Barney The Lopsided Mule by Liz Hughey & Son

thecowgirlpoet.com

Barney The Lopsided Mule

by Liz Hughey & Son

Barney stars as the lead character in Liz's first children's book. Illustrated by Bonnie Shields, 'The Mule Artist', Barney the Lopsided Mule will make children and parent's grin and laugh with his tall, wide ears, and lopsided saddle. Children will learn about mules and the wonderful world of outfitting along with the benefits of eating a healthy, balanced diet. Barney the Lopsided Mule is a great introduction to our nation's National Forests, the backcountry, and the animals that can take you there.

Biography

Liz Hughey is a mud puddle loving mom from Brookville, Indiana. She has a degree in Geography from Indiana University and spent the better part of her twenties working as a horse guide and mule packer in the National Forests and Wilderness Areas of Northwest Colorado. She now resides in Southeastern Indiana on her family's Red Angus beef ranch with her son and their rather large brood of pets. She and her son are the grazing managers to the ranch's grass-fed beef operation and spend most summer days with the herd. Liz has a passion for educating children in mules and horses, animal husbandry, environmental stewardship, healthy eating habits, and an organic, simple lifestyle.

Connect with Liz…

thecowgirlpoet.com

Purchase signed copies: http://thecowgirlpoet.com/shop.html

Available on amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Barney-Lopsided-Mule

 Cosmic Cowgirl Remorse

By Liz Hughey 

(c) thecowgirlpoet.com

As I sit here on this front porch step

I feel so far removed.

From the mountains, from the prairies,

from the cowgirl groove.

Much further than a phone call,

Or an airplane ride.

A feeling that’s been felt before,

often taken in stride.

Most times, when I feel this way,

I go catch up my horse.

But it’s too late for that.

Time for cosmic, cowgirl remorse.

“Go West my friend!

It’s the land of opportunity!”

Of dreams and National Forests,

the cowboy community. 

But go too far, and you’ll land

in the exact same place.

The true life for this packing gal’s

Is a rural, mountainous space.

East of the “Mighty Miss”

and West of the Sierra’s

Cowboy hats are worn for fun,

as costumes and tiaras.

There, a hat and boots,

Is a rustic, fashion statement.

Not useful, honest tools to help

with weather and displacement.

“Chinks” and “chaps” are slurs,

not rightful leg protection.

The only way to buck this feeling’s,

traveling the right direction.

To where one sees, a pack boot

and knows a person’s trade.

Where they call a “mule” a “mule”

and a “spade” a “spade”

The place where one can ride for days,

not ever crossing fence.

And diamonds are a hitch thrown

with a lash and packing sense.

Right now I have the North Star,

to take me to Lost Park.

Just wish this cowgirl’s day dreams

didn’t happen after dark.