country life

A Dog Who Follows Gladly

July 05, 2024

Literature & Art

A Dog Who Follows Gladly

By Phil Van Trueren

The wisdom of an older ranch dog is shared with a younger headstrong pup as he is introduced to life with a kind hearted rancher on a picturesque working cattle ranch. This collection of thoughtful vignettes prompts the reader to choose to recognise the beauty in every situation, from the mundane to the unique. Elegant illustrations correspond with each of the young dog’s experiences and reinforce the opportunity to seek goodness in all we encounter throughout the journey of life.


A wonderful addition to the library of those who treasure elegance in thought and aesthetics, this adaptation of an ancient stoic parable is written and illustrated by Phil Van Trueren and available at Stoic Simple Press.





Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Essays of Legacy, Heritage and Continuum of Care

COFFEEHOUSE HERITAGE:  The Luxury of Ritual Over Transaction
COFFEEHOUSE HERITAGE: The Luxury of Ritual Over Transaction

November 12, 2025

The heritage coffeehouse remains a symbol of true luxury — where artisanship, stewardship, and ritual converge. Each cup reflects the care of many hands and the continuity of craft across generations. Yet amid modern convenience, one question lingers: what do we sacrifice when we trade ritual for transaction?

Read More

FROM THE LAND, PROOF: Cultivating Trust Through Genuine Acts of Hospitality
FROM THE LAND, PROOF: Cultivating Trust Through Genuine Acts of Hospitality

October 28, 2025

Across land and table, a quiet renaissance is unfolding—one where hospitality extends beyond welcome and becomes a way of life. Here, authenticity is not a claim but a practice, proven in the care of the land, the rhythm of work, and the generosity of those who share both. To visit such places is to be invited into their story: to walk, taste, and rest within a living expression of trust.

Read More

VISUAL SIGNS OF AMERICAN HERITAGE Part II:  Preservation and Application
VISUAL SIGNS OF AMERICAN HERITAGE Part II: Preservation and Application

October 07, 2025

Heritage endures when its symbols move beyond recognition into active stewardship. This continuation of The Arc of Stewardship™ explores how icons of land, range, and craft can be cataloged, archived, and ritualized to preserve meaning across generations. From Parker Ranch’s digital archives to Seven Hills Winery’s entrusted records, preservation becomes participation. When heritage is applied with discipline and care, it remains a living guidepost—relevant today, enduring tomorrow.

Read More