Wednesday, June 3, 2026

The Asher House: A Salem Sanctuary Built on Second Chances

 

 
FREEDOM 


In the forests of Oregon, The Asher House Sanctuary has become a refuge for animals who need safety, patience, medical care, and a place to belong. What began as Lee Asher’s mission to promote dog adoption across the country has grown into a registered nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, and lifelong care for animals in need. 

The Asher House describes its work as a commitment to the welfare, protection, and dignity of animals. Its mission centers on rescuing and rehabilitating animals who have been abused, discarded, abandoned, or overlooked, while also helping as many adoptable animals as possible find loving homes.

The sanctuary’s roots are tied to Lee Asher’s early adoption advocacy. For more than two years, Asher traveled through 49 states to promote shelter pet adoption and highlight rescues and shelters. That traveling mission eventually grew into a permanent sanctuary model, where animals could receive not only rescue and care, but also stability, enrichment, and family.

Today, The Asher House’s primary location is in Salem, Oregon, where Lee lives with many of the animals. The organization also operates New Life Asher House, an adoption-focused rescue and sanctuary in Lebanon, Oregon. Across its properties, The Asher House cares for more than 250 animals, including dogs, cats, birds, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, cows, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, and a ram.

Life at the sanctuary is built around the needs of the animals. Some animals stay temporarily while they wait for adoption. Others remain for life because of age, medical needs, behavioral challenges, or simply because the sanctuary has become their safest home. The Asher House says the animals in its care become part of the family for however long they need that care, whether that is weeks, months, or the rest of their lives.

The work is much larger than what appears in short social media videos. The sanctuary provides food, shelter, medical care, enrichment, and a safe haven. The organization says every animal has unique needs, and those needs are supported through donations and merchandise sales.

Adoption remains an important part of the sanctuary’s mission. The Asher House adopts out animals who are ready for homes and currently accepts adoption applications from Oregon, Washington, and Idaho so the team can stay connected and provide support when needed. The adoption process includes choosing an animal, submitting an application, speaking with an adoption coordinator, completing a meet-and-greet, and welcoming the animal home if it is the right match.

But The Asher House is more than an adoption program. It is also a place where animals who may have been unwanted elsewhere can decompress, heal, and be loved. The sanctuary emphasizes enrichment, activity, and adventure as part of animal care, noting that animals need more than basic survival in order to thrive.

That belief is at the heart of what makes The Asher House meaningful. The sanctuary is not simply about saving animals from difficult circumstances. It is about giving them lives filled with safety, dignity, structure, companionship, and joy.

The Asher House also extends its impact beyond its own property. According to its FAQ, the organization works through rescue networks, national spay-and-neuter programs, community involvement, school and library partnerships, homeless outreach, and occasional financial assistance to shelters and rescues, especially after disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

For supporters, followers, adopters, and animal lovers, The Asher House represents a simple but powerful idea: every rescue animal deserves a second chance. Some will find new families. Some will stay at the sanctuary forever. All of them are treated as lives worth protecting.

At its core, The Asher House Sanctuary is built on compassion in action. It is a place where abandoned, abused, and discarded animals are given safety. It is a place where rescue becomes rehabilitation, rehabilitation becomes trust, and trust becomes freedom.

At a Glance: The Asher House Sanctuary




Sources

The Asher House official website states that it is a registered nonprofit sanctuary focused on rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, lifelong sanctuary care, education, advocacy, and humane treatment; it also notes that Lee Asher traveled across 49 states for more than two years to promote dog adoption.

The Asher House FAQ describes The Asher House Animal Sanctuary as a registered 501(c)(3) that rescues and rehabilitates abused or discarded animals and provides them with a safe home.

The Asher House FAQ identifies the primary location as Salem, Oregon, New Life Asher House as the adoption-focused rescue and sanctuary in Lebanon, and says the organization has more than 200 animals across its properties, supported through donations and merchandise sales.

Around the Sanctuary says animals in its care are treated as pets, responsibility, and family for however long they need support.

The Asher House adoption page outlines the adoption process and says applications are currently accepted from Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.


The pack walk
Lee and I at the sanctuary






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Finding Family: The Unexpected Journey of One Simple DNA Test



For most of her life, Maria Collins was content with the family she knew. Adopted as an infant and raised by loving parents, she never felt a deep need to search for her biological parents. But a simple DNA test taken around her 40th birthday led to a discovery she never could have imagined: her biological father was Robbie Knievel, son of legendary daredevil Evel Knievel.

What began as curiosity quickly turned into a life-changing journey. Through a combination of prayer, persistence and modern technology, Collins connected with a father she never knew needed. Within days of confirming the connection, she heard from Robbie himself. The two spent the final years of his life building a relationship that neither expected but both treasured.

Collins' story challenges common assumptions about adoption and family. Her experience shows that discovering biological roots does not diminish the love of adoptive families. Instead, it can add new layers of understanding, healing and connection. Through her story, Collins offers a unique perspective on identity, forgiveness and the meaning of family.

Today, Maria continues to share her story with others interested in adoption and family connections. She works as a hair stylist in a beautiful small town on the Oregon Coast with her husband, stepsons and grandbabies. Collins said she and her family plan to attend the opening of the new Evel Knievel Museum/Experience in Las Vegas. The attraction, which relocated from Topeka, Kansas, celebrates the legacy of Evel Knievel through memorabilia, interactive exhibits and family history. For Collins, the event represents more than a museum opening—it is another opportunity to learn about her family's story and connect with relatives she never knew she had. She remains close with members of both her adoptive and biological families and is thankful for the unexpected journey that began with a simple DNA test.


1. When did you first learn that Robbie Knievel was your biological father?

The discovery happened unexpectedly after Collins completed a 23andMe DNA test that her adoptive mother had given her as a gift.

While exploring the DNA results during Thanksgiving, she noticed a relative with the last name Knievel. Curious about the connection, she began researching and enlisted the help of a friend who worked as a private investigator. After comparing information and family connections, the evidence pointed to an incredible possibility.

"My friend called me and said, 'If this is accurate, your dad would be Robbie Knievel, and your grandfather would be Evel Knievel,'" Collins said.

At first, she thought it had to be a mistake. The possibility seemed too unbelievable to be true. Within days, they contacted his management team and received confirmation that the connection was real.


2. What was going through your mind when you realized the connection might be real?

Collins describes the experience as surreal, almost impossible to believe.

She had spent years without searching for her biological family, and suddenly she was facing the possibility that her father was one of the most recognizable names in motorcycle stunt history.

The second-generation daredevil jumped over planes, trains, and automobiles — as well as a portion of the Grand Canyon — on his motocross bike reports Dan Snierson of Entertainment weekly.

She remembers laughing in disbelief and wondering if the discovery could possibly be accurate.

I thought you've got to be kidding me, she said.

She remembers feeling shocked, excited and overwhelmed all at once. While the discovery brought many questions, it also gave her an opportunity she never expected—the chance to meet her biological father.


3. How did Robbie react when he learned about you?

According to Collins, Robbie's response was welcoming.

After receiving a message through his management team, he quickly confirmed that he believed he was her father. Rather than hesitation or doubt, she was met with enthusiasm and a desire to build a relationship.

"He said, 'Yes, that was my high school sweetheart. We definitely had a kid,'" Collins recalled.

Although Maria did locate her biological mother, she made it clear to Collins she did not want a relationship with her. 

Within days, they were talking and making plans to meet in person.

Robbie traveled to meet her shortly after they made contact, and she quickly realized they shared many personality traits and mannerisms. She described feeling comfortable around him right away. Rather than focusing on his fame, she saw him as a father who genuinely wanted to know his daughter and make up for lost time.


4. What was it like meeting your father for the first time?

Collins met Robbie in January, and the connection was immediate. Maria said she was surprised by how down-to-earth Robbie was.

Years of unanswered questions seemed to disappear as they began getting to know each other. Rather than feeling like strangers, Collins said they shared similar personalities, mannerisms and even physical traits.

"We could understand each other just by looking at each other," she said.

Despite his reputation as a famous stunt performer, he didn’t talk about his accomplishments. Instead, he focused on family and relationships. She described him as kind, thoughtful and deeply interested in learning about her life, her husband and the family she grew up with.

The experience reinforced something she had never expected: that family connections can sometimes be felt long before they are fully understood.


5. What memories with your father mean the most to you?

Although they only had three years together before Robbie's death in 2023, Collins says they packed a lifetime of memories into that time.

Robbie passed with his daughters by his side on January 13, 2023. He was 60, according to Associated Press.

One of her favorite experiences was traveling with him to Butte, Montana, where generations of the Knievel family have roots and the family history began. Robbie showed her the places he rode motorcycles as a child and shared stories from his youth.

"He showed me all the places he used to ride when he was a kid," Collins said.

She said seeing his hometown through his eyes helped her understand him better and gave her a deeper appreciation for her family's history. She also treasures the simple moments—road trips, meals, conversations and getting to know the man behind the famous name.

One of the most meaningful experiences now after he is gone, Maria shared, was finding feathers during significant moments in her life. What might seem ordinary to others became powerful symbols for her. The feathers served as reminders that she was supported, guided, and moving in the right direction. These experiences strengthened her sense of identity and spirituality, helping her trust herself and embrace her journey with confidence. She could be having a bad day and see a feather and just smile and know he was looking down on her.


6. Did you discover similarities between yourself and your father?

Absolutely.

Collins was surprised by how many similarities emerged once they met. Family members pointed out physical features they shared, and she noticed personality traits that felt familiar.

Her adoptive mother even remarked on how much she resembled Robbie after seeing photographs of them together.

"I always thought I had my birth mom's nose, and then I started seeing all these similarities," Collins said.

Beyond appearance, she believes they shared a sense of humor, adventurous spirit and emotional sensitivity.

Maria remarks she is Robbie's only child that rides motorcycles.


7. How did your adoptive family react to the discovery?

Maria said her adoptive family was incredibly supportive. Her mother, who raised her, remained one of the most important people in her life.

One of Maria's most emotional memories involved seeing her adoptive mother and Robbie meet. She recalled the genuine gratitude he showed toward the family that raised her, creating a powerful moment that demonstrated how love and family can exist in many forms.


8. How has adoption shaped the way you view family?

Maria believes adoption gave her the best of both worlds. She was raised by loving parents who provided a stable home and strong values, while later discovering a biological family that welcomed her with open arms. She said she does not regret her adoption and would not trade the life she had.

"I really feel like I had the best of both worlds," Maria said. "I'm grateful for the heritage that I had and the legacy my father created, but I'm also grateful for the parents who raised me and the person I've become because of them."

She explained that family is much more than genetics. The people who love, support and guide you throughout life are just as important as biological connections.


9. Did meeting your father bring healing to your life?

Maria believes meeting Robbie Knievel helped fill a void that neither of them fully understood existed.

Although they only had a few years together, she feels the relationship brought healing to both of them.

I'm grateful that we got the time we did, she said. I think it healed both of us.

She explained that many people assume adoptees spend their lives searching for answers, but her experience was less about finding what was missing and more about gaining an unexpected blessing. She feels fortunate that she had the opportunity to know her father before he passed away and to build relationships with siblings and extended family members she never knew existed.


10. What message would you share with others who are considering searching for their biological families?

Maria encourages people to keep an open mind and remember that every adoption story is different. While some reunions may be difficult, others can create meaningful relationships and answers.

She hopes people understand that discovering a biological family does not diminish the love of adoptive families. Instead, it can expand a person's understanding of who they are.

You get the genetics from one family and the values from another, she said. It's all part of who you become.

Today, Maria continues to share her story with others. She remains close with members of both her adoptive and biological families and is thankful for the unexpected journey that began with a simple DNA test.

At a Glance: Maria Collins

Occupation: Hairstylist at Core 394
Hometown: Bend, Oregon
Current Residence: Waldport, Oregon
Known For: Discovering she was the daughter of Robbie Knievel through DNA testing
Family: Married; stepmother to three sons; grandmother to grandchildren
Hobbies: Motorcycles, camping, fishing, golfing and outdoor adventures
Life-Changing Moment: Connecting with Robbie Knievel after a 23andMe DNA test
Favorite Memory with Robbie: Exploring Butte, Montana, and learning about his childhood
Special Reminder of Her Father: Finding feathers and watching eagles, which she considers signs from him
Message to Others: Family is built through both love and connection, and every adoption story is unique.
Contact: https://www.core394fitness.net or 541-610-9720

Knievel used red-white-and-blue V-shaped jumpsuits, similar to his father's famous White Leather jumpsuit throughout his career, Wikipedia contributors



References-

Associated Press. (2023, January 13). Robbie Knievel, daredevil son of Evel Knievel, dies at 60. KGOU. https://www.kgou.org/2023-01-13/robbie-knievel-daredevil-son-of-evel-knievel-dies-at-60

Heller, C. (2023, January 13). Robbie Knievel, stuntman son of Evel Knievel, dies at 60. Entertainment Weekly. https://ew.com/celebrity/robbie-knievel-dead-daredevil-son-evel-knievel/

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Robbie Knievel. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 10, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Knievel

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Thursday, May 28, 2026

Telegraph Cove, B.C., Where the Road Ends and the Wild Begins

 


TELEGRAPH COVE, British Columbia - The last miles into Telegraph Cove feel like a deliberate slowing down. Highway 19 gives way to forested roads, the cell signal softens, and then, almost suddenly, the water appears: a sheltered pocket of Johnstone Strait edged by docks, boats and weathered buildings that seem to lean toward the tide.

On northern Vancouver Island, Telegraph Cove Resort and its Forest RV Campground offer the rare kind of coastal stay that still feels rooted in place. Telegraph Cove sits on the eastern coast of northern Vancouver Island and is open seasonally from May through September, with advance reservations recommended.

This is not a polished resort in the big-hotel sense. Its appeal is smaller, saltier and more specific. Guests come for self-contained historic cabins and homes around the cove, camping in tents or RV's, moorage, whale watching, kayaking and the feeling of being at the edge of something immense. Telegraph Cove Resort has historic houses and cabins that sit on or around the boardwalk and inside the historic village, with kitchens and bathrooms in various configurations.

The campground broadens that welcome. The Forest RV Campground is about 1 kilometer from the village core, a 10-minute walk uphill, and has more than 100 serviced sites set among old-growth trees, with washrooms, showers, laundry, firewood and a sani-dump. Tent campers and RV travelers share the same quiet forest.  At the end of the tent campsites, there is a nice trail through huge trees where you can even climb under with their roots, we call them fairy holes, that leads to a beautiful beach. Many yachts will anchor there for a relaxing evening. Just be alert and aware there is a bear that frequents the fairy holes.

That walk between campground and cove is part of the rhythm. In the morning, it is coffee, ravens and deer. If you’re lucky enough you will see all the rabbits running around the campsite. I was one that was able to catch one and have some cuddles with it by the fire. By afternoon, it is families heading downhill with binoculars, boaters checking lines and kayakers studying wind and tide. The cove itself feels like a threshold. Travel British Columbia describes Telegraph Cove as a former fishing and cannery village turned ecotourism base in a sheltered inlet on Johnstone Strait, near the Broughton Archipelago.

For many visitors, the main draw is not the village but the water beyond it. Visitors are drawn to the region because Johnstone Strait is considered, a prime location for witnessing the abundant wildlife, stated by Prince of Whales. Johnstone Strait is one of the great marine corridors of the Pacific Northwest, and Telegraph Cove has long served as a launch point for whale watching and paddling trips. Whale watching tours operate in summer, and grizzly bear trips leave for Knight Inlet and the Great Bear Rainforest. When my family was there, we were lucky enough to see a pod of Killer Whales right there in the cove. Truly a magnificent site. 

The sense of wildlife nearby is not marketing fantasy.  Robson Bight, an ecological reserve, about 10 kilometers southeast of Telegraph Cove, is legally designated as critical habitat for Northern Resident Killer Whales. The area's wildlife is also protected through nearby conservation efforts, as BC Parks describes. The reserve is a sanctuary for killer whales, and boaters are expected to stay out to reduce disturbance while the whales feed, socialize and use rubbing beaches, according to the agency. Rubbing beaches are the whales' favorite. They are the rocks at the bottom so full of barnacles and coral, whales use them to rub on and help remove barnacles from their own bodies. 

Along with the whales, one other favorite was the sea otters. They love to come out at dusk and swim and play around the docks. Watching them play is like watching a bunch of little kids in a jungle gym. They always made me smile and laugh. 

Telegraph Cove also carries a recent scar. On Dec. 31, 2024, a fire damaged key buildings and parts of the boardwalk. Telegraph Cove Resort said the fire consumed the pub, restaurant, Tide Rip Tours office, Prince of Whales office and Whale Interpretive Centre. An earlier resort statement said the Old Saltery Pub, Killer Whale Cafe, Wastell Manor heritage house and staff housing also were destroyed. The resort has been finished and is getting ready to re-open for the season. I am so excited for them as this place is near and dear to me. It was my dad’s absolute favorite place. 

That history matters because Telegraph Cove's beauty has always depended on fragility: timber on pilings, boats in narrow water, weather that can shift a day's plans before breakfast. Staying there means accepting that the place is not separate from the elements. Fog may erase the opposite shore. Rain may drum on the cabin roof. A clear evening may turn the cove silver and make every complaint about damp socks seem ridiculous.

The practicalities are straightforward. Reserve ahead, especially in summer. Bring layers, rain gear and patience. Expect seasonal hours for shops and services; make sure to call ahead during the season for current hours. Boaters should note that the marina accommodates boats up to 25 feet, but slips do not have water or electrical hookups, and diesel fuel is not available in Telegraph Cove.

With Telegraph Cove being on the Johnston Straight, most of the travel around there is by boat. There are several islands to visit with my favorite being Alert Bay. You have to arrive by boat or ferry and walk the town. There are beautiful shops, and pubs but my favorite is the totem pole, the largest in the world. Many islands have caves with beaches that some boaters visit to clean fish, eat or just sight see. If you venture out keep an eye on the tide or you may be staying there a lot longer than you expected. We made an adventure out of it. 

What Telegraph Cove offers best is not luxury but proximity – to whales, cedar, tide, rain and a kind of coastal quiet that is increasingly hard to find. From a campsite in the trees or a cabin above the water, the day begins with gulls and ends with dock lights trembling on the cove.

Don’t forget to stop by and visit with Gordon and Marilyn Graham, the owners. They have been staples at the bait shop/store from the beginning. My sisters and I always had to stop in the store for some Tillamook ice cream! They make you feel right at home and it's not just a camping trip it’s like going home. Our family still gets Christmas cards from them. 

It is a place to come prepared, move slowly and look outward. The road ends here, but the wild does not.


At a Glance: 

Telegraph Cove Resort and Campground

Who: Travelers, campers, kayakers, boaters, whale watchers and nature lovers visiting northern Vancouver Island.

What: Telegraph Cove Resort and Forest RV Campground offer seasonal lodging, historic cabins, RV and tent camping, marina access, kayaking, whale watching and access to nearby marine wilderness.

When: The resort operates seasonally, generally from May through September, with summer being the peak time for wildlife tours and outdoor activities.

Where: Telegraph Cove is on the eastern coast of northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, along Johnstone Strait.

Why: Visitors come for its historic boardwalk village, coastal scenery, wildlife viewing, access to Johnstone Strait and Broughton Archipelago, and the chance to experience a quieter, wilder side of British Columbia.

For more information: Check out their website.telegraphcoveresort.com; for questions or to book contact info@telegraphcoveresort.com or by phone +1-250-928-3131 







Works cited.

    Prince of Whales. (n.d.). Whale watching Telegraph Cove. 



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Sunday, May 10, 2026

“Marshals” Turns Kayce Dutton into Just Another Guy with a Badge

                     


Kayce Dutton deserved better than “Marshals.” After years of being one of the more haunted and interesting figures in the “Yellowstone” universe, Luke Grimes' character finally gets the spotlight, only for the show to make him feel smaller. Instead of expanding Kayce's moral conflict, “Marshals” stuffs him into a familiar network procedural and hopes the Dutton name will do most of the work.

The timing explains why people are paying attention. Jen Jeaneau of CBS describes “Marshals” as a new “Yellowstone”-related drama in which Kayce leaves the ranch behind, joins an elite U.S. Marshals unit, and uses his cowboy and Navy SEAL skills to bring justice to Montana. That premise sounds rugged and personal. On screen, though, it often feels like “Yellowstone” was watered down until it fit neatly into a Sunday-night police-show slot. “Yellowstone,” neo-Western drama, which first aired, 2018-2024, and follows the powerful Dutton family as they fight to protect their Montana ranch. The series stars Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, and Wes Bentley. It aired on Paramount+ on Sunday evenings.

No spoilers, but the verdict is simple: “Marshals” is not worth rushing to watch unless you are a committed “Yellowstone” completist. It is not awful in an exciting, memorable way. It is worse: safe, gray, and oddly forgettable. The show keeps promising grief, danger, and psychological weight, yet too many episodes slide into case-of-the-week rhythms that could belong to almost any law-enforcement drama. And please don’t get me started on the female “Marshals” wardrobes.

The story follows Kayce as he works with a new team of marshals in Montana. The cast includes Logan Marshall-Green as Pete Calvin, Arielle Kebbel as Belle Skinner, Ash Santos as Andrea Cruz, Tatanka Means as Miles Kittle, Brecken Merrill as Tate, Mo Brings Plenty as Mo, and Gil Birmingham as Thomas Rainwater (Paramount+). Several cast members have appeared in other television series and films. Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce, is best known for “Yellowstone" alongside Kevin Costner. Arielle Kebbel has appeared in shows such as “The Vampire Diaries” and “Gilmore Girls”, as well as several Hallmark movies. Gil Birmingham is known for roles in “The Twilight Saga” and “Yellowstone.” Mo Brings Plenty has also appeared in “Yellowstone” and works as a cultural consultant for Native American representation in film and television. 

While the cast does not include major award winners, many of the actors have experience in popular television dramas and Western-themed productions. There are fugitives, rescues, militia-style threats, former military connections, family tensions, and hints of romance. On paper, that is enough material for a sharp neo-Western thriller. In practice, the plots rarely feel as dangerous or complicated as the show wants them to feel.

Other critics have noticed the same problem. Rotten Tomatoes' critics consensus says “Marshals'” confines Kayce Dutton within a dim procedural and calls the season a “ham-fisted trek.” That sounds harsh, but it captures the show's central failure. Kayce should be a character defined by impossible choices, divided loyalties, and buried pain. Here, he too often becomes just another serious man with a badge, a gun, and a troubled stare. At least he is nice to look at.

There are good parts. Did I mention Kacey is very nice to look at. Grimes still understands Kayce. His quiet, heavy presence gives the series more emotional credibility than the writing earns. The Montana setting also helps, even when the show leans on landscape as a shortcut for depth. Belle and Cal have flashes of chemistry, and the action scenes are competent enough to keep the episodes moving. The problem is that competence is not the same as electricity. “Yellowstone,” at its best, felt messy, dangerous, and excessive. “Marshals” often feels managed.

“It's fights, chases, and shootouts are CBS-grade lackluster,” said Nick Schager of The Daily Beast. Schager criticizes Marshals for feeling too much like a basic crime procedural instead of the gritty and emotional storytelling that made Yellowstone successful. He argues that the action scenes and writing feel predictable and less engaging than viewers expected from a Taylor Sheridan series. This review supports the idea that while “Marshals” has strong connections to “Yellowstone,” many critics feel it does not live up to the original show’s quality.

The bad is much more noticeable. The dialogue regularly reaches for toughness and lands on cliche. Characters explain their damage instead of revealing it. Emotional beats arrive before the show has done the work to earn them. Even the procedural structure hurts Kayce's story, because every new fugitive or operation pulls attention away from the grief and identity crisis that should be driving the series. It is hard to invest in Kayce's inner life when the show keeps treating him like a franchise logo in human form.

And then there is the ugly: the romance and vulnerability angles feel forced. A recent People News piece describes Riley Green's Garrett returning and beginning a surprise romance, while Green says the role involves playing someone with “deep emotional problems,” according to Jen Juneau. That could have added texture. Instead, “Marshals” often handle vulnerability like decoration. It announces pain, past trauma, and complicated feelings, then rushes back to familiar standoffs and rescues.

That is what makes the show frustrating. Somewhere inside “Marshals” is a better series about Kayce trying to understand justice after losing the life that once defined him. A slower, stranger, more character-driven version could have justified this spinoff. Instead, the version CBS gives us feels like a compromise: a little “Yellowstone” branding, a little cop-show formula, and not enough soul. For a show about people chasing fugitives, “Marshals” is the one that keeps running away from its most interesting ideas.

–

At a Glance:

“Marshals”

When: “Marshals” premiered on CBS on March 1, 2026. New episodes air every Sunday at 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS. Episodes also stream on Paramount+

Overall Take: Paramount TV series that suffers from poor writing and unrealistic execution.

Main Issue: The show struggles with weak writing and unconvincing acting, making it hard to take seriously.

Highlights (or Lowlights):

Dialogue feels forced and not believable


Acting lacks depth and emotional connection


Characters do not feel realistic or relatable

Big Concern: The way the women are portrayed — especially what they wear in intense or dangerous situations — feels completely unrealistic and distracting. It takes away from the credibility of the scenes and makes it hard to stay engaged.

Why It Matters: For a show that seems to center around action and strength, realism is important. When basic details are off, it impacts how seriously viewers can take the story.

Recommendation: Not recommended unless major improvements are made in writing, character development, and overall realism.

At a Glance Rating: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (1/5)




Works Cited

CBS. Marshals. CBS, 2026, https://www.cbs.com/shows/marshals/. Accessed 3 May 2026.

Juneau, Jen. “Marshals Clip: Riley Green Has a Surprising New Love Interest (Exclusive).” People, 30 Apr. 2026, https://people.com/marshals-clip-riley-green-new-love-interest-exclusive-11962096

Accessed 3 May 2026.

Paramount+. “Meet the Cast of Taylor Sheridan's Kayce Dutton Series.” Paramount+, 26 Mar. 2026, https://www.paramountplus.com/sneak-peak/cast-of-marshals-season-1/

Accessed 3 May 2026.

Rotten Tomatoes. Marshals: Season 1. Fandango Media, 2026, https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/marshals/s01

Accessed 3 May 2026

Schager, N.CBS turns “Yellowstone” into an embarrassing “NCIS” ripoff. The Daily Beast. https://www.thedailybeast.com/

Accessed February 27, 2026

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Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Tiny Boots, Big Dreams

 The smell hit me first, fresh hay, and horse manure.

In an instant I felt more relaxed. I heard the nervous giggles of my daughter as I looked down and smiled.

I had been riding since I was a child, even bought and paid for my first horse at seven after selling my bull dairy calves at auction. To say I was excited is such an understatement.

My parents would stand at the top of the hill yelling and screaming at me as I grabbed a halter and lead rope, jumped on and took off at a dead run through the pasture. They didn’t think I'd make it to 10 without a broken bone. Well, I have news for you, I still have not broken any.

As we walked in the barn for her first lesson at a stable, I found online, we were welcomed with knickers and banging of stall doors, I was home. Ashley, the riding instructor, was a friend of my co-worker and that made me feel much more at ease.

She was only 3 years old, sitting on a horse that probably felt as big as the world to her. Her tiny boots didn’t quite reach the stirrups. Her little hands gripped the saddle, and I stood there holding my breath, not sure if I was more excited or more nervous.

Everything felt still for a moment — like time slowed down just enough for me to take it all in.

“Mom, I’m not scared,” she said, looking back at me with the biggest smile.

I wasn’t so sure I could say the same.

The instructor gently led the horse forward, one step at a time. I walked beside her, my heart racing. I could catch her if she fell.

I knew she wouldn’t be afraid. She has confidence growing in a way that only kids seem to do so naturally.

Maybe it is due to the TV show she watches, “Spirit, Riding Free” on Netflix. The show is about Lucky, a young girl who has lost her mother at a young age. Now she’s with her father and aunt, moving across the country to a small town where her mom was born. Lucky meets a wild mustang she names Spirit. They become the best of friends, and she's the only one able to ride him. Since he is wild, she only rides bareback with no reins. Lucky meets two other best friends, Pru and Abigail, and together the three of them go on many adventures.

With me growing up horse-crazed, it seemed just a matter of time before my daughter would be, too. So, when we found “Spirit, Riding Free,” we watched every episode of every season.

And that was the day I saw the spark and love come alive in my daughter's soul. I knew horses were it for her, too.

This was more than a riding lesson. It was one of those moments where you realize my baby is becoming their own person — brave, free-spirited and willing to try something new even when it’s a little scary.

And if I’m being honest, it was a moment for me, too. I saw myself at that age and the love I had for horses reflecting back at me in my daughter.

As a single mom, there are so many times when I question if I’m doing enough, if I’m giving her the experiences she deserves.

But watching her that day, I realized something important. She didn’t need everything to be perfect — she just needed the opportunity to try, to grow, and to feel supported.

And when our backs were turned, to stand in the saddle like Lucky from her favorite TV show.

I couldn’t hold my laugh. Here I was nervous and scared and that little girl was just plotting and scheming until we weren’t looking, so she could pretend to be in her own circus.

I see now she was born to ride. She looked like a little ant on a log riding that big palomino horse. As she gathered the reins and kicked the horse to a trot.

All I could do was smile and laugh as I shook my head thinking she is going to break a bone before she is 10.






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Sunday, April 5, 2026

Rooted in Faith, Growing in Purpose

 Hi everyone, my name is Cindie. First and foremost, I’m a single mom to the sweetest, fun-loving, free-spirited 11-year-old daughter. I am also a Human Services student returning to college after 17 years. This has been a big and honestly scary step for me. I’m definitely not your typical student, but I truly believe I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. My faith has guided me to this new chapter, and for the first time, I feel confident that I’m on the right path.


Outside of school, my life is centered around my daughter. We love riding horses together, going on hikes, fishing, camping and spending time watching a movie. I coach my daughter's volleyball team as well. I also enjoy reading and baking—it’s my way of slowing down and finding balance. I’ve always had a deep love for animals, and I’m really excited to one day incorporate them into a therapy program to help others heal. There truly is nothing better than the nuzzle of a horse or kisses from a dog.

God has guided me through this incredible and sometimes frightening journey, and I trust in Him completely. Failing is not an option.

This term I have some goals for myself. The most important is making it to graduation. First, I want to fully commit to my practicum and gain as much hands on experience as I can. Second, I want to grow in my confidence-both in school and in my role working with others. Third, I want to find a healthy balance between being a mom, school and everything else life decides to throw my way.

Life may be chaotic, busy, and sometimes messy, but it’s mine—and it’s so beautiful.

So, sit back and enjoy the chaos. Through this blog, I’ll be sharing my journey, what I’m learning, and how both my life experiences and education are shaping the kind of support I hope to give to others.





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The Asher House: A Salem Sanctuary Built on Second Chances

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