As I go through my days, I often contemplate what life must have been like for those who lived in times past. 

 

My particular passion centers on 19th Century America.

We all read of the wagon trains that traversed the Oregon, California and Santa Fe Trails. 

We have watched the western movies  and TV shows.   We know the cowboys wore Stetsons and leather boots, rode horses, and strapped Colt .45's around their middle.  They were rough and daring - they captured my heart.

Whole families of pioneers made their way west over barely visible paths to settle a wild & untamed land.  Women & children followed their men.  

Native Americans, splendid and enduring, fought for the right to life as their people had always had known it.

We could not possibly comprehend their fears, their anxieties, their struggles day-to-day just to stay alive.