I began writing Hitchin' Post as most of Texas was coming out of a horrible drought. While surrounded by ranches, and married to a rancher myself, I was well aware of the hardships that this way of life was enduring. Needless to say when the rain started coming we would literally watch the radar with great anticipation, crossing our ears-oh, I mean fingers!- that the clouds wouldn't decide to part and pass right over Quanah without a drop to wet our sad, thirsty ground. It was a worrisome time. Growing up I have such fond memories of living on the farm watching my dad, grandfathers and uncles work. It was a time that was so precious to my sister and I, but one that was cut short due to my dad taking another job resulting in a move into town. I didn't want this at the time, though now I understand why. Farming and ranching are tough, and there is much uncertainty to say the least. However, even with the ups and downs, these are lifestyles that I don't want to see die and I want to share with my children. There is so much to learn living out in the country. There is so much to learn through the eyes of the men (and women) that dedicate their lives to working ranches or that provide this world with cotton, grain, beef, etc. Through Hitchin' Post's eyes, I'd hoped to portray my feelings for this way of life through him. He sees so many uncertainties and ups and downs as his beloved 6Bs ranch goes through a drought, but he also sees many things to be thankful for. So with fall fast approaching, I wanted to share this next part of the book...
"After the driest of summers,
things slowly started changing,
and the heat finally began to ease.
Hitch thought to himself,
This is my favorite time of the year,
as he watched the leaves fall from the trees.
It's planting season now,
and his cowboy friends are happy
'cause the forecast is calling for rain.
Hitch crosses his ears for good luck
as he and his buddies
watch the clouds rolling in over the plains"
"After the driest of summers,
things slowly started changing,
and the heat finally began to ease.
Hitch thought to himself,
This is my favorite time of the year,
as he watched the leaves fall from the trees.
It's planting season now,
and his cowboy friends are happy
'cause the forecast is calling for rain.
Hitch crosses his ears for good luck
as he and his buddies
watch the clouds rolling in over the plains"
Thanks for the interest in Hitchin' Post!
God Bless,
Julie Barker
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