23 Comments

What a cheering tale to read on an icy cold day with tree limbs falling 360 degrees around my house! Thanks, Bill and Rancho.

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Thanks, Judith! Glad to add a little warmth.

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Oh Bill, pure delight. Your mysterious story gave me a footing to revisit the past, - your book, illustrations recalled, Tom G, your wonderful characters. Somehow they have all come very alive again. That’s what a great story teller you are. Stories don’t end do they— the good ones, I guess.

Truly, thank you!

Rich

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Thanks Rich!

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The illustration by Leif of Rancho is superb. Love the cowboy boots. Terrific colors, too. Thanks for sending this along, Bill. Great work, Leif!

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Thanks, Kate.

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Cool story!

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Dear Bill, I too am moved by the story of Rancho Rutabaga from long ago and his legacy to now, traveling through time, generation to generation to generation . May folks big and small hear and know his story again and again. Thank you for your silly, caring & lovely voice.

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Thank you, Sherie. That's where I remember meeting you - at one of my Rancho Rutabaga readings all those years ago.

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Delightful! I love a happy ending!! ❤️

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Ha! That's right! Thanks, Terri.

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What a great story to close out January on this chilly day. Warmed heart.

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Thanks, Lindsey. Glad I could help.

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Bill, this story makes me so happy. First, I didn't know all the permutations of your stories and character. But more, I am happy for you, that you received this gift from Leif. You are such a creative man and inspire so many of us. I am glad you have something tangible to show it.

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Thank you, Lyman!

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wow! isn’t it interesting to live this long and therefore be able to see surprising ends to old stories! how great of your nephew - and— how gifts can be passed down like the artistic talent. Very cool!

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It was so wonderful of Leif to take the time to make his painting. He has so much else to be doing! And yes, wonderful always to see creativity and talent bloom - it certainly did for him when he was young.

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Dear, dear Bill what an amazing progression for Rancho ❣️ How amazing Leif has brought so many relationships full circle with his fresh look at Rancho - clearly created with love and respect for you, his Dad and a family legacy ❤️❤️

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I agree!

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Oh Bill -- what a great story! And how cool that Leif was able to connect to your imagination! Love love love this!

-Rachel

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Thanks, Rachel

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Bill, I have been a Rancho fan since that first book. How fun it is to hear Rancho’s history and now to see Leif’s version. I love the connection to the characters between Larry and his son, our talented nephew. Now I want to see more. Hey Leif...an animated Rancho story sounds pretty awesome!!! What do you say?

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It was wonderful to realize Larry's hand in it all - putting me together with that original artist. I also remembered that he let me read some of the stories a couple times at Spellman's Bar. He was a good brother.

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