Prickle Forrest Chronicles
Chrissy Hartmann
February 2024
Dear Pricklers,
Valentine’s Greetings from the rugged terrain of the old west! 🌵❤️
Now, speaking of the old west, did you know that cowboys had their own unique way of celebrating Valentine’s Day? While they might not have had fancy chocolates or elaborate dinners, they often expressed affection through handcrafted gifts. A cowboy might fashion a piece of jewelry from natural materials or write a heartfelt note, keeping the tradition alive with their own rustic charm.
On to exciting news – If you haven’t heard — The rustling is still rocking the chuckwagon! This cowgirl is hard at work on the cookbook that’ll tie into the contemporary western romance Whiskey Salvation series. Finally got all them words written for the recipes. Now I reckon some snapshots of the dishes are needed, right? Don’t fret, even though I’ll be snapping the pics, my own posse will be making sure the food is in the pictures.
So now this makes me ponder… Ever thought of what a cookbook needs to make your culinary journey smoother? Share your suggestions, and let’s make this cookbook as delightful as a cowboy’s campfire supper. Me? A good set of spectacles. Haha!
As you sit by the crackling fire, let’s tip our hats to fantasy romance author, Anita Primrose, the talented author behind the captivating novel The Dragon Lords (Bonded Wings) — "Love can be blind, it can also be deadly.”
Follow her at aprimrose | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
and saddle up for thrilling reads from her latest book.
Now, on a bittersweet note, my dear guide dog, Winnie "Pooh," trotted off to the great pasture in the sky at the end of January. Her memory lingers, and though the thought of a new companion might be on the horizon, but for now, the ache is too raw.
Pets have always been cherished in the cowboy way of life — Loyal companions under vast western skies. In the vast landscapes of the Old West, dogs played vital roles alongside cowboys as trusted companions and valuable working partners. These four-legged heroes were more than just loyal friends; they were skilled ranch hands. Herding dogs, such as Border Collies or Australian Shepherds, showcased their intelligence and agility while aiding in the management of cattle. Alert and responsive, they helped cowboys round up livestock, ensuring the smooth operation of ranch life. In addition to their herding prowess, dogs served as guardians, offering protection and camaraderie to their cowboy counterparts during long rides across the west.
Fast forward to the present, and the remarkable story of Winnie "Pooh" — a Seeing Eye dog guide, adds a poignant chapter to this legacy. For a blind author, Pooh wasn’t just a guide; she was a lifesaver and the epitome of a steadfast friend. Pooh’s unwavering dedication went beyond guiding through physical spaces; she helped guide me through life’s challenges. Like the irreplaceable cowboy’s dog on the ranch, Pooh became an integral part of my daily life, offering companionship that went far beyond her duty as a guide. The bond between this blind author and her guide dog mirrored the timeless connection between cowboys and their loyal companions, showcasing the enduring spirit of partnership and friendship across the ages.
“Rest In Peace, my sweet Pooh. Mamma loves you, forever!”
🌟📚Not wanting to leave on a bitter taste, please join me at the start of my book signing tour for 2024 at Orrville Public Library on March 2nd, 11 am to 2 pm. I’ll be taking names and emails for those interested in the cookbook. Hopefully, I’ll have saddle bags full of news on it’s launch date. And remember, folks, I’m going to need help rounding up ideas for a cover. If you got some now, just shoot me a reply or go to my website and send up a smoke signal. I love your e-mails!
So hitch up the wagon and hit the trail to Orrville Public Library and let’s chat, share stories, and say howdy! I look forward to meeting you all and sharing tales of the west.
Hope your Valentine’s Day was filled with love and just the right amount of chocolate.
Stay prickly, my friends,
Chrissy Hartmann
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PrickleForrestChronicles By Chrissy Hartmann 
Hi Crissy Sorry to hear about Pooh. That Rainbow Bridge sometimes comes when we least expect or want it. My Emma (black cat) will be 18 in June. She’s still full of fire currently but a month ago she was ill. We worked through it and she’s back to her obnoxious self. I myself have some serious vision problems that go back 42 years or so. I had cataracts removed at 12. Then in my 30’s I had my first cornea transplant of 3. I Need a 4th this year. I see pretty much just blobs unless pretty close up. My other eye has also lost vision. Did I mention the cornea is my reading eye and the other is my distance eye and it’s protesting all the reading I do? lol I have my Kindle read to me and I read on my computer with LARGE letters. That voice is awful! I see just enough that a cane confuses my brain and I’m always tripping at sidewalks and curbs. You, being blind AND an author, are an inspiration. This late in my life and with my very limited funds I just don’t have it in me to try anything new. I did try once to arrange silk flowers and sell them but that was a huge bomb and I lost $1,000 or so . Anyway, the rainbow bridge always takes care of our beloved pets ubtil we can be together again. (Besides Betty White and Robin Williams is loving all over them babies!) Carrie McCauley
On Thu, Feb 15, 2024 at 5:07 AM PrickleForrestChronicles By Chrissy
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Howdy Carrie! Thanks so much for the sweet words regarding Winnie Pooh. The ticker still hurts, but it’s getting lesser each day until I remember my PuppyGirl is no longer here. Thanks to for putting a smile on my face with knowing she’s up there in that big old sky romping around with Betty and Robin. Two favorites of mine. Apologies too for taking so long to reply. Sometimes this here computer is as stubborn as a mule to get me into the comment section. Sometimes I have to butter it up with a few kind words. Haha! And let me just say, you should think about writing, if you got the words. I’d be more than happy to help you out on these here ropes. Now it’s time to kick off these here boots and wrestle my pillow to sleep. I’m working at the election polls tomorrow morning and have to be up at 4 am. Boy howdy, that’s going to be a long day. Take care and thanks kindly for your words! Hugs! – Chrissy
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