SIMMONS BOOK

Happy Holidays and Happy 2010 New Year

jane@simmonsbook.com — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:38:00 GMT

My continued thanks and appreciation to those of you who have been purchasing my book as holiday gifts -- taking advantage of the online price of $33 (which is $16 less than its retail price). I wish all of you a Happy 2009 Holiday and a Happy 2010 New Year.

Thank You!

jane@simmonsbook.com — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:55:00 GMT

For those who continue to buy my book: Arthur Simmons: American Icon Of The Horse World, on this website, many thanks!

The book is timeless, and in fact, becomes more valuable with each passing day .. as an insight into the first half of the 20th Century in America's horse industry. So much has changed since my youth of growing up in the family of a a respected and internationally known horseman.

I write about a childhood with stay-at-home moms, no TV, no cell phones, no computers, no super highways, low taxes, and a World War that followed just three decades after the previous one. Those in the horse industry were impacted and influenced daily by this pace of life in a way few can imagine today.

Young people say they love reading about my accounts of exhibiting my pony in the several horse shows near where we lived -- my feelings riding in front of a judge, my work with my pony to practice for the show ring, and how my Dad helped me handle the scare caused by my pony's falling backwards with me ... in front of hundreds of people in the horse show's audience. My book is the beginning of my own autobiography!

Throughout those years, my Dad moved with the flow, always finding work through the Great Depression of the 30s, and keeping his horses in top performance shape in the 40s .. even during World War II .. when many horse shows were canceled. With our move to Mexico, Missouri in 1949, the pace of our lives exploded into even more fame for Art Simmons and his horses.

For interesting reading during these upcoming winter months, do take advantage of the lower online price of $33 (retail price is $49.95) for my historical biography of my famous horseman Father's early years. It is 328 pages with over 700 photographs (each with a caption), and an Index listing more than 2,100 horses, people, and stables in alphabetical order.

Be warned: build your arm muscles because my book weighs 2-1/2 pounds!

You can give this unique one-of-a-kind Holiday gift to a special horse-loving friend. Just click on the "Buy Now" button and have your credit card number ready to type in for PayPal, which is one of the most secure payment systems online.

Or, mail your check (click HERE for mailing instructions or information on Library orders). The book is mailed directly to the provided address via the U.S. Postal Service.

Please contact me if you wish to have the book autographed. Thanks!

2009 Book Tour

jane@simmonsbook.com — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:01:00 GMT

Jane E. B. Simmons
Orlando, Florida
cell: 954-655-5327

May 2009 Update Report on my book tours

My main book tour focus this year will be the western side of Missouri.

In early August, I hope to be packing my suitcase for book signings in Kansas City, in Sedalia at the 2009 Missouri State Fair Horse Show from August 11-15, and in Jefferson City, the Capitol of the state. God will’n and the creek don’t rise (as the ole saying goes), I will get to reach lots of people who are close to these stops.

Last year, I worked through Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Illinois, ending up at the 2008 St. Louis National Charity Horse Show at the end of September. A few days later, I attended the 2008 St. Brendan class reunion while in Mexico visiting my Brother Jim and Mary Jane, and long-time friends. Then, it was back here to Orlando. Last fall, I had tentatively planned to do a tour this spring, being on the road in April and May; however, the economic news still seems iffy.

Even with America’s economic health, I am delighted by those who continue to order my book on www.SimmonsBook.com, through the secure PayPal procedure. People tell me they like being able to use a credit card to purchase my book, which is being offered on the website for only $33 (plus S&H of $6.50 which PayPal shows), which is a $16 savings from the retail price.

My heart is warmed by the compliments that come in on the book. They are great.

Many are discovering what a rich source of horse industry historical information I packed into its 328 pages: behind the scenes of horse sales and shows; little known gossip-type tidbits about horse show judges and horse owners; actual show results in major classes in which Art Simmons showed, and even a few he didn't .. if the horses were famous; the breeding and the prices for which horses sold, and the buyers; snippets of world events as they impacted the industry during these decades up to 1950; the day to day life of Americans who had horses at the center of their lives (more than 2,100 names of stables, horses, and horse owners are listed in the books' Index); and mini-biographies of the key people in my Father's life. Outlaw Frank James even shows up, along with Buffalo Bill, and Tom Bass. I included more than 700 pictures, each with a description under it. At least one unusually fun or fascinating fact graces every page!

Today's horse industry in America was built on the lives and times of the people who "live" in my story about my Dad's early years when he turned to horses after the loss in his pre-teen life at the death of his beloved mother, and the legends white and African-American horsemen who were his mentors, and the impact of the Great Depression, along with The Great War, and World War II on the decisions in his life.

My memories of growing up with a Father famous in the Saddlebred Horse industry cover a time when a horseman's child could be care-free and ride everyday right on the same property where we lived. I had a life of making "hide-outs" made of straw bales, and loving my furry friends (cats and dogs). Chasing the chickens and playing with the ducks were options, as was sitting under the weeping willow trees .. offering a quiet break from the exciting activity of the stables.

So many ole-timers tell me how they enjoy reading my accounts of going to the umpteen horse shows that filled the calendars nearly every weekend for those who loved showing their horses. With no fast food restaurants, picnic baskets held the delicious homemade meals. Horses were tethered to the trailers and trucks in which they were transported to the show areas, that most often were city parks. Children ran to and fro in between helping adults prepare their horses for showing. Many of us got to show our ponies too.

These were the days of "family" interaction and sharing; no driving kids, leaving them, and learning about the news afterward. These were the days of parents and children sharing the fun of readying horses for competition, counting their winnings, displaying their ribbons, and falling exhausted into their beds at the end of the trip -- already looking forward to the next weekend's horse show.

All of this was done for a lot less money than today. Multi-thousand dollar horses and expensive hotel rooms and long airplane flights were not yet a major part of the horse industry of my youth. Those days will come into my story about my Father's life in Volume Two.

First, though, the goal at hand is getting Volume One out and around to those who want it. So remember, you can buy it right from your computer .. online at SimmonsBook.com .. so I look forward to learning from PayPal of your order. If you would like an autographed copy, just indicate that when you order.

Watch this space for updates of the book tour plans as they continue to develop.

Love and blessings,
Jane

What a Year Was '08

jane@simmonsbook.com — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:22:00 GMT

2008 was a year packed with a lot of activity – especially with the tours for my fourth book, an historical biography of my Dad, Art Simmons. Seeing the 328 pages filled with the years of my research done in libraries and newspaper offices around the country, and hundreds of interviews, filled my little ole heart with a great sense of accomplishment. The same feeling, I am sure, everyone has upon realizing a major life goal. The slight difference with me, I think, is that I plan to do two more volumes on my Father’s more than 80-year life, in which some 70 were filled with horses.

The project revealed itself to be a double task: a biography of my famous horseman parent’s early years, AND an autobiography of my first decade of life, since I write the story from my memories and viewpoint. The readers of this “two for one” story truly are getting an unique inside peek into the world of horses during the 100 years covered in Volume One, as well as an eye-level view of America. I felt readers would enjoy “seeing” the big picture – so, I included what was happening across our country and around the world as Dad pursued his dream. In addition, I wrote many mini-biographies of horse people, and family members – all of whom impacted my Dad and Mother’s lives. Also, I included more than 700 photographs, each with a caption. Many of the photos had not been seen outside of the family.

In late July, I moved from the peacefulness of living in the countryside of Central Florida. After those four years in The Villages, Water Oak Estates, and in the Cottage on Lake Eustis, I was ready to live where restaurants are open 24/7, so I found a lovely place in the international big city energy of Orlando.

I also realized a fun goal of working at Disney World. You know: what I wanted to do when I grew up. In between marketing my book, I took a part-time assignment in June working at Magic Kingdom. What great fun. Constantly, people from my home state of Missouri came up to me when they saw “Mexico MO” on my nametag. Recently, though, I went on medical leave as walking became very painful in my right leg. Thus, I was directed to do Physical Therapy twice a week at nearby Health Central hospital. It really is helping. There are those who talk about knee surgery or hip surgery. I am not one of them. Alternative health methods may take longer, yet it is my preference.

Because of the Stock Market Crash in September, I came up with a lower price for the book I call the “Help-The-Economy Price” of $33. The tanking of the economy affects all of us, so I totally understand about having to pick and choose purchases. I am happy and grateful when individuals pick my book.

In January ’09, I begin doing lectures on the book within the Orange County Library System, and being a guest speaker at some of the schools and organizations in the area. Soon, I plan to do reporting online – with lots of photos -- on the book tours during this past year. Many people were involved in the trips and to all of them I say: thank you and Happy New Year. I also wish ALL of you who are reading this blog a Happy 2009.

Why your November Vote Doesn’t Directly Count

jane@simmonsbook.com — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:11:00 GMT

Some of you might be surprised to learn that your vote in November is not going to count as you cast it. Not because of hanging chads, or an electronic voting machine conspiracy. Rather because of a decision made back in 1787.
Thanks to a Scotsman from Pennsylvania, a small group of politically savvy people will officially determine who will be the next President of the United States. No, they are not Super Delegates of the party conventions. These people are our politics-loving friends and neighbors who worked hard to be members of the Electoral College.

The Electoral College is where the President is actually officially picked. When we cast our November 4, 2008 ballots for the name of the Presidential candidate we want, the real truth is we are voting for a political activist who is a supporter of the candidate. These Electors, who are selected by various methods in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, become members of this uniquely American institution.

The man who gets 270 votes in the Electoral College will be the next President of the United States.

Why do we do this? Back in 1787, our Founding Fathers had concerns about the citizenry electing the leader of our country without some check and balance. This concern about mob rule, I find interesting, since the only ones who had a vote back then were white male property owners. It was later that black men, and then women, got the right to vote.

So, Pennsylvania’s James Wilson offered the “electors” idea as a compromise to the Constitutional Convention’s Delegates. They voted for it. You will not find mention of the Electoral College in the U. S. Constitution because the actual name came later.

Each state chooses Electors equal to the number of U. S. Congressional members representing that state in Washington, D.C. Thus, each state gets at least three electors (two Senators and one Representative). Huge population states have more Electors. No Elector can be a Federal government employee.

The 2008 Electors will be picked on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November – the same day as the General Election. They will meet as the College to cast their votes on December 15th. In most states, the Electors are required to vote our wishes. In many states, it’s winner take all, once a candidate gets one more vote over 50 percent of the total votes.

Stay alert. Based on the current census taken in 2000, a Presidential candidate could win by carrying only 11 states due in part to the winner-take-all system that has evolved since 1787.

Some citizens think this current effort to keep special interest groups from taking over the selection of the Leader of the Free World should be retained. Others believe the Electoral College should be abolished. Hey, maybe American Express could handle the job of certifying each qualified voter -- assuring each person only voted once, after formulating a national plan protecting each vote from unprincipled groups. []

Drive-by Shopping

jane@simmonsbook.com — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:36:00 GMT

Drive-by shopping is what goes with a leg injury.

Just injure your knee and you will learn quickly that all you ever wanted to buy in any store is located in the furtherest corner of the building. God is good. Stores that cover an acre or more thankfully offer electric scooters. I have discovered recently how great these are. Backing them up brings forth a dump truck sound ... beep, beep, beep -- that fills one with a thrilling feeling of power just hearing those warnings. I've found fellow shoppers are so gracious about those of us in these scooters. Florida is a state of disabled shoppers. Going up and down through the shelves on my butt really saves wear on my knee. Wheee.

And a knee injury also teaches you that doing ANYTHING takes four times longer. The Joy of it, of course, is you gain a deeper awareness of all those limping people you used to walk by at a steady clip.

Any learning we do consciously, I believe, helps us to convert annoyance energy (non-loving) into compassion energy (loving). Is that neat or what? And, yes, I am accepting all prayers for healing to come forth ASAP 'cause having pain in my leg with each step is yuck. Bless you.

Health Care Matrix Examined

jane@simmonsbook.com — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:42:00 GMT

Happy with the health care system in America?

Recently, I watched a Congressional hearing in which our country’s health care system was evaluated against four of the world’s top-rated systems: Switzerland, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan, that use private resources under a governmental plan.

The United States is rated 37th.

I am going to watch for Public Broadcasting’s running of the documentary “Sick Around The World,” and maybe you will want to watch for its airing in your TV area. The information was based on interviews of doctors, numerous national leaders involved in the various countries examined for their successful systems, and individual patients. Each country’s leaders looked outside the box, and tackled greed.

Each country took the position that health care is a right for every person, like fire protection, police protection, and the right of Free Speech. The U.S. Senate Finance Committee hopes, with its hearings, it will encourage Americans to design a health care system that will move the U.S. up into the top 10 category. []

"Blind" Money

jane@simmonsbook.com — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:45:00 GMT

When I was a reporter in Washington, D. C., I personally witnessed in stores or cafes the despicable act of visually impaired individuals being cheated when handling retail purchases because they were blind or could not clearly see America's paper money. In my heart, I knew full well there were thousands of other visually impaired fellow citizens receiving this same terrible treatment.

Now at last, help is on the way for them, and for my own friends who cannot see well or are totally blind. Thanks to a woman they have never met, attention is finally focused on their years of struggling with non-blind-friendly money.

Bless Judge Judith Rogers. She is the federal appeals court judge who ruled recently that the U.S. Treasury is violating the 1973 Rehabilitation Act's guarantee of “meaningful access.” Seems the Department has ignored the 2006 court ruling that required a redesign of our paper money so it is distinguishable to the visually impaired. This lawsuit was originally filed back in 2002 by the American Council of the Blind – six years ago!

I wear glasses. Most of my friends wear glasses. If we lost the use of our glasses at a key moment, at least we could use our fingers to "read" our money ... like is done in other countries -- which are way ahead of us on this issue.

The pressing question: why has America's Bureau of Engraving & Printing itself not changed such a discriminatory policy?

Before this current legal effort, the blind worked for decades to get the Powers of Be in Washington, D.C. to fix this. I remember their going into government offices to talk about re-designing our paper money – back in the early 1960s, when I first became a reporter in our nation's capital city. I was able to help a little in their lobbying.

During these past five decades, the goal of blind-friendly money was not addressed by the Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush or Clinton Administrations. Since the Act was finally made a law -- when President Richard Nixon signed it a year before he resigned -- five subsequent Presidents have missed the opportunity to use the 1973 law’s power to help the blind be better able to count money every day.

Like many issues involving our city, county, state and federal levels of government, I ask: why just band-aid problems? why suck the skills and time of lawyers from working on truly knotty legal issues? why have America appear to act like a third-world country? Implementing solutions to problems, I believe, is personally satisfying to the American Spirit that flows through each of us. Finding solutions for the many, rather than feeding the greed of a few, I feel, is the real path for our truly living in Freedom.

Are you ready? President George Bush’s Treasury Department is expected to appeal this ruling -- rather than implement it.

If you have diabetes or someone you love does, hope the dis-ease does not diminish the eyesight. Or, plan to notch your money like card sharks used to do. []

Memorial Day 2008

jane@simmonsbook.com — Mon, 26 May 2008 19:09:00 GMT

What perfectly beautiful weather we Floridians enjoyed this Memorial Day. As I worked at my desk, I watched “Old Glory” wave all day in the light breeze. My landlords, Don and Lorelei, had placed the flag on the top of our dock.

Since the 1700s, our American flag has represented defiance of all tyranny and the pursuit of the inalienable right to seek Happiness – while always honoring the rights of others. Memorial Day, I believe, is a sacred day for our remembrance of those who admirably serve us in our various defense forces.

Each day, not just one holi-day a year, hopefully every one remembers to be grateful for the brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, husbands, wives, fathers and mothers who take on a uniform to honorably serve and defend their fellow Americans from harm, including those in the National Guard, the Army, the Marines, the Navy, the Air Force and the Coast Guard, the local police, the highway patrol, the local fire fighters, the FBI, our border patrol and those in the Customs Service. I say: go right up and say “thank you” when possible.

For our more than 230-year history of Freedom, we can be thankful to Divine Providence for those who have loved our country and respected the love others have for their countries. Throughout our country’s two hundred years of military conflicts, weapons were turned into economic trading goods by our one-time “enemies” that included England, France, Mexico, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Japan, Vietnam, as well as elsewhere in the world, where American blood has been spilled.

In my book about my Dad, I wrote about the service of my uncles and cousins serving in uniform. One lost an eye. Purple Heart medals were placed on the chests of two uncles for their World War II service. I read recently: If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier. Today, English is the international language.

America has represented Freedom throughout the world since Her birth in 1776. I pray daily She be always presented not in the destructive energy of war but in the powerfully positive energy of Peace. I know this prayer will be totally answered … someday. May the Good Lord continue to bless our America and all who love Her and, when necessary, defend Her beacon light for the Happiness of all future generations. []

As the Eagles Fly

jane@simmonsbook.com — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:19:00 GMT

Some experiences are so beautiful they are made for sharing.

Each day this week, the sun has shone, with the humidity low. The breeze over the lake on which I live has been steady and strong enough to make little ripples on the water as it comes toward the dock. Such a wind brings out the sail boats -- sometimes as many as 50 or more. The local Sailing Club is based on the east end of the lake about a mile away from my dock --as the eagles fly.

I love watching the neighborhood eagles fly into the tree tops just yards from my patio, while I watch the small boats glide over the lake, their sails filled by the wind. At a moment like this, I remember a saying of my father's: "You can't beat this with a stick." Dad could come up with a great simple saying that just summed up the core essence of whatever point he wanted to make.

In my book, when I share these, I can hear him saying them from out of the memories in my head. And, I find many memories carry with them a Feeling. I remember one part of the marvelous movie, What The Bleep, used Disney-like animation to illustrate what happens in the body when a feeling-packed memory comes forth. A neat film. What a fabulous capacity the Mind has to re-create, with just a conscious Free Will command -- unless, of course, one has a senior moment. []

Hmmm....

jane@simmonsbook.com — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:58:00 GMT

Reflecting on the thousands of miles of driving I did on my latest book tour, I realize again how grateful I am to live in America. I thought of this: In how many other countries in the world can a fearless 69-year-old female author safely drive 3,200+ miles through five states in a 13-year-old Honda? At the moment, I can't think of any others where I would even want to try. Hmmm. On second thought, maybe Monaco.

California, MO Book Signing

jane@simmonsbook.com — Sun, 04 May 2008 00:30:00 GMT

CALIFORNIA, MO. (April 13, 2008) Barbara Hutchison, Irma Plaster and Nancy Martin in front of the Arthur Simmons sterling silver trophy punchbowl at the Moniteau County Historical Society during the "Meet the Author" book signing event.

ART SIMMONS BOOK RAISES FUNDS FOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Moniteau County Historical Society received $150 on April 13 from the sale of author Jane Simmons’ 328-page book about her father. In the coming months, more money will be raised because Jane, who is a Society Life Member, donates part of her share toward each book purchased from the Society. If all of the books currently at the Society are sold, another $670 will go into the organization’s treasury.

Jane has offered to sign books on September 20th at the 2008 Ham & Turkey Festival. She said: “I hope people, while I am signing their books, will continue to personally share with me stories about my father and mother for inclusion in Volume Two.” Stories “also can be shared with me by going to my book’s website -- SimmonsBook.com – and typing them to me.”

The April book signing of Arthur Simmons: American Icon of the Horse World – A Daughter’s Memories – Volume One, drew approximately 60 people to the 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. party at the Historical Society’s building in California, Missouri on Sunday, April 13. Sleet a few hours before the event is believed to have reduced the number of attendees. The inclement weather stretched as far as Jefferson City, 23 miles away.

The book covers the early years of Art Simmons, including his hometown horsemen mentors in California: Theo Christian and Dick Cook. Information on the friends and neighbors, and the hundreds of family members in the Simmons and the Scheidt family tree is given, along with the many documented events in Art’s young life heretofore virtually unknown.

Art’s rise from rags to riches to become “a living legend” in the American Saddlebred Horse industry before his death in January 1995 began in Moniteau County. He was born on Christmas Eve in December 1913. Alvina “Ollie” Scheidt, whom he married in 1938, was one of the daughters of Frank and Lizzie Scheidt. They owned the local hardware store and started a bottle gas business.

Jane, in her remarks to the crowd, acknowledged the hearty dedication of those who came. She introduced by name those attending, and told of her connection with those from out of town, including Bonnie Schrimpsher of Waynesville, Iola Potts of Tipton, Jeff and Gretchen Huedepohl of Jefferson City, Bill and Nancy Byars of Fortuna, Connie Cunningham of Centertown, and Mary Ann Chaney of Jefferson City, among others.

Jim Simmons, Jane’s brother who lives in Mexico, Missouri, was scheduled to attend. Jane extended his regrets due to his wife Mary Jane’s fall from a horse that resulted in her having hip replacement surgery on the Thursday before the event.

During Jane’s remarks, she presented her donation of a copy of her book to the Society’s Genealogy Library for the use of those who come to do research. Officially accepting the book was Richard Schroeder, Vice President of the Society. President Gayle Hughes was out of town.

Everyone enjoyed the refreshments: the Burger ham donated by members Betty Williamson and Jane; the ham sandwich rolls supplied by Cal’s grocery store through Barbara Hutchison; cheese and crackers donated by members Irma Plaster and Betty; vegetables and dip donated by Mike and Jane Robertson of Burgher Haus; the wonderful selection of cookies donated by members of the Society; and coffee.

Committee Chairwoman Irma’s delicious cherry punch was served in the sterling silver trophy punch bowl donated in 1995 to the Society in memory of Art & “Ollie” Simmons by Jane Simmons and her brother Jim. Members Jim and Nancy Martin polished the punch bowl and its silver tray that graced the blue-clothed table.

Throughout the party, horse show music was played by organist Tina Potts of Tipton. Many guests commented on the appropriate touch of Tina’s music to the event honoring the internationally known horse trainer and showman whose Simmons Stables is now on the National Register of Historic Sites.

You can purchase a copy of the book, which has over 700 photos and an Index of more than 2,100 names of horses, stables, and people, by contacting the Society at 201 North High Street, California MO 65018, or by phone: 573-796-3563. The book, which weighs 2 pounds 6 ounces, sells for $49.95, and if mailed, the shipping & handling is $6.50.

If you wish to pay by credit card, you also can buy the book on the website: SimmonsBook.com through PayPal by clicking on “Buy Now” and typing in a credit card number. The shipping and handling cost is $6.50. If sent to a Florida address, the state’s sales tax is added.

The Society thanks those who helped alert area residents about the Meet The Author event: the California Democrat’s David A. Wilson; the Tipton Times’ Becky Holloway; KRLL’s Jeff Shakleford, who interviewed Jane in his AM Radio station in California on April 3; the Jefferson City Tribune’s RaVae Edwards; and Learfield Communications’ Derry Brownfield who interviewed Jane in Jefferson City during his one-hour radio program on April 4.

Mexico Book Signing

jane@simmonsbook.com — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:44:00 GMT

A few of the pictures are in from the Mexico, Missouri book signing at the Audrain County Historical Society's American Saddlebred Museum on April 8th. It was great fun! I'll be writing more about it soon - as well as posting photos and stories from the California, Missouri book signing, too, so definitely check back to read and see all about it.

Keep Your Book Comments Coming

jane@simmonsbook.com — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 04:06:00 GMT

Compliments are coming in from many of you who have received books. I am so touched by these words of praise for the book. The more than 700 photos, with their captions, seem to be the first part gathering the early attention. I am pleased the coffee book layout is being so well received. Keep sending your comments. I love the feedback!

-- Jane

Pictures Galore!

jane@simmonsbook.com — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:27:00 GMT

I counted my book's photo images and pictures. There are a total of 754 of them, including the photos on the cover. Some of the family pictures no one outside of my family has ever seen. A few of the photos I salvaged from "The Flood of '93." You will see that they have some water damage. Now, having them in the book preserves them for many years to come.

Love and blessings, Jane