When Covid hit, I was forced to downsize. US Gov't first told me to go home, then allowed me to open with only myself, and max of 3 customers at a time, in the 4800 Sq ft facility we now occupy.  (Could have had 5 if I had another 200 Sq Ft of store.) ( Is it strange they allowed the bigger boys to keep people, then paid them over $26,000 for every employee they kept? )

My "declared" 4th stage colon cancer was discovered at the onset of Covid. The ensuing treatments and surgeries are all behind & last colonoscopy was really good! Hurricane Helene devastated my farm fences & barns. Oddly, because the tin roof barn repairs of the main horse barn were so dangerous, I've worked alone for most of it. Doing so, I discovered I still have value to add to physical life. Even with the neuropathy side effects of the cancer treatments, I can re-route neuro-pathways, I can & have re-strengthened my body. 

  (Imagine being pretty high above the  ground, tearing out broken supports & replacing them a section at a time, Then placing new 5V tin. It has actually been hilarious! I used to walk boards like a cat, "shinney" up poles, just swing like Tarzan from one support to another. Now I carefully "crawl". I have to set a foot or knee, test it for support, then do the next one. I use walk boards rather than walking boards! Talk about humility in action! BUT, It's getting fixed.)

     { Sidebar - The cancer liver specialist surgeon, (I was in the top of Greenville SC hospital in an isolated room due to immunity deficiencies), came dancing in my room on the third day.  "Your cancer was morbid; DOA."   "OK, it had to come out or I'd get gangrene."  "That's beside the point, we don't kill cancer, we reduce it to a best level, then remove as best we can, and hope for the best.  Yours was morbid. Had the lab check it twice."  

I was under 2 chemos that were effective with Colon cancer. And 1 experimental drug in the mix.  I had a close friend who went to MI, a med "herb" state, and brought back Simp Oil. Upon asking about contra-indications, there were none. (SC has approved use of Med MJ in certain epilepsy - Gov N Haley - just not in every case) So I had the port installed, etc.  However, it was the tens of thousands of prayers from people like you that must have made the difference. G-d is not through with my "job" on earth, yet. } 

I'm 69. No way ready for SS or retirement. I have too much fun helping you all!  Until all the confusion & such in the United Methodist Church, I was a Certified Laity person.  For a 14 month time, I was allowed to lead a contemporary worship service and was on the BOD of a rural UMC. Before & after, I was the guy who could fill in for ministers in our district when they needed a break. ( Personally, I prefer not to allow "religious" politics to interfere with presenting the "good news" of a delightful future. )  

I have the best times discussing life, while having a captive audience, reshaping/refurbishing cowboy hats. Or during a custom leather project while the owner is watching. Or during the 10 - 15 minutes of custom stretching a boot for best fit, rather than having the customer "pain" through the entire break-in process.  

I believe that people of faith should be able to express it. I believe, and know, spirituality is a huge part of life. Like Paul, the tent-maker, I use my leather, design,  poetry,  cowboy & coaching skills to entice people to look to a "best hopes" future. Beginning such a journey is often based on the most successful parts, and the positive re-evaluating discoveries from the worst fails, of their past & present. 

Like Paul in a letter, I have more "bragging rights" than "Carter has pills".  (Although I'm a gentile.)  All of which led me to where I am today, but past & present accolades are not nearly as valuable as inviting people into the great Holy Ghost Party to come.  ( Ever been to a event where you didn't know many people? How'd it feel?  SO, why not invite all you meet to the great Party of Eternity! )

SO, I have several directions to spread the Gospel; however, maybe there is a reason this Cultured Cowboy has survived as a horse store in a golf & tennis town; through the ups & downs of economies & politics of the past 52 years. In the beginning, I got the idea of supplementing my horse training with some halters & bridles to sell.

Again, I ask for prayers to "influence" the Holy Spirit to show me the correct direction. Your prayers, asking for Spiritual guidance for me may do as much or more than all those prayers for my health during the cancer.   Love you guys!  

C Taylor, Jr
04/12/2025

PS: If ever, you need a compassionate partner to listen, an almost miracle to pull back together a disintegrating relationship, just a prayer for your guidance through best hopes for your, or another's future, call or email.  We need each other to thrive.  Half or better of all those edu & experiential accolades, "bragging rights" are from the world's best who taught me.

I could see my challenges in life & what was in common was ME. SO I sought solutions. G-d footballed me into shifts & acceptance & even righteous indignation, among the best of modern psychology, neuroscience, relationship enhancement, ...   I call it "Life Coaching".  My specialty is in relationships - oddly because I had 3 failed marriages over 30+ years, I greatly appreciate helping others through this trial.  One of my "itches" is to assist you to never have to experience what it took for me to come to where I am today.  Not every relationship is meant to be forever. Yet, If you have made prior commitment, conversation and understanding of a few "tools" are invaluable to you. 

This is a main thrust of Cultured Cowboy. It takes the sales to stay open so that many can be reached, without judgment, yet with the abilities to understand the options & choices available to each of us.

 Anthony Robbins, one of my mentors and instructors, states: If you can get the knowledge you need in 10 days rather than 10 years, why not?