Look at the man sitting on his horse. It’s hard to overlook his hat, boots, jeans, jacket, saddle, reins, and gloves. Of course, there is a person inside that image before you. But in order to understand him, or successfully communicate with him, you must take into account his appearance, his skills, and his job. If you “talk his language” (so to speak) he’ll understand you. If you don’t . . . likely he won’t. And be nice to his dog, too.
If the man speaks to you . . . well, you’d better know his occupation, his issues and concerns, and his slang. You’d better know a bit about horses. You’d better know sage when you see it, and appreciate mountain laurel. Or you won’t “get him” at all. Be on the lookout for spurs or the absence of them, and perhaps a sidearm or rifle, too. Keep an eye out for chaps; they’ll always tell you a great deal.
Now if you happen to hear someone talk with this hombre, this vaquero, or read a letter someone has written to him . . . you’d best be “up on” the aforementioned info in that case, too. That is, if you want to understand what’s said. And if, in turn, you decide to share that conversation or correspondence with someone else . . . ’nuff said.
The God Story 
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