"You give but little if you give your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."
Good Morning,
Below you will find the results from last week’s survey. I know I know… last week wasn’t the best issue. I wrote way too many words about the idea of catching a horse. I drug you through the history of logical thought all to prove a silly point and show off my ability to drive a debate into the ground. I have officially let it go. Enjoy the results!
Thank you to everyone who filled out last week’s survey! I listened to a book this week about the hero’s journey and its role in literature. I’ve decided to write a short story using this framework as a guide. For those that answered in the survey, your answers will be interspersed into the following story. The situations and characters are made up and are not a reflection of anyone in particular.
-Weth Sinton
In a small town nested in rolling hills lived a young man by the name of Wonner Calker. Wonner was a tall, burly fella, with a shock of untamed hair that always managed to fall and cover his eyes. He had a playful grin that never left his face, and his eyes twinkled with mischief, like he was always thinking up something entertaining.
Despite his large build, Wonner was a nimble and skilled horseman. He had been riding since he was young on the rough streets of Ohio and had a natural talent for it. He was always on the hunt for new challenges to push his abilities and had won several local horse races. Wonner was a fantasizer at heart, always with his head in the clouds and his sights set on adventure. You’d catch him lounging in the shade of a tree, lost in his thoughts, dreaming of far-off lands and heroic deeds. His buddies would rib him for being stuck in his own world, calling him the “King of Daydreams.”
Wonner was born a dreamer, you know what I mean? He had this hunger inside him, a curiosity that couldn’t be satisfied with the everyday humdrum of life. He was always looking for something new, something to push him to his limits and beyond.
Now, some folks might say that Wonner was just running away from reality, that he was using his dreams as an escape from the real world. But that wasn’t it at all. For Wonner, imagining was a way to unleash his creative side, to see what was possible beyond the horizon.
Don’t think for a minute that Wonner was all imagination. No sir, he was a practical guy too, always had a plan in mind for achieving his goals. When it was time to get down to business, he knew how to make things happen.
One thing that Wonner loved more than anything was horses. He had a real connection with those majestic animals, like they were his kindred spirits or something. To him, they weren’t just beasts to be ridden; they were partners in his many adventures. They were friends who shared his love of the unknown. Ironically, when he was saddled up was the only time he felt unbridled.
Wonner has always been drawn to the wild horses that roamed free on the outskirts of his hometown. As a child, he would often sneak out of the house to spend time watching as they galloped through the fields, their manes whipping in the wind. He dreamed of one day taming one of these magnificent beasts and riding it through the countryside.
One day, as Wonner was sitting in his favorite daydreaming spot, a group of cowboys rode into town. They were in search of a wild horse that had been causing havoc on their ranch and were looking for skilled horsemen to help them capture it. Wonner couldn’t believe his luck – this was his chance to prove his mettle as a horseman and capture the wild horse he had been dreaming about.
As soon as Wonner heard about the cowboys’ mission, he knew he had to be a part of it. He approached the group of cowboys and asked to join their quest. They were hesitant at first, as Wonner had lived in the city for a few years for schooling, was still young, and relatively inexperienced. However, they saw the fire in his eyes and the determination on his face, and they decided to take him on as an apprentice.
With the cowboys’ help, Wonner’s plan was to set out into the wilderness, track down the wild horse and prove his worth as a horseman. The young man knew the road ahead was full of obstacles and hardships, but his heart yearned for adventure. With each passing moment, he felt the call of the wild grow stronger, drawing him towards an unknown and thrilling future. As he dreamed of riding out of town, his heart raced with excitement and anticipation, knowing that the adventure of a lifetime lay ahead of him.
However, Wonner was at a mental crossroads. He had always dreamed of capturing the wild horse, but now that he had the chance, he was hesitant. Dreams become weightier when reality becomes a possibility. The idea of risking his life and facing the wild was intimidating, and he wasn’t sure if he was ready for it. He knew that the dangers were real. The thought of risking everything he had for a single dream was terrifying, and the doubts in his mind started to cloud his judgment.
In the small town, word had gotten around about Wonner’s plan to capture the wild horse. Folks were talking, warning him about the dangers of such a venture. Wonner’s family and friends tried to talk him out of his plan. They told him it was too dangerous, that he was being reckless and should be content with the life he had. Some even believed it would take the strength of 20 men or more to catch the horse. They reminded him of all the things he stood to lose if he went through with it, including his own life. But still, he couldn’t bring himself to back down. The fire inside him burned too bright, and he knew he had to see this through to the end, no matter the cost. He believed he was built different.
But as the days passed, Wonner became more and more unsure of himself. He started to have doubts about his own abilities, and the more he thought about it, the more afraid he became. He knew that if he backed down now, he would regret it for the rest of his life, but he also knew that the risks were real, and the consequences of failure could be dire.
He spent many sleepless nights, pondering over his decision and trying to come up with a plan. He didn’t need to be asleep to see this dream clearly. But as hard as he tried, he couldn’t shake off the feeling of doubt that had taken hold of him. Finally, he decided to put his plan on hold and take some time to think things through. He knew that he needed to face his fears and find the courage to move forward, but he wasn’t sure how to do it.
As Wonner sat on the riverbank, his heart heavy and his mind troubled, he saw a figure in the distance. The closer the figure came, the more Wonner recognized him as the ghost spirit of his grandfather, Grand Michael. Grand Michael had always been known as a wise man in the town, with many people turning to him for advice during difficult times.
Grand Michael sat beside Wonner, who poured out his heart about his desire to catch the wild horse but his fear and uncertainty about how to go about it. Grand Michael listened attentively, nodding in empathy. He then began to tell Wonner a story about a young man named Kurtis who was faced with a similar situation and was able to overcome his fears to reach his goal. “It’s not about how big or strong you are,” Grand Michael said, “it’s about how determined you are to succeed.”
The story ignited a spark in Wonner, inspiring him and renewing his hope. Grand Michael then took on the role of mentor once again, teaching Wonner about the ways of the wild, the art of animal tracking, and how to win over the trust of the wild stallion. He taught Wonner how to read the body language of the horse, and how to communicate with it.
For many days, Wonner learned from his grandfather’s spirit, soaking in all of his wisdom and knowledge. He slowly gained the confidence he needed to take on the challenge of catching the wild horse, thanks to the guidance of his wise and loving Grand Michael.
Wonner now felt ready to face whatever lay ahead. He knew that he would still face many challenges and obstacles, but he had the knowledge and skills he needed to overcome them. He watched as the ghostly spirit evaporated. With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, Wonner went home, mounted his horse Merle, and set out on his quest to capture the wild horse. The other cowboys had moved on. They felt their band of 7 wasn’t enough men to take down a wild horse, they would likely need 8-20. Wonner on the other hand, believed he alone could capture the stallion.
Wonner left the town at daybreak, carrying a few provisions and his trusty lasso named Ted. As he made his way towards the mountains, he felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. He knew that the journey ahead would be long and perilous, but he was determined to see it through. He had a plan in mind and the confidence to execute it.
After several hours of riding, Wonner reached the foothills of the mountains. He could feel the temperature dropping as he ascended higher, and the air grew thinner with each step. He began to feel the weight of the journey bearing down on him, but he pushed on, driven by a sense of purpose and determination.
As he crossed the threshold (hero’s journey step 5) into the mountains, Wonner felt a surge of adrenaline. He was entering a new world, a realm of danger and adventure. He knew that he would encounter many obstacles along the way, but he felt ready to face them head-on. He gripped his lasso (Ted) tighter and took a deep breath, ready to take on whatever lay ahead.
The path Wonner had embarked on was not for the faint of heart. He and Merle traversed through the rugged terrain of the mountain range. Every step they took was a gamble. One misstep could lead to certain doom. But Wonner was not one to back down from a challenge. He was on a mission, and he would see it through to the end.
As the sun began to set, the dense forest that lay ahead of them was a daunting challenge. Wonner was sure that he could make it through before nightfall. However, fate had other plans. A pack of wolves suddenly appeared, ready to make their prey of Wonner and Merle.
Wonner drew his knife, ready to fight with all he had. But it was Merle who was the true hero of the moment. The magnificent horse rose up on his hind legs, striking one of the wolves in the face with his powerful hooves. The wolf tumbled to the ground, and Wonner quickly made his move, plunging his knife into the wolf’s heart. The rest of the pack quickly retreated into the shadows of the forest, and Wonner and Merle continued on their way.
Despite the challenges he faced, Wonner pressed on, knowing that he was on the right path. The journey was perilous, but his determination and grit kept him moving forward, step by step.
It didn’t get easier from there. They had to face new challenges and adversaries at every turn. But one of the things that made the journey more bearable was the unlikely ally they found in Gus Chiggins, a grizzled old prospector who had spent his entire life in search of gold. Merle was startled by the sound of rattling pots and pans. Wonner quickly located the source of the sound when he saw the lumbering old Gus waddling towards them. Gus was a tough old fella, but he quickly developed a soft spot for Wonner and agreed to help him on his quest.
For several days, Wonner and Gus rode together, testing their skills and building a bond that grew stronger with each passing mile. Gus had a wealth of knowledge when it came to surviving in the wilderness, and he taught Wonner how to read the land, track animals, and survive in harsh conditions.
As they traveled, Wonner found himself opening up to Gus in a way he had never done with anyone before. He talked about his dreams and his fears, and Gus listened intently, offering words of wisdom and encouragement. Wonner felt a kinship with Gus, a sense that they were kindred spirits on a shared journey.
Gus, in turn, shared stories of his own adventures and offered valuable insights into the wild horse they were pursuing. He had a deep respect for these powerful creatures, and he taught Wonner how to read their movements and behaviors, and how to track them through the hills and valleys.
Despite the harsh conditions, Wonner felt alive and invigorated. He was being tested in ways he had never been before, and he was discovering new strengths and abilities within himself. Gus pushed him hard, demanding his best at all times, but he also showed him great kindness and generosity, sharing his food and water and offering a reassuring hand when Wonner was feeling unsure or afraid.
Over time, Wonner began to see Gus not just as a mentor and an ally, but as a true friend. They shared meals and stories around the campfire, and Wonner found himself looking forward to each new day with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Together, they rode deeper into the wilderness, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
But not everyone they encountered was friendly. As Wonner, Merle, and Gus made their way through a narrow mountain pass, they were ambushed by a band of bandits. The bandits were a rough-looking bunch, armed with pistols and rifles. They demanded that Wonner and Gus hand over their horse and weapons, but the duo weren’t about to give up without a fight. Wonner drew his pistol and fired a warning shot. The bandits responded to the warning by firing back. Gus pulled out his gun and took aim at the leader. As shots flew through the air, Gus remained focused. He took aim and put a bullet right between the leader of the bandits’ eyes. As the others fled, Wonner and Gus began to celebrate. Jumping up and down in an embrace. The celebration ended as the two pulled apart. Wonner noticed blood pooling on Gus’ shirt. He had been hit in the crossfire.
Tears ran down Wonner’s face as he tried to remain strong and collected. Gus knew it was bad. He wasn’t a young man anymore. He tore off his sleeve that wasn’t soaked through and began to wrap it around his wound. As he saw Wonner fight back tears, Gus told him to go get some clean water so he could clean. As Wonner ran, he allowed the emotion to boil over. Ain’t no shame in crying as a man and boy did Wonner cry. Recognizing Gus had become family to him, he thought of his own family back home.
Wonner collected himself, gathered the water, and made his way back to where Gus was. When he arrived, he found Gus laying motionless. He ran over to him and saw he was too late. Gus was gone. This time he didn’t cry. Wonner knew Gus was a man without regrets. He spent the rest of the day digging a gravesite. Wonner spoke a few words. If a man delivers a beautiful eulogy in the woods and nobody is around to hear, is it still moving? This one was. After filling in the grave, Wonner and Merle rode on. They now had another reason to succeed.
As the days went on, Wonner encountered more tests of his strength and endurance. One such test came in the form of a treacherous river crossing. The river was deep and fast-moving, and Wonner knew that attempting to cross it could be dangerous. He also knew that there was no other way to reach his goal. He stripped down to his underwear and waded into the water, leading Merle by the reins. The water was freezing cold, and the current was strong. But Wonner was determined to make it to the other side. He pushed through the icy water, his teeth chattering and his muscles aching. Merle struggled to keep up, but they finally made it to the other side. Though successful, Wonner had lost his lasso (Ted) and all his tools in the current. He could see them floating away in the distance.
Wonner continued to push forward. He knew that he was getting closer to his goal with every passing day. As he journeyed deeper into the wilderness, he began to realize that he was becoming more than just a dreamer – he was becoming a hero. He was on the hero’s journey.
Wonner and Merle traveled deeper into the wilderness, their progress slowed by the rugged terrain and the looming presence of the wild stallion. They were drawing closer to the heart of the horse’s territory, and with each day, the tension and excitement grew.
As they approached the cave where the wild stallion was known to sleep, Wonner knew that the time for planning and preparation was over. It was time to face the stallion and prove himself as a horseman. He spent long hours poring over maps and scouting the surrounding area, looking for any advantage he could find. He readied himself for the battle ahead.
But as the day of the final confrontation drew near, Wonner’s nerves began to fray. He had never faced a challenge like this before. The thought of failing filled him with dread. He tried to push these doubts from his mind, reminding himself of his own inner strength and the lessons he had learned from Grand Michael and Gus Chiggins. But the weight of his own expectations and the pressure of his friends and family weighed heavily on him.
Despite his fears, Wonner remained determined to face the stallion and prove himself as a true horseman. He knew that this was the moment he had been preparing for his whole life, and he refused to let his doubts get the best of him. He drew strength from Merle and the memory of Gus, who had become like family to him.
Together, they approached the cave, their hearts pounded with excitement and trepidation. The stallion loomed before them, a fierce and majestic beast, its eyes fixed on Wonner. For a moment, they stood frozen, staring at each other across the divide. Then, with a wild cry, the stallion charged forward, kicking up dust and soil as it thundered towards them.
Wonner could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he watched the wild horse tear through the underbrush, its muscles rippling with every movement. He knew that this was the moment he had been waiting for, the ultimate test of his horsemanship skills. But as the horse reared up on its hind legs and let out a fierce snort, Wonner couldn’t help but feel a wave of doubt wash over him. This was no ordinary horse, but he was no ordinary man.
With a deep breath, Wonner reminded himself of his determination and grit. He had come too far to back down now. This was his chance to prove himself, not just to his friends and family, but to himself. And so, with a fierce determination, he mounted his own trusty steed and charged towards the wild horse.
The wild horse was fast and fierce, and Wonner found himself struggling to keep up as the stallion ran. He refused to give up, driving himself and his own horse to the brink of exhaustion. The chase continued for hours, with Wonner and the wild horse locked in a fierce battle of wills.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Wonner felt his own strength beginning to wane. Merle was exhausted, and the wild horse was still going strong. Wonner knew that this was it, the moment of truth. He took a deep breath, gathering all of his courage and determination, and charged forward once more.
The wild horse was almost within reach when suddenly, it spun around and charged towards Wonner and his horse. Wonner was caught off guard, and Merle stumbled, throwing him to the ground. He felt a sharp pain in his leg as he hit the dirt, and before he knew it, the wild horse was upon him.
Wonner fought with all his might, but the wild horse was too strong. He could feel its hot breath on his face, its hooves pounding on him driving his body into the ground. In that moment, he knew this was it – the moment of truth. He closed his eyes. His vision was tunneling and it seemed like this was the end. Wonner prepared for the worst. Then, booming from the ether he heard familiar voices calling out to him. They were the voices of Grand Michael and Gus speaking as one. They reminded him who he was. They reminded him how far he’d come. With a renewed sense of purpose, Wonner rallied his strength.
His mind raced with ways he could defeat the stallion. From the sensible like keeping the horse moving until it is exhausted (though he remembered his chase and the seemingly endless endurance of the stallion), to group efforts had the cowboys joined him like flanking or surrounding the horse’s front, back, and two sides with at least 4 men. Yet he was alone. He thought about long term plans like waiting for the horse to take a nap or slowly gaining his trust and taking him down over time (though that would be a real commitment), or even putting his hand up and saying “wait” while slowly approaching the stallion as you would a cute dog. In his delirious state he even considered distracting the horse with a sexy horse costume.
All of these ideas raced through his mind in a flash, like Spirit from the movie Spirit (no affiliation with the airline). His first real credible thought was to attempt to dig a hole and have the stallion run into it, breaking its ankle. This idea, genius as it was, would succeed in capturing the stallion, but it would leave him crippled and Wonner had gained too much respect for the beast. No, Wonner had to defeat the stallion strength for strength.
Wonner struggled to his feet, his leg throbbing with pain, as the wild horse circled him, its eyes blazing with fury. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he took a deep breath and tried to calm his racing thoughts. Wonner knew that he had to act fast if he was going to have any chance of subduing the beast.
He tried a few different approaches, each one more daring than the last. First, he tried to fashion a makeshift lasso for the horse with weeds, but the stallion was too fast and the weeds ripped immediately (of course). Then, he tried to jump onto the horse’s back, but it reared up and kicked him back to the ground.
For a moment, Wonner laid there, dazed and disoriented. He could hear the voices of his mentors in his head, urging him to get up and keep fighting. With a fierce determination, he sprang to his feet and faced the wild horse head-on.
The horse charged towards him, its hooves pounding the ground. Wonner braced himself, his heart pounding in his chest. At the last possible moment, he dodged to the side and grabbed onto the horse’s mane. With a powerful tug, he pulled the horse to a halt. He couldn’t believe it, was one man’s strength equal to that of a wild stallion? He began to think of himself as Sampson from the Bible (or Samus as Wonner called him). That momentary prideful pause was all the stallion needed to break free.
Wonner felt hopeless. His one chance had literally slipped through his hands. Suddenly, he remembered a quote a dear friend of his used to say, “a song can change the world.” He began to sing a soft tune, swaying his body in time with the rhythm. To his surprise, the wild horse paused in its tracks and cocked its head to one side, as if listening to the music. Wonner continued to sing, slowly approaching the horse with outstretched arms. The wild horse snorted and took a step back, but Wonner persisted, softly singing and moving closer. Finally, he was within reach of the horse. With a sudden leap, he landed on its back. The wild horse reared up, bucking and kicking, trying to throw him off. But Wonner held on tight, his arms wrapped around its neck. He whispered gentle words in the horse’s ear, and to his amazement, the horse slowly began to calm down. He had done it. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar and you catch more stallions with a song than a lasso.
With the wild horse captured and secured, Wonner felt a sense of pride and satisfaction like he had never experienced before. The months of hard work and dedication had paid off, and he had proven his worth as a horseman and as a man. As he rode back to his village with the magnificent beast by his side, he felt like he was on top of the world.
As Wonner arrived, he was greeted as a hero. The news of his victory spread quickly, and the people of the village came out to celebrate his success. They gathered around him, cheering and congratulating him on his achievement.
Wonner felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that he has never felt before. He had completed the Hero’s Journey and emerged from the ordeal a changed man. He had proven himself to be a worthy hero, and he knew he would never be the same again.
It is not just the wild horse that Wonner has brought back with him. He also gained a newfound sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the challenges and rewards of the journey. He learned that the road to success is often paved with obstacles, and that true strength comes from facing and overcoming adversity.
As Wonner stood in the village square, surrounded by his friends, family, and neighbors, he knew that he had returned with something more valuable than any prize or reward – he had returned with the knowledge that one man could capture and defeat a wild horse. In short, he had the answer to the fifth issue of the Daily Dispatch. A unique and priceless prize indeed.
The End
Poetry Corner
Enjoy this poem about the hero’s journey
Let me be your hero
Would you dance, if I asked you to dance?
Would you run, and never look back?
Would you cry, if you saw me cryin’?
And would you save my soul tonight?
Would you tremble, if I touched your lips?
Would you laugh?
Oh, please, tell me this
Now, would you die for the one you loved?
Hold me in your arms tonight
I can be your hero, baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my very breath away
Would you swear that you’ll always be mine?
Or would you lie?
Would you run and hide?
Am I in too deep?
Have I lost my mind?
I don’t care, you’re here tonight
I can be your hero, baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away
Oh, I just wanna hold you
I just want to hold you, oh, yeah
Am I in too deep?
Have I lost my mind?
Well, I don’t care, you’re here tonight
I can be your hero, baby
I can kiss away the pain, oh, yeah
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away
And I can be your hero
I can kiss away the pain
And I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away
You can take my breath away
I can be your hero
-Enrique Iglesias
Hand Selected Articles From Me To You
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I must apologize for last week’s outro. I thought I could get away with hiring an intern to write these as the issues are getting longer and longer so it was unlikely people read to the end anyways. Well, I had a very important donor unsubscribe and pull funding due to the foul language displayed in last week’s outro. The intern has been fired. I also sent an anonymous tip to the FBI stating that intern was a major player in the Fyre Festival disaster. Anyways, it’s back to being good ole’ Seth. Totally Seth writing these and not a new intern fearing for his life and future. Happy Friday to all and to all a happy Friday!
All My Love,
Seth Winston
