Donna's Song - A Cowgirl's Journey

Johnny Buczynskithe and the Sunspots wrote a song about Donna. He is going to donate a portion of the proceeds to Donna directly. Click this posting title to take you to the song recorded on March 2, 2009. You can purchase a copy of this song directly from this link for only 99 cents!! Consider purchasing this touching song, A Cowgirl's Journey
Here's a short excerpt from the original lyrics .....

A Cowgirls Journey by "Johnny B" Buczynski copyright February 22, 2009

This here's a story it's sad but it's true
It happened to Donna, it could happen to you.
As she's on her journey I'm not going along
But I gave her a gift and that gift is this song
And her story goes like this.

I'm an unemployed cowgirl, my names Donna Byrne
I was going through life, when life took a turn
In the second great depression I lost my Home
Except for two horses, I?m left all alone ......

Let's all support Johnny B and purchase a copy of the Cowgirl's Journey!! The lyrics can also be read from this link.

1500 Miles and counting!!

As of today, I estimate that Donna has ridden just slightly over 1,500 miles since leaving Arcadia, FL. As far as I can figure, she has not had any health problems, except fatigue, since Louisianna. As far as I know, Miss Jay & Tonto are doing well and are in good health. Donna is not far now from Amarillo so if anyone knows anyone up in the Texas panhandle, specially Amarillo, get on the phone or email them please and let's see if we can't get Donna a ranch job in that area. Today, please take a moment to say a prayer for Miss Jay, Tonto and Donna.

Don't Forget Donna!

I just wanted to add a post today that Donna is still on the road in Texas and still needs our prayers and if you've an extra dime to send along, the post office box is still good. I believe most of the money is probably used to buy minutes for her cell phone. It's a pay as you go phone and her only link to the world she's riding through. Wishing you mild weather and happiness, Donna!

A Painting of Donna

Here's a picture of a painting that someone has somewhere in Williston. The blogger who posted it has never responded as to where or who painted the picture.

The blog is here

Here's Another Link

This is an article from Carthage Texas which is east Texas.

http://www.panolawatchman.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=117&twindow=Default&mad=Yes&sdetail=9704&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2100&hn=panolawatchman&he=.com

Some news articles from Donna's Trip

This is an article with a great picture of Donna crossing the Mississippi with a police escort.
http://natchezdemocrat.com/news/2009/apr/21/cowgirl-stops-natchez-job-hunt-westward/

Donna's Latest Location & Addressing Some Issues From This Blog

Donna is now around Carthage, Texas. I'm sorry for not posting an update but the past 3 months have been rough for me. For those that continue to follow Donna's progress and are supportive of her, please post comments. For those that have negative things to say, well, look in your own closet for skeletons. I, for one, have made plenty of lousy decisions in my life and what Donna is doing is uplifting and inspiring. I am going to try to keep up with her so I can fly out and meet her in Texas. Thanx to all who support Donna and for those that don't support her, well don't post here. I've deleted the two negative comments on one post and will, as I can, filter through the other posts and delete anything negative. I did not know Donna prior to Feb. when she stayed with me. Miss Jay and Tonto were in very good condition and I know that Donna has their well being as her top priority on her trip. Donna u rock! I hope to see u again soon. Also, for those that harassed me over this blog and Donna's trip.... ya'll are a bunch of weirdos and for a time you did creep me out. Just don't underestimate me. I might wobble when you smack me, but I can come back with a vengance and I carry more than a grudge. Again, I'll try to keep posting and I'll add some of the articles that I have stuck in various fav lists with the pictures as I can.
Sincerely, Jan Mock

Just a quick update. Not much new. Donna is still resting the horses and herself at a host farm in North Florida. It's been cold the past week so it's best. I'll let everyone know when she decides to continue. Please post this blog on any forums that you are a member. Miss Jay and Tonto are doing well and having a nice relaxing time.

Update from Donna's current hostess.....

UPDATE: It's Sunday morning and we're about to head out for breakfast. I just wanted to say that having Donna here has been an absolute delight - she's pleasant, easy to get along with, and has a great sense of humor. (She also washes dishes!) She has been able to meet several of our friends and she fits in well with all types of people. Saturday was a fun day - we hit all the big tourist sights in Monticello - Monticello Milling, Dr. Davis' vet office, Winn Dixie, Jefferson Builder's Mart - you now those places that only the natives know about. Donna supervised my western pleasure lesson yesterday, assisted a gentleman with saddling and bridling one of my mares he is considering leasing, and even rode (with much success) one of my WP mares in training - the prettiest little jog you've ever seen. The lady who shows this mare said, "Now, why can't I get her to do that?!" Anyway, she's welcome here as long as she'd like to stay and I hope she'll stay for several days. It's been a pleasure having her around!

Please show this to Donna....

Hay, wherever Donna lands next, please show her HER blog! We love you Donna! You go girl! You're almost famous!

Donna, Gail, Jan & Debbie during Donna's rest in Ocala. Donna stayed five days and for me that is just a second in time. Her stay here was very memorable and I will forever remember Donna, Miss Jay and Tonto.

Donna tried to thank Craig in this picture but Craig was not going to get 'thanked' that way! LOL!

Donna thanking me! LOL!

Additional Bloggers

I have invited a few that have also been in contact and will be in contact with Donna to blog here also. I hope they can also share some stories of their time with Donna. If you see new posts from new people, it is because I selected them to update also or just share about their moments with her, post a picture or whatever, when they get a moment.

Update..Thursday

Hello everyone! As I was a bit under the weather yesterday, I did not post, I apologize. Donna is doing fine and items to help her along her trip are enroute. Thank you goes out to all who are sending prayers, donations and offering safe haven rest stops for Donna. She is very appreciative and I'm sure someone along those stops will show her this blog. So if you have a word of encouragement to send Donna please post a comment. Anyone wishing to post negative comments, please do it elsewhere, lest I unleash my wrath of diplomatic sarcasm and a plaque of fleas for a hundred years, upon you. Donna has more heart and courage than any one of us who can only dream of riding a horse as far as she has already gone. I am so glad to see so many stepping up along her route to wish her well. Donna may have at one time, thought no one cared about her, but now she knows there are many of us who genuinely care about her, Miss Jay and Tonto. She crossed my path for a only a moment in time but I will never forget her. Godspeed Donna and I pray He lights the way for every step you take. Stay tuned for the latest coming soon....

Donna's Progress

Donna made Bronson yesterday. She stayed with a contact and seems to be ill again. This morning that contact trailered the horses and Donna to Chiefland and apparently Donna wanted to ride from there. She wants to make Old Town or Cross City today. I'll have to check the distance but anyone out there that is in that area, please keep an eye out. If she isn't feeling well, the temps have been cool and it could be a real set back if she had to camp outside.

Donna Byrne

Photobucket Album

Donna Byrne

Photobucket Album

Williston to Marianna

Donna set out this morning earlier than she was planning. Tonto and Miss Jay were up and ready to go. They had about 50 pounds of T & A in front of them all night. They of course, had leftovers!
We've now put together a good network of safe havens for Donna up through most of what's left of her journey out of Florida and several contacts are coming in for Alabama. The farther out we get safe haven contacts the better. She worries about Tonto and Miss Jay being able to relax after their rides everyday. The part of the journey they are now is very rural with lots of farmland so complicated traffic and sidewalks are now behind them. The shoulder of the road they are on is very wide and the riding will be, well, for them easy. Soft sand, lots of shade and they'll be able to track at least 50 to 100 feet parallel to the road easily.
She had amassed quite the crowd passing by HITS at Post Time Show Grounds. Many well wishers came out to meet her and several gave her donations to keep things going. She was shocked and very appreciative! I was so happy that Gail Shrine of Dixie Plantation was able to get a contact in Chiefland who is handling the contacts up through that portion of the trip.
Now I can concentrate on getting this stinkin' DVD edited to publish for ya'll to see. I have lots of video of the horses!

More Thank U's

Debbie & Craig Lentz Dade City
Tonya & Clint Halversrod in Plant City ç==Great blacksmith!
Jan & Dan Mock Ocala
Ellen Powers Padgett , Florida
Jeannie Dickson, Florida
Carl E Langley - Michigan
Tractor Supply of Belleview Rt 484 Belleview Fl
Florida Classic Horse Sales Ocala Fl
Cory Bailey- Blacksmith Ocala Fl
Rick’s Performance Hay & Supply Ocala Fl
Bonnie and Joel Calhoun of Thonotsassa
Frog’s Barbeque Restaurant of Williston Florida
Dale and Dennis Corcoran of Ocala

If I've left someone off it's not intentional and feel free to ad your name in a post or drop a line! Thanx! A million times thanx! Donna is appreciative of everything she recieves. She never asks for anything except yesterday. She requested I bring her a lead rope. LOL!