Monday, December 23, 2024
Christmas Magic!
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Bill Pickett
Bill Pickett (1870-1932) was a pioneering African American cowboy, rodeo star and one of the most influential figures in the history of the American West. Bron in Travis County, Texas, Pickett grew up in a time when the Wild West was rapidly changing, yet he embraced the cowboy lifestyle from a young age. He developed a reputation for his exceptional skills in horse riding, roping, and most notably, his innovative method of "bulldogging", a technique where a cowboy would jump from his horse onto a steer and wrestle it to the ground by biting its upper lip. This daring and dangerous technique became one of his trademarks and was later adopted as a standard practice in rodeo competitions.
Pickett's contributions to the cowboy culture were not just about his skill set; they also reflected his deep understanding of the traditions and toughness of the frontier. As a member of the 101 Wild West Show one of the most prominent rodeo and circus-style performances of the time, Pickett performed in front of large audiences across the United States and Europe. His performances helped solidify his place as a major figure in the American entertainment scene and brought more visibility to African American cowboys, a group often overlooked in popular history.
Despite facing racial discrimination and adversity, Pickett achieved success and recognition within the rodeo world and beyond. His exploits as a cowboy were widely celebrated and he became a symbol of resilience and excellence. He performed alongside other notable figures in the Wild West shows, including the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, and toured extensively. Pickett's ability to entertain large crowds and his skillful handling of livestock made him an iconic figure in the history of American rodeo.
Bill Pickett's legacy has endured through the years, and in 1971, he was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the sport. Pickett's life and work helped shape the perception of the American cowboy, breaking barriers for African Americans in the Wild West. His life is a testament to the courage and determination of a man who defied the odds and carved out a significant place in American history, not just as a cowboy, but as a cultural trailblazer.
Sandra
Books available at Amazon
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Name a character and WIN! by Rhonda Lee Carver
Hi, Readers. I'm working on book 5, Embracing Hope, of the Cowboys of Sagebrush Rose series. I wanted to show you my view: the Christmas Tree and rain. Ohio has always been known for temperamental Mother Nature, but she's wreaking havoc in December. I wonder if she's teaching us all a lesson to be patient and understanding or just wants to watch us dress in layers only to remove them. We've been through freezing temps, ice, snow, rain, sunshine, dreariness, and all over again. How's the weather where you are?
Would you like your name to be featured in my newest book?
I need a villain's name. Please post your name (or suggestions) in the comments. I'll announce which name I'm using on my Author Facebook Page and the winner will receive a $5 Amazon GC.
Title Loving Justice (Cowboys of Sagebrush Rose Book 4)
Author Rhonda Lee Carver
Genre Contemporary Western Romance
Book Blurb
The tangled web of sisters, love and the greed for land continues at Sagebrush Rose Ranch. The land holds secrets and desires, and soon everything will be unearthed.
Sam Rose, the patriarch, may wield his authority like a branding iron, but Justice Rose won’t be branded. She’s the wildflower that refuses to be tamed, even if it means risking her inheritance—her home. Yet, someone from her past is out to stir up trouble for his own greedy needs and she might be forced into following her daddy's ridiculous rules.
An arranged marriage with a forbidden lover might be her only choice.
Jinx Weathersby was shaped by hardship, his hands calloused from years of labor and putting everyone before himself, especially his little sister who he's been raising since their parents died tragically. His focus...work hard and earn a living, but when he's hired to trail Justice, there's just something about her that softens him. And opens a door to having a family again.
Jinx, with his rugged charm, becomes more than a hired hand. He becomes a part of Justice’s life that she can’t turn away from. It's possible they can strike up a deal that'll benefit both and awaken silent hearts. But one mistake might ruin any chance he had to win her heart. One BIG mistake--or make that two.
A story of betrayal, lust, forbidden romance, and a family that will do anything and everything to save Sagebrush Rose Ranch.
Excerpt
“Are you even listening to me?” Hope clicked her fingers in front of Justice’s face. “Earth to Justice. Are you in there?”
With a sigh, Justice removed her gaze from the cowboy and onto her annoying sister. “I was watching the line dancers.”
“I bet you were,” Hope said in an irritated voice.
“What?”
“I don’t think I realized until this very minute that someone has a crush on you. And maybe it’s reciprocated.” Hope pretended to pluck a piece of lint off her shirt.
“What are you talking about?”
“Him.” Hope unashamedly pointed at Jinx.
Justice turned to look subtly in Jinx’s direction, but he wasn’t there any longer.
Where did he go?
She scanned the crowd, but she couldn’t find him.
Hope cleared her throat and tapped Justice on the shoulder. “Two o’clock, Sis, and moving.”
Justice should have been warned sooner that Jinx was headed their way because she almost fell off her stool. As he passed, he touched the brim of his hat and said in the warmest, husky voice she’d ever heard, “Evenin’, ladies.”
“Evening, Jinx,” Hope responded happily.
Justice was too busy checking out the wide, fringed pockets that cupped his firm ass to greet him. She swallowed hard and forced her attention off his bottom.
“Yep, I was right, as always.” Hope beamed.
“Don't go there.”
“Don’t go where? That you two have noticed one another? You two are hot for each other? No, I won’t point out that you have saliva dripping down your chin either.” Hope held out a napkin which Justice didn’t accept.
"Your imagination is out of control," Justice said, averting her gaze so Hope wouldn't see straight through her.
“He’s a good marriage of convenience material,” Hope said in a sing-song voice.
“Then why don’t you grab him?” Justice ordered a drink and planted her attention on nothing really. The most excitement just strolled toward the table where all the crew sat. She couldn’t stare without Hope seeing. However, through the large mirror behind the bar she could see Jinx clearly. He’d taken his hat off and had hooked it on his bent knee. She wondered if his hair was as thick as it appeared.
As if he felt the draw too, his gaze lifted.
“It’s not me he’s eyeing, honey.” Hope snickered.
Buy Links
Why should readers read this book?
They should read Loving Justice because it’s a warming romance with all the feels.
Author Biography
Rhonda Lee Carver is a bestselling author of contemporary western and romantic suspense, but she loves to write other genres too. She's known for writing stories that keep readers laughing, crying, gripping the edge of their seats, and screaming all in one book...like riding a virtual roller coaster. Whether she's creating sexy cowboys or tough guys, or sassy, independent heroines, readers are sure to find strong, powerful, memorable characters that are relatable.
Writing for Rhonda is like falling in love and finding a new best friend over and over again. Her characters will find a place inside your heart too.
Monday, December 16, 2024
The Hallmark Addiction
Every year Hallmark Christmas movies take over many lives. (My
mom is an addict!) With their predictable plots, heartwarming themes, and
snow-dusted settings, these movies have a place in the hearts of millions. But
what makes these movies so irresistibly popular?
Predictability
One of the key components of these movies is their
predictability. The plots often follow a familiar formula: a big-city
professional returns to their quaint hometown, rediscovers the magic of
Christmas, and finds unexpected love along the way. They have to save the
Christmas tree farm or historical Inn. The Hallmark formula stays the same but
there is comfort in knowing what to expect. During a season filled with stress
and unpredictability, these movies provide a safe escape. A two-hour guarantee
of a happy ending.
Nostalgia and Tradition
For many, Hallmark Christmas movies are as much a holiday
tradition as decorating the tree or baking cookies. Their idyllic small-town
settings, complete with charming main streets and twinkling lights. Even if you’ve never experienced a Christmas
quite like the ones on screen, the movies create a sense of belonging and
warmth that keeps viewers coming back year after year.
Relatable Characters and Themes
Hallmark’s protagonists often face relatable struggles:
balancing work and family, rekindling lost passions, or rediscovering the
importance of community. These universal themes resonate with viewers who may
see a bit of themselves in the characters’ journeys. The seasonal backdrop adds
an extra layer of relatability, as many of us grapple with similar emotions during
the holidays.
The Holiday Magic
Hallmark Christmas movies may not win Oscars, but they win
something far more meaningful: the hearts of viewers who want to feel joy,
connection, and hope. In a season that celebrates love, generosity, and
togetherness, these films encapsulate the spirit of the holidays in a way that
feels like coming home.
I realized I haven’t written a Christmas book yet. I was playing around with the standard formula and came up with an interesting story. I went with "big city writer returns to her small town at Christmas time to inherit something and magically falls in love with a sensitive guy in plaid." Then my ADHD kicked in and I started five more and have none of them finished. Maybe next year.
So grab a cup of hot cocoa, snuggle under a blanket, and let Hallmark remind you why Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.
Friday, December 13, 2024
Why I Never Wrote A Christmas Story
Every year, opportunities arise to include Christmas novels in various events and promotions. And every year, I lament that I don't have one. I gaze at all the festive, snowy book covers and sigh with author envy.
The reason for this is that my novels to this point are all set in the mid-1800s, before Christmas was widely celebrated by Americans. In fact, it didn't become a national holiday until 1870. I include a subdued holiday scene if the story spans December, but I've never felt justified in writing a Christmas-themed novel.
Come 2025, I'm putting an end to my moping.
I've master-planned a new series that is set post Civil War. Not only will I be free to include bolder holiday scenes, the series finale will be a Christmas-themed novel with lots of merriment and satisfying romantic subplots.
I'm so excited I can hardly wait!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
The Great Die-up
The End of Open Range
Dec. 31, 1885. The day began with a sunrise that painted the sky purple/yellow. Strange. No one could recall the sky being that particular color. By the next day, snow began to fall, faster and thicker by the hour. It was the beginning of The Great Blizzard in Kansas, 1886.
Between January 1-3 Kansas experienced 36 straight hours of blizzard conditions. On January 7, the temperature dropped and the wind chill was 40 below. Two days later, the blizzard spread across the Great Plains with more than 16 inches of snow in most places. Fifty below zero wasn't unheard of.
The weather had played a cruel trick on ranchers. Through much of the 1870s and 1880s ranchers had enjoyed cool summers and mild winters, which meant that feeding their stock wasn't a problem. However, in 1885 the summer was blazing hot and the fall as dry as dirt. Ranchers hadn't put back enough feed and they were beginning to run short by November. So, when the blizzard hit, their cattle were already on the skinny side. Cattle begin to die of starvation by January first. When spring arrived, at least 100,000 cows and horses were dead. In fact, 90 percent of open range cattle were obliterated. Open range suddenly seemed like a foolhardy practice.
The aftermath of the blizzard became apparent when the snow finally slacked off enough for folks to see past their noses. Stagecoach drivers died sitting with the reins still in their hands. Trains filled with hogs were frozen solid. At least 100 people died, many of them only a few feet from their house or barn. Dead cattle clogged up rivers and streams, spoiling drinking water. The storm wiped out 75 percent of Kansas livestock. Many ranchers went bankrupt, while others migrated east where they hoped life was more hospitable.
Ultimately, ranchers learned a valuable lesson. Letting cattle roam far and wide was risky business when dealing with Mother Nature. They stopped keeping gigantic stocks of cattle and began farming to go along with their ranching and grow feed for their herds. They dealt with smaller herds that were kept closer to grazing territories and grain reserves. And they put up fences to keep the cattle in designated areas.
Few would forget the Great Blizzard and the hard lessons it taught ranchers. So, this winter when the wind blows in from the north and sends a shiver down your spine and you see the first crystal snowflakes dancing in the air, think about our forefathers who managed to survive fifty below temps and the devastating sight of thousands of cattle frozen in their tracks on the unforgiving prairie.
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