Victoria Ward publishes first book and the Wards return to Kansas

“Prune Pie and Other Moving Stories” is live in the Kindle Store and is available for readers to purchase.

Victoria wrote the following explanation of what’s been happening in her and Barry’s life and their move to Eureka, Kansas.

“The Churning of the Waters”

I have been hesitant to reveal this to my readers, but I have fallen out of love. I never thought that I would ever say those words to myself and especially to my Bear or anyone else for that matter. But I can no longer deny my heart’s overriding power over my mind or my LORD.

I don’t love our ranch or living in the state of Colorado anymore.

After a series of events which could only be called “Divine Intervention,” Barry and Victoria were informed about a ranch near Eureka, Kansas which was available for rent.

So, they packed up their possessions and returned to Kansas last August.

What the cowboy says about the woman he loves who writes his story…

“Ms. Victoria’s homespun creative writing skills will captivate and draw you into her true stories in this book. You’ll laugh, you might shed a tear, or you might even feel sorry for the guy that gets thrown under the bus most of the time . . . ME!

But I believe that the Lord has truly blessed my wife with an incredible talent that she now shares with the world.

God bless all of you, and hang on!”

Barry “Bear” Ward

What she says about her stories…

Many times in our lives someone out of the blue will say something to us that causes a spark of imagination. That spark then becomes an idea and then that idea grows not only into a project but a passion. This book of actual events in my life is the result of that one comment that I kept hearing over and over again from countless readers of my internet blog—“You should write a book! I love reading your stories!” Well, here it is.

Victoria explains, “My attempt is to give you material to read that hopefully will bring a smile, a laugh or even just a warm fuzzy feeling of recognition to similar events in your own life. Thanks for taking the time to read it.”

Her true stories cover bits and pieces of a life punctuated with laughs, as she works on various family farms, raises her children, cares for elderly relatives and travels with her cowboysinger husband, “Bear.” Through it all runs a sense of joy and an appreciation for those close to her, along with the people the couple met while on the road. Unless, that is, you happen to be among the “snakes in the world,” commonly known as scammers!

While Victoria has faced some adversity in life, this is not a memoir about a person who had to overcome exceptional hardships to achieve happiness. Instead, readers get to enjoy tales about familiar daily events. In the opening story, “Misunderstood Words,” Victoria’s account of Bear’s “zone” behavior will resonate throughout the female population. That’s the place men go to where they somehow think about absolutely –- NOTHING!

In the foreword, Bear acknowledges he is “the guy that gets thrown under the bus most of the time” by his partner. But this isn’t a husband-bashing book; in the second passage, “Dumb and Dumber,” Victoria readily admits to brain flutter when she cavalierly ignores the advice of a friend. Weather be damned, she and Bear drive their motor home, named Damon, straight into a blizzard on I-70. While not a bright idea, what’s life without a few harrowing adventures?

The book is not written in chronological order, but as it jumps between the years, it becomes clear Victoria’s in-laws enriched her life. “Prune Pie,” the title story, shows the close connection she formed with her father-in-law, Leonard. The two had an ongoing competition when it came to practical jokes, and she certainly “Got him!” that time.

So, just what’s Barry doing?

Now that Barry and Victoria have returned to Kansas, Barry keeps on singing and sharing his Christian testimony every time he gets the chance…and it looks like he’s still living out of his suitcase.

Some of his upcoming appearances include Westcliffe, Co.; South Hutchinson, Ks.; Hutchinson, Ks.; Kingman, Ks.; Byers, Co.; Enid, Ok.; Show Lo, Az.; Loveland, Co.; Dodge City, Ks.; Canyon City, Co.; Baird, Tx.; Benton, Ks.; Elbert, Co.; Pueblo, Co.; Pitkin, Co.; Wakeeney, Ks.; Winfield, Ks.; Byers, Co. and Avondale, Co. For a complete schedule of dates, times and locations, check their website at www.BarryWardMusic.com

Barry’s new album:Distant Furrows

Barry Ward’s latest CD, Distant Furrows, is dedicated to America’s farmers and ranchers and has just been awarded 2015 Western CD of the Year by the Rural Roots Music Commission. The album features 17 original songs about farming and family intertwined with faith in God. Plus a bonus track of Barry’s frequently requested rendition of “How Great Thou Art.”

These are hand-picked favorites from Barry’s first four albums, which are now discontinued. Barry wrote the songs and first recorded them while operating his fourth-generation family farm in Kansas. Barry recorded thirteen of the original songs with a fresh, acoustic sound; then added the bonus track; but then kept three of the earlier recordings just as they were.

This CD also includes the song “Harvest in the Fall,” which is featured in the documentary, The Great American Wheat Harvest. The song is the true story of Barry’s last wheat harvest with his father, Leonard, and his Uncle Tommy Ward.

Listen to song clips on the Mercantile page and order your copy now! As always Free Gift Wrapping on all CD orders.

For further information about Victoria’s book or Barry’s ministry you can email them at Barry@BarryWardMusic.com or give them a call at 303-243-1978. (Yes, it’s a cell phone.)