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!

COWBOY POETRY WEEK

We had a good turnout at the Mariposa County Library for the Children’s Story Time. People of all ages showed for the event, and everyone seemed to enjoy the poetry. The pre-school children were a joy and were especially well behaved. They loved Flash, and got to meet him as I recited his poem. Afterward, they were invited to take a button with his picture on it that they could pin on. My poetry partner Madison Seamans, DVM showed up to add variety to the show (see his link). It was a worthwhile effort, and
I hope to do something again next year!

Wendy & Fans

Madison Seamans

NEWS FLASH: Wendy Brown-Barry has been performing cowboy poetry since 1996. In celebration of Cowboy Poetry week, she will be reciting cowboy poetry during the Children's Story Time at the Mariposa County Library, on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 10:00 AM. All ages are welcome! Come join the celebration, hear some original and traditional cowboy poetry, and meet Flash, Wendy's Australian Shepherd.

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.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

Howdy Everyone! We welcomed in the New Year at Don and Laurel Rumsey's Mother Lode Ranch. Once again they out did themselves with a festive party complete with decorations and great food. I entertained the folks with cowboy poetry in between the dancing and music, and a good time was had by all. Thank you Don and Laurel for your hospitality!

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

KENNEDY MEADOWS COWBOY POETRY & CHUCK WAGON ADVENTURE SEPT.11th-12th

Madison Seamans by the campfire


David Clark and his Chuck Wagon


Wendy and David Clark


Kevin and Flash

We were invited to Kennedy Meadows to share some cowboy poetry around the campfire. David Clark owns and operates what is known as Wolf Bait Catering and Chuck Wagon Adventures. Clark launched his new enterprise after restoring an authentic 100-year-old-plus chuck wagon that he discovered at an equipment auction in 2009. The restored wagon is now pulled by a team of Clark's Belgian horses that he brought from Arkansas.

We were treated to an authentic Dutch oven dinner consisting of chuck wagon stew, Charro beans, drop biscuits, salad, and peach cobbler. Madison Seamans and myself entertained the guests from the Kennedy Meadows Lodge around the campfire after dinner. There were about thirty folks of all ages and walks of life gathered around to get back to their roots and enjoy some down home country entertainment. Flash joined us while I recited his poem, which is a favorite of the younger set.

We camped out under the stars by the river, and were treated to more of Dave's great cooking in the morning. We brought the fresh ranch eggs and he made an excellent frittata Dutch oven style. Terry Emerson and Kristy Krause, a nice couple that came to the campfire the night before rode in horseback to join us for breakfast. They said how much they enjoyed the poetry, and that they were planning on coming off the mountain a day early so they could come to the Coulterville Gathering, and sure enough, they showed up. It's great people like these that make this cowboy poetry adventure so worthwhile. I watched longingly as they rode out of camp and up the trail.

Dave has big plans for the future. He will be offering his chuck wagon dinners and campfire entertainment every Saturday night from mid June through mid September. We are looking forward to joining him again next summer.

FISH CAMP RIDE

Kevin and I headed up the mountain in August to Fish Camp, which is located just outside Yosemite National Park, for an overnight campout. The weather was cooler and we enjoyed riding some interesting trails with lots of shade and water. It was good to sit around a campfire again with the dogs and horses .

COULTERVILLE COWBOY POETRY GATHERING: GOOD TIMES FOR ALL!

The Coulterville Cowboy Poetry Gathering on September 18th was a huge success, with over 200 people attending. We performed for over three hours, from 6:00 - 9:30 p.m.,and left them wanting more! Big Dan Routh, who we have performed with before, filled in at the last minute for Madison Seamans. Thanks Big Dan!

The Mariposa County Arts Council presented the event.  They built a new little stage, with a Western-style front right behind the Jeffery Hotel..  

Check out the Arts Council's website...

Mariposa County Arts Council

Wendy and Kevin's Pics from the Motherlode Ranch

We just visited the Motherlode Ranch recently for Don Rumsey's birthday party.
Picture here are the Two-Story Outhouse and the Blanket Creek Stage Stop.

PHOTOS FROM MARIPOSA SUMMER CAMP SHOW


Here's Flash on the job at the Summer Camp


Wendy at the Summer Camp show

I worked with the Mariposa County Arts Council for their Summer Camp, which was held August 5th at the Mariposa Parks and Recreation Amphitheatre. Above are some photos from the show. 

Please feel free to check out their website:

Mariposa County Arts Council

Here's more info:

Youth attending Summer Camp in Mariposa experience the excitement of discovering Cowboy Poetry!  In partnership with the Mariposa County Arts Council, this year, Summer Camp will include a Western campfire setting and experience Cowboy Poetry by listening, writing, and illustrating original works of art.  The Mariposa County Parks and Recreation program is a daily, fee-based program from July through August 12, 2010.  

This summer, the Thursday morning art instruction includes Chinese Brush, Pen and Ink, Contour Drawing, Clay, Watercolor, Rock Painting, Light and Shade Chalk Drawing, Perspective Drawing, Pastels and Cowboy Poetry!  For registration information contact Parks and Recreation at (209) 966-8390 or the Arts Council at (209) 966-3155.

Cannonball Cowboy Poetry Gathering

I performed on Saturday, June 12th, at this year's Cannonball Cowboy Poetry Gathering at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds

It went great- thanks to all who attended!

For more info...check out the Mariposa County Pioneer Wagon Train and Cannonball Cowboy Poetry Gathering website:

mariposawagontrain.org

Mariposa Butterfly Festival - 2010

Thanks to everyone who caught my show at the Butterfly Festival this year!

I performed on Saturday, May 1st, at 4:30 p.m, at the "Katerpillar Kids" area... which is located in the 5th Street Parking Lot....check out the Festival's website:

mariposabutterflyfestival.org

The Butterfly Festival takes place in beautiful downtown Mariposa, an authentic Gold Rush-era town. The festival is always held on the first full weekend in May. This year's will start on Friday, April 30th, go thru Saturday, May 1st (when I will be performing) and continue through Sunday, May 2nd.

photograph: Charlie Phillips

Cowboy Poetry Week -April 18-24

“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.”

Look for the write-up this week in the Mariposa Gazette newspaper announcing my upcoming performance at the Butterfly Festival, and about the 9th Annual Cowboy Poetry Week, officially celebrated April 18th- April 24th.

Make sure that all of you check out all five of my NEW poems that I've just put up onto this website!

First, there's "Friends" a new poem that I just posted under the Special Poetry link...it was written for my good friend Marlene on the occaision of her Birthday...hope you'll enjoy it, too!

Also, I've put up one my most favorite poems (one my few "non-rhymers"), one that goes back a few years, called
"For Reno"- a tribute to my beloved mare Reno. It's posted in the Special Poetry section.

And...take a look at my three latest poems in the Poetry section! There's "The Round Tuit Ranch", a homage to our own home sweet home and to all those with a "honey-do" list..."The Keeper", which horse lovers everywhere are sure to identify with...and last, but not least, "Driving Me Crazy", in which the subject of that (frustrating) modern invention, the automobile, is taken head-on!

Also, read here my reports on my latest two poetry appearances...the first on New Year's Eve at the fabulous Mother Lode Ranch in Sonora, CA... the next was at a special Birthday party in Escalon, CA put on by my friends Bob and Sandra Magee.

Wendy at the Motherlode

Don and Laurel Rumsey, propietors of the Mother Lode Ranch

New Year's Eve 2009

It was a beautiful day for a drive up Hwy. 49 to Sonora. We were invited to Don and Laurel Rumsey's Mother Lode Ranch to perform some cowboy poetry for a New Year's Eve Party.. (you can go to their website- motherlodewagons.com - or email them at motherloderanch@frontiernet.net for more info & directions).

They provide wagons for all occasions, and had the most incredible collection we've ever seen. Their barn was decorated for the occasion, and we dined on the most delicious prime rib dinner we've ever had. Ricky Carter, Keith Keenom and the Chaparrals Band provided country music.

There was also a group that did western skits, and a gentleman dressed as Mark Twain that told stories. Sharon Power and I provided the cowboy poetry. We couldn't have asked for a nicer group of people or a more gracious audience. There were about a hundred people there to ring in the New Year. Kevin and I both agreed that it was one of the best New Year's we've ever had.

Kevin with Sharon and Glenn Power

View from Ward's Ferry Road

The Rumsey's provided an RV for us to stay in, and the next morning we took Ward's Ferry Road home. It was little more than a paved cow trail, and scared us right into 2010. In places there was only enough room for the tires of our truck with a sheer drop to a river. However, it was very scenic. We had lunch at the Magnolia Saloon in Coulterville, and then back home. It was a great way to bring in the new decade!

"You can bet that I will spread the word on the cowboy poet that did a fantastic job for us.  I talk about Wendy all of the time."- Bob Magee

A Birthday Party in Escalon

On Saturday, January 9th 2010 we traveled to Escalon, CA for a 60th birthday party. I have to give my dog Flash credit for landing me this job. It turns out that Bob and Sandra Magee raise and show Australian Shepherds. They saw Flash and me on my web site and called for some cowboy poetry entertainment.

The party was held in their dog training facility called Bernie's Place. You can email them at: sanbobs@aol.com

We enjoyed a delicious catered luncheon. There were about thirty guests, and everyone enjoyed the cowboy poetry. They were all dog lovers, and many owned horses as well. So, we had lots in common and found much to talk about.

We are having so much fun travelling around meeting new people and promoting cowboy poetry. We hope to connect with these folks again, and are looking forward to the next gathering.

WE'RE BACK FROM THE 25th NATIONAL COWBOY POETRY GATHERING
IN ELKO, NEVADA!

Battle Mountain

         We arrived in Elko on Jan 28th after a smooth drive over the Sierras. We were concerned about the lack of snow up there this year. I’m sure it’s improved with the arrival of recent storms as we’ve had several inches of snow here on the Round Tuit Ranch. We met up with some friends, the Mellos, from our neighborhood, and then were joined by two of their friends from Merced who came over on the train. We all saw some great shows, and got together for some delicious food.

Wendy with Yvonne Hollenbeck's quilt

Wendy & Jess Howard

        All of us got to see most of our favorite poets, including Pat Richardson, Baxter Black, and Jesse Smith. Pat’s brother Jess Howard was there this year, and we enjoyed visiting with him and hearing him recite. There is always a wonderful exhibit at the Western Folklife Center. This year it featured a handmade quilt of all the poet’s brands made by another one of my favorite cowboy poets, Yvonne Hollenbeck. There were also beautiful hand made bridles and saddles created in the old vaquero style. I added some new Will James books, and some more cowboy poetry to my collection.

        Our party finished up our last night at the Stockman’s Casino for Michael Martin Murphy’s concert. I can highly recommend his latest CD “Buckaroo Blue Grass.” It was a great way to end up the Gathering.

HIGH COUNTRY 2008

    Our trip to the high country was the longest and best ever. We had nine days with the dogs and horses. We base-camped at Granite Creek again, and spent seven days up above 9,000 ft. in the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

    We had the Minarets Pack Station pack us in again this year. These folks really know what they’re doing! They got all our gear, including, but not limited to: ice chests, a camp kitchen, and a hot shower, there without a hitch. We invested in a few more creature comforts this time, and really enjoyed them. One of my best memories is looking up through the skylight of my hot shower stall, and seeing the rain coming down, then slipping into my warm sleeping bag for a nap. How beautiful everything looked after the rain.

   The first couple of days we spent at Sadler Lake. We wanted to visit Joe Crane Lake again after falling in love with it last year. So, we had the packers come back in and we moved camp. We probably wouldn’t do that again, as it made for a very long day. But, it was all about exploration, and we’re glad that we did it. Have a look at our latest pictures...-Wendy

WENDY PERFORMS WITH MADISON SEAMANS
AT CATHEY-WESTFALL FAMILY REUNION

     On October 4th we entertained at the McKay Hall for the Big Four Family Reunion. The hall was nicely decorated for the festivities. There were lots of picture boards displaying the old homesteads and ancestors who settled the area. The Cathey, Deaver, Wills, and Westfall families were all there to reconnect and celebrate their family history. Many were wearing commemorative t-shirts made for the occasion. The logo on the back read, “A family without the knowledge of their past history and origin are like trees without roots.”

    It was a good turn out, and we were happy to be part of it. My friend Madison Seamans joined me with his guitar and cowboy poetry. Madison is a Dr. of Equine Veterinary Medicine, and is also a talented western artist. My husband Kevin was in charge of the new P.A. system that we purchased for the occasion. I thank both my pards for a job well done!

Madison Seamans, Wendy & Kevin at the Reunion

   Thank you also to Ginny and Dave Harris, and everyone on the committee who helped organize the event. You did a fantastic job, and we enjoyed meeting your family, and making new friends. Till next time, HAPPY TRAILS!

For details and current updates, please go to the official Cathey-Westfall Reunion website at: www.dcwfamily.com

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

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