This collection of popular newspaper and magazine columns by Vernon Schmid is gleaned from hundreds of published pieces over the years in newspapers and magazines. His work regularly reaches tens of thousands readers. A prize-winning poet and newspaper editor, he is also a novelist and playwright. Filled with humor, wit and wisdom, these pieces offer insight into the always odd and illuminating activities of humanity, albeit from a unusual point of view. Whether a rancher, farmer, stable owner, racehorse aficionado, or casual reader, these columns will tickle your funny bone and sometimes bring a tear to your eye.

In this gathering of columns and articles, Vernon Schmid touches, provokes, gouges, tickles, and challenges his readers. A United Methodist pastor, and author of Watie's Wolves (iUniverse, 2007), he has been a horse trainer, ranch hand, wrangler, Rocky Mountain trail guide, radio announcer, country, rock-a-billy, folksinger and educator. His first novel, Seven Days of the Dog, was a Heekin Group Fiction Finalist and his collection of poetry, Hog Killers and Other Poems was a Northwoods Poetry Prize winner. A member of the Western Writers of America, his popular magazine column "Horse Sense" appears monthly in the National Foundation Quarter Horse Journal with readers in the all 50 states and 24 foreign countries.

This collection of popular newspaper and magazine columns by Vernon Schmid is gleaned from hundreds of published pieces over the years in newspapers and magazines. His work regularly reaches tens of thousands readers. A prize-winning poet and newspaper editor, he is also a novelist and playwright. Filled with humor, wit and wisdom, these pieces offer insight into the always odd and illuminating activities of humanity, albeit from a unusual point of view. Whether a rancher, farmer, stable owner, racehorse aficionado, or casual reader, these columns will tickle your funny bone and sometimes bring a tear to your eye.

Set in Indian Territory during the Civil War, Watie's Wolves follows the violent adventures of a mixed-breed Cherokee, Jacob Welles, and three boyhood friends who evolve into a special unit of scouts within the famed Cherokee Mounted Rifles led by Stand Watie, the last confederate general to surrender. With an underlying current of tribal factionalism, they participate in and witness the decimation of Indian Territory as the conflagration of war destroys lives and dreams, not the least of which is Jacob's love for Rachel Creech and their hopes for a future together. The loss of friends and loved ones hardens the young warrior's heart and his sense of justice leads him to commit acts that result in his becoming a fugitive. His ultimate salvation is brought about by his Grandfather and unexpected support and protection. Based on historical fact and interlaced with Cherokee mythology and legend, the author, part Cherokee himself, brings to life the struggle, pain, and destruction of the war in Indian Territory. Fans of westerns, Native Americana, and the Civil War will find this evocative novel about an unusual aspect of the Civil War in the West an excellent addition to their library.

For more than thirty years, Vernon Schmid's poems of faith have appeared in religious and secular periodicals, as well as in various collections and anthologies.

Provides definitions and examples of words and phrases used in different geographical regions of the United States.