Potluck Pickins

Pecking at my keyboard on a daily basis gives me instant access to the internet. Usually, I’m looking something up for an article, but during those lulls of a brainstorming session, I wander over to social media. From here, you never really know what you’re going to stumble across.

As a cop, we were told we would have a front row seat to the greatest show on earth. And we were. However, this was the days before social media, where some people bare their souls, showing things we wish we could forget. After sifting through the garbage, there are a few gems — gems I wish to share with you.

Social media has been a great way to meet with some of you FMG readers through the messenger system, and just as a way to connect through daily pictures, memes and thoughts with new and old friends alike. So, here are four gems I thought worthy of sharing I found this week on various social media sites.

Spool Shooting Bench

It was only a simple picture that spoke the proverbial thousand words. A picture of a shooting bench constructed from a large wooden cable spool. Four simple cuts make the cut-outs and seats for the shooting bench. A section of 4×6” post for the seats and some hardware and you have the perfect backyard shooting station.

By strategically placing the seat cutouts in the proper position, you can tip the table over and roll it into position. How great is that? Having dual cutouts is also convenient for right- and left-handed shooters. The table is perfect for teaching youngsters or new shooters alike, as the teacher can sit in the opposing seat, giving instruction, while ensuring safety. It will also easily fit in the back of a pickup truck for transfer to your favorite shooting field.

So, start scrounging for a large wooden cable spool for this easy DIY project. Who knows, you may find one through, you guessed it, the internet.

Last Water

I enjoy looking at paintings from a group called Art of the Old West. One painting in particular really grabbed me. The sunset tones/colors are the type you fall in love with. Shown is a weary sheriff, obviously finishing a hard ride, possibly looking for a bandit, giving his paint horse the last of the water. This offering to his best friend, from his hat no less, shows how much he loves and cares for his compadre. What animal lover wouldn’t do that for their pet dog, cat or horse.

Painted by Clark Kelley Price, it’s appropriately called, “Last of The Water.” I’m going to track one down and have it framed I like it so much!

Humor

Sure, we all like to laugh. Gary Larson, of the Farside, is a favorite of mine. Who doesn’t love his sense of humor? His sarcastic, dark, intelligent, nature-based humor is greatly missed. This one popped up on my timeline, my favorite Farside by far. Enjoy!

Admittedly, there is a lot of junk on social media, but if you look hard enough, there are definitely some gems to admire, learn from, laugh at or simply enjoy. And hey, be sure to check out American Handgunner, GUNS Magazine and the recently re-launched American Cop.

Well, as for me, back to pecking out another piece for you to read…