June 4th, 2008

The last couple of days I’ve been working on the Buffalo Bill Cody book. The book is about his life and loves. One of the many women in his life was Annie Oakley. They were not romantically involved. They were more like brother and sister. The had a mutual respect for one another and both were stars of the Wild West Show. The only rival she had for Cody’s attention in the program was Lillian Smith. She was known as the “champion rifle shot of the world.” Annie was a better performer and the 15 year-old Smith did everything to try and get Buffalo Bill’s attention. She was a flirt and not afraid to use her sexuality to get what she wanted. Cody didn’t fall for her act. If they were alive today and he spurned her advancments, the outcome might have been different. I find it interesting that this theme keeps reoccuring in my life. I’ll be traveling to Placer County tomorrow to speak to a historical society there. Hope the event is well attended. I’m anxiously awaiting input on the posse book and pray that the reviews are good.