Ranch Stories: Tales from the Oasis

Drop a sleeping bag into the back of a pickup truck, not required but recommended; and drive north, out of the crowd, past the monotony of vineyards, over the curving mountain highway, onto a narrow winding asphalt quilt. Bits of rock rattle into your fender wells, as your tires roll onto a washboard gravel road and a dusty rooster tail whirls against your tailgate. After a while off to your left a gap in the wild oaks that line the roadside afford you a glimpse of Jerusalem Valley. A narrow stream snakes through a rocky riverbed. Sunlight flashes off the frame of dark solar panels that show you she's off the grid. Suddenly a solitary signpost appears with the word Oasis painted lazily across its face. Sliding to a stop, the dust cloud envelopes the pickup. When it clears you may blink or squint, as you get your first look at the straw bale ranch house. This is where Ranch Stories begin.

A chicken named Bug, a bare encounter with a bear and burrs in her panties. All things that creep and crawl, observed in league with the nimble curiosity of the cat that is her constant companion. These stories take us on a journey of discovery, laughter, heartbreak and rebirth, experienced by a woman on her own, in her own personal wilderness. Using vivid imagery humor and drama, Linda Drew leads us from the valley to the mountain, introducing us to a plethora of interesting creatures, man and beast along the way. Vignettes, poems and even a mouth watering recipe make up a well rounded rhythmic read.