Changing Times

Changing Times

Have you ever wondered what your part of the world is going to look like in one hundred years? Come to think of it even ten years makes a lot of difference. I myself can only personally relate back to the 50’s, although I do remember some of the stories that my parents and other older relatives tell. I can get a small inkling of what the Native Americans must have felt as they watched the flood of new people coming into their world. Since I was a young child growing up in north central Wyoming in the 50’s and 60’s, knowing what the country was like then compared to now, it does make me wonder what the future years will bring. Actually the country (land) itself has not changed that much, the same hills are there, same streams, even a lot of the same trees. What is changing is the culture of the inhabits of the area. A lot of the old timers I grew up listening to are gone, along with their values, stories and advice. Now I am becoming one of those old timers, trying to keep alive some of the things that I was told and taught. Those of us who were born and raised here are being crowded out, over-run by the influx of new comers from all points of the compass. They come here to enjoy and try and live the kind of life, those of us who are now considered natives have lived. The trouble is they bring all of their culture baggage with them, their ideals, goals, likes and dislikes. Most have come from areas where they may not have spoken to their neighbor in years; don’t know the meaning of a hand shake, or that a persons spoken word is to be honored. There are some left that, if they said they would do something, it gets done, come hell or high water. As a man’s or woman’s honor and trustfulness was and should be based on doing what they said they would do. Used to be that if someone needed help, with what ever they were doing, you went and helped no questions, no invite needed and never a thought of being paid for what you did. You knew that if you were in need, and the tables were turned, your neighbors would be there for you. Now all of this is not gone, there are still a lot of people left that come to their neighbor’s aid at the drop of a hat. But I do see the don’t get involved; don’t have time, and who cares crowd moving in. The land that used to be open with permission, for hunting, fishing or just enjoying the out of doors, is being bought up by individuals whose gates are locked and could care less what their neighbors and the locals do, think, or say. They keep the land they have bought for themselves and those they knew where they came from. They often complain about the lack of shopping, entertainment opportunities, phone service, T.V. reception and the culture into which they have moved. So they bring their baggage they left behind with them and wonder why the natives don’t appreciate what they have introduced.

As you can tell, I don’t necessarily like what is happening to the country of my upbringing. There is nothing I or you can do to stop these changes; we can only keep teaching our own the values we were raised with. Honesty, integrity, a good work ethic, compassion, faithfulness, loyalty and more are the foundation for a stable and sustainable society. We will be required to adapt and adjust to the future, as that is the nature of all things. Let’s only hope we can keep alive, all of the things that worked and made us what we are today.

STAY ALERT, STAY FOCUSED, AND KEEP SMILING

D. Bleak

For Looks or For Life

First off let me state that the opinions stated here are my own. I have done no extensive research (other than a life time of observation), had no Hundred Thousand dollar grants, or a team of researchers providing information to me. If any of this is scientifically factual, it is just because of pure luck, and if it is scientifically false, it is still my story and I am sticking to it.

Western outerwear (coats, jackets, hats, boots etc.) have evolved from being a working mans tool to one of fashion and prestige. In the beginning a cowboy, farmer or any one else who earned his bread and butter outdoors year round needed clothes that would protect him (her) from the elements. From years of experience I know that the wrong clothing could mean the difference between life and death, or the possibility of losing various parts of your body. Unlike the individual today, who wears the oilskin duster for looks, there are still a vast number of folks who still depend on these coats to bring them home at night. A sudden rain shower in the American west, Australian Outback, or any where a long way from home, with the temperature in the balmy 70’s or 80’s and a little wind. Without the protection of some form of water proof outer wear for the entire body, your loved ones may get to say goodbye at the funeral home.

As with all things that become popular, the best looking and often with the best all around protection, become more expensive. There are those that are still not as expensive but as the old saying goes “you get what you pay for”. Then again if caught out, without the right gear, a plastic garbage bag, can, and has saved lives. As have plastic tarps, scraps of canvas or any thing else to keep the elements at bay. Next thing you know some movie star will start wearing plastic garbage bags, and then these will no longer be affordable. As you can tell, I am not enthralled with the fact that most of the survival and every day wear, I have used through out my life has suddenly become fashionable. I have been in and out of fashion so many times I no longer keep track.

I have learned that in my part of the American West, that when you walk out the door in the morning, (all except maybe a couple of days around the first of August). You take enough clothes, (coat, hat, gloves, rain gear, etc) to protect your self from Mother Nature. That knowledge has been drilled into me by not having the necessary items, and paying the price. So for all of you out there getting ready to venture out into the great outdoors, THINK AHEAD, STAY SAFE, AND WAKE UP SMILING.

D. Bleak