Welcome to Broken & Branded. The name actually originates from the story of who I am. “Bro Ken” designates a desire, firstly, to be a friend to all just as a brother would be, and secondly, “ken” is an old Norse word meaning to listen and make known and I sure do want to do that. The word broken further describes my story because I have been broken…humbled, taken down to my knees, forgiven, and restored. And as for the “branded” part, well, I proudly and unapologetically wear the brand of the cross… a sinner saved by grace because of my personal trust in Jesus’ finished work on the cross. So friends, in a tiny snippet, that is where Broken & Branded began.
From the time I was very small, my Dad made sure we spent frequent good times in the West…camping, walking, and talking about the basics of the western life. Dad read every Zane Grey book available as well as being a huge history buff and a pretty good poet as well. Traveling with Dad and Mom and my older brother was entertaining and educational. I fell in love with the West and developed a deep interest in the lifestyles of the rancher and the Native American. I come from a conservative family that believes in God, country, and family. The more I learn and experience days with folks in the ranching life, as well as native people who willingly share their knowledge, the more I respect and relate to a good, hard-working, and vital part of the heart of this land. The key to my success in understanding the people that I admire has been their willingness to be transparent and honest. From brandings to cattle drives to walking in hallowed places, I see more than I hear and those that I am exposed to are real, genuine, kind, and dedicated men and women who represent the best in America.
I dedicate this ever increasing collection of images and stories to each person who has allowed me to witness a small part of their life. I commit these images to every cowboy, cowgirl, native man or woman, and a few good cowdogs who were willing to tolerate an ole mountain boy with a lot of questions and to stop for a minute and let me record what “real” looks like. I also want to honor every person who told me or showed me “what was around the next bend”. I would never have found so many of these places without you.
There is a “feel” about the Old West. I’ve read a hundred great poets and writers and try as they might, it’s better experienced than explained. Whether it’s 3AM under a curtain of stars listening to the song dogs bark or daybreak on a grassy knoll watching several hundred head of cattle at a river crossing or sitting on a piece of land where a Native American friend has taken you to explain why his people love the land…it’s all a part of a culture that we just can’t let fall through the cracks. And that’s a lot of what this effort is all about. A picture does tell a story and if in some small way someone stops to think and learn and appreciate these treasures of people and places, then I have met a part of my goal.
So kick back and take a journey with me along a trail that has left a deep impression on me. The miles are many and the memories are forever. I’m better for what I have been shown and taught and take no credit for it. Thanks for coming along…who knows how far this path will wind but good company is always appreciated.
Ken Jenkins