That Darn jack ass

Those days were carefree and innocent, unaware of political issues, unaware of the strains of adult life, and living each day to its fullest. The only things I had to worry about was getting my chores done and deciding who to hang out with that day. I was the one in the crowd who everyone loved to make fun of - I suppose the story I'm about to tell is one of those reasons. If something was going to happen to someone that would get everyone laughing and talking, it was me.

The day was bright and sunny and the aroma of mulberry jam that my mom was making filled the house, as I anxiously stepped out the door. I ran under the mulberry tree turning the bottom of my feet purple with out a care, across the lawn, and on to the street, running to Toni Brook's house. Toni and I were called the Bopsy twins, although we were complete opposites, because we did everything together. Where she went I went, where I went she went - that sort of thing. As we talked about our daily plans we noticed the blond hair long legged boy across the street. Clark was his name. He was heading to Bret Lyman's house to ride Bret's Shetland Pony. He asked us if we wanted to come along. Of course we were the type to never let any adventure slip by us, so we agreed to go.

By the time we got to Bret's house which was only three blocks away, Bret was riding the stubborn mule in his back yard. I noticed right away that this pony was not going to be a picnic to ride - it headed into the barn where we spent many hours jumping off the hay stacks. It's a wonder no one ever got hurt.

My mind went back for a moment remembering my last experience on a Shetland Pony. My uncle Legrand, who lived in Plain City, had a pony and I was not aware of their temperament. I took off on the pony one day thinking it would be like riding a horse. Instead I had a crash course of learning that these animals have a mind of their own. I had ridden that darn thing only a block and a half from home, when suddenly it turned around so quickly I lost my balance nearly falling off. He took off in a dead run while I was hanging on for dear life to its mane. Not using a saddle I used every muscle in my legs to keep from falling off. Around the corner he flew and homeward bound he knew exactly where he was going. You can only imagine the sight when he jumped over the little white pecked fence, through the narrow gate, and into an even narrower door, that went into the barn. My uncle was chasing after me yelling something, I couldn't understand him, all I knew was my legs were bleeding and scratched up pretty bad and I had hit my head as the pony made a tight turn when we went into the barn.

So now, here I was again with my friends trying to talk me into getting on the pony. I explained to them that I didn't think I should get on him. They just acted as if I hadn't said much as all four of us headed back to the fields across the street from Toni's house, Bret riding the pony while the rest of us walked. There are houses, where the huge field used to be, and there was one little house across from Clark's house and a cloths line where a road exists now.

Everyone started taking a turn driving the pony - that was Toni's way of saying riding. I was perfectly happy watching them as they rode the pony across the field and back. Finally the moment came that I hoped I could avoid. "It's your turn Jeri," The words flung into my head as I tried to pretend I was just hearing things. But it wasn't my imagination, it was all too real, and the persuasion was much too powerful for my timid personality. How could I let them know that I was scared anyway. So Bret helped me onto the pony on the street next to Clark's house. Off we went and that pony was running fast. While the pony was running all I could do was hold on as I looked up and saw that the pony was heading straight for the cloths line which was level to my neck. I tried to turn him but he wouldn't turn, I pulled on the reigns but he wouldn't stop. As we approached the cloths line I knew I better do something fast so I ducked just in the nick of time, and hung on for dear life to his mane. De Ja Vu hit me like a ton of bricks as Bret and Clark started chasing after me to try and get the pony stopped. Everyone was yelling something at me but I couldn't tell what they were saying, when finally that darn animal decided to stop. The only injuries were my wobbling legs and hurt pride that I simply did not know how to control that darned jack ass. From that day to the present I call pony's "jack asses" with out a capital.

Dear Grandpa

I wrote this poem after my Grandpa Low passed away. I also had music written for it and sang it at his funeral with all the grandchildren. My grandpa was an awesome man. He would tell us stories about Great Grandpa Allred going after the Indian horse thief. My cousin Robi and I used to do performances on the big hearth in their house. Everyone would come in the living room and and watch us do our performances, and I'll never forget the look on Grandpa's face as we sang. Grandma had the same smiley look on her face too.

Dear Grandpa

As I walk through this existence
I'll recall the memories of you life
A smile will appear on my face
For time will not erase
Those memories
I hold deep in my heart.
As I recall those old stories
You would tell when I was young
And the songs we would sing
Made your face beam
Those memories
I hold deep in my heart.
And I know that where you are
Really isn't very far
I'm sure we'll talk again someday
We'll reminisce of the good times
We have missed
From a world of yesterday.

Grouchy Bear

Grouchy Bear is finally in the process of being published. I will be doing a series of this story, and I am still working on the second book about Princess Azelin.

Welcome To This Life in Charcoal

This is a drawing I did of my great niece. I just thought she was so adorable so instead of making a quilt or crocheting an afghan, like I usually do, I did a drawing for her mommy as a baby gift.

My Redeemer Lives in Charcoal

I have to say that the other day when I showed this drawing of Jesus to a friend of mine and her reply was, "But that isn't Jesus, no one knows what Jesus looked like," I was taken back and had to think about that for a minute. She is right, yet, I will still claim it as my drawing of Jesus - my rendition of Jesus. This drawing has been used for different church functions, and at ladies meetings, which has been a great treat for me to be able to share it. Many women have loved it, and that is a blessing.

Looking to the Heavens in Charcoal

This is one of my favorite drawings simply because of how the monkey is looking up as if he is looking into heaven. I interpret him wondering about when we will see Jesus and what it will be like. When I hear the words to the song, "I can only imagine," I look at this drawing and giggle a little with joy, because it looks like that is what the monkey is thinking.

Having a Bad Hair Day in Charcoal

This is a self portrait of when I was only five. I was very upset because of they way my mom had fixed my hair. Sometimes taking pictures of my art doesn't show the detail you can see in the originals, but I thought I would share it anyway.

Boy Fishing in Charcoal

This isn't just any little boy, this is my grandson fishing in Texas. What better inspiration can one get then from something or someone they love.

Johnny Cash in Charcoal

I found an interest in drawing Johnny Cash because of the memories his music brings to me of my Grandma, who always listened to him. I also find his story to be a witness and inspiration, that even the darkest people can turn their lives around. His love story with June Carter is also very touching to me.

Princess Azelin and the Hidden City

Princess Azelin and the Hidden City was inspired at the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. It is a story about a young princess who goes on an adventure to the Hidden City with a group of high spirited fairies. The story teaches the importance of love and working together.
You can order this book at several locations on line. Amazon books, Barns and Noble, and Authorhouse.
These are just a few pictures from the National Park
which gave me the inspiration to write Princess Azelin. I find the rock formations to be very unique, giving me the chance to utilize my creativity.

This is a photo of the Needles as you enter the Park.

There are many places you can hide in little caves.
The Hidden City at dusk.