The Flag Upon The Hill, Patriot Cowboy Poetry by Stephen Bly There ain’t much left at RimRock, just that flag upon the hill, saggin’ boards of the old schoolhouse, and Peterson’s feed mill. Some gravel roads and old concrete is what most people see. I tell you there was a town there once, just […]
An Old West Western Slang Devotional by Stephen Bly An Old West type ladino character, J.W. lives back in the woods along the Salmon River Breaks somewhere. You take the gravel road 18 miles. Turn left at the big buckskin tamarack. Then 15 miles down a dirt and mud rutted trail. Park your rig and hike […]
10 Grace Tips by Janet Chester Bly I need grace tips. When the subject grace comes up, I realize how short I fall in gracious thoughts, words and deeds. It’s a test of how close to God I am. How well I know Him. How much His heart is in me. I need His grace tips. […]
Match the line from the cowboy songs lyrics to the title. Keep in mind, since most of these cowboy songs existed as oral tradition before they were written down, several versions of each have survived. The words you remember might be a tad different. Cowboy Songs Titles: A. THE OLD CHISOLM TRAIL B. BUFFALO GIRLS […]
Ketch My Saddle, Boys No one likes to get bucked off a horse, old cowboys especially. But if his broomtail decided to ‘hop for mama,’ ‘take ya to church,’ ‘chin the moon,’ or ‘wrinkle his spine,’ he plowed the ground with his face. Then he must catch the rude horse and holler, “Ketch my saddle!” […]
Authentic Western Fiction Plot Kickers by Stephen Bly It’s knowing the little facts that can produce the most authentic western short stories and novels, the truth in fiction. Some of the details of the Old West like those below can provide an extra shot of realism and emotion for the western genre and kickstart a […]
All About My Story Worksheet What’s a story worksheet? It’s for homeschoolers, future writers, and anyone with writers’ block. I’ve used them at writers’ classes, workshops, and conferences. Do you remember (or your parents or grandparents) those cardboard matchbook covers that said, “Draw Me!” If you’re not of a certain age, probably not. They often […]
What Empty Nest? Parenting Adult Children by Stephen Bly Sometime between the ages of 18 and 20, our kids challenge us with a dramatic turn of events in our parenting. Like an eaglet stumbling from the aerie on its first flight, our child appears as a fully grown adult. Ready to take his or her plunge […]
Myths of Motherhood from How To Be A Good Mom by Stephen Bly and Janet Chester Bly Family life and parenting begins with a woman knowing the joy of her baby’s first cry. Or smile. Or rocking her child to sleep. But it’s also the time she bumps against certain good mom myths. Such as … Good […]
12 Incredible Montana Factoids, western research by Stephen Bly I’ve set lots of books in Montana, including the recent historical western romance, Creede of Old Montana. In fact, we came close to moving to the Treasure State over thirty years ago. Somehow, Idaho snagged us instead. Even though there were a dozen towns in western […]
In the frame short story in this anthology, Ben and Marnie Pearson never intended to start a jewelry collection. But when they were given a box of leftover jewelry at an estate sale, they were intrigued by the colorful contents . . .
The sparkling jewels featured in this collection may have been passed down through generations or discovered accidentally, but each has its own unique short story. From diamonds to emeralds, opals to rubies, these stones have witnessed it all.
Here in The Jeweler's Heart are their fascinating tales told by seventeen of the talented novel writers of ChiLibris. For fans of inspirational fiction and heartwarming tales, The Jeweler's Heart is a treasure.
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