I found an interesting article in this month’s Electric Co-Op magazine and want to share it. Cowboys have more ways to tell time than you can shake a stick at and their time isn’t fast or slow. It’s just right.
Do you know how long it takes to mosey? Or lollygag? Me either, but I’m guessing it’s as long as it takes. Ha!
When cowboys were on cattle drives, they told time by the sun and moon. Then when it was time for dinner or supper, they could tell when they heard the cook striking his large iron triangle or rang a bell. No whistle blew and no horn called them. Trail hands joked that the cook had the only watch that mattered and that might be still the case even on modern ranches.
The only time that mattered was daylight and whether the herd was settled for the night or the work done.
By dawn, they were in the saddle, driving the cattle and at night, time passed in shifts—first which began right after the evening meal, midnight, and morning. The cattle calmed to the music so time passed more often by melody instead of a clock.
Often, the dying embers of campfires helped tell the time in the dark. Cowboys not on shift knew to hit the sack and they didn’t dawdle. Many were probably asleep before the embers half died in the fire if the truth was known.
Even distance was measured, not by a watch, but how often they had to stop the horses to rest. For instance, they’d say, “That’s a two-horse ride.” Normally, they stopped to let the horse rest every fifteen to twenty minutes, but shorter if they carried a heavy load or were galloping instead of walking or trotting. So a two-horse jaunt with a single rider and no heavy load was approximately about an hour.
The cowboys with timepieces were usually from Waltham or Elgin. Those were well-known for being tough and dependable. Even so, you wouldn’t find many of these dedicated men who rode the range, content with, not only what they had, but also satisfied with who they saw looking back in the mirror. 🙂
I don’t know about you, but I like the idea of “cowboy time.” Life passed in a slower pace and only as fast as you needed. It was very steady and most often you could set your watch by the cowboys’ daily lives. Why would you want anything else? Sounds like a great life to me.
I have to admit, “Cowboy Time” still has a hold on a lot of us. We work till half-past dark, eat when the food’s ready. We don’t need any buzzing on our phones to tell us what to do. Old cowboys whisper a different wisdom—don’t count every minute. Let it pass as slowly as it wants. We’ll all be better for it and you won’t need anxiety medicine.
Find pleasure in the small stuff. An animal, a wildflower, a book, a poem, a child’s drawing. Doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive.
I have one early autographed copy of my new Christmas book, Bright is the Light, to give away. To enter the drawing, are you keeping the right time? What’s your opinion of a slower pace and letting life unfold as it should? In or out?
BRIGHT IS THE LIGHT….
Sometimes the brightest Christmas miracle begins with a single lantern in the window.
Two weeks before Christmas, former soldier Calder Jackson drifts into Jubilee, Texas, half-frozen and desperate to escape a blinding snowstorm. Looking for nothing more than shelter, he never expects to find a family who welcomes him as though he belongs. He hasn’t belonged anywhere for a long while.
Kate Walsh hesitates to take in a male boarder, knowing how fast small-town gossip can ruin a woman’s reputation. However, with a disabled mother and a simple-minded brother depending on her, she needs the money. Before long, Calder becomes more than a tenant. His kindness brings laughter back into their home and gives young Micah the acceptance he’s longed for.
Together, Calder and Micah build a Christmas lantern to place in the window on Christmas Eve, honoring an old Irish tradition that welcomes blessings and guides the way home. Can Calder finally find the elusive peace he’s been chasing? The love he feels for Kate makes everything seem achievable as though the light has been waiting in the window all along.
Filled with hope, faith, and the warmth of family, this heartwarming holiday romance celebrates second chances, unexpected love, and the light that guides us all home.
* * * *
Release date – September 1, 2026 — KU, Kindle, Print
Available for preorder now – CLICK HERE
FOR EXCERPT — CLICK HERE
I’ll have more copies to give away next month! Let’s Keep Cowboy Time. 🙂
Here in the Texas Panhandle, we do love our cowboys. There's just something about a man in a Stetson and jeans that makes my heart beat faster. I'm not much of a cook but I love to do genealogy and I'm a bit of a rock hound. I'm also a NY Times & USA Today bestselling author of historical western romance. You can contact me through my website and I'd love to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and more. HAPPY READING!
https://petticoatsandpistols.com/sweepstakesrules/
always loved the concept of telling the time by the sun and when i was younger I taught myself how to tell time by the sun. I’m mostly accurate by telling the time without looking at my watch or phone but when it’s cloudy i have difficulties.
I like to go down by the water and just sit and stare at the horizon and breathe in the fresh air to try to slow time down..
Chrystal, you’re on the right time. Taking time to really replenish your soul. I could sit there all day. I love hearing the sound of the water. It just does something to me. I’m so glad you came.
Linda … thank you for being an author!!! Today’s cowboy time is definitely interesting!!! I think slowing down is definitely a fantastic idea ??
Thank you for running the giveaway (print books are the absolute best prizes!).
Cowboy time makes sense to me but I’ll admit I don’t always follow it. That’s something I can work toward…
Mary, it’s also a work in progress for me too. But, there are days when I slow down and let my mind wander. If we can just manage to do it one or two days a week, that’s great. I usually sit for at least thirty minutes each morning that I have no appointments and just be present in the moment. Sometimes I can get an hour in and I love it. 🙂 Just do whatever you can manage. Thank you for the compliment on my books! Love and hugs!
Now that I’m 77 I sure keep cowboy time. I do what I want when I want. Mostly reading. I never thought of how cowboys told time.
Sondra, I agree. I’m there with you, girl. I’m liking this slower time. I’ve been racing around most of my life but now I cherish slower days. Thanks for coming. Enjoy the slower ride that lets you see more. 🙂
I take pleasure in watching the foxes and rabbits here in the city. Do things at my own pace and eat when I’m hungry.
You know the secret, Kim. You’re living on cowboy time! Thanks for coming. I always love seeing your name pop up.
I like the slower pace of life that you can enjoy more when you are retired. Life is short slow down enjoy the moment.
Retirement sure has its benefits, Sharon. I don’t know what the statistics are, but I’ll bet a dollar to a donut that cowboys live longer and are healthier. A lesson to us all. Keep living on cowboy time, Sharon! Love and hugs.
When I was a preschool teacher, I had to be prepared and ready for anything, so I worked in a frenzy most of the time. Now retired, I mosey along at my own speed. But I will never be late!
Karen J, my life was much like yours. I filled every hour racing around. But now that I’m done with that frantic daily schedule, I can stop and smell the flowers and breathe the air. I’m loving this slow pace. There are mornings when I sit for a long time with my coffee thinking about whatever comes in my head. Mostly it pertains to whatever I’m writing. And I think my health has improved. Thanks for coming by, Karen.
I like the idea of “cowboy time” too!
For sure, Linda R. I’m loving this slower pace now days. I try not to make any appointments before 10:00 am. I’m so glad you came. 🙂
YES right now they have the majority of Indiana on EST and it should all be on CST – so at NOON now according to the shadow of the flagpole – the clock says 2PM!! So wrong – the cattle, llamas, dogs and all can tell better time than we can!
LOL! Teresa, I would be so confused. I always thought Indiana was on Central Time. Wow! I wouldn’t like that either. But Cowboy Time is never wrong. 🙂 Thanks for coming. Love and hugs.
Well, I’m on disability and have been since 2012. So, with not much money I have to wait for life to unfold because most times I have no control over it. I do have control over what books I read. lol
Carrie, you know what’s most important! Yes, read whatever you so desire. I’m really distressed though about a recent local book banning in the schools. One or two parents, Christian hypocrits, have decided what is appropriate, not only for their own kids, but ALL kids. So sad to see those closed minds. What has gotten into people that they think they have that right? Don’t get me started. Thanks for coming and sharing your thoughts. All people are welcome here. Love and hugs. I hope some great books are coming your way.
It’s nice to tell time in an unhurried way. When I worked in corporate life, everything was timed, and not doing things fast and furious was a negative mark against you, and it could impact quarterly bonuses.
That was a hard habit to break.
Denise, I understand and I was much in the same boat. Living fast & furious! I just love that I have time now to sit and just breathe. I let my mind wander to wherever it wants to go. I think we’ll live longer for it. I always love seeing your name pop up.
Even before I retired I was more like the cowboys in the way I kept time. Yes, I had to be at work by a certain time – most often I was early so that I could take on the day in a slower fashion rather than rushing around getting things done. Now that I’m retired I follow the same pace – up early and taking things as they come.
Karin, keep living in a slow lane! Let the maniacs race ahead. It’s funny to watch the race demons zip around me only to stop at a red light. I almost always get there just as the light changes and I don’t have to stop. So funny. Fills my heart with glee! 🙂 Thanks for coming. Wishing you a slow day.
I like the idea of cowboy time. Time is an amazing thing is so many ways.
Debra, yes the different ways to tell time is simply amazing. I never thought of some of this before reading this article. Find you some Cowboy Time and enjoy! 🙂 Thanks for coming over
It all depends on the situation, but I usually slow down and smell the roses!
Joye, I understand. Some days we have places we have to be and things we can’t put off doing. Like doctor appointments and blood work. Ugh! However, I always try to find a little time during the day to sit and think. Might only be an hour but it’s better than nothing. Keep smelling the roses! Love and hugs.
Taking the time to appreciate the all the beauty God has made for us, it surrounds us and speaks of His wonderful love for us and His creativity
I so agree, Laura. God’s time is even better than Cowboy Time. Nothing surpasses that. And we should always enjoy the beauty of His creations. He took time and put much thought into making things to bring us pleasure. We owe it to HIM and ourselves to enjoy it. Do you think cowboys figured this out long before we did? Maybe. Thanks for your comment. Love and hugs.
This has been my prayer that I learn to lean into the Lord’s time. Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you.
I pray for this as well, Debra. God gave us all of this to enjoy so we have to make sure we take time to do that. Love and hugs, Debra.
I’m a substitute teacher, so I don’t work in the summer. I pretty much live on my own schedule, and I definitely feel a lot better. Our schools started back last week, and so far, I’ve worked every day. I can definitely tell a difference, I’ve had a headache and I’m tired all the time. I wish I could slow down and live on cowboy time!
Kim, my heart goes out to you. Our health does suffer when we’re so rushed and stressed out. I pray that one day you’ll get to slow down and enjoy this life He gave us. 🙂 Hopefully, you can find time at lunch to just relax and take a few breaths. Love and Hugs, Kim.
Surprisingly my dog helps keep me tuned in to activities exactly at the same time every day. He awakens me at the same time every morning and when it is time for our walks he sits in front of me letting me know it is time to walk. He also tells me (silently) when it is bedtime. I don’t really need a clock.
LOL, Jackie! Yep, you’re living on Dog Time!! Funny but true. Animals have an uncanny sense of time. They also know when it’s time for the school bus to come in the afternoons to drop the kids off. 🙂 Thank you for mentioning this. Love and hugs, Jackie.
Hey Linda! Better late than never, right? LOL I had to vote and then my grandson comes on Tuesdays! Speaking of time, I hope there is no more fall backs and spring forwards! I know most people don’t have regular clocks, but, we have a large one hanging in our kitchen. Neither my husband nor I need to stand on a ladder to change it!
I enjoyed your article today! I see we both like to read Co-op newsletters! We don’t get them, but Mama saves hers from our hometown for us. They are celebrating 90 years! The old pictures they showed, none wearing hard hats! Whoa! Probably no gloves either! As you know, power linemen have come a long way from that day in time! I would know, my husband was one for over 40 years!
Many blessings Linda!
Tracy, I, too, hope and pray Congress makes this time permanent. My body really doesn’t like change. It’s always hard to regulate to a different time. It’s a proven fact that our bodies suffer from time change.
I didn’t know your husband used to be a power lineman. Wow! Yes, it amazes me to see pictures of them without hard hats. And reading things about early doctors when they knew nothing about wearing a mask or washing their hands. Performing surgeries in dentists’ offices with hair lying on the floor. Crazy. As always thanks for coming, Tracy. Love and hugs from my heart to yours.
Hi Linda, I love the slower pace….out here in the country. Not, the fast pace of the city life.
Will be happy if they leave the time the way it is. I, know everyone is worried about children getting on the bus in the dark….but, we did just that years ago. The Schools should change their start time to allow for the darkness. Can’t believe schools have started already. This year is flying!!! Looking forward to your new book coming out.
Lois, from your mouth to God’s ear. May we keep this time permanent. My body gets in such a turmoil every time we switch. It just doesn’t tolerate it. But I also hate that kids have to go to school in the dark. Sadly, nothing works for everyone. Yes, schools have started here also. It’s the first day for my great grandson who’s in third grade. I’m thankful he’s one of those kids that loves school. At least right now. I’m sure he’ll grow to hate it when he moves into the higher levels. Love you, Lois. I hope you get a chance to read my Christmas story. I’m very proud of the warmth and love that springs from it. This hero, Calder Jackson, is so broken.
Hello Linda as I live in the country I love the slower pace; in the city it seems as life is at a faster pace I hope they keep the time as it is because I always like it staying daylight just a little bit longer have a Blessed Day! School starts tomorrow for my grandchildren, and my youngest granddaughter starts in kindergarten this year the years all fly by anymore!
Sarah, I’m glad to know you discovered Cowboy Time. It’s such a joy. Yes, school started here today and my great grandson began third grade. He loves school though so he doesn’t mind going. Yes, time will fly by and before we know it, summer will be here again. Much love and hugs.
As a retired couple we pretty much are on cowboy time. Not as busy as thwy were but not watchiing the clock wither.
Sarah Gunter, that’s wonderful. Sure don’t need that. I wish you a lot of slower, pleasant days that are hopefully cooler soon. Thanks for coming.
We’re running on cowboy time. Retired and taking it easy.
Wonderful, Julie! Keep enjoying the peace it brings. Blessings and love.
I love the idea of Cowboy time – I think we should all take more time to enjoy the people and events around us:) I am still working so I have to follow a more rigid time schedule during the week, but enjoy having a much slower pace on the weekends and during the summer when school is out ( I am a middle school librarian). I really enjoyed reading about cowboy time and think your new book sounds amazing. Thanks so much for sharing with us today.
Patti, I’m so glad you came. I understand. When I was working, I spread myself awfully thin. Now, I love that I don’t need to rush around frantically and can take life slower. It’s such a treat to myself and one I never get tired of. Thank you so much for coming. Have a slower evening. 🙂
The idea of Cowboy Time is very appealing to me. I love getting up when I want to and not be pressured to meet a particular schedule. It’s nice to pick your pace. I love that! What a generous gift Linda. Looking forward to reading your new book. Love you bunches!
Dearest Kathy, I agree. I just love taking my time and doing what I want. Sure is nice. I hope you enjoy Bright is the Light. I really loved writing it. Much love, dear friend.
I prefer taking things at my own pace…get anxious if I am rushed.
I do too, Colleen. I hate being rushed. Always nice to see you. Love and hugs
I prefer easy slower pace.
Yes, ma’am. I agree, Karijean. I think our health will thank us for it. Blessings and love.
slower pace
I agree, BN100. Thank you for coming.
For the most part, I guess I’m more on a slower pace(cowboy time). However if I have an appointment, I have to be early. It’s how I was taught.
Joannie, that used to be the way I was on appointments but these days I want them in the afternoon if possible. Sometimes it isn’t. When I’m fasting for blood work, I want them early so I can eat. LOL I’m glad to see you. Have a beautiful day.
Born and raised in NYC, I was used to a fast-paced life. When I moved to Florida in my 20’s adjusting to a slower paced life felt foreign first but I grew to really like it. Now I couldn’t imagine going back to that life.
Cherie, I couldn’t live in that fast-paced world. I’m glad you found the slow lane! It’s wonderful. Thanks for coming.
Hello from Texas. When my now 2 adult children were growing up it was pretty fast paced, when they grew up and moved out it was slower. My 3 grandchildren came along and it was fast paced again, well now 2 of them are in college and I think it will be slow paced again as our youngest grandson even though he is in HS he doesnt live close by.
Hi Alicia, sorry I couldn’t get to your comment yesterday. Yes, we always have grands and great grands. My fourth great grand will arrive in approximately two weeks. We can hardly wait although it won’t change my life much since I don’t see them often. Looks like you’re living on Cowboy Time. Take it slow and enjoy the ride! Much love.
Cowboy time sounds a lot like Mississippi time! When my sister moved to Mississippi from FL, it took a lot of adjustment, as they quickly found out if you said you were inviting someone to dinner and said a time, they may or may not be there then! They might come thirty minutes before, or it might be an hour after!! If I have an appointment, I’m going to be early, as I can’t stand to be late. I prefer a slower pace, as I can’t stand to be rushed!
That’s so true, Trudy. Mississippi is definitely on cowboy time!! Slow is the way to go. I get grouchy when I have to be rushed. Thanks for your comment. 🙂
I love Cowboy time !
Me too. Thanks for coming, Barbara.
I keep Cowboy time
You know, our health is so much better living a slower life. We just take things as they come and don’t worry about stress that raises our blood pressure. Thanks for coming, Rhonda. Love and hugs.
Love the cover, perfect for the book. Definitely cowboy time, I don’t even have clocks in the house, I only look at the time on my Kindle if I have an appointment or going to movies ect. Fur babies are excellent at telling time, dogs when breakfast and dinner time which is when I eat too and when it time for a walk. The cat when its time to get up in the mornings and bedtime. I definitely love watching the sunset and sunrise beautiful time to just relax and enjoy the quietness, same when I’m outdoors and listening to the sound of the birds, wrestling leaves and if I’m by water the waves of the water. So peaceful.
Sandy, it’s so nice to have stop by! You have the perfect life. Animals are excellent timekeepers! It’s a but uncanny how they have that built in clock. Oh man, I’d sure like to sit with you on the porch in the quiet watching the sun’s march across the sky! And the water! Oh yes, I LOVE being next to water and listening to the sound of the ripples! Or listening to the birds. It is the most peaceful time there is. Cowboys knew this long ago. Thanks so much for coming to read my post.
I also like the idea of cowboy time.
I prefer cowboy time, time seems to go too fast nowadays.
Since we are both retired, we can and are keeping cowboy time. Things get done when they need to, well most of the time. Meals happen when we are hungry. There are responsibilities that we have that do require certain schedules be followed, but they are not really impositions. It is nice when something you do helps others and you enjoy it. Being so lackadaisical and laid back has had its drawbacks. I am way behind on housework and sorting things for eventual downsizing. Since I do not do well working in hot weather, and this has been a hot year, my gardens have gotten away from me. Hopefully, when Fall and cooler weather comes, I can get out there and clean them out. Maybe the cowboy time telling me it is time to saddle up and get moving will kick in.
Hope you are keeping cool and not having any issues with the storms.
Patricia, no one will put on your tombstone that kept a nice house…or even if you kept a bad one. Those things aren’t important when you leave this world. And it’s been FAR too hot to work outside!! Don’t you try that. It doesn’t take much at our age to have a heat stroke. Yes, cowboys would tell you to saddle up and get moving! Keep going slowly forward, my friend. My mom always said it doesn’t matter how far you go just so you’re not staying in the same spot. But she also was fond of saying that so-and-so was moving so slow you could see dead lice falling off them. LOL She had some saying for everything. 🙂 Take care and enjoy life. It’s really all we have. 🙂
Your mom’s saying was one I hadn’t heard before. I plod along some days accomplishing more than others. I know catching up a bit will make me feel good and inspire me to do more. My biggest concern has been trying to keep my husband from working out during the heat of the day. You are so right. At our age, we should, be careful, enjoy ourselves, nd not worry too much what others think.
I’m in. Thank you.
Thank you for coming, Bridgette!
welcome today. since I lived on a ranch, I learned about cowboy time and how/when to judge what/when. there were some things that we had to use a clock with – like when school started etc. but I do love to slow down and let the Lord guide me in things. I love Christmas stories all year long. they are inspirational and fun. thanks for the give a way chance.
Miss Lori, you’re ahead of the game. Slow is the way to a more peaceful life. Our God wants us to never get too busy for Him. Oh, I’m so glad you’re one who loves Christmas stories all year long. If you don’t win this copy I’ll have more giveaways next month after the book is finally out. It’s always nice to see you.
Running behind and I will have to say I go for the slower pace in life that is why I am late right now.
Not only do I prefer cowboy time, but wish we’d stay on standard time because it follows or circadian rhythm and let’s us follow cowboytime!