CAN THERE BE A CROSS-DRESSING COWBOY?

You bet there can ...

Adam Gustavson, a buddy of mine is a wonderful arteeest.

This week, a children's book he illustrated called "Rough, Tough Charley," was reviewed in Publisher's Weekly and received quite a rave. The critic described Adam's paintings as "vivid characterizations and cinematic framing would make John Ford proud..." -- Damn. Now, that's a good review.

Interestingly, though, it's not quite your grandpappy's children's book.

What's it about, you ask?

Well, it's a genuine and noble Western yarn (written by Verla kay) about a gentle hero named Charley Parkhurst, a stagecoach driver. A cowpoke of few words, Charley rode many a mile and spent years travelling across the country's harsh terrain.

All throughout the Wild Wild West, folks trusted and respected Charley despite a crusty, and often persnickety demeanor. After many years on the open trail and after losing one an eye, Charley retired, bought a house, and joined the Odd Fellows.

It was only after that people would learn Charley's life-long secret. You see, Charley posed as a man for most of her (yes her) life and may have been the first woman in the U.S. to vote.

Freaky? Perhaps. Wonderful, uplifting and solemn? Absolutely.

Check out the book at Amazon.

While you're at it, check out some of the amazing illustrations at Adam's Gustavson's web site.