COWBOY POET entertains in Florida
This morning I took a break from screenplay writing about cowboys and went to hear the Cowboy Poet of Florida at the local branch library. Thanks to the Palmetto branch Friends of the Library for sponsoring the program. My favorite from the wise old cracker cowhunter was “When This Old Hat was New.” With a few groaners mixed in, Hank touched on 9-11, motherhood, uncles, campfires, skeeters, famous Florida crackers Jacob ‘Jake’ Sommerland and Bonaparte ‘Bone’ Meisel.
Funny and heartfelt, a very worthwhile program of history and poetry to a packed room.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Hi Sarah,
It was a pleasure meeting you last night at the Hillsborough County’s South Shore Library. While I suspect the turnout was disappointing, I want you to know how much I appreciate the time you graciously afforded me. It was most helpful.
Godspeed and much success to you and your Waltzing Cowboys.
RL Barrett
May 27th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Sally, Waltzing Cowboys was great. It commanded attention in the first chapter. The characters were lovable even if their actions weren’t, speaking of Rhue mainly. I was so hoping father and son meeting would be described. I consider myself a good book critic, because I practice a lot. Best of luck to you in your illness. The odds are with you in this day and time. Cordially, Martha Stanley
December 19th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Martha: Lovable but not necessarily admirable, or at least flawed as all humans are, that’s what I hoped would come across. Try Annie Proulx’s stories in Bad Dirt or Wyoming Stories. She’s another writer started her second career as writer at 50. Very talented, even if most of her stories convey tragedy in addition to her insights into human frailty.
Jeannette Walls has a new one too, a ‘true novel’ she calls it about her grandmother, Half Broke Horses. I haven’t read it yet, found her memoir, The Glass Castle, a little hard to believe, but her oral presentation makes the value of her story-telling worthwhile.