Monday, February 1, 2016

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.

Steamy Romance and Cozy Mysteries starring cowboys and Indians.




8 comments:

Sarah Raplee said...

Reading + nature = Amazing!!! In the bathtub is nearly as good. As a Fangirl, I am really, really glad one of your favorite places is wyour writing desk!!!

Paty Jager said...

Thanks Sarah! Yes, it would be sad if my writing desk wasn't a favorite place to be. What would that say about me as a writer? Thank you for being a Fangirl! You inspire me and keep me writing.

Lynn Lovegreen said...

Nice post, Paty. It's interesting how our favorite places evolve over the years.

Diana McCollum said...

I agree with you and Lynn, my favorite places have evolved over the years. Right now, I love sitting on my front porch to read, enjoying the sunshine! Two other favorite places are in our little boat fishing on any lake here in Central Oregon. I like sitting at my writing desk working too. But right now I'm recovering from knee surgery and can only sit here for about 20 mins at a time before my leg gets really stiff. Love your books, Paty!!

Paty Jager said...

Hi Lynn! I agree. I think that evolution comes with what happens in our lives. Thanks for stopping in.

Hi Diana! I hope your leg is healing like it's supposed to. You have great favorite places. Thank you!

Judith Ashley said...

I'm another fan girl, Paty and am also glad your writing space is a favorite place.

My favorite places are both near and far. The farthest is the UK. There I have several favorite places, places where time seems to stand still and I'm enveloped in peace. Nearer to home is the Grand Canyon in winter, especially if it's snowed. I get the same feelings of peace and contentment. Closer still is anywhere on The Oregon Coast where waves crash on rocks. Over the years I've worked to create a haven out of my home. Spring through fall when the flowers are in bloom and the view from my office is full of bright colors and hummingbirds is another favorite. Right now, my yard is waiting to burst to life. I can see the swelling of buds on some of the plants and my larch tree is getting ready to put out new needles.

Paty Jager said...

Hi Judith! Those all sound like wonderful favorite places. I love the ocean and the roar of the sea as well. I only get there once a year if I'm lucky. Hubby used to take me on our anniversary but lately we're lucky to get one night away let alone the trip to the coast. Thank you for commenting and being a fan girl!

Kristin Holt said...

Wonderful post, Paty. Your lyrical word choices painted vivid pictures of your favored places, and I almost feel like I spent an afternoon (or two) with you lingering in your favorite places. Thanks!