I remember the TV Westerns as well but since I grew up in Texas (Ft. Worth, aka "Cowtown" which annually hosted a rodeo we got a day off from school to attend) I realized those shows had about as much relationship to the actual mid-20th-century American West as "Star Trek." What fascinated me were the sitcoms like "Leave It to Beaver" set in bucolic suburban towns situated in the Northeast or Midwest -- you know, exotic places that actually had four seasons and snow at Christmas! Guess you always fantasize about the places you clearly don't inhabit.
I liked "The Big Valley". I especially liked the way that Barbara Stanwyck and her "daughter" Linda Evans were always holding hands as they entered a scene!!
Oh, I am heartbroken about Paulette Jiles! I didn't know, but somehow it is comforting to hear it from a fellow fan? It reminds me that I also really loved The Color of Lightning, in which Captain Kidd appears as a character. He is later the hero in News of the World.
I just finished rereading Patrick Dewitt's novel Undermajordomo Minor. It's inside flap led me to an earlier novel of his called The Sisters Brothers, described on its inside flap as an "homage to the classic Western, transforming it into an unforgettable comic tour de force." I am only 10 pages in but so far, so good.
How do you do it. You dont write about World Events or International Summits or the Ramifications of the New Laws that are being slipped in when nobody's looking in the UK Parliament that are going to bugger up all our lives but it's too sweltering hot to care. You write about buying shorts,and parking cars and watching TV and it's RIVETING! That's being a WRITER. Im about to pre-order your book Joyride at my local independent bookshop. I expect they will order it on Amazon but it's still business for them I guess. Plus im sure to buy another book when I go to collect it in future. I'm in UK and I think we all found the Indians wistfully romantic.
I saw the first Lone Ranger movie (Clayton Moore & Jay Silverheels) from the old b&w television series in a movie theater with hundreds of screaming kids, all entranced.and what staggered me was that his outfit was powder blue! That met the demands of filming for television back then, but talk about illusions being lost. (Oh, and after the matinee let out there was a Clayton Moore impersonator to entertain us outside the movie house.
Yes, Lonesome Dove! When the book first came out it was such an obsessive read for me that I took it to work everyday and hid it in my lap. When no one was looking I’d sneak a read in. You will love it - it’s McMurtry!
Love Gunsmoke...still. Nice shorts....ridiculous original price. Love Lonesome Dove. Your therapist needs to watch it too. Millions loved the book and the movie. We can't all be wrong. Interesting thoughts in your post. Thanks for sharing.
Two things: those shorts are adorable. And, I haven’t heard anyone mention MARIETTE IN ECSTASY in years, and “oh my God” is right. That book shredded me. And have you read HITLER’s NIECE? Oh my GOD!
I remember the TV Westerns as well but since I grew up in Texas (Ft. Worth, aka "Cowtown" which annually hosted a rodeo we got a day off from school to attend) I realized those shows had about as much relationship to the actual mid-20th-century American West as "Star Trek." What fascinated me were the sitcoms like "Leave It to Beaver" set in bucolic suburban towns situated in the Northeast or Midwest -- you know, exotic places that actually had four seasons and snow at Christmas! Guess you always fantasize about the places you clearly don't inhabit.
I liked "The Big Valley". I especially liked the way that Barbara Stanwyck and her "daughter" Linda Evans were always holding hands as they entered a scene!!
Oh, I am heartbroken about Paulette Jiles! I didn't know, but somehow it is comforting to hear it from a fellow fan? It reminds me that I also really loved The Color of Lightning, in which Captain Kidd appears as a character. He is later the hero in News of the World.
Next on the list: Ron Hansen!
what a score! And, as little as I know you, the shorts seem right up your street.
When you read Lonesome Dove, I look forward to your thoughts when you're sitting up and taking nourishment.
I can’t wait!
I have read Mariette in Ecstasy. Blew me away. I have also read Lonesome Dove. It was a haul. But worth it.
I just finished rereading Patrick Dewitt's novel Undermajordomo Minor. It's inside flap led me to an earlier novel of his called The Sisters Brothers, described on its inside flap as an "homage to the classic Western, transforming it into an unforgettable comic tour de force." I am only 10 pages in but so far, so good.
I loved The Sisters Brothers! It’s wonderful.
How do you do it. You dont write about World Events or International Summits or the Ramifications of the New Laws that are being slipped in when nobody's looking in the UK Parliament that are going to bugger up all our lives but it's too sweltering hot to care. You write about buying shorts,and parking cars and watching TV and it's RIVETING! That's being a WRITER. Im about to pre-order your book Joyride at my local independent bookshop. I expect they will order it on Amazon but it's still business for them I guess. Plus im sure to buy another book when I go to collect it in future. I'm in UK and I think we all found the Indians wistfully romantic.
Thank you!!!!!!🙏
Holy cow those aren’t shorts that’s an art experience!
Not a Western fan but I might have to give it a go —- full disclosure I’ve never dipped in.
I saw the first Lone Ranger movie (Clayton Moore & Jay Silverheels) from the old b&w television series in a movie theater with hundreds of screaming kids, all entranced.and what staggered me was that his outfit was powder blue! That met the demands of filming for television back then, but talk about illusions being lost. (Oh, and after the matinee let out there was a Clayton Moore impersonator to entertain us outside the movie house.
Yes, Lonesome Dove! When the book first came out it was such an obsessive read for me that I took it to work everyday and hid it in my lap. When no one was looking I’d sneak a read in. You will love it - it’s McMurtry!
Good for you, about the cool shorts and the great reconciliation at the dressing rooms. Great story, thank you.
That lace is perfection on the denim. And a bargain for the work involved.
Thanks. Needed to read a breath of fresh air instead of all the other BS. Dig those shorts, for sure.
Please put down whatever you're doing right now and pick up Lonesome Dove
Love Gunsmoke...still. Nice shorts....ridiculous original price. Love Lonesome Dove. Your therapist needs to watch it too. Millions loved the book and the movie. We can't all be wrong. Interesting thoughts in your post. Thanks for sharing.
Two things: those shorts are adorable. And, I haven’t heard anyone mention MARIETTE IN ECSTASY in years, and “oh my God” is right. That book shredded me. And have you read HITLER’s NIECE? Oh my GOD!
OH MY GOD!
I still have the cowgirl boots I wore non-stop from age two until they mo longer fit.