November Desert Dispatches
Hello Friends,
Here’s hoping this finds you and yours well and happily preparing for the holiday season.
The weather is co-operating here in the Great Sonoran Desert with night time temps in the 40's and day time 70's. Good stuff! When the heat comes off the world changes for the better, the pressure is relieved, people are even nicer and it seems they don’t drive quite as insanely. Well, perhaps that is just me wishing.
There is much to share.
Last week Mackie and I jumped in with Dave and Katy McCann - you ‘ve seen them play music with me in various places like Heber City, Moab, Sierra Vista, and Phoenix North Mountain Visitor Center - and we went to Hereford, Arizona to visit our friend’s ranch and see another friend, Patty Clayton, perform at the Folklore Preserve in Ramsey Canyon.
Well, guess who was also at the ranch... Kate Ladson! Kate is the cowgirl I wrote “The Stronghold” for way back in 2013. Although we all visit on the phone, I have not seen Kate face to face since she came to the CD release party for the Bluebirds Singing On The Buffalo Road album in 2021. She is now living in Hereford and is back to her usual work of these days, teaching riding lessons.
Now, Kate is one of the best there is out there to ride with. Having worked with and learned under the Dorrence brothers - top hand cowboys and horsemen of the finest ilk and notoriety, and was trail guide for Canada’s most loved performer, Ian Tyson, on several of his visits to the desert - if you ride with Kate, you are learning more than just how to stay in the saddle. You are learning relationship with your horse. Kate helps people with their horses, and horses with their people. And, she’s a great person and a hoot to be around. If you are looking for an exemplary riding experience, I am happy to connect you with Kate.
If you have not been to The Folklore Preserve, it is a must-add to your list of places to enjoy music. The Folklore Preserve is situated in one of the best birding destinations in Arizona. In fact, you can stay at the Ramsey Canyon Inn, venture into the preserve, and make it back in time for the matinee shows at The Folklore Preserve. From the Casa Grande area, it’s a pretty easy 2.5 hours down I-10 to the Sierra Vista exit, go on through town and you’ll see the turn for Ramsey Canyon. The concerts are on Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 pm and both days feature the same performer or band. You can look up the Folklore Preserve on line, or drop me a note and I will send you one of their beautiful brochures.
UPDATE ON THE HOUSE CONCERTS
Sadly, the return of the house concert series has been delayed due to a huge well being drilled next door to me. They have been there for several months preparing to install a system to support two subdivions and a chip plant. Sigh.... So, as soon as they have cleared out and all of the dust and noise - lots of clanging, banging and huge generator noise that comes into my house at all hours - I will get the series on the calendar. I know you will love the folks I have in mind.
AUTUMN”S ON ITS WAY
Here are two very nice reviews of late.
“ Folks may be hanging out, waiting for the sequel. Let’s face it, the trees are still to fruit, calves to brand, and there’s way ore reality than Yellowstone!”
Diana, owner and master braider at DB Braiding, Australia
“ Thank you for such a wonderful and compelling story. Adventure, intrigue, mystery, love - it’s all there! We will all want the next adventure novel in this series, even if it’s another two years. Nancy, dear, your talents are limitless!” Zia - ranch owner
These are so inspiring as I am deep into writing book two. I hope they inspire you to purchase a copy for yourself.
Now through the holiday season there is no shipping on Autumn’s On Its Way.
And only $2. shipping when you add the CD “Bluebirds Singing On The Buffalo Road,” which has the songs from the book. Don’t have a CD player? That’s okay! When you buy the CD you get the digital version instantly in your email to add to your music player, and I will ship the hard copy to some one you know who does have a CD player (stateside only please).
Where to find me;
Superior, Arizona City Library 99 Kellner, Ave, Superior, Arizona 85173
Friday December 27th, 1-2 pm for a Meet the Author event.
I am excited to be presenting the song that inspired Autumn’s On Its Way, the novel and the poem and songs that were inspired by writing the book. I will answer questions about my writing process, and also reading the first chapter of the book to the audience. Plenty of copies of Autumn’s On Its Way and Bluebirds Singing On The Buffalo Road, which contains the songs from the book, will be on hand to purchase.
Maricopa City Library and Cultural Center Maya Angelou Drive, Maricopa, Az 85139
Saturday, January 4th, 1-2 pm for a Meet the Author event.
I am excited to be presenting the song that inspired Autumn’s On Its Way, the novel and the poem and songs that were inspired by writing the book. I will answer questions about my writing process, and also reading the first chapter of the book to the audience. Plenty of copies of Autumn’s On Its Way and Bluebirds Singing On The Buffalo Road, which contains the songs from the book, will be on hand to purchase.
FREE EVENT! Saturday, January 11th 1-3 pm, I will be presenting “The Heart Of It All,” a song, story and poetry concert at Maricopa Campus of Central Arizona College, 17945 N. Regent Dr. Maricopa, AZ 85138
This concert is specially hand crafted to inspire you to tell your story, to leave your spiritual legacy for your family, or for others to find and learn from and be encouraged by.
Please read more about The Heart Of It All on my website. Being your family and friends. This concert is appropriate for ages 12 and up.
Well, that’s a lot! But it’s all for now. I will send you a note if something new pops up on the calender.
Remember, I love to hear from you, so please send along your stories and questions, and reviews.
Until next time, I wish all of you a restful, peaceful and blessed Thanksgiving holiday