Archive for January, 2009
Many folks travel through valleys rich with soils producing vineyards and orchards bearing fruits and nuts, only to take advantage of the wineries. Tasting of wine is okay, but taking the time to eat and enjoy the fresh fruits and nuts in season is an experience extraordinaire.
Imagine arriving when the seedless tangerines are too ripe to pick and ship. That’s when farmers open the orchards to locals who will pick, squeeze, and drink. And grapes–mmmm–so full of flavor and natural sugars that only preserves and jellies are the right way to dress a freshly baked loaf of bread. Great also is the moment when the dates are ripened in the palm trees and can’t be shipped. They, too, are so full of sugar and sweetness of flavor that the fruit wonderfully explodes the taste buds into a euphoria of ecstacy! Then . . . instantly, your mind experiences the same moments which kings and emperors witnessed during their invasions of the gardens of Eden some centuries ago. This has been our experience while traveling through the valleys of California.
The beverage coaster pictured above is part of our western decor, a continuous reminder of our trip.
There are few writers that can touch my soul and bring me to my knees. Anne Lang is one of these gifted writers. She wrote an article “The Little Team that Could,” and it was published in the Horse & Rider magazine, December 2008.
In 2006, Gary Reynolds was hired as head coach of a women’s equestrian riding team at Texas Christian University. His Cinderella story is real-to-life, and within just two seasons his “cowgirls” rose from just a dream to a winning 15-0 record season in 2007-2008. Then, to cap off this dramatic effort, their team went on to capture the NCAA national championship trophy by defeating the University of Georga Riders, 1027 to 1026.5!
I hope the Dallas Cowboy’s coaching staff is talking to Coach Reynolds and reading this article for heart-felt inspiration of what it takes for championship team efforts. I can tell my readers that this “little dream team” at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas, is dedicated, inspired, talented, and performs like REAL professionals. All Texans can raise this cowboy image and embrace these young women with pride . . . especially for their preparation, hard work and performance. These are the pioneering youth of America!
When it comes to designing a theme for a room, there’s nothing quite as cool as cowboys. Whether it’s cowboys and horses, or just those cool cowboy hats and boots, designing a room with a cowboy theme in mind is a sure delight for you and your guests. To get started, consider a hat rack with some well weathered cowboy hats. You might also think about hanging some cowboy hats on the wall. In terms of cowboy wall décor, think about metal silhouettes, lassoes, or even bull horns.
When accessorizing your room, try to get rustic wooden furniture, and leather couches with visible nail studs. This will succeed in creating that classic saloon look that is so desired amongst homeowners.
There’s nothing worse than bare, bland, white walls, and while a coat of paint can work wonders, if you can’t paint, there are a number of cool methods to make your walls more appealing. First of all, art is a central component of any inviting space. In terms of art, you might consider framed pictures, photographs, or even movie posters. If you’re hoping to achieve a more rustic feel, consider metal wall hangings or even wicker art. Depending on your willingness to do a bit of electrician work (or hire someone) you might also consider adding wall sconces as a lighting source. These can be used for romantic lighting or just simple illumination.
No matter what you do, you’re sure to have a more inviting and more full space by adding some color and texture to your walls. Your guests are sure to love your personalized space, but more importantly, you will!
Providing a variety of images for the Western Lifestyle is one of the focal points of our website. The image of “The Cowboy in Winter,” is beautifully written by Robert M. Poole in an article I read in the Smithsonian magazine, October 2008, pages 12-14.
I’ve traveled through the central state of Montana in the late 1990’s and witnessed the unique lifestyle of the modern cowboy. Winter wrangling of a cowboy is another kind of life altogether. To survive the harsh winters of “Big Sky” Montana takes a special breed of pioneers, willing to withstand extreme elements to accomplish a day’s work. The cowboy’s work includes his horse, dog, and farm equipment . . . if it starts. Fences still need mending and hay transported to herds of horses, cattle, buffalo, and sheep in very bad weather. Domestic animals live in harmony with the wild deer, elk, moose, wolf, bear, and many other types of wild life. I have seen the modern cowboy’s tools, including their rifles and pistols, a necessary part of the Western Lifestyle.
Everyday I wake up it’s another opportunity to praise the good Lord for the gift of life. Isn’t it an adventure to discover that’s it’s a new day, and then begin the search for a reason to explore something worth living for? One morning I began my day by turning to an article written by Richard Rubin, in the Smithsonian magazine, October 2008, pages 72 - 74. “The Last Doughboy” I discovered is Frank Woodruff Buckles, age 107 and expecting to live to 115. Frank served in the United States Army during WWI and was taken prisoner when the Japanese invaded the Philippines during WWII.
The article distinguishes Frank Buckles as “America’s only living link to the Great Conflict.” Frank still tells his story, giving speeches when the opportunity presents itself. It appears to me that is something worth living for, Frank. Thanks, Frank, for sharing your life’s experiences with others. Everyone who is patriotic, will raise a salute to you.