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the story teller — Every group has one, that guy; the guy who has a story, a story better than the one just told. If you feed this guy some libations you can actually watch his stories get bigger and bigger. The stories usually start out with “Hey, did I ever tell you about……or you probably won’t believe this but, I swear it’s true. They usually end with another swear of the truth. It seems that these stories are related to time somehow. The later the evening, the grander these tales become. We often take his stories as they say “with a grain of salt”, because we know him, we love him, and we know he absolutely means no harm. If you think about it, he’s in the entertainment business and that’s a good thing, otherwise, one of us would have to be “that guy”, you know….. “The Story Teller”. —Mike Tabor |
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| "THE STORY TELLER" |
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company man — Early mornings, fueled by coffee and anticipation of the days possibilities, he hits the road. Travels lead to adventure and new experiences. From L.A. to New York, this faithful servant performs his magic. The product is irrelevant; it may be steers in Montana or stocks in Manhattan. It’s his job, his responsibility. Pride in his effort quickens his step. On the ranch we call it “riding for the brand.” It means we represent, we stand behind and we honor our word. You can count on it. You can count on him. This is the modern day working man. Proud and focused for he is a “company man.”—Mike Tabor |
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| "company man" |
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Lines of Communication — Sometimes the weight seems too heavy. A young man trying to carve out a living ranching. Family land helps, but the other costs have things pulled pretty tight. There is no expense account, no company truck, and no cost of living increase. Just a product and a market that is extremely unpredictable. His pride spurs his want. A want to prove to everyone that he can make it. That he can survive. With so much ahead of him, he pauses for a moment to give thanks for his blessings; the little things, things that really do matter. Well-oiled bridle reins for direction. Steering a good horse that could probably lead himself. A good catch rope, for doctoring and relocation; but most of all, the strings of the heart. These little blessings are his lifelines. His “Lines of Communication.” —Mike Tabor |
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| "Lines of Communication" 25 x 11 |
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Patriarch — The Spaniards brought the longhorn to America in 1493. Their numbers estimated five million by the end of the Civil War. Known for their hardiness, the longhorn has the ability to adapt. It’s been said that they’ve withstood blizzards, droughts, and dust storms only to thrive. Ecologically adaptive with good health, fertility, disease resistance and soundness of body and limb the breed has easily adapted to all types of climate from the steamy Gulf Coastal regions to the colder higher elevations of the United States and Canada. Almost bred out of existence, by the 1920’s only a few small herds remained but, in 1927, the United States Forest Service gathered a small heard of breeding stock in south Texas and moved them to the Wichita Mountain’s Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Smaller herds were put in Texas state parks to perpetuate the breed. The stocks longevity, disease resistance and ability to thrive in marginal pastures have quickly revived this majestic creature. His perseverance has left his country with a true “Patriarch.” —Mike Tabor |
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| "Patriarch" 10 x 10 |
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Winds of Change — The role of the frontier woman is the same as it has been since the west was born. Up before sunrise, working long hard days till well past sunset. Generations of western women have followed the footsteps of their female role models, mothers, grandmothers, or just icons of admiration. Passing the torch down has brought about new and fresh ideas. These women truly have become the “Winds of Change.” —Mike Tabor |
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| "Winds of Change" 19 x 8 |
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betcha can't — Down time during branding season is NOT a good thing. Having to wait on cattle can leave cowboys time to get into trouble or worse, start a game of “Betcha Can’t”. A round rock was the only toy around, so the game begins. Don’t be fooled this is not about fun. Even though they act like it. It’s a competition. I can do this longer than you; I can do this better than you. I can outlast you. At some point in our lives we’ve either thought or actually spoken it out loud. Competitiveness among peers is a good thing. It brings out our best. It pushes us harder to go farther. Using this psychological tool strengthens the human spirit. So if you want to get the best out of your crew or some individual, try offering up the phrase “Betcha Can’t”.. —Mike Tabor |
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| "betcha can't" |
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5534 N. Highway 144 |
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