SEE WENDY AND MADISON SEAMANS

COWBOY POETRY WEEK AT THE MARIPOSA COUNTY LIBRARY

This Month on Saturday, April 21st

Madison Seamans, myself, and Flash will be at the Mariposa Country Library on Saturday, April 21st at 10:00 AM in celebration of Cowboy Poetry Week.  I will have my book available for a book signing, and Madison will have his Western Art on display.

Madison has a new web site for his Western art work.  It’s www.madisonseamanscowboyart.com. Check it out!

Nine years ago, the website CowboyPoetry.com initiated Cowboy Poetry Week. In April 2003 the U.S. Senate passed a resolution, with unanimous approval, recognizing the Cowboy Poetry Week celebration. CowboyPoetry.com also sponsors the Bar D Ranch website. Their mission is to preserve and celebrate the arts and life of rural communities everywhere.

Cowboy Poetry is an oral tradition of the Old West that was born on the cattle drives of the 1800s. Sitting around their campfires, cowboys began a tradition of storytelling, poetry and song that has survived on ranches from Texas to Montana, and in recent years has entered the mainstream of literary genre.

The themes are universal, with heavy emphasis on nature, history, folklore, family, friends, and work. Cowboy Poetry records the heartbeat of the real working West, in a tradition that spans three centuries. Ranchers, cowboys, and Western writers represent the voices of this vital- yet endangered- rural culture.

AUTHOR NIGHT

AT WASUMA SCHOOL

I was invited to the Wasuma Elementary School in Ahwahnee on March 16th to give a cowboy poetry presentation.  It was to kick off their Book Fair Fundraiser sponsored by the PTA.  Sarah Persson, Vice President of the PTA did a fantastic job organizing the event, and was a huge help, along with her son and daughter, setting up. 

Sarah even painted a colorful mural as a backdrop. It was a good turnout of about seventy parents and children, and we kept them entertained for almost an hour. After that, everyone was treated to refreshments and went over to where the Book Fair was set up.

  I had a table to display my books as well.  They are selling well, and I’m getting lots of positive feedback!.  Thanks to Principal Huckabone and the Wasuma PTA for inviting me. 

Wendy Appears at Bett's Gold Coin in Mariposa!

POETRY AT BETT’S GOLD COIN SPORTS TAVERN

The gal in blue with me is Linda Halvorson-Borchard, the propietor. She opened Bett's Gold Coin in memory of her sister, Betty, who passed away a couple of years ago.

Our poetry was well received at the Gold Coin on March 9th and 10th.  We scheduled our performances around the Storytelling Festival to give folks a little of the local story here in Mariposa, and add a little variety to the festivities. 

I especially enjoyed reciting “The Fremont Adobe” in the building for which it was written, and those from out of town got to hear about some of our local history. 

Kevin did a great job setting up and taking down the PA system and props, and does a good job keeping things light and fun.  I sure appreciate his support.  We gave three presentations throughout the weekend.  We really enjoyed ourselves, and hope to do it again sometime!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2012!

At Don and Laurel Rumsey’s
Mother Lode Ranch, Sonora, CA

We were invited to the Mother Lode Ranch again this year to bring in 2012 with cowboy poetry, a festive party, and music for dancing.  Don and Laurel sure know how to make everyone feel welcome.  This was our third New Year’s Eve at their ranch, and it is something to see.
 
In past years the weather was so cold and nasty that New Year’s Day had everyone heading home early.  However, this year 2012 dawned bright and sunny, and we were treated to a wagon ride around the ranch.  The wagon was pulled by two beautiful black Percherons.
 

We were accompanied by quite a few out riders on horses and mules, and when we reached the rest stop I was offered a mule ride, which I accepted, and I got to ride back with the riders.  There were lots of smiles and lots of laughs, and it was a perfect way to bring in the new year.  The only downside to the beautiful weather was the lack of grass.  We are badly in need of rain.  Hopefully we’ll get some soon.

ALL THE BEST IN 2012!
- Wendy

“The Fremont Adobe”

By
Wendy Brown-Barry

If these walls could talk what would they say?
They’d have tales to tell of a by-gone day.
Where wagons rolled down streets that were dirt,
And miners and loggers came here to work,
And the Chinese came and built the rock walls,
And there were Indians camped by Yosemite Falls.

The Fremont Adobe was the first building in town
It has a rich and colorful history
Most of it is written down
But some remains a mystery

We know that John C. Fremont built it
Before California became a state
Dating back to the Great Depression
1850 was the date

Gold had been discovered here
And John C. built a mine
He used the adobe for offices
And he lived in it for a time

Rumor has it below there were tunnels
That ran underneath the town
And up to the mine on the hillside
Through these tunnels the gold was brought down

Since then this building has seen many things
A café, a butcher shop
A bakery, a dry goods store
And a place that sold jewelry and clocks

It’s seen two fires and was the Gordon Hotel
Where folks could come and stay
Big murals were painted in the old saloon
And three are still here today

Later on it became the Gold Coin Club
The town’s local watering hole
Miners would come up here from Bagby
To spend their hard-earned bankroll

With gold dust and nuggets abundant
Gambling was part of the scene
Hear the shuffle of cards at the tables
And the sound of the old slot machines

Can you hear the big boots of the loggers?
They were tough, hard working, and strong
Loud voices and laughter, the rattle of dice
Echo here even though they are gone

Feel the aura left behind by that colorful crowd
Their spirits are still lurking ‘round
Looking down on the Fremont Adobe
That sits at the edge of our town

September 17, 2011

Some Background on the Fremont Adobe

Lately my poetry has taken on a new direction.  I’ve lived in the Sierras for forty years and find our local history fascinating.  If you are familiar with the town of Mariposa, then you’ve probably seen the old adobe on the corner of Fifth Street and Charles.  This building is 161 years old, and has been standing vacant for the last 22 years.  It is the oldest building in town and one of the oldest in the whole state of California.

Last summer the old adobe was restored, and it is now open for business as BETT’S GOLD COIN SPORTS TAVERN.  That’s when I came upon the idea of preserving our local history through cowboy poetry.  I obtained lots of information about the Fremont Adobe from our local historian, Leroy Radanovich, and created my first historical poem.  I am hoping to work with Leroy in the future, combining the old photos with historical poetry that tells their story in rhyme.

Be sure to stop by BETT’S GOLD COIN for some food and refreshments next time you’re in Mariposa.  My husband Kevin built the horseshoe bar out of solid slabs of Ponderosa Pine.  The three huge maritime murals that still remain have been restored to their original splendor by local artist Marsha Crawford “Yeshe”
( visit her website at pangeapacific.com ) and they are fantastic!

So, take a step back in time, and revisit a piece of the old west in Mariposa.  It’s an honor to preserve a piece of our local history through Cowboy Poetry.

Wendy and Flash Perform at
2nd Annual Coulterville Cowboy Poetry Gathering, 2011

John Silveria, Madison Seamans & Flash

Wendy Brown-Barry and Flash performed at the 2nd Annual Coulterville Cowboy Poetry Gathering on Sat.,Oct. 1st, 2011. The event was held at the Coulterville Community Park.

Keith Keenom & his Band

Performers included Keith Keenom, Big Dan Routh, Madison Seamans, and John Silveria.

Wendy also offered her new poetry book, "Mountain Majesty" for sale at the event.

This event was being sponsored by the Mariposa Arts Council- visit their site here for more info:

Mariposa County Arts Council

WENDY'S 1st POETRY BOOK-
AVAILABLE NOW!

We are thrilled to announce the publication of Wendy Brown-Barry's first volume of collected poems!

Titled "Mountain Majesty", this collection of Wendy's finest rhymes is now available for all her fans!

This beautiful book is illustrated with many photos that complement and enhance the poems.

To order your copy(ies), please e-mail Wendy at: wendybrown@sti.net, or call Wendy at: (209) 966-3095 (message phone line)

The book is only $15.00 per copy plus shipping and handling, and will make a great gift for your favourite Cowboy or Cowgirl!

THE CODE OF THE WEST

BY WENDY BROWN-BARRY

Back in the days of the old Wild West
Before there was written law
Cowboys had rules to live by
And today they're still hard to flaw

These values and ways of behaving
Have long stood the test of time
They became known as The Code of the West
And to break them was considered a crime

Not all cowboys abided by them
But everyone knew what they were
If a man broke the Code and went to the bad
Many hardships he'd have to endure

A cowboy lived each day with courage
He acted in spite of his fear
When things were the toughest he gave it his all
He knew nothing except persevere

A cowboy was honest and loyal
He did what had to be done
A man was only as good as his word
He knew lies could not be undone

If he made a promise he kept it
To a cowboy his word was his bond
Anything worth doing was worth doing well
He knew the difference between right and wrong

A cowboy didn't like quitters
He disliked complaining and such
He took pride in his work and finished each job
Even when the going got tough

Cowboys followed the old Golden Rule
It wasn't anything new
It had been around for thousands of years
Treat others as you'd have them treat you

Consider your actions carefully
‘Cause it's just like ringin' a bell
Once it's rung you can't un-ring it
And your actions are like that as well

Would you do it if no one was watching
Even if you knew it was wrong?
If you didn't get caught would it make it OK?
Right actions will help you grow strong

So, when faced with difficult choices
Remember the Code of the West
Be the hero your pards can look up to
And the decisions you make will be best!

8/5/2010

Hi! My name is Wendy Brown-Barry...and I am a Cowboy Poet. Are you interested in keeping the Spirit of the West alive in your community? I provide quality Western entertainment for people of all ages. My works have been published in newspapers and magazines, and I have helped organize the Cannonball Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Mariposa, CA since 1999.

I believe that the spirit of the Wild West lives in each of us and that the "Code of the West" that so many have lived by is still pertinent today. Cowboy poetry will make you laugh...and make you cry. It touches a common thread that runs through each of us, no matter what our walk of life.

I especially enjoy working with young folks in schools, and I have discovered some exceptional talent in classrooms!

It has been my privilege to perform with well-known cowboy poets such as Mick Vernon, Pat Richardson, and Waddie Mitchell. Also, I have entertained at the Carnegie Center for the Arts, The Stevenson Ranch, the Fresno Flats Historical Society, the Mariposa County Wagon Train, and the Coarsegold Historical Society, and I have been named a Benefactor of the Mariposa County Arts Council.

I am also available to compose customized poems just for you and your loved ones, as well as for special occasions, events, etc. Click on “Special Poetry” to view some of my “best of” examples!

***If you would like to contact Wendy with inquiries regarding performances, poetry workshops, event organizing, etc., please e-mail Wendy by clicking here: Email WENDY BROWN-BARRY or call Wendy at: (209) 966-3095 (message phone line)

Mick Vernon Cowboy Poet, Musician, Executive Director of the Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival "She's pretty, she's feisty, and she wrangles a good rhyme. What more could a feller ask for?"	Pat Richardson Cowboy Poet of the Year 2003 "Wendy performed with Waddie Mitchell and myself in Mariposa and she stole the show!"

 LIFE IS A TRAIL

BY WENDY BROWN-BARRY

It's in the getting there not the being there that's important

The destination ignites the spark that fuels the fire of adventure

It's the journey, the trail, the quest

The quest for something more

It's the trail that leads to ourselves

wendybrown-barry.com

copyright 2012 

So come on down and gather 'round

Build us a campfire and sit on the ground

Let's preserve the Code of the West

Cowboy Poetry does it best!

- Wendy Brown-Barry

Click on the links below to visit these other great sites!

www.coarsegoldequine.com
Madison Seamans, DVM MS

Here's Madison's Art Work Site:

www.madisonseamanscowboyart.com.

Bar-D Ranch Cowboy Poetry.com

Mariposa County Arts Council

Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival

Mariposa County Pioneer Wagon Train and Cannonball Poetry Gathering

Mariposa Mountain Riders.org

Mariposa County- Home of Yosemite

Yosemite National Park

Artwork of John Bruce - BruceArt.net

Photography of Linda Gast - Hummingbird Press.com