For many authors, performers or visual artists, their work in the arts is nearly an obsession and their involvement is something they're extremely passionate about. Although I greatly enjoy writing books and performing the music I've written to appreciative audiences, that really isn't where my heart spends its spare time. I'm most passionate about the rural western lifestyle that we've chosen, and everything I write or sing is hinged on that fact. Our family's roots run deep here in the Real West, and passing that heritage down to the generations that follow us is what really matters most to me.

When I tell audiences at one of my performances that I'm still married to my first wife, (Dawn) and that we live on a ranch in Montana that is less than fifteen miles from where three generations of both sides of our family have lived before us, two are following behind, and that our mailing address hasn't changed in 100 years, they tend to think I belong in a circus. All nine of our grandchildren live within a mile of our 100 year old ranch house. "There isn't anyone like that!"

Oh, yes there is. There are more families like ours out here in the Real West than a lot of folks realize. But it's a lifestyle that unfortunately is disappearing rapidly. Doing my little part to help keep it alive is what makes me tick.

Please don't misunderstand something. Dawn and I are not part of a long line of millionaire cattle barons. (As much as that looks attractive.) We weren't born with silver spoons in our mouths. Things on the ranch have been very tough for us financially. My career in music began in a dance band to help feed our family. Sure I enjoyed it, but I didn't do it for the sake of art. I did it for the money; period. Kids need to eat.

We had the opportunity to go broke ranching, and lost the whole outfit once. By the Grace of God, a helping hand or two, and a lot of hard work, we got it all back. We still ranch on Lodge Creek in northern Montana, and plan to be here in the cow business when we die. Our financial struggles WERE a real opportunity, though. It helped reinforce to us what was really important in life. A move to the city and the opportunity to have a real job and an actual paycheck was never an option we ever seriously entertained. To me that just ain't livin'.

Most of the stories I write are humorous little tales about what life is really like out here. A good sense of humor is absolutely necessary in the ranching business in order to maintain your sanity. Some folks think that maybe all the times I got bucked off on my head has something to do with the way I write. Don't believe that. It isn't true...there's absolutely no evidence of any "drain bramage."