mail disclaimer! If I stopped by your page, and did not send you a message, It was for one of two reasons. Either I didnt see common grounds for contact,or you included a restriction on your page that precluded my contacting you. Same thing applies to my saying hello to folks that dropped by to read my page. Manners says if some one visits, you should at least acknowledge their visit.

Before I start talking about myself, I should point out that I am a Christian, and without my Lord and Savior Jesus Of Nazareth, I wouldn't be here to describe anything.Jesus is my reason for being. I recently joined the Bar Cross Ranch Cowboy Church in Mansfield. Long drive, but well worth the trip.

So , What does a guy say here, without sounding either desperate, or like a used car salesman? I guess the best place to start is the beginning huh? I'm a child of the 60's,(if you don't understand what that means, go get a note from your parents, you aren't old enough to be on this page without adult supervision) I've been a rocker and a cowboy, and outlaw and an angel. A lover and a friend, an employee and an employer. I've been a jock and a head, a geek and a dunce. I guess the short way to say all this is I've done some living. I've made my share of mistakes. I've also had my share of successes.If it's true that the best education comes from the University of Hard Knocks, I double majored, and went back for post grad and then went back again for doctoral study .( The good Lord knows, I got a PhD. Piled higher and Deeper) :o) But in almost 50 years of living, and making mistakes, I've finally figured out the things in life that have REAL value.It took sobering up and falling off the bar stool, to realize the game of life isn't "he who dies with the most and best toys, wins". It took several heart attacks and a triple bypass, not to mention a divorce, to finally get it through my stubborn head.
But that's the past. Some of it I'm not too proud of, some makes me happier than words can express. All of it has made me the man I am today. God walked with me down the roads I've been down, so I'd know that to be forgiven I'd have to learn how to forgive. I try my best to live by the following precepts. If I fall short, it wasn't for a lack of trying.
The Cowboy Code:
I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one. That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world. That God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself. In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally and to fight when necessary for that which is right. That a man should make the most of what equipment he has. That " this government, of the people, by the people, and for the people," shall live always. That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number. That sooner or later…somewhere…somehow…we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken. That all things change, but the truth, and the truth alone lives on forever. I believe in my creator, my country, my fellow man.
The Code of the West was always unwritten, here is a list of some of the guidelines:
Don't inquire into a person's past. Take the measure of a man for what he is today.
Never steal another man's horse. A horse thief pays with his life
Defend yourself whenever necessary.
Look out for your own.
Remove your guns before sitting at the dining table.
Don't make a threat without expecting dire consequences.
Never pass anyone on the trail without saying "Howdy".
When approaching someone from behind, give a loud greeting before you get within shooting range.
Don't wave at a man on a horse, as it might spook the horse. A nod is the proper greeting.
After you pass someone on the trail, don't look back at him. It implies you don't trust him.
Riding another man's horse without his permission is nearly as bad as making love to his wife. Never even bother another man's horse.
A cowboy doesn't talk much; he saves his breath for breathing.
No matter how weary and hungry you are after a long day in the saddle, always tend to your horse's needs before your own, and get your horse some feed before you eat.
Cuss all you want, but only around men, horses and cows.
Complain about the cooking and you become the cook.
Always drink your whiskey with your gun hand, to show your friendly intentions
Do not practice ingratitude.
A cowboy is pleasant even when out of sorts. Complaining is what quitters do, and cowboys hate quitters.
Always be courageous. Cowards aren't tolerated in any outfit worth its salt.
A cowboy always helps someone in need, even a stranger or an enemy.
Never try on another man's hat.
Be hospitable to strangers. Anyone who wanders in, including an enemy, is welcome at the dinner table. The same was true for riders who joined cowboys on the range.\
Give your enemy a fighting chance.
Never wake another man by shaking or touching him, as he might wake suddenly and shoot you.
Real cowboys are modest. A braggart who is "all gurgle and no guts" is not tolerated.
Be there for a friend when he needs you.
A cowboy is loyal to his "brand," to his friends, and those he rides with.
Never shoot an unarmed or unwarned enemy. This was also known as "the rattlesnake code": always warn before you strike. However, if a man was being stalked, this could be ignored.
Never shoot a woman no matter what.
Consideration for others is central to the code, such as: Don't stir up dust around the chuck wagon, don't wake up the wrong man for herd duty, etc.
Respect the land and the environment by not smoking in hazardous fire areas, disfiguring rocks, trees, or other natural areas.
Honesty is absolute - your word is your bond, a handshake is more binding than a contract.
Live by the Golden Rule.
So who is the "me" today? I'm an intelligent, funny, happy, guy who's had to learn to laugh at adversity to weep with the joy at the life God has given me.
Ok, if you want to know more than that, you're gonna have to ask. Be sure you can handle the answers though. It's all I can do to just be me, and I don't have the time or energy to try to be someone or something I'm not.
Now, for who I'm looking for.
My ideal lady, would be caring, compassionate loving and forgiving.( especially forgiving :o) ) She'll be the kind of woman who is strong enough to corral me when I'm wrong, speak and maintain her own opinion, attractive inside and out.

I'm a recovering alcoholic. (made some bad decisions after my divorce) Was sober for 15 years before. I'm sober because I choose to be. That's my choice. Your lifestyle is your choice, and I'm not the judge. I'm ok with any first opportunity, that lets us get to know one another as friends. What happens, and where we end up, is Gods decision.
Update 11/08/08
I went out with a friend this evening, and while we were out, I had a couple of drinks.
I make no excuses for doing so, I choose to have them, and I did. No, I wasn't influenced, or looking to alter my reality. I made the choice, before I ordered, and had two and then went home. Whether I do so again or not, only time will tell. But I felt honor bound to say this here because of the statements above. Honor also requires I leave that statement there.If it becomes an issue again, I'll remove my profile until such time I feel I can be a contributing partner. That's the fair thing, or at least that's how I see it anyway. If this concerns you in any way, either ask abut it up front, or move on. That is your choice, and I respect that.
Ken Livingston

Folks this is so important, that I can't over emphasize it. The reason we are here on this planet, is to help each other. To Pray For Each Other ! The marriage unit was originally intended to fulfill this purpose.("2 or more,gather in My name") But somehow, that got subverted. ( I think most of us know how )
Because of the nearly 60% divorce rate, we no longer have 2 or more, handy when we ask God for healing and blessings. That's why these social pages can be a blessing from God. It gives each of us access to others we call and consider friends. The deal is though, when one of us asks for prayer, the rest of us need to stop for a second, and ask our God to do for the people who ask, and to grant those requests. If we do, and God doesn't have other plans, and we BELIEVE that it's done(this part is extremely necessary, other wise it's just words) God will do for us, what we ask of Him.
May the Lord of your understanding richly bless and keep you all, and fill your lives with Grace. Happy Fishing ya'll