Merry Christmas
& Happy New Year Everyone!

From Wendy, Kevin & the Critters

Wendy Recites at the Madera Cattleman's Association Dinner

Wendy was chosen to perform her Cowboy Poetry last Friday, November 7th, at the annual dinner for the Madera Cattleman's Association (MCA). Wendy recited "Ernie" in honor of Ernie Harlow, who was named "Cowboy of the Year."

Here's the poem for you all to enjoy:

ERNIE

I’d like to share with you a story
About a friend of mine.
His name is Ernie Harlow,
And he’s been gone for quite some time.

But not a day goes by
That I don’t think of him,
And the chances of forgettin’
Are really pretty slim.

Our trails crossed many years ago
When I called him up to shoe.
I’d heard he was the best around,
And not just by a few.

He sure had a way with horses.
He would eye ‘em up and down,
And he could tell you in a moment
If they’re lame or if they’re sound.

He knew their dispositions
Before he ever drove a nail.
Lazy, broke, or outlaw
He called ‘em without fail.

He never missed a shoein.’
He’d be there when he said.
And it would usually be real early
Before I was out of bed.

But there was always a thermos of coffee,
And a good-natured hello.
It helped to clear the cobwebs,
And get me on the go.

He got me my first trainin’ job
Ridin’ colts out on a ranch.
He saw I had potential,
And thought I deserved a chance.

Sometimes he’d take me with him
When he went around to shoe,
And it always did amaze me
Just how many folks he knew.

I sure learned a lot from Ernie,
Watchin’ hours upon end.
Of all the nails that held a shoe,
Very few did I see him bend.

He used to give me sound advise
When I was ridin’ colts.
He taught me how to line ‘em out,
And how not to spook and bolt.

He was known near and far
For his expert ropin’ skill.
He could head ‘em, or he could heal ‘em.
In my mind I see him still.

One time he and Sam were ropin’
At the Oakdale Rodeo.
They had a ten second lead
With just two rounds left to go,

And if they won those last two go-rounds
They could take that money home.
But Ernie dallied up his little finger,
And cut that sucker to the bone.

“Tape my finger up,” he said.
“I know I’ll be just fine.
I think I can pull it together,
And throw this rope just one more time.”

But they wouldn’t let him rope that day.
He told the story with a laugh.
They took him to Emergency,
And had to do a skin graft.

He sure had a great attitude
About everything he did.
He loved his wife and family,
And he raised up two fine kids.

He always saw the good in folks,
And overlooked the bad.
He could cheer you up when you were feelin’ down,
And I never saw him mad.

Now his son Paco
Carries on his legacy,
And he shoes ‘em just like Ernie did.
It’s like poetry to see.

And he left behind two grandkids.
Their names are Brent and Chad,
And if he could see those boys today,
I know he would be glad.

Ernie was my inspiration,
And I guess that he still is,
‘Cause I still talk to him sometimes
Just as though he still lives.

I’m sure proud to say I knew him,
And that I could call him “Friend.”
And he sure did leave an empty space
That only time will mend.

But, I can still see his face a smilin’
Through the mare’s tails in the sky.
Ernie’s memory lives forever.
He was just that kind of guy!

IN FOND MEMORY

February 13, 1994

Wendy Performs at
Mariposa-Oakhurst Rotary Club
On July 15th, Wendy entertained for the 1st Annual
Mariposa-Oakhurst Rotary Club Dinner

They had a western theme, held at the Old Barn in Oakhurst.
The dinner featured a Bar-B-Q, and everything was decorated, complete with hay bales and peanuts to throw on the floor, so
we felt right at home!

We couldn't have asked for a better audience, and we had a really good time- as you can see by the pictures. The photographer was excellent, and I thank her for
making me look so good!

Many of those in attendance were not very familiar with Cowboy Poetry, so it was a real pleasure to introduce them to the genre. Thank you, Rotary Members, for your gracious hospitality!

We hope we'll cross trails again in the future...

-Wendy

      
Wendy at the Mariposa-Oakhurst Rotary Club

Wendy to Perform at Mariposa County Wagon Train on
Thursday, June 12th

Hello, all! Wendy next gig will be reciting her Cowboy Poetry
for the Mariposa County Wagon Train at Cedar Point. It will be a campfire gathering, and will begin around 6 p.m.on Thusday, June 12th. Check out the link below for more info!

Mariposa County Pioneer Wagon Train
and Cannonball Poetry Gathering

YOSEMITE WRANGLERS REUNION

Wendy just attended the Yosemite Wranglers Reunion on
April 13th, and wrote this new poem as a special tribute to the Wranglers of yesterday and today...

Visit their website here: Yosemite Wranglers. com

YOSEMITE WRANGLERS

by Wendy Brown-Barry

Here’s to the Yosemite Wranglers
They’re the last of a dying breed
They can pack anything from woodstoves to privies
“Git ‘er done,” is the Wranglers' creed.

Their days in the Park may be numbered
Our history’s slipping away
If it weren’t for the wranglers, horses, and mules
The world’d be quite different today.

They helped build the trails, roads, and bridges
They’re farriers, teamsters, and guides
Takin’ youngsters and oldsters and handicapped folks
On perhaps, their very first ride.

These boys all came from hardy stock
And lived by a mountain “Code”
They were Yosemite’s first stewards
And took care of the livestock they rode.

Like the time along Cathedral Lake
Bob Barrett was leadin’ a string
When a mule kicked out or’ the lead rope
A wreck was a comin’ sure thing.

The mule behind flipped upside down
And landed in the lake
It took brains and brawn and courage
Cause there were some lives at stake.

Remembering McGregor’s words
“If he goes, you go,” he said.
Bob held that mule’s head to keep him from drowning
If he hadn’t that mule would be dead.

He got the rope cut and got him out
And really saved the day
If Bob hadn’t jumped in to save him
There’d be some Hell to pay.

Or the time Eddie Mankins and George Meyer
Rode thirty miles in the snow
Bringin’ stock down off a high meadow
To the Mt. Bullion pastures below.

Horses and mules made their livin’
They needed their stock to survive
They were ready to do whatever it took
To keep their livestock alive.

Some are still out there packin’ them mules
And many have passed on
I wish I could mention them all right here
But, this poem would be way too long.

I’m sure grateful for the ones I’ve known
And wish I’d known the rest
They’re a part of our living history
A legacy of the West!

The campfire’s down to a flicker
Let’s hope it never goes out
Let ‘em still cargo that Sawbuck and Decker
‘Cause that’s just what packin’s about.

-Wendy Brown-Barry
March 30, 2014

Merry Christmas

& Happy New Year!

-From the Brown-Barry Family

Hi everybody! Well, it’s been quite a year…

I had a procedure on my knee last December 4^th, and have since been on the mend. Now I’m back on my horse and looking forward to riding! Kevin’s horse, Buzz, is now semi-retired but pasture sound, and still really likes to go.  My horse Snip is doing fine, and I’ve been riding with friends.

Wendy, Kevin & Peter Hoss with Congressman McClintock

Wendy, Kevin, Peter Hoss and Brian Ouzounian at the Statue of Freedom in U.S. Capitol, Washington D.C

The most exciting thing for us in 2013 was when Congressman Tom McClintock invited me and two others, Peter T. Hoss and Brian Ouzounian, to testify before the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation in Washington D.C.  It was an experience that none one of us will ever forget!  It was an honor to stand up and speak for our local citizens. 

Wendy and Clint Anderson

Another neat thing we did the previous August was attend a Clinton Anderson Clinic.  He is our favorite horse trainer from Australia, and we enjoyed two fascinating days watching him demonstrate his “Method.”

Wendy & Kevin at Yosemite Zip Line Adventures

We now have a Zip Line Adventure park here in Mariposa,, and we decided to give it a go.  It was great fun!

Rita's 80th Birthday Party at the Barry's

We also made two road trips recently, one to Southern California for Kevin’s Mom’s surprise birthday party, hosted by the Dennis Barrys. Rita turned 80 November 17^th, and all six boys were there to help her celebrate along with the extended family.  It was the first time we had all been together since 1997.

Wendy & Kevin in Sedona with Uncle Mac

Then we drove to Sedona, Arizona to spend Thanksgiving with my Uncle Mac.  We hadn’t seen him for a very long time, and it was great to get together again.  The weather was perfect.  The dogs went with us on both trips and they travel well.  It’s fun to have them along, and they got along with everyone, even the Barry’s three Golden Retreivers.  It was a “Dog Party”!

Wendy & Kevin at Jerseydale Ranch

We're all getting a little older together now on the Round Tuit Ranch! Life is still a blessing, and we're all frisky and happy to be here.  Flash is 13 and Foxy is 12 now. Our Siamese, Sass, is 17 and Rosie’s not too far behind. We're starting to open our hearts to a new pup this spring if the right one comes along.

ALL THE BEST IN 2014

LOVE,

WENDY, KEVIN, AND THE CRITTERS

Wendy's Letter to the Editor
MARIPOSA GAZETTE
September 23, 2013

THANK YOU,

MARIPOSA MOUNTAIN RIDERS!

Wendy at Sweetwater Point

          I want to thank and commend the Mariposa Mountain Riders for a most enjoyable Poker Ride on Saturday, September 21st.  We heralded in the first day of fall with a blessed rainstorm.  It dampened horses and riders but not their spirits, as the first rainfall of the season settled the dust of the summer.
          The ride was well attended, with horsemen coming from out of town to ride with our local folks.  We rode out in small groups of our choosing.

I made new friends from Madera and also met a newcomer to Mariposa, who were all lots of fun to ride with.  Norma Jean Worchester carried a well-stocked first aid kit, just in case!  It was good to have Madison Seamans DVM join us to ride drag, along with Gwen Nita, Trail Boss, Linda Sinclair, and Colleen Varney, to help anyone who needed it.

The staging area was the beautiful Circle 9 Ranch in Jerseydale, where we rode out on well-marked forestry roads to pick up chips for our poker hand.  The three-hour ride took us up on top of Sweetwater Point where there were some incredible views.  In one direction we saw the devastation that was caused by the Carsten’s Fire, and I was happy to see that there was timber harvesting taking place in the area where we rode. 

We have the Anderson Family of Clark's Valley to thank for their proper forest management.  It prevented the Carsten’s fire from incinerating the Lushmeadows and East Westfall residential areas.  With proper timber harvesting, grazing and removal of the understory ladder fuels, the fire came out of the tree tops, went to ground and was able to be extinguished.

Upon our return, most of us were pretty cold and wet and the hot lunch prepared by Shawna Dahl was most welcome.  Madison Seamans, who I also refer to as my “cowboy poetry pard”, and I were prepared to provide some entertainment for the riders after lunch but most were ready to hop in their heated pick-up trucks and head for home.  So the rain did affect the after-ride festivities.  However, the rain was most welcome, and I can’t complain!

Thank you to the Circle 9 Ranch and the Mariposa Mountain Riders for a professional, well-run, and friendly Poker Ride.  I am looking forward to more trail rides like this one in the days to come.

-Wendy Brown-Barry

Merced Horseman's Reunion Gathering

Wendy Brown-Barry

& Madison Seamans Will Perform!

This Saturday, July 20th, at 6:30 pm, Wendy and Madison will perform Cowboy Poetry for the Merced Horsemen's Reunion Gathering, which will take place at the Merced Horsemen's Arena, located at 499 Nevada Street in the city of Merced, CA. For more details, please visit the Merced Horsemen Association's official website, here:

mercedhorsemenassociation.org

Or, call Carol at (209) 966-8150

Wendy's June Performances:

Mariposa Mountain Riders Endurance Ride

Mariposa Pioneer Wagon Train

Darrah School in Mariposa

Wendy Brown-Barry performed her Cowboy Poetry for the Mariposa Mountain Riders "Run For The Gold" Endurance Ride Awards Banquet Dinner on June 1st.

Please visit the Mariposa Mountain Riders website here:

mariposamountainriders.com

Here is the link for info on the Endurance Ride:

2013 Run For The Gold

The annual ride is sponored by the AERC- American Endurance Ride Conference. The AERC website can be found here:

aerc.org

The Endurance Ride is also sponsored this year by the CSHA -Calif. State Horsemen's Association.

Click on this link for more info on the CSHA's programs:

californiastatehorsemen.com

Wendy also entertained at the Pool Ranch on June 13th, the first night of the Mariposa County Pioneer Wagon Train's 38th Annual ride.

Wendy and The Cannonball

The Pool Ranch is located on Chowchilla Mt. Road, and the Wagon Train camps at an apple orchard known as Cedar Point.

Musicians at Cedar Point

Please check out the website for the Mariposa Wagon Train:

mariposawagontrain.org

On June,14th, Wendy was asked to give a recital for the students at the historic Darrah School House in Mariposa.

All in all, quite a busy month for us!

Wendy also would like everyone to know that she has joined the Back Country Horsemen of California -BCHC. They are a great organization, and have a really nice website which you are eencouraged to visit here:

bchcalifornia.org

The group has regional units, including the San Joaquin Sierra Unit based in Fresno. The website for the San Joaquin Sierra Unit is here:

bchc.org

Their bi-monthly newsletter can be viewed here:

San Joaquin Sierra Hoof Prints June-July 2013

COWBOY POETRY WEEK

April 21st-27th 2013

Wendy Brown-Barry to perform
at Bett’s Gold Coin Sports Tavern
this Saturday, April 27th
At 5:00 PM!

In celebration of Cowboy Poetry week, Wendy will be reciting Cowboy Poetry at Bett’s Gold Coin this Saturday, April 27th, at 5:00 PM.  All ages are welcome! 

Wendy & Friends at Bett's Gold Coin

Come join the celebration, hear some original and traditional Cowboy Poetry, and meet Flash, Wendy’s Australian Shepherd.  Wendy will also be sharing her first historical poem,
“The Fremont Adobe” in the building for which it was written- Bett’s Gold Coin. 

Wendy's book, “Mountain Majesty” will also be available!

Twelve years ago 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 sponsors the Bar-D Ranch web site.  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.

Wendy's New Video of

“The Freemont Adobe”

from Bett's Gold Coin

From left: Mariposa High School Multimedia Instructor Walt Hebern, 1st Place Winner Weston Slaght, 3rd Place Winner Christa Pharris, Second Place Winner James Hibpshman, Wendy Brown-Barry, Bett's Gold Coin owner Linda Halverson-Borchard
Photo courtesy Sierra Sun Times

Wendy and Video Award Winners

Bett’s Gold Coin in “Old Town” Mariposa sponsored a video contest for students of the Mariposa County High School ROP Multi-Media Communications and Design program.

Students were asked to edit and post a YouTube video, based on the original video by Kevilyn Tatman, of a Cowboy Poetry presentation done by Wendy Brown-Barry at the Gold Coin.

Prizes awarded were for Best Edited Presentation ($100) and two runner-up awards ($50 each). Weston Slaght's took the first place prize, with James Hibpshman and Christa Pharris taking second and third place prizes, respectively.

Bett's Gold Coin owner Linda Halvorson-Borchard said that it was difficult for everyone on the selection committee to make a choice between the three competing video presentations because each presented such a unique approach to the subject.

Wendy's latest poem, “The Fremont Adobe”, is her interpretation of several historical sketches that have been written about the old Gold Coin building, and its occupants, over the years. These stories, along with Wendy’s poem, can be found in the “Gold Coin Scrapbook”, an enjoyable collection of stories and pictures about the old Fremont Adobe and the Gold Coin Tavern.

Bett's Gold Coin plans on doing other video presentations and. other projects involve various local artists as part of its “The Coin Live” entertainment program and the “Where History Lives” video presentations by various local historians and community members about the early history of “Old Town” Mariposa and the Fremont Adobe.

Special thanks to Bob Borchard for this article, and Wendy would like to also personally thank Bob for providing her the opportunity to perform at the Gold Coin!

The Sierra Sun Times article on the award ceremony at Bett's Gold Coin can be found here:

TOULUMNE WRITERS RETREAT

SEPTEMBER 28th, 29th, 30th

Thanks to all who joined us there!

The Tuolumne Writers Retreat was a three-day event, and was held in historic Columbia State Park.  The Sonora Writers Group sponsored it www.sonorawriters.org, and what a wonderful group of people they turned out to be!  We made many new friends and really enjoyed the whole weekend.  I was invited as a performer and a class presenter.  It was interesting to note that most of those attending were not familiar with Cowboy Poetry, so it was great fun giving them their first taste of the genre.

          The weekend began Friday night with an open mic Ghostly Poetry reading at the Columbia Cemetery.  I shared some personal ghost stories and two poems.  On Saturday morning, I taught a workshop on writing and performing Cowboy Poetry.  During lunch on Saturday, my poetry pard Madison Seamans joined me for a performance at the Douglas Saloon, where we entertained about 50 people for an hour!

Kevin and Madison

Here, I would also like to point out that my husband Kevin is a huge part of “Happy Trails Entertainment” and is always there to help out, setting up props, announcing, being the audio man, plus anything else that needs to be done.

We also had some time to walk the town and take in the local color.  We all got a ride on the stage pulled by four matched black mares.  We got to ride up top with the driver, and what a view!  We were held up by a masked bandit along the way, which kept things interesting.  Saturday evening after dinner we were treated to live music by the Devil Mountain Boys Band, along with some open mic performances.  Sunday was Author’s Row Book Signing, where I was able to sell my books.  After that there were literary performances by the workshop presenters, and I performed 20 minutes of my own Cowboy Poetry!

Blanche Abrahms and Denella Kimura

          This event was very well organized.  The coordinator, Blanche Abrams, and the entire Sonora Writers Group did a fantastic job.  They were friendly and made everyone feel welcome.  It was a pleasure and an honor to be part of this event, and to share Cowboy Poetry with such a receptive group of people.

  Until we meet again, HAPPY TRAILS!

- Wendy

1st ANNUAL TUOLUMNE WRITER'S RETREAT

SEPTEMBER 28th, 29th, 30th, 2012

PRESENTED BY

THE SONORA WRITERS GROUP

Hello, everybody! Please join us for the fun at the State Historic Park in Columbia, California. It’s a Writers Retreat sponsored by the Sonora Writers Group.

For directions on how to get to Columbia and for more info, please visit the Sonora Writers Group website!

Their site is: www.sonorawriters.org.

Here's their write up, from their website:

Experience the 1st Tuolumne Writers Retreat in the State Historic Park of Columbia, California. This Gold Rush town orginally founded by miners in 1850, claims preserved brick buildings, historic artisans, period displays, shops, restaurants, hotels, & docents to transport you to another era.

While you are embedded in your favorite writing classes, your entire family will be entertained. Stage coach rides, gold panning, climbing rock formations, watching candle & candy exhibitions, and creamy ice cream cones await their arrival.

Participate in classes, hear featured speakers, take a lantern walk to the Cemetery for a Ghost Poetry Open Mic. Enjoy professional Literary Performances, Miners Nuggets of Prose & Poetry Reading on Saturday Night (Sept. 29th).

Authors Row and other special events are also planned for the public & your families, including Cowboy Poets, a tour of Downtown Columbia, CA & a concert by The Devil Mountain Boys Country Band. 

Madison Seamans and I will be perform, and I will also conduct a Cowboy Poetry Workshop! 

Wendy Set To Record Poetry Video at Bett's Gold Coin Sports Tavern in Mariposa

Hi, Folks! Wendy here again. Linda from the Bett's Gold Coin has contacted me, and the folks over at the Gold Coin want me to make a video recording as I recite the my new poem, “The Fremont Adobe” down at the Coin- which is located in beautiful downtown Mariposa, CA. They also plan to put the resulting video of me up on their web site- via You Tube!

For more info, check out their website-

please go to: www.bettsgoldcoin.com. 

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 (see their website at www.bettsgoldcoin.com.) 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!

Madison Seamans
Equine Veterinarian
Cornerstone Equine.com

Madison Seamans' Art Work Site:

www.madisonseamanscowboyart.com

Bar-D Ranch Cowboy Poetry.com

Mariposa County Arts Council

Bett's Gold Coin Sports Tavern www.bettsgoldcoin.com

Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival

Mariposa County Pioneer Wagon Train and Cannonball Poetry Gathering

Mariposa Mountain Riders.com

Mariposa County
Home of Yosemite

Yosemite National Park

Artwork of John Bruce - BruceArt.net

Photography of Linda Gast - Hummingbird Press.com