THIS OLD HAT

The other day I considered, was it time to buy a new hat? And one that would make me look skinny. I’ve heard of miracles like that.

I perused the cowboy hats on the wall. There were black ones and gray ones alike. I wanted to leave with a brand new hat but would soon hear about the price hike.

I picked out a Stetson, at least the right name. And pointed it out to the clerk. He snatched it so fast, it made my head swim. I was thinking he might be a jerk.

He said, “You sure you want this hat? It’s got a hefty price.” I asked how much. He said, “Three hundred!” Didn’t have to tell me twice!

the institution — cold-turkey him off all the drugs, put him on a supplement of blue-green algae to help ground him. In a week, his behavior was normal. He is now 40 years old and a very successful chef.

What if the medical and educational system has not yet discovered a way to work with the kids that come in with these erratic energy patterns. A quick fix is not always the answer. They are not broken, nor are all the adults with these problems broken; in my opinion, they just don’t fit in the boxes society wants to put them in. Grounding works amazingly for focusing these energies along with natural nutrition.

Get rid of as much electronic time as possible and be outside. A huge campaign was energized to create ADD and ADHD. When you are told something frequently enough, it becomes your reality. If you had trouble focusing, the answer was drugs. When enough energy is focused on a problem, the problem becomes a reality. Why can’t we embrace the perfection of each person. It is up to them to experience their energy field and manage it. Maybe we need to look at all of the pills and injections promoted by the drug companies and ask, “What is the agenda?”

Follow the money, love yourself, know yourself enough to throw away all the labels and experience who you truly are. Ask for guidance from your higher self to guide you to the nutrition that will keep you in balance. You are a gift just as you are. Know thyself and embrace the reality of you. Blessings, Dove

The doggone clerk was wearing his smirk. Said, “Your hat’s a sad sad story.” But I won’t call him jerk, ‘cuz he sounded more like a snollygoster in glory.

This hat of mine was given to me some fifty years to date. A 10X Stetson from my folks, in hopes I’d graduate.

My hat ain’t got a fancy shape like Yellowstone or Gus. Not every hat is Hollywood. So pardner, what’s the fuss?

This hat has kept my head warm from the frigid winter days. And blocks out all the sunburn from the sunshine’s hottest rays.

I remember the day when old Jake tossed me high. I came slamming hard to the ground. But my hat stayed in place. There is no disgrace for a lid that keeps your head sound.

Now the top of my head ain’t seen a hair’s thread since forty-odd years passed me by. But my hat don’t complain. It stays just the same, slightly cocked there above my right eye.

To my daughter’s despair, I wore my hat to see my grandson born. Yet I did take it off when Grandma passed, hat in hand we all did mourn.

I’m wearing my old hat again. How long will it be around? Each morning it’s still on the hook. I know where it can be found.

I’ll dust the dirt and grime off from my Stetson cowboy hat. And treat it much more kindly than a plain old head hat rack.

It’s more than just a hat. My Stetson’s full of history. It don’t matter ‘bout its looks, my hat is good enough for me.

So with luck for years I’ll keep this hat. It’s a classic at this place. ‘Cuz it fits down snug, guarding my mug. Yes, I think it adds grit to my face.

Bryce Angell - The outdoors has always been a large part of my life. My father was an outfitter and guide for 35 years and I was there to shoe and care for the horses and help him do the cooking. We took many great trips into the Yellowstone area. Even now that I’m older, we still ride into the Tetons, Yellowstone and surrounding areas. My poems are mostly of personal experience. I am now retired and enjoying life to the fullest. I plan to do more riding and writing.