Raising children is and always has been one of our greatest challenges. Kids are forever trying to get their own way, not realizing what might be in their best interest. I have 4 children, 3 of which I had in 4 years. 2 boys a year apart and then a sister. The earning factor was important to me for them to understand, and being truthful, no matter what they had to confess to. I usually knew what the truth was, but they had to explain it to me. Then there would be a trip to the neighbors’ to apologize, or fix whatever they had gotten into. Confessing and fixing was usually the punishment. Little sister knew how to stay out of trouble by watching her brothers. Thank goodness for our wonderful and understanding neighbors. As they grew up sports was a lifesaver, and we had a pool. Lots of activity there. Then into their teens, I’m not sure where it came from, I started letting them play tiddly-winks quarters. There would be a glass of beer on the table. The object would be to flip a quarter by using another quarter into the glass of beer. Success would equal drinking the beer. Another glass of beer please, and so on. Little sister was never allowed to play, along with their friends. They understood why. I kind of looked at The Quarters as an earning factor concept. Dad didn’t know about the quarters either. Well, I think they thought I was a cool mom. There are so many stories to tell. Today these boys are 55 and 54 and doing great things with their lives, as well as their 64 year old brother, and 52 year old sister. I loved raising my kids. That was my life! Leaves me thinking, “There isn’t enough kid/parent participation in today’s world. “Taming the Wild Horses” supports all who are managing or raising children in a thoughtful, meaningful, and loving way. Oh, by the way, I did not play the quarters game with them, but I did referee.
Here I am, living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming thinking, "What can I tell you about my life and my own experiences?" Having grown up in Houston, Texas, then moving to Dallas, where my children grew up. We were fortunate enough to have a second home in Jackson Hole. At 84 now, I am over-read on self-help information. Self-awareness and being, or becoming more aware of my own behavior, as it relates to myself and then to others, is where my thinking and doing takes me. I'm about moving forward, for acknowledging to addressing today's problems, and what we can do to make a difference. It's important! At this point, I am only the messenger, offering solutions to the current suicide and drug crisis among our young people, in today's world; with a pathway to follow. Check out my website: tamingthewildhorses.com Currently, I am working at The Historic Wort Hotel's gift shop. Also, volunteer at our Senior Center. I enjoy being at home, cooking, having a garden (a good thinking and writing place), being with friends exploring the landscape, (which is amazing in Jackson Hole) and checking out our thrift stores. In just a couple of weeks, I'll be driving to Denver to be grandma to my teenage granddaughters for a month. In October, I'll be in Houston for a book-signing event for, "Taming the Wild Horses. Then back to my regular routine here in Jackson Hole. "Happy Trails Everyone!" B. Louise Bayer/Martens