Sage Brush, Hills, and Horses by Paty Jager

I’ve had many places through the years that have been my favorite place.

As a grade schooler, I loved sitting on the spit of land between the river and irrigation ditch on our property. It was shaded by cottonwood trees, had the earthy scent of moist ground, and ferns growing between the trees. The rumble and splash of the river drowned out anyone calling to me, and I could read for hours in the shade during the spring and summer.

As a teen I’d crawl on my horse, Junebug, and take off through the river and up the mountain to spend half to all day, riding around dreaming up stories in my head and enjoying the quiet of nature.

When I was a young mother with four small children, my favorite place was a nice hot bath with a good book.  I’d tell my husband, “I’m taking a bath, the kids are all yours” and hide out in the bubbles for an hour, reading.

Now that my children are grown and it's just my husband and I, my favorite place is our eastern Oregon property riding horses with grandchildren.  The oldest ones are getting big enough to help with the saddling and the younger grandchildren. It makes getting horses ready easier.

We ride around the alfalfa field, down the roads, and up the hill. It’s more fun riding when you have someone to ride with. Having the grandchildren spend time with us in the summer is worth the extra cooking and laundry.

My second favorite place is sitting at my desk conjuring up characters and putting them in fun stories.

Do you have a favorite place? 

 

Award-winning author Paty Jager and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. She not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it. All Paty’s work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Her penchant for research takes her on side trips that eventually turn into yet another story.

www.patyjager.net

Steamy Romance and Cozy Mysteries starring cowboys and Indians.

Writing into the Sunset