Laurie Wagner Buyer

http://www.aiht.edu/catalog/holistictheology.asp

Texas Music Thursdays at the Badu House Wine Pub at 621 Bessemer Avenue/Highway 16 in Llano (north of the river) have become the place to be. W.C. and Mike Blakely continue to co-host the show featuring a special guest songwriter.

Here’s the lineup: February 2^nd—Jake Martin. February 9^th—George Ensle. February 16^th—Larry Nye. February 23^rd—Buzz Cason

http://thebaduhouse.com/

W.C. loves hosting the Texas Songwriters Showcase at Poodie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill in Spicewood on the second and fourth Mondays of every month, 6:30-9:30 p.m. February 13^th—Bridgette London. February 27^th —Woody Eastman.

http://www.poodies.net/

Where oh where can W.C.’s new CD be? We are still waiting to hear from the company, but Texas Tonight should be out later this month!! I know we’ve said that before and you have waited a long time for this new release. If you want to pre-order your CD, send your name & address, along with a check for $18.00 (postage paid) to W.C. Jameson, P.O. Box 989, Llano, TX 78643. We’ll send them out as soon as they arrive. Of course you can always catch W.C. at one of his gigs and get your CD then!

Doctorate Update

My course work with AIHT is on hold right now until I finish a few writing projects. I hope to get back on track by mid-month.

What’s up with Laurie’s writing?

The fourth revision of The Heart of Nowhere is well under way. This is the stage where the story does not change but where I apply my expert poet-surgeon skills at excising every unnecessary word, what we call “honing the prose” and “tightening the dramatic essence.” This is never an easy process but one that is required in my quest for publication with the University of Oklahoma Press.

Beautiful Snare is still scheduled to be out later this spring, but I have no firm date yet. I am very excited to be working with Lynn Vannucci, Executive Editor and CEO of Water Street Press on this first novel.

Reluctant Traveler was turned down by another press but I have not given up hope of finding a home for this collection of poems.

Laurie’s Reading Picks

Doghouse Roses, Steve Earle (short stories by one of Texas’ premier songwriters)

Your Soul’s Plan, Robert Schwartz (nonfiction spiritual exploration…NOW I know why I ended up with the family I have!)

July 2012 is only five months away!

W.C. and I have a full calendar for our month-long tour in Colorado in July 2012. We are really looking forward to seeing all of you there in the Rocky Mountains. We will post the dates and venues in our June newsletter.

Until next month let me say thank you for everything you do to create a better, wiser, more kind and loving World. I appreciate you more than words can say!

WELCOME 2012!

Laurie Wagner Buyer — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:54:52 +0000

Did you know…

…That January comes from Janus, the Roman god that is identified with doors, gates, and all beginnings? Of course you did. I wish you health, wealth and happiness, along with many open doors and gates as you begin this wonderful and exciting New Year!

Journaling Your Way to Health and Well Being

Did you know that journaling, even as little as three short lines, can open your mind, open your heart, open many doors, and open possibilities for awakening and expanding your consciousness? Join me on Saturday, January 14^th, 12-2 p.m., at Sana Vida in Marble Falls for an interactive workshop where I will walk you through the delightful step-by-step prospect of journaling your way into better health and well being. The $45 fee includes a copy of my book Infinite Possibilities: A Haiku Journal and a pen. No prior writing experience is required. Call me for more information: 325 248 1889. Register for the workshop online or by calling Sana Vida: 830 693 6000

http://www.sanavida.info/events.html

The Truth about Treasure Hunter: Caches, Curses and Deadly Confrontations

W.C. will be speaking about his new memoir on Tuesday, January 24^th, at 2:30 p.m. at the Lakeshore Library (7346 Texas Highway 261, Buchanan Dam). Whether you have read the book and have questions, or simply want to know more about the stories he tells, please join us for this special event. Limited seating. For more information or to reserve a place, please call 325 379 1174.

Lakeshore.library@gmail.com

http://www.llano-library-system.net/lakeshore.htm

What’s happening at Casita de Luz?

We’ve let the yard and garden go wild for these few winter months of rest and recuperation. Lots of weeds out there for me to pull, but I’ll find time to tend to that chore during one of these wonderful 70 degree days we’ve had lately. We have been blessed with some rain, which means that the bluebonnet plants are popping up all over. If things go well—with more moisture and no hard freezes—there should be a marvelous crop of wildflowers come spring.

For more information about our lovely hill country town go to:

http://www.llanochamber.org/

What’s WC doing?

http://www.aiht.edu/catalog/holistictheology.asp

The W.C. Jameson Trio (with Buddy Case on lead guitar and Keenan Fletcher on fiddle) will be the featured guests at River City Grill in Marble Falls on Tuesday, January 3^rd. Show starts at 7 p.m. with Mike Blakely and Larry Nye opening.

The W.C. Jameson Trio will also appear at Poodie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill on Highway 71 in Spicewood, for a special show on Friday, January 6^th beginning at 9 p.m.

W.C. and Mike Blakely continue to co-host a weekly show featuring original Texas Music at the Badu House Wine Pub at 621 Bessemer Avenue/Highway 16 in Llano (north of the river). Each Thursday they will feature a special guest songwriter.

Here’s the lineup: January 5^th—Buddy Case. January 12^th—Noel McKay and Brennan Leigh. January 19^th—Casey Hubble. January 26^th—ShAnnie

http://thebaduhouse.com/

W.C. loves hosting the Texas Songwriters Showcase at Poodie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill in Spicewood on the second and fourth Mondays of every month, 6:30-9:30 p.m. January 9^th—Jimmy Davis. January 23^rd—Danny Brooks.

http://www.poodies.net/

W.C.’s new CD of story songs Texas Tonight should be out later this month!! We know you have waited a long time for this new release. If you want to pre-order your CD, send your name & address, along with a check for $18.00 (postage paid) to W.C. Jameson, P.O. Box 989, Llano, TX 78643. We’ll send them out as soon as they arrive. Of course you can always catch W.C. at one of his gigs and get your CD then!

Doctorate Update

I’m joyously in the middle of my course work called “Care of the Soul.” After I take my exams and submit my paper, I’ll take off a month or so in order to focus once more on my creative writing.

What’s up with Laurie’s writing?

This is it: the window of time I blocked out to take care of the revision of The Heart of Nowhere (the sequel to When I Came West). I anticipate a daunting task, but once I garner enough courage to tear things apart, I know I’ll enjoy the process of putting all the pieces of the story back together again. Those six years of my life (1982-1988) with the Mick Buyer family on the O Bar Ranch in Wyoming were “a hard life in a hard country,” but I sure learned a lot about the land, the grass, the water, the cows, the wildlife, and what it means to “cowboy up!”

Laurie’s Reading Picks

Cry Till You Laugh, Terri Hendrix (memoir mixed with song lyrics) http://www.terrihendrix.com/store.html

Breaking Clean, Judy Blunt (memoir)

Available at http://www.amazon.com

Care of the Soul, Thomas Moore (nonfiction)

Available at http://www.amazon.com

The Red, Candle-lit Darkness, Larry Thomas (poetry)

http://www.larrydthomas.com/books.htm

July 2012 is only six months away!

W.C. and I have an almost full calendar for our month-long tour in Colorado in July 2012. Still a few spots open if you wish to schedule us for a speaking or writing event, a book signing, a music gig, or you simply want us to stop by for a visit, please let us know.

Until next month let me say thank you for everything you do to create a better, wiser, more kind and loving World. I appreciate you more than words can say!

December…dearest of all months!

Laurie Wagner Buyer — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:12:29 +0000

Look for a Special Offer Coming Your Way

In the next few days I’ll be sending out a special holiday offer for books and CDs from Seven Oaks Publishing Company. If you are a book and/or music lover now is your chance to stock up on some good reading and listening—or purchase gifts for friends and family. If you want to preview what will be available, go to:

http://www.sevenoakspublishingco.com/SO/Our_Publications.html

Literary Publicist Stephanie Barko

We’ve had the good fortune to be working with Stephanie Barko for W.C.’s memoir Treasure Hunter: Caches, Curses, and Deadly Confrontations. Stephanie has been spearheading an online virtual book tour, as well as teaching us step-by-step techniques on how to take advantage of all the great social media sites. To learn more go to:

www.stephaniebarko.com

http://www.sevenoakspublishingco.com/SO/Our_News/Our_News.html

What’s happening at Casita de Luz?

Okay, the hill country of Texas has got to be the strangest place in the world to live! Despite the fact that we are now into the winter months, the scattered rain showers (what a blessing after the long summer drought) have brought the jasmine and mums into full bloom, along with a few roses and the autumn sage. The rock walkway between the house and studio is finished (what a feat W.C!) and more stones await placement along flowerbeds and the front yard curb. It’s great fun to see our dreamscape emerging a little bit at a time.

For more information about our lovely hill country town go to:

http://www.llanochamber.org/

For one of the coolest places in Llano, check out the events happening at:

What’s WC doing?

http://www.goldmindspub.com/?page_id=126

NEW VENUE!! Beginning Thursday December 8^th, W.C. and Mike Blakely will co-host a weekly show featuring original Texas Music at the Badu House Wine Pub at 621 Bessemer Avenue/Highway 16 in Llano (north of the river). Each Thursday they will feature a special guest songwriter.

http://thebaduhouse.com/

W.C. continues to host the Texas Songwriters Showcase at Poodie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill in Spicewood on the second and fourth Mondays of every month, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Jess Posey will be his guest on December 12^th, and George Ensle will join him on December 26^th.

http://www.poodies.net/

December 16^th W.C. will be playing a private show for an RV Park in Bulverde. If you, your RV Park, condo association, men’s or women’s club, civic organization, church or library would like to book W.C. for music or speaking engagement, just send him an email (jamesonwc@gmail.com).

The really, really, really long overdue new CD of WC’s story songs is headed to Terra Nova Mastering Studio! Cover design is underway too, so it’s almost there! We’ll let you know when it’s ready.

New Books!! Lost Mines and Buried Treasures of Arkansas and Lost Mines and Buried Treasures of Missouri are now available from Goldminds Publishing, both in print and in digital formats.

What’s up with Laurie’s writing?

Yippee! The reader reports for The Heart of Nowhere (the sequel to When I Came West) from OU Press came back with high marks. BUT both readers had strong suggestions for revisions. Therefore, I have blocked out the month of January to tackle the process of tearing apart the manuscript and doing some substantial rewriting. Time consuming? Yes. But in the end I know I will have a much better book—the better to please YOU, dear readers. So please be patient as the editors and I work extra hard to create a really worthy story.

Boo-Hoo! Write Works Publishing, the new house that accepted my novel Beautiful Snare, has already met an untimely and unfortunate end. However, all is not lost. Beautiful Snare has already found another publisher and is still slated for a spring release. I’ll tell you more once the contracts have been finalized.

Ahhhhh! I am still waiting to hear if Reluctant Traveler (new poems) has found a home. I’ll let you know as soon as I find out anything. Also, speaking of poetry, I put the final polish on a chapbook of poems titled Parched, but Waiting (a Texas hill country drought motif) and sent it off to another prospective publisher.

Doctorate Update

Slaving away…no, not really! I am truly having the time of my life going through my course work for the Ph.D. I just finished “Life Skills” (pretty shocking to discover all the things I didn’t know about decision making) and I’m looking forward to starting “Care of the Soul” later on this month.

http://www.aiht.edu/catalog/holistictheology.asp

Off to Florida

Pretty soon I’ll be packing a bag and flying to Florida to see my Mom in Tarpon Springs. My older sister Karen (mom’s usual house companion) is gone to Hawaii for a conference and to see her son Charlie. So it seemed like the perfect time for me to go hang out with Mom and do “a lot of nothing” for a week. I figure we’ll take some walks on the beach, browse around the town shops, visit the library, and watch some movies. What more could a mom and daughter want?

http://spongedocks.net/

Need a one-of-a-kind get-away place for the holidays?

Why not consider some kickback time on a Colorado high country ranch? Not any old ranch, but the place that I used to call home, with the incomparable beauty and wildness of the South Fork of the South Platte River. My stepchildren, John and Melody, have turned the cabin that Mick and I built on the DM Ranch into an incredible retreat. Easy access to the skiing in Breckenridge. To see photos and check availability, please go to:

July 2012 is a long way off…but…

W.C. and I are already booking dates for a month-long tour in Colorado in July 2012. If you wish to schedule us for a speaking or writing event, a book signing, a music gig, or you simply want us to stop by for a visit, please let us know and we’ll put “you” on the calendar.

Until next month let me say thank you for everything you do to create a better, wiser, more kind and loving World. I appreciate you more than words can say!

November…Nice & Cool

Laurie Wagner Buyer — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:28:07 +0000

Thanks, Friends!

Wow! The response to WC’s memoir Treasure Hunter: Caches, Curses and Deadly Confrontations has been phenomenal. We cannot thank all of you enough for ordering the book and letting us know how much you’ve enjoyed the stories. For those of you who asked, “What can we do to help promote this great book?” the answer is easy. Pass the word, tell your friends, recommend it for a book club, post a short review on amazon.com, blog about it on your own site, “like” it on WC’s Face Book page, buy copies to give as gifts, donate one to your library, or ask WC to come speak to your group or organization. Also, please know that we are open to other marketing suggestions from you so don’t hesitate to send us your ideas.

Writing Workshop in Burnet, TX

Have you ever wanted to “pick our brains” about the writing life? Now’s your chance. WC and I will be team teaching a writing workshop at the library in Burnet on Saturday, November 5^th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, please contact: Betsy Engelbrecht, Director, Herman Brown Free Library, 100 East Washington, Burnet, TX 78611.

bengelbrecht@burnetcountylibrary.org
tel: 512-715-5228 fax: 512-715-5249
www.burnetcountylibrary.org

What’s happening at Casita de Luz?

Oh, we had a lovely day and night of rain, which put over five inches in the rain gauges and filled the reservoir on the Llano River. Nothing is more beautiful to us now than seeing the river rushing over the dam as we drive over the bridge. Because of this gorgeous gift of moisture everything that had gone dormant from the drought decided to bloom. Everything in the yard has resurrected with astounding beauty. WC spent three days hauling truck loads of white limestone flagstones from San Saba, and is currently spending these cool days laying another patio and finishing up the walkways in the yard. I have been spending my “garden time” listening to the birds and meditating on the wonders of the natural world.

For more information about our lovely hill country town:

What’s going on at the famous Fuel Coffee House?

This month WC’s Songwriters in the Round at Fuel Coffee House will be hosting the incredible Susan Gibson on Thursday, November 17^th. NOTE: NO Gospel Music Night with George Ensle on Thursday, November 24^th because that is Thanksgiving Evening. All shows are free to the public and begin at 7 p.m. We pass the watering can (instead of a hat!) for tips to help these fine songwriters and musicians pay travel expenses. Fuel serves specialty coffee and tea drinks, homemade ice cream, sodas, pastries and more! For other events, please go to:

What else is WC doing?

More music! WC will be hosting the Texas Songwriters Circle at Poodie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill in Spicewood on the second and fourth Mondays this month, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Casey Hubble will be his guest on November 14^th, and Richard Dobson on November 28^th.

The really, really, really long overdue new CD of WC’s story songs is still undergoing the final touches! It’s almost there! We’ll let you know when it’s ready.

What’s up with Laurie’s writing?

Nothing new to report on (1) the memoir manuscript at OU Press (2) on the novel under contract, or (3) the new poetry collection. Thus, I wait, and while I’m waiting I stay busy with the PR campaign for WC’s memoir and working on my doctoral courses at AIHT.

Need a one-of-a-kind get-away place for the holidays?

Why not consider some kick-back time on a Colorado high country ranch? Not any old ranch, but the place that I used to call home, with the incomparable beauty and wildness of the South Fork of the South Platte River. My stepchildren, John and Melody, have turned the cabin that Mick and I built on the DM Ranch into an incredible retreat. Easy access to the skiing in Breckenridge. To see photos and check availability, please go to:

http://www.amazon.com/Treasure-Hunter-W-C-Jameson/dp/0963082973/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317485659&sr=1-1

Laurie’s Reading Picks of the Month

The Weird Sisters, Eleanor Brown (fiction)

[…and I thought I had weird sisters! I loved this book. It made me smile and laugh more times than I can count. I swear that I identified with each of the sisters in Eleanor’s imaginary, Shakespeare-enthused family. A great, fun read.]

Falling into Grace: insights on the end of suffering, Adyashanti (non-fiction)

[Adyashanti points out that each individual creates human suffering by personal choices regarding “trying to control, making demands, and rejecting ‘what is.’” In doing so we “fuel the suffering in our lives.” In order to change human suffering, for ourselves and for others, it isn’t so much what we try to do for others, but whether or not we are each awake to the truth. “As long as we’re asleep within our egos, we aren’t really contributing either to ourselves or to anyone else. As we begin to awaken from this egoic state of consciousness, we begin to suffer less and less, and as we suffer less, we cause less suffering in the world around us.”]

DEADLY POWERS: Animal Predators and the Mythic Imagination

304 PAGES / ISBN 978-1-61614-501-9 / HARDCOVER / $26.00 Also available in ebook

PAUL A. TROUT, professor emeritus at Montana State University, taught English for thirty-eight years. He has published widely on cultural and academic issues, and his articles have appeared in the Chronicle of Higher Education, the Washington Post, the Washington Times, Commonweal, the Christian Science Monitor, and other publications.

[Paul Trout was one of my favorite English professors at MSU back when I attended in 1979-80. I can’t wait to read this book, have ordered my copy already, because I already know from knowing Paul and from reading the reviews that this is a fabulous and fascinating project.]

July 2012 is a long way off…but…

Until next month let me say thank you for everything you do to create a better, wiser, more kind and loving World. I appreciate you more than words can say!

Oh, October…

Laurie Wagner Buyer — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:22:14 +0000

Brings What We Have All Been Waiting For:

TREASURE HUNTER: CACHES, CURSES AND DEADLY CONFRONTATIONS

MEMOIR / ADVENTURE by W.C. JAMESON

(Please click on the amazon links to see the stunning cover)

“What W.C. Jameson has done in real life makes National Treasure and other features pale in comparison. It is the stuff that dreams—and nightmares and sometimes fortunes—are made of. His objective may be gold or silver, but what he’s really after is adventure. This book is destined to become a classic not only among treasure hunters but for anyone who is determined to live life to the fullest. When I grow up, I want to be just like W.C. Jameson.“ —Max McCoy, author of Indiana Jones and the Secret of the Sphinx

Print ISBN 978-0-9630829-7-8 $14.95

Kindle edition: $2.99

http://www.amazon.com/Treasure-Hunter-ebook/dp/B005NCV8YM/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1317485659&sr=1-1

For a signed, personalized copy

please send a check for $18.00 (includes postage and handling) to:

Seven Oaks Publishing Company

P.O. Box 989

Llano, TX 78643

What else is WC doing?

Heritage Days in Llano! WC and I will join Llano legend Darrell Staedler for a booksigning at Fuel Coffee House on Saturday, October 15^th, 4-6 p.m. PLUS cowboy poetry and music 7-9 p.m.

More music! WC will be hosting the Texas Songwriters Circle at Poodie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill in Spicewood on the second and fourth and fifth Mondays this month, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Kenny Williams will be his guest on October 10^th, Tessie Lou Williams on October 24^th, and Jake Martin October 31^st.

The really long overdue new CD of WC’s story songs is undergoing the final touches! ShAnnie did a fine job with the harmony vocals. WC is going back into the studio to re-cut some lead vocal tracks then sound engineer and co-producer Casey Hubble will begin the mixing. It’s almost there! We’ll let you know when it’s ready.

What’s going on at the famous Fuel Coffee House?

This month WC’s Songwriters in the Round at Fuel Coffee House will be hosting Chris Wall on Thursday, October 20^th, plus Gospel Music Night with George Ensle on Thursday, October 27^th. All shows are free to the public and begin at 7 p.m. We pass the watering can (instead of a hat!) for tips to help these fine songwriters and musicians pay travel expenses. Fuel serves specialty coffee and tea drinks, homemade ice cream, sodas, pastries and more! For other events, please go to:

What’s happening at Casita de Luz?

The drought continues but so far our town has not been impacted by the wicked wildfires that have decimated areas near us. This past week brought two short but serious downpours that gave us hope that more rain is in our future this fall. Leaves are falling. Raking and composting begins. Minimal watering from the fatigued but faithful back yard well keeps the fruit trees and rose bushes nourished. We decided not to try to plant a fall garden. A few brave September lilies put out exquisite red blooms, and the Rose of Sharon bushes still offer their sweet pink blossoms, as do the autumn sage and chives. These dabs of color and delight give a bit of stop-by-and-see-us incentive to passing hummingbirds and bees. Doves, cardinals and other songbirds continue to visit the feeder and birdbath, always keeping watchful eyes on the feisty feral cats that have somehow survived and thrived this summer. Their feline, tiger-striped antics at dawn and dusk provide endearing entertainment.

For more information about our lovely hill country town:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Laurie-Wagner-Buyer

What’s up with Laurie’s writing?

Nothing. Don’t laugh…or smirk…or feel sorry for me! It feels good to have a break from writing or revising a manuscript. I don’t mind at all being in the “wait and see” mode for both the memoir (The Heart of Nowhere) and the novel (Beautiful Snare).

I am actively searching for the right publisher for my newest collection of poems, Reluctant Traveler and for my creative nonfiction piece The Daily Kiss.

Need a poetry fix? I often post haiku poems on my Facebook Fan Page to give friends a quick glimpse of my daily life.

Lest you think that I am not actively engaged in anything meaningful, most days (when I’m not at yoga, Pilates, or out riding my bike) find me holed up in my office reading, studying and taking exams for my PhD course work at AIHT. I truly love every exciting minute invested in learning new things. I finished “Transformative Spirituality II” in September and will be starting “Theosophy” this month.

Laurie’s Reading Pick of the Month

Alchemy of the Heart: Transform Turmoil into Peace through Emotional Integration, by Michael Brown.

It sounds either dull or officious, but it is neither. I learned so much about living my life with purpose and integrity—without the unnecessary drama—that I cannot help but recommend this insightful and timely book published in 2008 by www.namastepublishing.com

Family News

We would be remiss if we did not introduce to you the newest member of WC’s daughter Marylee’s tribe. The four Lajoie boys (Jameson, Jackson, Max, and Sullivan) welcomed their sister Lucy Claire into the world on September 16^th. We plan to go to the Dallas area soon to meet Lucy and visit her mom, dad, and brothers.

I had the good fortune to fly Southwest Airlines into Orlando on September 18^th and then catch the Disney World Magical Express bus to meet my mother, Joan, and my older sister, Karen, for three amazing days of fine food, exquisite accommodations, stellar service, live music, fun adventures AND fireworks as we celebrated our birthdays. Nothing could have prepared me for the delight of Disney World, especially the Disney Vacation Club activities. I was really impressed and had a grand time seeing the incredible property, plus so much overall happiness.

Until next month let me say thank you for everything you do to create a better, wiser, more kind and loving World. I appreciate you more than words can say!

September Splendor…

Laurie Wagner Buyer — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:57:33 +0000

More Time in Colorado Coming Up

Off and running…this time back to the Southern Rockies for a couple of book events to celebrate An Elevated View: Colorado Writers on Writing. If you are in the area, please come see us!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

5:30 p.m. until closing

Readings, Food & Wine, Live Music

THE BOOK HAVEN

128 F Street
Salida, Colorado 81201
719-539-9629

thebookhavenlisa@gmail.com

Friday, September 2, 2011

7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Historic West Wing of Savage Library

Western State College Campus

Gunnison, Colorado

Dr. Mark Todd

(970) 943-2016

mtodd@western.edu

For more information about the book, please visit:

What’s happening at Casita de Luz?

If you’ve been watching the weather news, you’ll know that our part of Texas is still suffering through a record-breaking drought. Every day the temperatures continue to climb over the 100-degree mark. Our garden is gone except for one tomato and one green pepper, a citronella and a patch of lemon grass, all of which seem determined to hang on. Our faithful backyard well provides just enough water for us to keep the fruit trees alive. We have been saving every drop of kitchen water to put on other plants, and every bit of bathroom water to use for toilet flushing. Bailing out a bathtub isn’t too bad once you get the hang of it! Despite the heat I’m still walking every morning and evening, plus riding my bike to yoga classes. I have accepted the fact that “sweaty and stinky” is an ordinary part of daily life!

For more information about our lovely hill country town:

What’s going on at the famous Fuel Coffee House?

This month WC’s Songwriters in the Round at Fuel Coffee House will be hosting Tommy Byrd and Kathy Street on Thursday, September 15^th, plus Gospel Music Night with George Ensle on the last Thursday. All shows are free to the public and begin at 7 p.m. We pass the watering can (instead of a hat!) for tips to help these fine songwriters and musicians pay for gas. Fuel Coffee House is now serving homemade ice cream and fresh blueberry lemonade as a way to help beat the summer heat! For a listing of other events, please go to:

What else is WC doing?

More music! WC will be hosting the Texas Songwriters Circle at Poodie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill in Spicewood on the second and fourth Mondays of every month, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Courtney and Allan Reed will be his guests on September 12^th and Tris Munsick September 26^th.

The long overdue new CD of WC’s story songs is still in the works! He’s going back into the studio with his great harmony singers ShAnnie (Shan Kowert and Annie Acton) on September 14^th. We’ll let you know when it will be ready for release.

On Friday, September 9^th, WC will be speaking to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in Bastrop about Texas culture and history.

SAVE THE DATES: September 23-25^th for the LLANO RIVER OUTDOOR EXPO, Llano. WC will be making a personal appearance and hosting a book signing.

What’s up with Laurie’s writing?

I did it! I did it! I spent the month of August tackling the hefty revisions of The Heart of Nowhere, the sequel to When I Came West. With numerous pages of helpful suggestions from OU Press editor Kathleen Kelly, I shaved off 12,000 words, dug into character development, expanded the themes, honed my style and polished the prose, all while keeping the story intact. No easy feat especially since I still consider this monumental effort another rough draft. The manuscript must now make it past more editorial eyes and the scrutiny of several professional readers. If it survives those rounds, then I can be expected to make more revisions before it will be submitted to the board for serious consideration. Your positive thoughts are greatly appreciated…especially if you are anxious to know “the rest of the story.”

I have been writing new poems and posting them on my blog. To read them please go to:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Laurie-Wagner-Buyer

And I often post haiku poems on my Facebook Fan Page to give friends a quick glimpse of my daily life.

Need your own special ranch get-away?

Why not consider a vacation on a Colorado high country ranch? Not any old ranch, but the place that I used to call home, with the incomparable beauty and wildness of the South Fork of the South Platte River. My stepchildren, John and Melody, have turned the cabin that Mick and I built on the DM Ranch into an incredible retreat. To see photos and check availability, please go to:

Or, if you are especially interested in fishing on the DM Ranch:

Laurie’s Reading Picks of the Month

Chinaberry Sidewalks, Rodney Crowell (memoir)

Until next month let me say thank you for everything you do to create a better, wiser, more kind and loving World. I appreciate you more than words can say!

AWESOME AUGUST…

Laurie Wagner Buyer — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:24:15 +0000

My Time in Colorado

I am counting down my days left in Colorado and relishing every cool morning and each afternoon thunderstorm in order to take back the mountain energy to Texas when I fly home on August 2^nd. How blessed I have been to spend an entire month in the high country staying with so many welcoming and wonderful friends. Special thanks to Lenore and A. J. Hotchkiss (and Tag), Natalia and Bruce Brothers (and Rocky), Kathlene Sutton (and Sweetie Pie), Patricia Sorensen (and Willie, Buddha and Spirit) for sharing their homes, their lives and their hearts. I cannot even imagine a more memorable summer vacation, plus so much great writing time.

What’s happening at Casita de Luz?

W.C. reports that our yard and garden at Casita de Luz have met their demise. Weeks of temperatures over 100 degrees have been too much heat stress for the plants despite his efforts at watering daily from our private well. He is focusing now on saving the fruit trees and perennial roses. In spite of the drought and the hardships brought to everyone with severe water restrictions, the spirit of Llano is kept alive by incomparable citizens. I keep sending my rain prayers south and east.

For more information about our lovely hill country town:

What’s going on at the famous Fuel Coffee House?

This month WC’s Songwriters in the Round at Fuel Coffee House will be hosting Jake Martin on Thursday, August 18^th, plus Gospel Music Night with George Ensle on Thursday the 25^th. All shows are free to the public and begin at 7 p.m. We pass the watering can (instead of a hat!) for tips to help these fine songwriters

and musicians pay for gas. Fuel Coffee House is now serving homemade ice cream and fresh blueberry lemonade as a way to help beat the summer heat! For a listing of other events, please go to:

What else is WC doing?

More music! WC will be hosting the Texas Songwriters Circle at Poodies’ Hilltop Bar and Grill in Spicewood on the second and fourth Mondays of every month, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tommy Elkses will be his guest on August 8^th and Houston Marchman on August 22^nd. Because there is a fifth Monday in August, W.C. and George Ensle will be on stage together at Poodie’s on August 29^th.

The long overdue new CD of WC’s story songs is coming along…we’ll keep you posted on the release date.

The History Channel film crew met with WC about his book, Billy the Kid: Beyond the Grave on July 27^th. We will let you know when the show(s) will be aired.

Good news! One of W.C.’s most popular books, Ozark Tales of Ghosts, Spirits, Hauntings, and Monsters, is now available in e-book downloads. Here are the eBook links:

B&N Nook: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Ozark-Tales-of-Ghosts-Spirits-Hauntings-and-Monsters/W-C-Jameson/e/2940013140738

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1930584113?ie=UTF8&tag=readwest&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1930584113

AND…W.C. just signed contracts for three more books with Gold Minds Publishing!!

What’s up with Laurie’s writing?

My friend and personal editor, Natalia Brothers, has been helping me with a rewrite on my novel Casita de Luz. She is a brilliant reader and discovered a way for me to add a special twist to the ending and heighten the tension between my characters. During this month in Colorado I have focused on sending my mom a daily travelogue of my Rocky Mountain adventures, plus I have been writing new poems and posting them on my blog. To read them please go to:

(Love from the Heart of the Great Mother)

Need your own special ranch get-away?

Or, if you are especially interested in fishing on the DM Ranch:

http://www.bookoftheyearawards.com/winners/2010/category/autobiography-memoir/

P.S. I spent a couple of days in Fairplay and loved revisiting the historic library, hanging out in the great coffee shops, wandering around the town cemetery to visit Mick and all his relations, plus I enjoyed a gorgeous morning hiking on the upper end of the DM Ranch. Simply said, it is unbelievably beautiful and I am so full of gratitude to the Buyer family for keeping the ranching tradition alive.

Laurie’s Reading Picks of the Month

When the Killing’s Done by T.C. Boyle (fiction)

The Gift of Fear, and Other Survival Signals that Protect Us From Violence by Gavin de Becker (non fiction)

Until next month let me say thank you for everything you do to create a better, wiser, more kind and loving World. I appreciate you more than words can say!

BIG SIGH…JULY…

Laurie Wagner Buyer — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:22:23 +0000

The Best News First!

When I Came West won an honorable mention (4^th place) at the ForeWord Review 2010 Book of the Year Awards. “The winners were selected by dozens of librarians and booksellers who are experts in the subject matter of the books they judged, and who make daily purchasing decisions for their collections or bookstores.” I’m full of delight and appreciation at this announcement.

Colorado Time is Here

Yes, I feel selfish to be headed for the cool high country in the Rocky Mountain West when things here in the hill country of Texas are suffering from drought and serious water restrictions, yet excitement over weighs guilt! I will be glad to see old friends and trek around on well-loved trails, but we’re also coming to Colorado to help promote the new book An Elevated View: Colorado Writers on Writing. On the schedule: Literary Ladies Lunch in Denver, July 1^st, Tattered Cover Bookstore on Colfax in Denver the evening of July 6^th, and Woodland Park Library the evening of July 7^th. To learn more or to order a copy of, please visit:

What’s happening at Casita de Luz?

The drought takes a toll on everything, including people’s spirits, but one magic thunderstorm last week eased the anxiety and gave all the trees and plants a bit of hope. As the old timers like to say, “Each day is one day closer to rain.” We are fortunate here because we have a back yard well and therefore are still allowed to water our garden and fruit trees. The Llano River below the dam on the town lake is going dry, therefore the city has imposed serious restrictions on the use of household water. Cloud watching and expectation have become part of daily life.

For more information about our lovely hill country town:

What’s going on at the famous Fuel Coffee House?

This month WC’s Songwriters in the Round at Fuel Coffee House will be hosting Alan and Courtney Reed on Thursday, July 21st, plus Gospel Music Night with George Ensle on Thursday the 28th. All shows are free to the public and begin at 7 p.m. We pass the watering can (instead of a hat!) for tips to help these fine songwriters

and musicians pay for gas. Fuel Coffee House is now serving homemade ice cream and fresh blueberry lemonade as a way to help beat the summer heat! For a listing of other events, please go to:

What else is WC doing?

More music! WC will be hosting the Texas Songwriters Circle at Poodies’ Hilltop Bar and Grill in Spicewood on the second and fourth Mondays of every month, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Chris Wall will be his guest on July 11^th and Perry English on July 25^th.

The long overdue new CD of WC’s story songs is on temporary hold as WC waits for his talented harmony singers ShAnnie (Shan Kowert and Annie Acton) to return from Europe.

Plus! The History Channel is coming to Llano to meet with WC about his book, Billy the Kid: Beyond the Grave. We will let you know when the show(s) will be aired.

What’s up with Laurie’s writing?

The contracts for the novel Beautiful Snare are signed! Many thanks to my dedicated agent Elizabeth Trupin-Pulli and to Write Works Publishing. The book is scheduled for a spring 2012 release. To see a sample chapter please visit:

www.lauriejameson.com

Good news for those of you who are waiting for the sequel to When I Came West: The University of Oklahoma Press is interested in publishing The Heart of Nowhere, but I need to invest a lot of time in rewriting the manuscript. I have set aside the month of August to take care of those revisions. Many thanks to OU Press director Chuck Rankin, and editors Alice Stanton and Kathleen Kelly for their belief in this project and their insightful suggestions.

Cinch Up Your Saddle and Ride! is now available in PRINT through Western Trail Blazers. I love the cover photo and I’m thrilled to have this old collection of cowboy and ranch verse out in the world at last. Lots of appreciation and gratitude to publisher Rebecca Vickery and her great staff. You can order a signed copy from me via email ($12.00 postage paid) or through—

Need your own special ranch get-away?

Or, if you are especially interested in fishing on the DM Ranch:

On the Path of the Ph.D.

I have had a great deal of fun over the last couple of months completing two master level courses that will qualify me for pursuing my Ph.D. “Transformative Spirituality I” and “Ancient Tools for Divine Guidance I.” Thus I have learned a lot about the Power of Now, the New Earth, the Authentic Self, the Tarot, Viking Runes, the Art of the Pendulum and Dowsing, and the I Ching. I’ll be taking July and August off from my studies to do the Colorado Tour and rewrite the memoir, but I plan to resume my study path in September. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Laurie’s Reading Picks of the Month

Emptiness Dancing by Adyashanti. (This one redirected my perception.)

The Call by David Spangler. (This one validated my recent choices.)

If you want to know more about the cosmic connections that guide my life and my writing go to:

(Love from the Heart of the Great Mother)

Until next month let me say thank you for everything you do to create a better, wiser, more kind and loving World. I appreciate you more than words can say!

Ah!…JUNE…

Laurie Wagner Buyer — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:20:22 +0000

In June 2001, I stood in a lovely white dress before the faculty and my fellow students at Goddard College and gave my graduation address, which began “Today is the day I marry myself…”

The intensive two-year process of studying for my master’s degree in creative writing and completing my thesis, Side Canyons, clarified my life’s purpose. Never again would I succumb to the temptation to live according to someone else’s idea of who I needed to be. Instead I vowed to listen to my own heart and follow the pathway of my singular dreams. Since my teenage years, one of those dreams has been my own edification, plus a desire to achieve a Ph.D.

This month, ten years after I received my master’s degree, I begin my course work as a doctoral candidate with the American Institute of Holistic Theology (www.aiht.edu). I am more excited than I can say, but what I wish to convey to all of you, and especially to my mother, Joan, and to my husband, W.C., is my never ending appreciation for all the encouragement, support and love. But also to let you know that if I don’t respond to email or telephone calls immediately, it doesn’t indicate that I’m ignoring you! It only means that I’m studying. I promise I will stay in touch whenever I escape my new “homework desk” and come up for air.

What’s happening at Casita de Luz?

Watering…watering…watering! It really is too early in the summer for 104 in the carport shade (114 in the garden), but what can I say except this IS Texas. The plants, however, hold their own and I’m amazed that they produce at all: yellow squash, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, jalapeno peppers. The corn is tasseled out and the beans are knee high. Today I picked a big bowl of purple plums and apricots are almost ready. A feral cat and her three kittens have chosen our yard for their current home, so they are keeping the bird life stirred up. I love watching the skittish kittens come out at dusk when it cools off enough for them to play.

Around Town

Over the Memorial Day Weekend we had the pleasure of being part of the Llano Blue Bell and Bluegrass Festival by setting up a booth on the courthouse square along with dozens of other vendors. Some good bands on the outdoor stage, free Blue Bell ice cream, and plenty of iced tea helped us keep our minds off the fact that we were wilting. Thanks to all the folks who came by to chat and purchase books & cds. For more information about our lovely hill country town:

What’s going on at the famous Fuel Coffee House?

This month WC’s Songwriters in the Round at Fuel Coffee House will be hosting Tommy Elskes on Thursday, June 16th, plus Gospel Music Night on Thursday the 23rd. All shows are free to the public and begin at 7 p.m. We pass the watering can (instead of a hat!) for tips to help these fine singer/songwriters pay for gas. For a listing of other events, please go to:

What else is WC doing?

More music! WC will be hosting the Texas Songwriters Circle at Poodies’ Hilltop Bar and Grill in Spicewood on the second and fourth Mondays of every month, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wake Eastman will be his guest on June 13^th and Houston Marchman on June 27^th.

Even More Music! Wednesday, June 15^th, 7-9 p.m., Hondo’s in Fredericksburg

Monday, June 20^th, Singer/Songwriter Show @ Uptown Theater, Marble Falls

Tuesday, June 21^st, 8-10 p.m., WC Jameson Trio @ Poodie’s Hill Top Bar, Spicewood

Wednesday, June 22^nd, Gospel Blues Night with WC, Buddy Case, Keenan Fletcher, George Ensle, Greg Whitfield @ Uptown Theater, Marble Falls

Writing Conference! The 26^th Annual Tall Grass Writers Workshop at Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas, June 4-5^th. (www.emporia.edu/cgps)

Speaking Gigs! Tuesday, June 7^th, 7-9 p.m. East Fork Treasure Hunters, Mesquite, TX

Wednesday, June 8^th, 2-3:30 p.m., Herman Brown Free Library, Burnet, TX

Saturday, June 11^th, Read West at the Texas Ranger Museum, Waco, TX

The long overdue new CD of WC’s story songs continues to evolve. The lovely and talented Keenan Fletcher will be joining WC in the Little d’Arte studio this week to lay down the fiddle tracks. Meanwhile co-producer Pat Keating and engineer Casey Hubble are fine-tuning the earlier recorded vocal, lead, drum, harmonica, mandolin, and dobro parts.

What’s up with Laurie’s writing?

Still waiting (patience IS a virtue!) on the final contract for the novel Beautiful Snare. To see a sample chapter please visit:

www.lauriejameson.com

Cinch Up Your Saddle and Ride! is now available as an ebook through Western Trail Blazers. Print version coming soon. Many thanks to publisher Rebecca Vickery and her great staff.

Here is the link at Amazon for the ebook:
http://www.amazon.com/Cinch-Your-Saddle-Ride-ebook/dp/B00506U3GA/

This is the link to the ebook page at Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/58727

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/LaurieWagnerBuyer

The ebook is now available at Lulu:
http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/cinch-up-your-saddle–and-ride/15692821

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/WTBrebecca

What’s Next? Colorado Tour

Please SAVE THE DATES of Wednesday, July 6, 7:30-9:00 p.m. for a reading and signing at the Tattered Cover Bookstore on Colfax in Denver AND Thursday, July 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. for a reading and book signing at the Woodland Park Library in Woodland Park, Colorado. I’ll announce more events as the days and times become known. To learn more or to order a copy of An Elevated View: Colorado Writers on Writing, please visit:

Need your own special get-away?

Or, if you are especially interested in fishing on the DM Ranch:

Laurie’s Reading Picks of the Month

The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein

(Everyone said I had to read this one, so I did, and, yes, loved every page. I see dogs and people in a whole new way now.)

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, Eckhart Tolle

(I needed to re-read this one for my doctoral work and it had even more impact on me during this second go-round.)

If you want to know more about the cosmic connections that guide my life and my writing go to:

(Love from the Heart of the Great Mother)

Until next month let me say thank you for everything you do to create a better, wiser, more kind and loving World. I appreciate you more than words can say!

The Merry, Merry Month Of May brings…

Laurie Wagner Buyer — Sun, 01 May 2011 16:17:55 +0000

MORE GREAT NEWS

My memoir When I Came West (University of Oklahoma Press) was named a finalist for the ForeWord Reviews 2010 Book of the Year Awards. Representing more than 350 publishers, the finalists were selected from 1400 entries in 56 categories. These books are examples of independent publishing at its finest! For a full list of the finalists, searchable by genre, visit:

http://www.bookoftheyearawards.com/finalists/2010/

Seven Oaks Publishing is proud to announce the release of a collection of essays titled An Elevated View: Colorado Writers on Writing, edited by W.C. Jameson. We are truly excited about this fine book and are scheduling events in Colorado during the month of July to celebrate with the contributors. Please SAVE THE DATE of Thursday, July 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. for a reading and book signing at the Woodland Park Library in Woodland Park, Colorado. I’ll announce more events as the days and times become known. To learn more or to order a copy of An Elevated View: Colorado Writers on Writing, please visit:

What’s Laurie Doing Now?

All right, I confess: I admit to putting off the annual spring cleaning for a couple months, but the last few days have found me with cobwebs in my hair and dust plastered to my sweaty skin. What kicked me into gear to get the job done? My lovely mom, Joan, 81, is coming from Florida to visit me for Mother’s Day weekend. I can’t wait to see her again, and naturally, I wanted Casita de Luz to shine brightly for her arrival. Aside from that, April found me trailing WC’s heels to a dozen different music events in Llano, Spicewood and Luckenbach. Plus there were my usual yoga and Pilates classes, weekly hikes with my lady friends, and selling books at the Llano Master Gardener’s Lawn and Garden show!

What’s happening at Casita de Luz?

Yes, we are still praying for rain here, but this first day of a new month is supposed to bring some afternoon and evening storms. The cloudy and cool morning feels delicious—just right for sitting out on the deck to drink tea and watch the butterflies and hummingbirds making the rounds from larkspur to sunflowers, and see the doves and cardinals come to drink at the birdbath. I swore that I was done planting things this spring, but then a friend brought me root stock for butterfly bush and I was back on my hands and knees in the dirt yesterday. I’m in training to be patient for the squash and tomatoes and corn, but I’ve been making daily salads from Swiss chard, romaine lettuce, radishes, dill, parsley, basil, carrot tops and green onions.

For more information about our lovely hill country town:

What’s going on at the famous Fuel Coffeehouse?

This month WC’s Songwriters in the Round at Fuel Coffee House will be hosting Houston Marchman on Thursday, May 5th, and Laurie Wagner Buyer & various collaborators on Thursday, May 19th. Plus Gospel Music Night on Thursday the 26^th. All shows are free to the public and begin at 7 p.m. We pass the watering can (instead of a hat!) for tips to help these fine singer/songwriters pay for gas. For a listing of other events, please go to:

What else is WC doing?

More music! WC will be hosting the Texas Songwriters Circle at Poodies’ Hilltop Bar on the second and fourth Mondays of every month, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Bob Livingston will be his guest on May 9^th, and Noel MacKay on May 23^rd.

On Tuesday, May 3^rd, WC will be speaking at the Tivy School in Kerrville, and on Tuesday, May 17^th, WC will be speaking at the Llano Library at 5:30 p.m.

WC and I will be attending the Mike Blakely Texamericana Fandango in Llano on May 13 & 14^th. WC will be playing Saturday afternoon and hosting the Texas author book signing. To purchase tickets on the internet go to:

www.mikeblakely.com

and click on the Fandango logo. On the Fandango page, scroll down to the link to:

www.outhousetickets.com

The long overdue new CD of WC’s story songs continues to evolve. The great Corby Schaub will be joining WC in the Little d’Arte studio this Wednesday to lay down the mandolin and dobro tracks. Meanwhile co-producer Pat Keating and engineer Casey Hubble have been laying down bass tracks and fine-tuning the earlier recorded vocal and lead parts.

www.westerntrailblazer.yolasite.com

What’s up with Laurie’s writing?

I spent ten days proofing my two newest novels, Casita de Luz and Belle Fontaine, getting them in shape to send to my agent, Elizabeth Trupin-Pulli. We are still waiting on the contract for Beautiful Snare. To see sample chapters please visit:

www.lauriejameson.com

Rebecca Vickery and her publishing imprint Western Trail Blazers are sheer delight to work with. I now have the galley proof pages of an “old” collection of my western ranch poetry titled Cinch Up Your Saddle and Ride! The e-book and print version of the book are scheduled for an early summer release. Learn more here:

Speaking of digital publishing, our webmaster Deborah Kunzie has begun a series of short downloads called Garlic Press Digestibles. The first is WC’s “Tales of Lost Civil War Treasures: The Lost Yankee Payroll.” For more information, please visit:

www.garlicpresspublishing.com

AND…Deb has also created a new website to celebrate the re-release of my novel Side Canyons in e-book and digital formats. Take a tour of the story here:

www.sidecanyons.net

What’s Next?

WC and I will be presenting at the 26^th Annual Tallgrass Writing Workshop at the Center for Great Plains Studies, Emporia State University, Emporia Kansas, June 4-5, 2011. Other workshop faculty includes Max McCoy, Gordon Warnock, Amy Sage Webb, and Jim Hoy. More information is available at:

www.emporia.edu/cgps

Need your own special get-away?

Or, if you are especially interested in fishing on the DM Ranch:

Laurie’s Reading Picks of the Month

The Unlikely Lavender Queen: A Memoir of Unexpected Blossoming, Jeannie Ralston (Broadway, 2008)

Perfect Brilliant Stillness: Beyond the Individual Self, David Carse (Paragate Publishing, 2006)

If you want to know more about the cosmic connections that guide my life and my writing go to: