John Byron Belville’s Tall Tales Told: Money & Hunting

You will notice there is no rhyme nor reason in placement of these tales. They are just remembrances that I have experienced in my life that my one love, Jackie Sue Belville, told me I should write down for posterity. That, of course, would mean you. So here goes. A trip into the exciting life of ol’ Johnny B.

I remember being broke…oh yes, broke indeed, to the point I sold blood to make do.  Luckily I had rare blood AB positive that netted me $50 every time I donated.  This saved me many times from starvation.  I even hit up the Mormon Church for some canned goods one time.  That, my friends, to an agnostic is really, really broke.

I remember when the kids were little not having enough money for a Christmas Tree or presents, so we decorated a tumble weed and put lights on it and gave each other little letters telling each other how much we loved one another.  Actually, it was the best Christmas I ever had.  I still remember it today with great fondness.  I hope Matt and Russ remember it likewise.

I was always a hunter.  For as long as I remember, I hunted: pheasants, ducks, geese, deer, elk even doves.  The killing of animals was not the object.  It never is with true hunters.  True hunters love the chase and the out of doors more than killing the animals and they only kill what they eat…never for horns or heads.  I have killed and ate many deer and elk, pheasants and doves/quail and never ever shot anything [except varmints] unnecessarily.  Well, maybe birds occasionally.  Hunting has always been a way for me to RE-create myself.  It’s like going to church must be for some folks.  It enriches my soul and gives me strength when I feel down and out.  I propose to hunt, till I can’t, then hunt some more.