Don't Squat With Yer Spurs On! II

It always amazes me when I see the price of Greeting Cards these days and then see ,for about twice the amount , you can give someone a little gem of a book like this. It's a small book that can easily fit in your pocket and has 123 messages ,each on its own page and half of them are also accompanied with a wonderful illustration that drives the point home.You can "go through" this book in about a half hour,even alllowing a bit of time to let the pearl of wisdom to set in. When did you ever get that much enjoyment from a greeting card? And instead of tossing it away, leave it around for others to enjoy. Although the book and illustrations have a Cowboy theme;they can be applied to all kinds of lifestyles. Here are a few of my favorites,you may find others you prefer;but one thing for certain,you won't want to but it down 'till you finish it. "Never believe anyone who says their horse doesn't kick." "Things have a way of workin' out if you just keep your head." "Always walk tall and keep your head up--unless you're walkin' in a cow pasture." "Look Out"usually means "Don't look,duck!" "Never bluff when you're dealin' with a woman." This book has had a lot of success and has already had 10 editions. My only slight disappointment is that the "Cowboy Code and Other Tips for the Trail" that was on the back cover of earlier editions ,was not on mine.

In "Don't Squat With Yer Spurs On! II," Texas Bix Bender continues his cowboy wisdom. Linda Bark'karie once more does the illustrations superbly, and this time receives title-page credit. The pages may seem a bit bare because of omission of the double-line page borders and the upper right corner flip images. However, the illustrations, sayings, and fun continue. "If your job is to shovel, and all you can see ahead is dirt, it's time to change jobs." "A good pard will ride with you till hell freezes over -- and a little while on the ice." "When you can't find somethin', either it's lost or you are." "Things have a way of workin' out if you just keep your head." "If your knees hurt too much, your stirrups are too short. If your tail end hurts too much, your stirrups are too long. If they both hurt, your stirrups are just right." "Enjoy being yourself . . . whatever that is."

If I am correct, L. Barkkarie is Lynn Barkkarie, and if i'm not mistaken she is from Eugene,Ore. I have a pencil drawing by L.Barkkarie i procured in 1990. It is one of 20 artist proofs(if my memory serves me)and the only one with a bit of color contrasting the shades of grey from pencil. It's of an appaloosa with feather and trade cloth.

I loved the first version of this book, "Don't Squat With Yer Spurs On". This book is as fresh as the first book, with the funny one-liners from a cowboy's point of view. This book outshines the first version in the visual department. The cover and illustrations are wonderful! The illustrations are the icing on the cake of quotes, directly related to each quip by an artist I suspect has a sense of humor equal to that of the author.