We cannot tell what may happen to us
in the strange medley of life. But we can decide what happens in us, how we take it, what we do with it—and that is what really counts in the end.
~Joseph Fort Newton~

Producing this magazine and penning this column always seems to produce surprises for me: you just never know what will set folks off and what small sentence when written can instantly take on a life of its own. For instance, last month when I decided to share with our reading audience the struggles we too are facing due to the economy in the magazine business, I never expected to receive the abundance of calls and emails that came forth thanking me for our candor. I can say with all sincerity that I was seriously bowled over by how many of you expressed thanks to us for keeping up the effort and sharing something that we’re all experiencing. Being forthright with our readers and advertisers is an important value that we will never alter.

I suppose we could have fluffed the magazine out with innocuous information, but how fiscally sound would that be? No, I prefer that we stay above-board and candid, and by the amount of mail and e-mails generated I’d say that you appreciate the truth as well. Then I received a copy of the July-August magazine cover in the mail along with an un-signed note, telling me that the cover was “positively disgusting and totally unnecessary considering all the beautiful scenery and cattle that could be used.” First off, how is this cover “disgusting,” and second, we do use those wonderful scenes of the West and picturesque cattle moments often on our covers. Just how one perceives a lovely young woman in chaps and working clothes “disgusting” boggles my mind! I might have been able to ignore the whole thing if the writer had not ended their note with “I’d like to see her wrestle a calf”! Well I’d like to point out that all of David Stoecklein’s photos are taken at real ranches using real people doing the job - there are no models flown in. Furthermore, I personally know many beautiful women, my daughter included, that can out-work a lot of men on the ranch, wrestle calves and look darn beautiful while doing it. I find small-minded folks hard to abide by, and if the writer who penned this piece of work was so sure of their convictions then they should have had the where withal to at least sign it. If you can’t sign what you write and stand behind your convictions, don’t waste folks’ time.

So I don’t continue wasting your time I’ll move off my soapbox and get right into what this month’s issue holds in store for you. Ranching may not be listed as one of the most dangerous jobs on the list, but it certainly ranks right up there. This month we bring you a riveting story of a ranch rescue of a rancher whose one ordinary day turned extraordinary in an instant - an article you won’t want to miss.

Just when you thought it was safe to go outside we bring you the last article in our predator series with the “Wolf Wars.” I guarantee you’ll find this one worthy of note, and we don’t come in off the range until we explore the damage that wildlife also does to pastures and crops in the piece titled “Wildlife Damage.” I also want to remind everyone that September 21st, 2009 is the deadline for this year’s photo contest. Once again my daughter Mercedes Danekas will be coordinating the contest. David Stoecklein, the famed western photographer, will once again be lending us his tremendous talents as a judge. Don’t delay: get your entries in early.

So settle in with this superb September issue and keep in mind that the gentleman wearing the cowboy hat and boots might have never even come close to a horse or a cow and the beautiful young lady in heels, may just be able to hit the dust and wrestle a calf coming her way. It’s always best not to judge a book by it’s cover, but better to open it and look at the contents first.

I’m climbing back on the trail heading to October and hopefully some early rains to lay the dust down. Stay vigilant, stay informed and select your trail wisely…..Happy Trails.