Campground Resort here in Fremont, Indiana. Come see us this summer!</p>Mark L. Redmond