Ranch News: 2012

Dear Friends,

I don’t know about you, but we did a pretty good job of celebrating Christmas and enjoying festivities around here.  We ended up having two gatherings with our Imperial Stock Ranch /  Imperial Yarn family. Santa showed up spreading good cheer and more. His version of cowboy poetry had us rockin’ and even young Ben, our newest “hand” got into the act with his first poetic delivery. There was lots of music with our ranch jam sessions and even some guest performers. 
 

Storytelling is always fun, and there’s no shortage of that when the whole crew gets together. Besides entertaining, it’s somehow a lot more. Oregon poet Kim Stafford speaks of our experiences and stories  as the lifeblood of “place.”  They reflect belonging and loyalty. And Oregon author Jane Kirkpatrick believes that our lives are the stories that others read first. She encourages us to discover the power in our own stories. All in all, those times together to visit, share a meal, some music and experiences, are the best. They’re a solid reminder of all the reasons we have to be thankful.

The young Ben I referred to above, is Ben Moser. He joined our ranch family last spring. He had been working in “retail” in Portland while attending college. He was struggling with his urban setting, feeling like he was part of the problem of excessive consumerism and feeling a disconnect with the land. So he headed out to Maupin to be a whitewater rafting guide on the Deschutes River and spend more time in the outdoors. Somehow he got acquainted with our son Blaine, and began working part time here on the ranch. It wasn’t long before he moved into the cookhouse at the ranch headquarters and became a full time part of the action. He has been learning and carrying out a wide array of activities here, and is a terrific part of the team. Attitude is everything, and Ben shows that in everything he does. Although he doesn’t claim to be a writer, we loved the poem he delivered at the gathering. I’ll share a portion of his first poem  --  (p.s. George is his faithful German Shepherd)

Well George and Me
We came out to Maupin
At first to run rivers
The fun was non-stoppin’

Though the end of a chapter
And time to change courses
To get covered in crap
And get thrown off of horses

T’do a day’s honest work
And reap what is sown
While in the quest for something
That before’s been unknown

And through this endeavor
Of doin’ what’s right
Something has surfaced
That’s been quite a bright light

Y’know I’ve worn many hats
An’been known to roam
But out here on the ranch
I feel right at home.

Thank you Ben – for becoming part of our family.

In signing off, I’d like to thank Tanis Gray for her perspective and efforts in bringing us her latest book, Knit Local.  I asked for it for Christmas, and once I got it open, it was hard to put down.  I really enjoyed reading about all the yarn folks and companies she features in the book.  We were honored to be included.

Warm Regards,
Jeanne