Capp says one day, maybe not too far from now, we may find a way to be together, like lovers, forever. I hope so. Ol’ Jon told me that wishing for things doesn’t make it so, but hope, now there’s something powerful. I believe Ol’ Jon ’cause he’s wise. I hold all the hope for Capp and me in my heart. My heart is full.
I saddled Jebediah to go to the Castle the other day. I rode along the wagon trail, thinking. I ended up at the artesian well. I let Jebedeiah take a long drink from the spring and went in the cave and looked at the Indian petroglyphs. Using a flashlight from my saddlebag, I walked into the dark recess of the cave to look again at the word Hattie. I thought about the legend of Del Henny bringing a colored woman with him to Glidewell.
I’ll never know if I’m a Del Henny or not. Mama could have made it up because she wanted to be part of something special. But when I think of the story Millie Camden told me and then look at what Buckus wrote on the rock wall, I feel something, like he was trying to tell me something important. When I think of the quote, “When filled with love, a heart endures,” I know it’s true. Because that’s what happened to me at Glidewell. My heart filled up with singing and people loving me and I endured, just like ol’ Buckus behind the Osage orange-tree fence. And now I will wait until Capp returns.
Meadowlark says I should write songs about all I feel. He says my feelings are important and my life gives me a bluesy soul. I am thinking my songs would be sad, they’d be about searching for love, family, and home. Sometimes I think I’ve found it all, right here at Glidewell behind the thorny fence. I wonder who was the guardian angel that helped me find this place. Sugar says that I am the one who made it happen. I can’t be sure, but sometimes, sometimes I think she might be right.
Bonne nuit, mon ami,
Maizie Sunday Glidewell Freedman
Acknowledgments
Through Tender Thorns is a work of historical fiction. Most of the characters are from the author’s imagination. Colonel Bradley of Idle Hour Farm, and Mary and James Glidewell were real people who lived during the time. The events of the novel were largely fabricated. The Vicksburg Massacre of 1874 and The Kentucky Derby of 1932 were well researched and generally accurate. The winners of the Kentucky Derby of 1935 were correctly stated, but there was no Glidewell horse in the competition. The Glidewell Ranch, Parkway Farm, and The Rising Star were all places of fiction.
Much thanks goes to my editor, Dr. Helga Schier of With Pen and Paper, for invaluable support and creative suggestions. She took a long and bumpy manuscript and helped me turn it into a smoother more intriguing telling. I learned a lot and my book is much better for it. I would like to express appreciation to copy editors Ellen Leach and Maxine Higginbotham for their “eagle eyes”. In addition, much gratitude goes to Jose Ramirez of Pedernales Publishing for all his help, expertise and encouragement. His calm assurance left me knowing I had his support throughout this project no matter how much time it took. Also, Jana Rade, graphic artist of Impact Studios created a book cover that is not only beautiful but also indicative of the time and place capturing the mood of Maizie’s journey.
Many friends, Eric Rough, Anne Vermeil, Alison Mellberg, Jen Nukton, and Patty Armstrong have taken the time to read and discuss my book. You all inspired me with your thoughtful suggestions and encouragement. To my family members, Jeanette Wolff, Angee Morriss and Garrett Morriss thanks for helping me find my voice in this epic tale.
Chris Goodlett, Director of Curatorial and Educational Affairs of the Kentucky Derby Museum, dug deep in the archives and found auction records that helped me determine the cost of a well-bred thoroughbred in the 1930s.
For all things computer related I have depended on Lyn Ian, an artist. She created my website, my book trailer, and helped me put useful programs to work during the process. She was a source of great inspiration and a confidence builder.
And lastly, I thank my husband Rich. He not only read and reread my book often but offered me the support, ideas and encouragement I needed to keep on going – my heart is full.
About the Author
Barbara Morriss lives in the hills of California’s central coast with her husband Rich and a pug named Gatzbee. Her interests include: reading good books, listening to music, watching good movies, painting with acrylics, creating dolls, and walking with her pug. Having enjoyed historical fiction all her life, she never dreamt that one day she would be writing historical novels. Barbara is now retired after thirty-four years of teaching in the fields of literature, writing, and history. Her works of historical fiction include: Finding Grace, A Promise in Autumn, and Through Tender Thorns.
Contents
Author’s Note
The Vicksburg Massacre
The Destination
The Arrival
Maizie’s Diary
The Glidewell Kitchens
Maizie’s Diary
Monday Nights
Maizie’s Diary
The Trail Ride
Maizie’s Diary
Stall Twenty
Maizie’s Diary
The Horse Auction
The Stetson
Maizie’s Diary
The Bandanas
A Revelation
The Leaving
New Rules
The Truth
Maizie’s Diary
The Riding Lesson
Maizie’s Diary
The Barn Meeting
Yearnings
Maizie’s Diary
Over Coffee
Making Ready
Getting to the Point
The Bugle
Maizie’s Diary
A Parting
Maizie’s Diary
The Start Barrier
Lessons Learned
Bumpy Dreams
An Afternoon Romp
Maizie’s Diary
The Performer
Qualifying
The Contentious Competitor
Maizie’s Diary
The Parade
Match Races at the Glidewell Ranch
Kick-off Dinner Party
The Dinner Guest
Knowing Horses
Sunday Races
A
