"We'll Have the Summer"

Howdy Friends,

“Her eyes traced every line of the solid wooden trunk. Sam had made it for them, for her and Callie. He painted it shiny red. Callie loved red. Red and silver. Mary always believed her daughter had gotten that from her because they were Mary’s favorite colors, too. She had to smile when she remembered sewing their costumes together, the three of them, Callie, Susan, and herself. Oh how Callie would fuss over each and every minute detail. Nothing could be less than perfect for that girl.

God, Callie looked beautiful in her costume. Through watery, stinging eyes, Mary stared at Callie. She was standing right there, in the tack room, fussing like she always did with the silver fringes on her vest. Then the vision evaporated.” ...  EXCERPT from my novel, “We’ll Have the Summer”

... I haven’t spoken much of “We’ll Have the Summer” recently and this morning having coffee with Kessy for no reason I can think of I thought of this scene in Chap 7, Mary ponders opening the long closed, not forgotten show trunk. “We’ll Have the Summer” has over 130 five star reviews on Amazon, if you’ve not yet read it I’d like to invite you to lose yourself in Mary and Sam’s love. And perhaps recommend to your friends ... If you have read it perhaps you’d enjoy spending time with them again. 

Gitty Up,

Dutch Henry

You can find it here on Amazon ~ 

"It’s for the Horses," now available!

Howdy Friends,
 

Well by golly It’s for the Horses, An advocate’s musings about their needs, gifts, spirit and care is finally released and available here on Amazon ... Or you can email me dutchhenry@hughes.net to order an autographed copy (by Kessy and me).

With this book I hope to help horses and their people everywhere realize the most wonderful partnerships possible. Spirituality, communication, understanding, nutrition, health care, horsemanship, exercises, foot care are a few of the important subjects discussed in “It’s for the Horses.” No matter your discipline, I promise every horse owner or caregiver will find more than a few things of interest in this book.

Here is what Bobbie Jo Lieberman—Editor-in-Chief, trailBLAZER magazine had to say. “Dutch Henry is on a mission to help people see their horses with new eyes, to listen with new ears, to touch their lives with greater sensitivity and awareness. It has often been said that our horses are our greatest teachers. Dutch Henry, who has opened his heart, mind and soul to the horse, is living proof of that statement. Enjoy the learning as we join Dutch on a remarkable journey.”

And Yvonne Welz—Owner/founder “The Horse’s Hoof Magazine” said, “I received a free review copy of this book, and it was an absolute pleasure to read. Dutch's genuine and compassionate love for horses shines through every single page. Written in such a conversational, friendly tone, his stories will keep any reader entertained, yet here is a wealth of practical, useful information and how-to advice for all horse owners. The major theme of this book is seeing things from the horse's point of view, which expands into his practical advice for more natural methods of horse care and overall good horsemanship. One of my favorite parts of this book is the section on groundwork, stretches, and pre-ride exercises - simple, useful techniques that you can put into practice immediately, for the benefit of your horse. Just about every horse topic you can think of is touched upon here: communicating with your horse, understanding the horse's nature, building trust, diet, barefoot hoof care, natural dentistry, teaching manners, gaited horses, saddle fit, the spirit and emotions of the equine and so much more.”

You can order on Amazon here. I promise it will help you to hear, and bond with, your horse on a level you may have not even imagined.

 

Gitty Up, Dutch Henry

"100th – 5 Star Review for- We'll Have The Summer "

Howdy Folks,

 

My novel, "We'll Have The Summer," received its 100^th FIVE STAR review on Amazon the other day…..I thought I'd share an excerpt from Sam & Mary's story – 

"Sam removed Bullet’s saddle and bridle then turned him free to pick at the wiry grass. Then he simply folded his legs and squatted next to the fire, facing the old Navajo. He sucked a deep breath from the pipe handed him, held the rank smoke long enough to burn his mouth, puckered his lips, and allowed it to drift out. Sam looked across the fire at his dear friend and studied the faded shirt covering shoulders made uneven by the many years, and the deeply furrowed skin sagging around Anaba’s still keen eyes. Such a man was Anaba, that it was necessary to study his worn-out body closely to notice the wear of it. The spirit living in those rich black eyes created a cloaking aura which prevented all but the most determined examiner from seeing the toll the years had taken on the mortal Navajo. But even in the quickest glance, that vibrant spirit was abundantly obvious.

 

“I remember the times I would come here to listen to your tall tales and legends. Now, it seems I only come when…Ah hell, Anaba.” He sucked the pipe.

“We must understand these times, my friend. You are passing through a very difficult and important time. It will not be an easy journey, but like all journeys, it too will end.”

Sam dropped the pipe and held his face. “Like my daughter’s journey ended? How much must one man bear?”

“That is not for us to know. No one of this world could help your daughter for she came into this world with an imperfect body. But she had a good life. Her memories rest in your heart, and her spirit surrounds you and Mary. Do you not agree it is better for her spirit to have enjoyed the happy life she had with you, than to have had no life at all?”

“She was still a little girl. A sweet, innocent young girl who loved life and who was loved by everyone who ever knew her. Why should she have such a short life?”

“We do not know why some travel this world long and some only a short time. I have outlived all my children. And three wives. I have left two brothers in faraway lands, unable to even bring their bodies home for sacred burial. I do not know why I have been asked to live this long life. I do know it is right and natural to sometimes feel sorrow.”

Sam pulled himself up and walked to the edge of the clearing, staring down the vertical wall to the desert floor some thousand feet below. He yelled Mary’s name, fell to his knees and screamed out over the dessert, “I’m not ready to live without you.” He sat very close to the edge, wrapped his arms around his knees, and wept. Then in a broken, sobbing voice told Anaba, “It’s not sorrow I feel – it’s emptiness. Emptiness and anger.”

The old Navajo grabbed him by the shirt and dragged him back from the edge, back to the fire. He sat hunch-shouldered and glared into Sam’s eyes, yet his voice was calm. “Emptiness and anger are selfish feelings, and they do no good. They will make you bitter.”

Sam glared back at him. “I am bitter. God-damned bitter.”

Anaba gave him a tender look and handed Sam the pipe. “We will smoke now. We must not speak again until you have a question."

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

If you haven't been to Mar-Sa yet to spend time with Mary and Sam, you can buy "We'll Have The Summer" on Amazon here – 

And if you have, you may just want to visit them again.

Have a fun day & Gitty Up ~ Dutch