Thank you, Jim, for the thumbs up here. I would be so pleased if you tried a couple of chapters anyway. I fear it may be a bit too sophomoric for your taste. I am proud of it, but not as proud as I would be if I could write like you! I am a bit like Grandma Moses here. Un-honed skills...
Sharron, thanks for your kind words. I'm an old old Freshman, who was held back a grade for decades, taking beginner classes in writing so even if it is sophomoric (which I'm positive its not) it'll be a step up for me. I'm just not all that 'mart! Have a great rest of the day. - Jim
The relationship that grows between Bartle and his daughter is one of my favorites in the book. I created him to be the dad I never had. So...bittersweet.
As far as the Tick Fever state, I do what I can to present a balanced picture of life here so potential immigrants can make informed decisions about moving here.
Idaho, the Ten Months of Winter and Two Months of Lousy Skiing State.
Idaho, the Wildfire Smoke State.
Idaho, not Iowa or Ohio. We do potatoes, not corn.
I remember driving across the bottom of Idaho to get to Montana, and seeing over and over again huge, long cylindrical mound-like strucrtures and thinking they reminded me of Viking long houses or ships burial sites. Found out they were some kind of potato storage barns. Rather anti-climactic...
Oh how I love Bartle Clunes! You bring the time and place to life. I never noticed that part of California so much, until I started reading this book! Now I want to go back! And, of course, I fell in love with Battle and his little circle of people, Each one a delightful character. Thanks for reintroducing them!
Thank you, Sharon. And a million thank yous for sitting and listening to me read aloud for a WHOLE YEAR as each chapter unfolded. Your generosity meant everything to me.
Maybe you could read it on line and then if you have a friend who might like it as a gift, you could buy a hard copy? I had them printed locally, so they are not Amazon prices, sorry to say. $12 plus $4 shipping. Just at my cost, not for profit.
Oh no! Did I forget to send you this information, Ron?! I am so sorry! Do you still want the ordering info? Send me an email at -- bassanois@cruzio.com.
There are several different relationships going on in Riles' Crossing. One of my favorites is that of Bartle and his daughter and how they were much alike though she hadn't seen him since she was three. In Bartle, the man. I believe I was creating a father for myself, as I never had one.
Well, I'm hooked and I'm in the for the whole thing. Going to your page and start this from the very beginning. Thanks Sharron. - Jim
Thank you, Jim, for the thumbs up here. I would be so pleased if you tried a couple of chapters anyway. I fear it may be a bit too sophomoric for your taste. I am proud of it, but not as proud as I would be if I could write like you! I am a bit like Grandma Moses here. Un-honed skills...
Sharron, thanks for your kind words. I'm an old old Freshman, who was held back a grade for decades, taking beginner classes in writing so even if it is sophomoric (which I'm positive its not) it'll be a step up for me. I'm just not all that 'mart! Have a great rest of the day. - Jim
I'd like a story, please, about that " being held back " business. Why? Where? When?
Sharron, sorry no story there, I was just kidding around. I could make one up though, haha. - Jim
Wonderful introduction to a good story. I'd like to order a copy of the book.
I will email you. But better read a couple of chapters first to make sure you like it. It has inspired pages but may not be what you'd expect.
This was a sweet reminder of a beautiful story. I loved every chapter.
I appreciate so much that you read Bartle Clunes. It was a commitment, I know, Janice. Thank you.
It was and is quite priceless - a sweet and gentle story in every regard.
Aw. Thanks so much for saying that.
This is one of my favorite bits of this wonderful tale. Thank you for reposting it sharron.
The relationship that grows between Bartle and his daughter is one of my favorites in the book. I created him to be the dad I never had. So...bittersweet.
I remember this one, Sharron. I'll read Bartle again. A great slice of Americana.
Thanks, cowboy, for the vote of confidence. A true friend.
Sharron! Not only a beautiful, bittersweet story, but you also managed to work in Idaho, the Tick Fever state.
Tick fever? Eeuw. I have to admit I love Bartle. I spent a year creating him and he is as real to me as any friend or brother.
I like Bartle, too.
As far as the Tick Fever state, I do what I can to present a balanced picture of life here so potential immigrants can make informed decisions about moving here.
Idaho, the Ten Months of Winter and Two Months of Lousy Skiing State.
Idaho, the Wildfire Smoke State.
Idaho, not Iowa or Ohio. We do potatoes, not corn.
I remember driving across the bottom of Idaho to get to Montana, and seeing over and over again huge, long cylindrical mound-like strucrtures and thinking they reminded me of Viking long houses or ships burial sites. Found out they were some kind of potato storage barns. Rather anti-climactic...
Idaho, the Viking Burial State.
P.s. those spuds won’t store themselves.
Oh how I love Bartle Clunes! You bring the time and place to life. I never noticed that part of California so much, until I started reading this book! Now I want to go back! And, of course, I fell in love with Battle and his little circle of people, Each one a delightful character. Thanks for reintroducing them!
Thank you, Sharon. And a million thank yous for sitting and listening to me read aloud for a WHOLE YEAR as each chapter unfolded. Your generosity meant everything to me.
The pleasure was all mine, Sharron!
That really draws us in, Sharron. It feels really intimate.
Thanks, Ron. You might have a look at a couple of chapters? It is an unusual story - not for everyone, but you might like a couple of bits.
I was just skimming your online chapters and debating whether to order a copy or read online.
Maybe you could read it on line and then if you have a friend who might like it as a gift, you could buy a hard copy? I had them printed locally, so they are not Amazon prices, sorry to say. $12 plus $4 shipping. Just at my cost, not for profit.
Those are good prices! My wife has a PayPal and may go through that. I’ll let you know. Thanks Sharron!
Actually, I wouldn't mind a copy for sure. If you wanted to email the details.
Oh no! Did I forget to send you this information, Ron?! I am so sorry! Do you still want the ordering info? Send me an email at -- bassanois@cruzio.com.
Thanks Sharron! No, you’re fine! My phone fell in the water tub and is under the weather! Things just a bit delayed!
Beautifully rendered, Sharron. So many questions. A meeting of that kind has to be a surreal experience for both parties.
There are several different relationships going on in Riles' Crossing. One of my favorites is that of Bartle and his daughter and how they were much alike though she hadn't seen him since she was three. In Bartle, the man. I believe I was creating a father for myself, as I never had one.
So beautiful, Sharron. I loved this line: '.....tangled together like kittens'.