Susan Larson's Blog - Posts Tagged "sam"
Riding the Real Sam
One of the great things about thundering around the countryside on the actual Sam, the hero of my book "Sam (a pastoral)," was knowing that all my neighbors were dead certain that 'that hoss is gonna kill that kid.'
Sam was very large imposing, wild-looking and full of zip-a-dee doo-dah. But my neighbors were mistaken about his murder potential.
I kept it a secret that Sam was a lamb. He had good ground manners as well as a doglike obedience under saddle. That he could have killed me in any number of ways is beyond question, but it was not in his nature at all.
Sam was very large imposing, wild-looking and full of zip-a-dee doo-dah. But my neighbors were mistaken about his murder potential.
I kept it a secret that Sam was a lamb. He had good ground manners as well as a doglike obedience under saddle. That he could have killed me in any number of ways is beyond question, but it was not in his nature at all.
Riding horses in the Good Ole Days
The way I (and the characters in "Sam (a pastoral)" rode our horses would strike horror into any riding instructor today.
First of all, no crash helmets. Often no saddle. Occasionally no bridle. Once or twice, no reins. At night, when it was too hot to ride in the daytime.
I certainly don't recommend doing this to any kid today. It is really hazardous.
'Mark my words, one of these days that horse is gonna kill that girl,' said my neighbors. It never happened.
First of all, no crash helmets. Often no saddle. Occasionally no bridle. Once or twice, no reins. At night, when it was too hot to ride in the daytime.
I certainly don't recommend doing this to any kid today. It is really hazardous.
'Mark my words, one of these days that horse is gonna kill that girl,' said my neighbors. It never happened.
Why is it called "Sam (a pastoral)"
What is "(a pastoral)" anyhow? The word 'pastoral' has several meanings, and all several apply to the "Sam" story.
'Pastoral' can mean 'An idyllic rural setting.' My book tells the story of city people who begin new lives in the countryside.
'Pastoral' can mean 'Relating to spiritual care or guidance.' 'Pastor' means 'a shepherd.' Sometimes a pastor is the minister of a church who cares for his flock. In my story there are many pastors, human and animal.
'Pastoral' is also a literary word, describing a poem or story about the lives of country people. They take place in places called 'Arcadia.'or 'The Forest of Arden' or even 'Eden.' There are usually some sheep hanging around. Sheep appear in cameo roles in "Sam."
Some famous writers of pastoral stories are Shakespeare, Spenser, Ben Jonson, John Milton, Virgil and Petrarch. Some composers of pastoral music are Beethoven, Mozart Handel, Vaughn Williams and Debussy.
'Pastoral' can mean 'An idyllic rural setting.' My book tells the story of city people who begin new lives in the countryside.
'Pastoral' can mean 'Relating to spiritual care or guidance.' 'Pastor' means 'a shepherd.' Sometimes a pastor is the minister of a church who cares for his flock. In my story there are many pastors, human and animal.
'Pastoral' is also a literary word, describing a poem or story about the lives of country people. They take place in places called 'Arcadia.'or 'The Forest of Arden' or even 'Eden.' There are usually some sheep hanging around. Sheep appear in cameo roles in "Sam."
Some famous writers of pastoral stories are Shakespeare, Spenser, Ben Jonson, John Milton, Virgil and Petrarch. Some composers of pastoral music are Beethoven, Mozart Handel, Vaughn Williams and Debussy.
Sam in Eden
The Farm in 'Sam' is Paradise for the young dreamer Ruthie and also for her father, who yearns to break free of his deadening job in the city and live in the natural world. Eden is a gift that is given to us. Eden can be lost. Once lost, Eden becomes a place we must fight for, and pay for at great cost. Ruthie is given her Eden, with its blooming orchard, clear streams, shining heavens, and friendly animals that she names and loves. She also loses Eden, and is lost to herself. In the 'Sam' story I wanted to give each character a chance at re-gaining their dream of Eden. Will they pay the price? Read 'Sam' and you'll find out.
