An experienced, professional horseshoe player does not have to actually see clearly where he or she is throwing the horseshoe. It is as though the horseshoe thrower can feel where the horseshoe is supposed to go. The distance, angle, and velocity at which the horseshoe is thrown, becomes a part of the horseshoe player’s very being. I realized this phenomenon many times and tested my theory as I played horseshoes in the dark. Some may think it is luck that I can throw well in the dark; however, the quantity of successful dark throws contradicts this completely false and ridiculous assumption. Some may claim that my idea of successful horseshoe throws is an inaccurate quantitative measure of what is in actuality a successful throw, that my horseshoe throwing is never good whether in the light or in the dark. However, this assumption is based on completely false and inaccurate data. Nobody who makes such statements has seen me play in the dark, and how could they see where my horseshoes were going anyway if it was too dark to see. The only way they could tell is if they had the horseshoe sixth sense which allows expert horseshoe throwers to estimate blindly where their horseshoe is going as accurately as they do.

The horseshoe sixth sense does not come immediately to the novice horseshoes thrower, but is developed over long periods of time. It is a language that one must learn, the language of the horseshoe. If you are real quiet and listen very closely you can sometimes hear the horseshoes whispering. Some people think that I am crazy for talking to horseshoes, and blasphemously claim that horseshoes do not speak, but their lies cannot influence the steady mind of the horseshoe whisperer. So next time you are throwing horseshoes, or are just sitting around your house without any friends, because you are a nerd and nobody likes you, just sit quietly and listen to the horseshoes. Hear what they have to say. Learn their language and become one with them and soon the crowds will flock to you; you the horseshoe champion.

Anyway, as one who has learned the language of the horseshoes, yes, I am the horseshoe whisperer; I can confidently claim that I can throw horseshoes in the dark. I know my horseshoes game and my horseshoes. I know where they are going and how to get them there, whether it is in the light or in the dark. I can sense where the horseshoes are going and where they need to go.
When I played horseshoes in the dark, the only guidance I had to where they were going, that is when I had guidance, or physical visible guidance that is, there was a small sparkle or reflection of light off the tip of the pole in the horseshoe pit. You had to bend over slightly and look very closely to see it or it would be drowned out in the darkness. Before each throw I would listen carefully to the horseshoes whisper and whisper something in return to guide the horseshoe safely to its horseshoe pit home. When I felt like the horseshoe was ready, I would let it fly, and fly it did. It flew like a bat into the darkness, silently, except for those who can hear the whisper. Those who know the horseshoes can help the horseshoes to find their own way to the horseshoe home.

With these extra senses and understanding of the horseshoe language, one who is able to hear and speak the horseshoe whisper, I have the ability as other horseshoe throwers do, to throw a horseshoe without a clear view of where the horseshoe is going. The distance, angle, and velocity at which the horseshoe is thrown, became a part of my very being.

Peter Jay is a Vice President with Yard Game Central and a manager and web administrator with TheShoePit.com. For more information about horseshoes, visit http://www.thehorseshoepit.com

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During a conversation recently, the word “lucky” was mentioned and you know how it is when your mind latches onto a word and throws it around awhile in your thought process. I couldn’t help but explore the word a bit more. Here are a few thoughts from my musing.

You take a coin and eagerly scratch the coating off the small ticket that holds awaiting monetary promises. You turn to the tv channel that broadcasts the regular ceremony and apprehensively watch as each numbered ball is chosen and displayed. You write your name, address and phone number on the small form and drop it into the slotted box atop the table next to the shiny, four-wheeled marvel and hope that you’re the one who will soon be its owner. Temptation is everywhere, so close and yet so far away and all depending on numbers…on chance…on the luck of the draw.

What makes one person lucky and another not? Does luck swirl around and land like a deflated balloon on the person nearest it? Or is luck magnetic and some people happen to have more minerals in their systems that draw it closer to them? Is luck dependent on genetic ancestry or is being lucky a learned quality?

Is being lucky one of those good/bad things? Is being lucky one of those good/bad things? (Bob won the lottery, but now suddenly, everyone is his long-lost cousin with their hand out.) Can one be burdened by too much luck? (”What’s the matter, friend? You look troubled.” “Indeed!” you say, as you undo the strap and slip off the heavy backpack you’ve been carrying around. “That luck sure has been weighing me down lately.”)

Why do we acknowledge “being lucky” as being in it’s positive form? There are, afterall, two types of luck — good AND bad. Is it wishful thinking that causes us to connect “being lucky” with being fortunate rather than being unfortunate, as in if we don’t talk about the bad, maybe it’ll go away? Is bad luck ever good luck in disguise, like a bunch of ingredients that doesn’t appear appetizing at first but becomes a five-star dessert after it’s baked? Is Garth Brook’s song true when he sings, “Some of God’s little gifts are unanswered prayers.”?

But then if bad luck can morph itself, is there a detecting device that can alert a person to it’s true reality? (”Yes, see there…it’s bad luck…the meter hand is going into the bad zone!”) Can we buy such a device at Wal-Mart?

Do we make our own good luck by socializing more and knowing more people, as discussed in Richard Wiseman’s book, “The Luck Factor”? Afterall, we do have more power and control over our lives and the circumstances in it than we might realize.

Some people state that if it wasn’t for bad luck they’d have no luck at all. Could this be so? Do they perhaps need more minerals in their system or an uncloaking mechanism to be able to decipher the bad luck from what may actually be good in disguise? One thing is certain, we can’t leave it to 4-leaf clovers, charms and horseshoes to do all the work. Besides, what iron setting do you use when you press your luck?

Regenia G. Butcher is an author on a site for Creative Writers ( http://www.Writing.Com ). She is also a crafter and is currently working on a “quirky” word reference book. She usually not only sees the glass half full, but rejoices that there IS a glass. You can visit her portfolio at http://www.sensity.writing.com

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Never Beat the Boss at Horseshoes

By Roy Lantz
Magnolia Pines Press (2005)
Reviewed by Elizabeth A. Wheeler (1/06)

Never Beat the Boss at Horseshoes is a book for adults who want to succeed in life. Roy Lantz’s expertise in horseshoes not only brings a funny way to look at the game but compares it to life. “Whether you’re the state champ or have never picked up a horseshoe, you’ll learn to approach the game of life from a whole new perspective.”

I remember every summer my dad would break out the horseshoes and stakes, and put them up in the pit. Our family spent many nights pitching horseshoes and sometimes Dad would let me win. Just like Dad taught me you can’t control a horseshoe, this book helped me realize, you can’t control life but you can control your response. The “Quote-avation’s” and true life stories have inspired and motivated me to be a better team player.

Every one who wants to win the game of life needs to read this book.

This book is a truly a ringer for learning how to succeed and winning this game we call life.

Renowned customer service expert Roy Lantz is a motivational speaker, an inspiring author, and a customer service/presentation skills trainer. Since 1986, he has spoken to organizations of all sizes, all around the world, sharing his inspiring message of positive expectations and acceptance of 100% responsibility.

Elizabeth A. Wheeler is a reviewer for Reader Views

http://www.readerviews.com

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