"Grandpop, Lisa and Fall Colors"

Howdy Friends,

We had drifted to the back yard, Grandpop, Lisa and me. Grandpop wasn't up to riding, or walking very far, so the chairs under the big trees just off the porch seemed a good place to rest. The view of the mountains, not so far away, but far enough to paint a glorious scene stretching across the horizon offered a spectacular backdrop for morning coffee. Grandpop and I settled into our chairs, Lisa stomped about kicking leaves, not quite ready to sit and relax. It had been a big breakfast and perhaps her fourth helping of Grandpop's buckwheat flapjacks, smothered in butter and maple syrup, had her running on a full tank.

She bent and picked up a long yellow leaf, held it skyward to peer through. "It makes the sky all yellow," she giggled. Grandpop and I smiled, it was a good thing to watch that short, blonde haired little girl giggle. Something she needed more of. Her stay with Grandpop was coming to an end when evening rolled in, and too soon this little princess would return to a world too many children live in.

We sipped our coffee and allowed Lisa to entertain us with buckets of smiles, grins and out-loud laughs as she dashed here and there from oak to maple, capturing first one leaf and declaring it to be the most marvelous red she'd ever seen, then holding another high while praising its bold pink or yellow. "Even the speckled ones are beautiful!" She sang thrusting a ragged faded yellow and brown leaf on Grandpop's lap. "See how all the colors mix?" She pointed to the torn leaf and peered into his eyes as if insisting he agree. He leaned down, hugged her. I saw the wet in his eyes, felt mine burn.

Lisa wrestled free, as she is wont to do when hugged, fell back to the ground rolling in the leaves and giggling, grabbing great handfuls of color and tossing them high. "They even smell beautiful!"

Suddenly she stopped, sprang to her feet and pointed to the mountain. "See all the colors there? I wish they could always be those colors. Isn't it just beautiful? Why must they ever change?" She ran and dove into Grandpop's lap and hugged him. "I wish this day would never need to change too."

Grandpop brushed her hair from her eyes, kissed her forehead, and methodically studied the torn, battered, faded leaf he still held in his weathered hand. "Well little lady, I reckon the leaves change once a year just to put on this grand show for us. If they were this spectacular every day we might not remember to take notice. We might forget their beautiful show. This way you see we never fail to recognize all the effort they go to just for us. I suppose in life it takes a bunch of what some folks call ordinary to make the very special, extraordinary."

"Well, I like shiny green leaves too." Lisa carefully pressed out a few multicolored leaves on Grandpop's thigh. "I'm keeping these so I can always remember our very special day and when I get sad, they can remind me to be happy."

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry 

 This is the Twelfth in my series of Grandpop stories. I began writing about Grandpop, June 27, 2013, with what at the time I imagined what would be a standalone short story, "Perhaps I've Just Lived Too Long." You can read that story (and find links to go on) (HERE)   Folks said they enjoy visiting with Grandpop, so I wrote more. Frankly, I enjoy him too.

Feature Friday – LaRue Sprouse Dowd – Sharing The Love Of Horses

Howdy Folks,

It is LaRue Sprouse Dowd's mission to help children embrace and understand the goodness that comes from the spirit of the horse, and the lessons young folks can learn while around horses. 

Her story will be my June, 2014 Heartbeat column in Trailblazer magazine. I love featuring the folks I'm writing about here in our Coffee Clutch blog so our friends can get to know them, and look forward to the whole story in my column.

LaRue's smile and encouragement are always present

LaRue's nature is one of kindness, support, positive attitude and optimism. Her students, their parents, the volunteers, boarders and horses all benefit from her ability to help others believe in themselves, try harder and find the joy in the moment. Whether that moment is mastering a new horsemanship skill, understanding the importance of patience, or caring for the horses. LaRue is always able to offer upbeat advice and guidance, helping others to see the world through positive eyes. 

There is a depth to LaRue's teachings and understanding, given her by a lifetime of loving and learning from horses, and talented people. She started riding at the age of four. Before finishing high school, LaRue owned ten horses, had trained other people's horses, had begun giving riding lessons, and was positive horses would be her life. She'd even done her share of, "catch riding," for other trainers.

She holds two Bachelor Degrees, one Vet Tech, the other in Equine Therapy. So skilled was LaRue at understanding horses and riding that, in her senior year at Morehead State University, she was asked to teach the, "Advanced Saddle Seat Course." She's worked with, and helped heal horses in some of the most prestigious show barns in the country. She held licenses to work on the tracks of, Saratoga, Keeneland, Belmont, and Palm Springs. She studied under Mimi Porter, who was one of the first to introduce rehabilitative therapy to performance horses, and Marvin Cain, the man responsible for first bringing acupuncture to horses in the United States.

From the start LaRue had a clear vision of what she would do when returning home. She knew how much horses had meant to her in her down times. She also knew there were simply too many children in her hometown who needed something good and solid to hang onto. She knew too, she and the horses could offer that solid something. Her name honors her two grandmothers', Lucille and Ruth. Respect for those who came before, and commitment to community are important to LaRue and her family. In 2008 she opened Sprouse'sCorner Ranch offering riding lessons, coaching, boarding, training, trail riding, summer camps, and shows, with the mission to, through horses, help kids.

 

Children love their time at Sprouse's Corner Ranch

In 2009 LaRue welcomed a local therapeutic riding program,Heartland Horse Heroes, to Sprouse's Corner Ranch. Under her stewardship Heartland Horse Heroes has grown to offer not only private therapeutic riding lessons for children, but also a program for the local county elementary special education school children. And this spring Heartland Horse Heroes will be offering a new program for at-risk youths through Inner City Slickers, a national program founded by Michael McMeel, that has had over 10,000 youths through the program.

Group Equine Assisted Therapy In Heartland Horse Heroes Arena

Her commitment to helping horses remains strong. Part of what she does so well is lead by example. Her lesson horses work once per day, for 3-5 days per week. The horses in the therapeutic riding program only perform therapeutic lesson duties once a week. All therapy and lesson horses are also taken on trail rides by the students so they can stretch their legs and clear their minds. Her volunteers and students are taught release and relax exercises for the horses, and they are part of the program. The horses have large fields to romp in and healthy herd environments. Some of her lesson horses are rescues. 

LaRue works closely with Beauty Haven's Farm and Equine Rescue, based in Florida, through a farm near Sprouse's Corner Ranch. LaRue not only adopts and gives homes and jobs to those rescue horses, but she helps find homes for many others; fifteen last year. She has recently launched a new program for adoption where adoptees can take on a horse, board with LaRue and take lessons for two months; just to be sure the match is perfect.

Wisdom, born of years working with horses and people in many different environments and situations is what LaRue offers to children, parents and horses. Kindness and understanding is her secret recipe that makes it work so well, for the people, and the horses.

You can visit Sprouse's Corner Ranch on Facebook Here-

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry

We'll Sort This Out – Pt 3

Howdy Folks,

Back in January I wrote a short story, "We'll Sort This Out" about a boy fleeing a bad home situation set back in homestead times – You can find that story (HERE) – Off and on I've gotten requests to continue the story. Then I wrote Part 2 (HERE).  Because of requests to keep the story going and I've decided to turn it into a serial like stories in old time magazines – I hope you enjoy Part 3. – We left the boy in the loft fighting sleep, intending to slip out to run to his sister after Martha and Frank fell asleep.

Kessy, Saturday and me writing a story

 We'll Sort This Out – Pt 3

He didn't mean to fall asleep. But the loft was warm, and Martha and Frank's voices sounded so friendly. They and their tiny cabin made him feel safe. It had been a long time since he'd felt safe. Not since their father had driven away their mother. He missed her soft voice, her warm hugs. Her gentle kisses goodnight. He was thinking of her, pretending she was there this night, with him, tucking him into these warm blankets and kissing his cheek. But she wasn't. Neither was his sister. The rain on the roof, the warmth from the dancing fire, the soft voices below, and his own sobs lulled him into a restless sleep.

Light streaming through a crack in the highest corner of the loft told him he'd betrayed his sister. He'd fallen asleep. A rooster crowed, then another. The crack was not large enough to look out and see just how much of the morning had passed. Perhaps Martha and Frank were still sleeping. Maybe it wasn't morning yet and he could still dash home in the cover of the gray morning and bring his sister back here. He wasn't sure if they would help her too, but he was sure, either he went back to protect her, or they ran away together.

Without a sound, he pushed back the warm blankets and slid backwards on his belly to the ladder. His bare feet dangled over the edge, feeling, searching for the top rung. Left and right his toes searched, stretching as far as possible to feel that uneven top rung. He dared not to breathe, lest Frank or Martha hear him.

He gulped a sudden breath when a calloused, but warm and soft, hand grabbed his foot then guided his toes to the ladder. "There ya go young fella." Frank chuckled. "Hard to find that step from behind in the dark isn't it?"

"We thought you might sleep 'til noon," Martha greeted him at the bottom. "How about some hot biscuits and warm milk?"

He stood blinking at her, rubbing his eyes.

"Maybe he'd like a little bacon with those biscuits?" Frank offered a chair.

"Thanks. What about my sister?"

"I was just about to milk the cows. You go ahead and fill your belly, and as I promised I'll head right over there right after milking."

"Can't she milk?' He pointed to Martha, but looked at Frank. "We need to go right now!" He watched them study each other's face. He was not going to waste any more time. It was Martha who spoke first.

"I can milk, of course. But you should eat …"

"I don't want to eat!" He watched their faces change. He was good at studying faces; his and his sister's safety depended on it. He shouldn't have left without her. "I'm sorry," his voice broke. "It's just that … "

Frank's hand rested on the boy's shoulder. "Martha, stuff those biscuits in a sack. This young man and I have a ride to make. Son, slide back into your duds they're dry now, and meet me in the barn."

The barn looked different in the early morning light, not as big as it had seemed in the dark. Equipment and tools covered the far wall. A long wagon waited, piled high with split firewood. The cows looked just as friendly as they had in the dark, one turned to look at him. Frank stood with the horses, tightening the girth on the smaller black one.

"We call him Little Blackie." Frank said, handing the boy the reins.

As they rode from the barn, Frank on a tall horse, the boy riding Little Blackie, Martha called from yard, "Travel safe! I'll have a hot meal for you all."

He watched Frank turn toward her in his saddle, "I reckon we'll need it. All three of us!" Then set his horse into a trot.

The saddle felt odd, the ride rough. The boy'd never sat a saddle before, nor rode a small horse. He'd never been allowed to ride their father's horse, just the big field horse and that was a rare treat. It took concentration to stay with this fast little bouncing horse and his mind wandered from staying on the horse, and worry for his sister. Every now and then Frank slowed to a walk when they fell too far behind. Frank had tried to talk, asking questions about his father and sister and giving advice such as "hold that horn to help keep your balance." 

When he got no response they rode in silence, simply tossing back a reassuring grin every now and then. Up one rise and down another, through the trees, back again to open grassland. They followed the very path the boy traveled on foot.  At this rate they would soon be there. His heart began to pound. His hand, gripping tight on the horn, was slippery with sweat, even though he was cold.

The house was just beyond the next rise.

************

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry

You can read Pt 4 HERE 

Heading Out To See David Lichman's Benefit Tour

Howdy Folks,

 

Ravishin' Robbie and I are getting ready to head out tomorrow morning for the Biltmore in Asheville NC for David Lichman's "Benefit Tour Horses Healing Humans." So excited to see David again and meet his 3 horses, Julio, Thirteen and Scotty! Friday night they will perform their "Horses~At~Liberty~Musical~Magical~Educational," an evening extravaganza of dancing, playing and riding, demonstrating the remarkable bond that can be realized with a horse.  And Mary Ann Kennedy will be there performing too! David will also conduct clinics Sat & Sun.

Julio, Thirteen, Scotty and David dancing

David put this tour together to 9 cities across the country and Canada, to visit friends he's not seen in a long time, play with his horses on the beach where he grew up, and first fell in love with horses, in MA. …  AND raise money benefit equine-assisted programs and youth organizations coast to coast! Proceeds at each location benefit local organizations.

David, Julio, Thirteen and Scotty on Marblehead Beach in MA. They've made their journey from Sacramento CA back to David's childhood beach.

Many people know David as a 5 Star Parelli trainer, who is devoted to helping horses and their people achieve the best possible partnerships. Driven by a passion to help folks and their horses, David has traveled the world hosting clinics and teaching ... Not as many people know of David's commitment to help children, and grown folks who, for whatever the reason or circumstance, can benefit from an equine connection. 

– Follow this link (HERE) to read my blog post about David, Julio, Thirteen and Scotty's "Benefit Tour - Horses Healing Humans".  And this link (HERE) to read my blog about David, "David Lichman-The Journey Continues." Please read theses stories about David so you can meet a truly wonderful man.

Mary Ann Kennedy - Check out her website (HERE)

Click (HERE) - to read my story "Mary Ann Kennedy - Singing to Help"  Mary Ann is a Grammy nominated singer and songwriter who donates much of her time and proceeds to help horse charities. She and her horse Brave are on the cover of my novel.

David Lichman is a man committed to helping humans and horses and I'm honored to call him friend. I hope you'll read these stories.

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry

How About A smile – (A Visit With Grandpop)

Howdy Folks, 

This is the fifth in my series of Grandpop stories. I began writing about Grandpop, June 27, 2013, with what at the time I imagined what would be a stand alone short story, "Perhaps I've Just Lived Too Long." You can read that story (and find links to go on) (HERE)   Folks said they enjoy visiting with Grandpop, so I wrote more. Frankly, I enjoy him too. I hope you enjoy this visit with Grandpop. 

How About A smile – (A Visit With Grandpop) 

They were leaving the house as I drove up. I'd been trying to visit more often lately, Grandpop hadn't been feeling all that well, even though his wide smile peeking out from under his thick white mustache, and those glittering eyes never let on. But the stooped posture and reliance on his hand carved cane sort of gave it away. I didn't recognize the young woman walking with him. They stopped at the fence, pausing in the morning sun to let Grandpop catch his breath, I reasoned.

Coffee Clutch, Kessy, Saturday, Tigger & Miss Kitty and me

The young woman studied her feet more than the wide open view stretching across the rolling, almost treeless valley. She shuffled some, as if she wanted to be somewhere else. I couldn't hear Grandpop, but his waving hand pointing this way and that made me imagine I could. Still it was clear she was not very interested in his story telling.

"Morning Grandpop." I stepped from the car and started their way. The young woman showed a sense of relief, as if saying, finally someone to take me away from this.

Grandpop turned, leaned on the fence. "Howdy, Son. I'd like you to meet Carolyn. She might be stayin' with us a spell."

"Good Morning, Carolyn, I'm pleased to meet you." I offered my hand, timidly she accepted a brief handshake, then looked down to her feet again.

"Look at that sun, would ya. It's a mite brisk now, but it'll sure warm up quick." Grandpop saluted the orange orb that walked its way ever higher on the horizon with his tattered straw hat. I grinned at the gesture, and the hat. Little doubt the hat was older than Carolyn.

"Carolyn's here to learn a bit about ranch life and horses, thought I'd give her the grand tour. Want to walk along?"

"Well you've come to a great place for that. Are you taking college courses that suggested a little hands on?"

"No." She backed a step. "It was either come here or juvie. I didn't have much of a say … or choice."

From time to time the folks had taken in youths who were going through a rough patch, something they'd done for years. Even when I was in high school it was a semi-regular thing to have visitors for a few weeks. Some had kept in touch over the years, others drifted away. Pictures of a few drifted through my mind. I often wondered about those we never heard from again. I don't remember any of them leaving without saying thank you to Grandpop.

He walked slow, leading the way to the barn. No horses were in today, but we could see the mares and this year's three foals on the hill through the big open doors on the far end. As we meandered by the stalls Grandpop explained horses were sometimes in stalls, but it was better for them to have the freedom to roam about, make their own choices. "A lot like folks," he said.

Carolyn's face showed her confusion.

"Sure," Grandpop explained, "we all do better when we can make our own decisions. Might need a little direction from time to time, but it's best when we can think for ourselves."

"I'm always told what to do. Like coming here!" Carolyn tossed her arms in the air.

"See those mares standing under the tree up yonder?" Grandpop pointed with his cane as he leaned against the door jam.

Carolyn nodded, then shrugged her shoulders.

"We adopted them from the BLM. They're wild mustangs who can trace their blood lines right back to Spain. This is their home now. They roam this half of the ranch."

"So?" Carolyn shrugged again.

"The choice was made for them to be taken from their range, where the Spanish Mustangs have lived for centuries, and forced to stand in what they call holding pens. They had no way of making choices for their lives. Sure we can only save a few, but those few are carrying on the true spirit of the wild horse." He started for the tree and the horses, we followed.

Noticing us, the foals did their best imitations of their momma's snorts and dashed in an ever widening circle. We walked through the tall grass following Grandpop's lead until we reached the tree. Grandpop settled onto his bench at the tree's trunk. I stood behind him. Carolyn waited for instruction. The foals stopped, lined up just outside the reach of the sheltering tree branches, poised, ready to run at the slightest excuse.

Carolyn watched and waited. Grandpop pulled his knife and began carving on a stick. The only sounds under the tree were the mare's pulling at grass, the foals' heavy breathing and Grandpop's knife scrapping.

"Can I touch one?" Carolyn took a small step toward the foals, her eyes on Grandpop.

Grandpop concentrated on his carving. "Want too?"

"Sort of …"

"Your decision."

Moving slowly, cautiously, Carolyn inched toward the three wide eyed foals, reaching out with her arm as she crept. I caught Grandpop's wink. And grin.

"Do they bite?"

"Not hard."

She stopped. Grandpop's grin widened.

Carolyn almost smiled then started again. Only a few feet were between her and the closest foal, the tallest one, a young colt I knew to be the instigator of the bunch. With a snort and a stomp he whirled away causing a three foal stampede. Carolyn tumbled over backwards, let go a yelp. "What do I do now?"

"How about a smile?" Grandpop grinned.

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry

To Read Pt 6 " Veterans Day Ride With Grandpop" - Click (HERE)