~Maria
Celebrate!!
~Maria
Mother's Day
Do you have a blog post for Mother's Day?
Share your link in a comment so we all can check out your post and your blog ...
~Maria
Share your link in a comment so we all can check out your post and your blog ...
~Maria
Win's Way: The Story of a Rescue Border Collie
Last night I read Win's Way: The Story of a Rescue Border Collie. Just 76 pages of easy reading, I was done in no time at all. The author Gretchen Finch writes such a sweet little story of an aging border collies who tells his life story to a curious border collie puppy.
This is a lovely story to read to children, a story that will capture your heart.
The author is also a a fine painter and has produced some very beautiful watercolors. Have a look at her website and read her blog.
I've always loved border collies having grown up with my sweet Tippy who got his name because when he was a puppy, he looked like he was going to tip over when he was walking. He grew out of it but the name stayed.
Tippy and I were the same age approximately and I remember vaguely, but mostly the just stories about how Tippy would herd my sister and me. He was such a beautiful, gentle soul who had an incredible capacity for love ... as most dogs do. Tippy lived a good long time, he was 21 when he crossed the bridge and he gave so much in those years.
I really want to adopt another BC and hope to do just that when we get back to New Mexico in July.
Give Win's Way a read ... it will warm you!
~Maria
Whiskey Dijon BBQ Sauce
I'm gonna try this BBQ Sauce from Eating Well. Sounds great and they are suggesting it be used skirt steak but I think it can be a great sauce for any type of meat. It's grillin' time!!!
1/2 cup reduced-sodium beef or chicken broth
3 tablespoons whiskey (Pendleton or Jack will work)
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
Combine broth, whiskey, mustard, brown sugar, shallot, Worcestershire and thyme in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until reduced to about 1/2 cup, 6 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
1/2 cup reduced-sodium beef or chicken broth
3 tablespoons whiskey (Pendleton or Jack will work)
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
Combine broth, whiskey, mustard, brown sugar, shallot, Worcestershire and thyme in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until reduced to about 1/2 cup, 6 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Buggin' out
 |
| Photo: Unknown Source |
Skeeter season is coming ... I was just reading an article about those nasty little mosquitoes.
I. am. sure. God had a reason for them. I just don't know it.
But it started me to thinking about a time when I was living at the ranch and my ex was with his cousin stacking hay in the old barn down in the field. Well, they must have been down there almost all the day and at a certain time of year there are plenty skeeters. I had practically forgotten about them as I sat in my favorite surveying position on the front porch. (My surveying position was pretty sweet, could see most all the valley). Around sundown, they pulled up in the truck and got down to start into the house.
It was a sight I will never forget.
Both my ex and his cousin were covered with skeeter bites. Big ones, puffy and red ones. They looked like ompalompa's from a distance and 'creatures' close up. It was hard not to stare.
My ex had bites on his scalp, his legs, his ears. Somehow the buggers got up their pant legs and into the nether regions or they somehow went straight through their denim. His arms were covered and his face ... jeez, I'd never seen anything like it. I'm sure they ate their share too.
...but the hay got stacked and the work was done. Now when I think back, it gives me a good chuckle and I wish I had taken a picture of my ex ... ... ... hmmm ... well, maybe not.
Letters to my Son
"My dear son, as I watch my own Mama, your Gran, now 94 years old, struggle to do what was once so natural, I think what could be.
~Maria (Mama)
Adapted:Source unknown
 |
| My Mom, two years age when she was 92 years old |
So, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a boy? When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, sweetie, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day... the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I have for you, I just want to say, I love you... my wonderful son."
~Maria (Mama)
Adapted:Source unknown
And the winner is ...
It was beautiful! The horse, I'll Have Another did it ... with a come from behind at 200 yards in the 138th Kentucky Derby!
Yeah!
~Maria
 |
| Photo: Benoit Photo |
~Maria
Derby time! Do you have a pick?
For years I have been dreaming of a chance to go to the Kentucky Derby, wear a great hat, drink a Julep, see some beautiful horses and win a race for sure. It’s on my bucket list! Of course I’ll have to make sure I don’t encounter any of the seedier side of horse racing in order to truly enjoy the day. I think I’d want to hang out for a while in the paddocks and check out the stables. I wonder if they would let me bring snacks for the horses. Probably not!
Then later, I’d want to get dressed up and join the party! Check out my hat picks below.
Here is a great Julep recipe I found at Garden & Gun mag. It’s from How to Mix Drinks by Bill Edwards, published 1936 and sounds like a keeper to me.
Southern Mint Julep
1 glass of Bourbon
4 sprigs fresh mint
1/2 tbsp. powdered sugar
In a julep cup, crush the mint leaves and sugar lightly together, add bourbon and fill glass with cracked ice; stir gently until cup is frosted. Decorate on top with 3 sprigs of mint.
 |
| Photo property of Garden & Gun Magazine |
 |
| Photo by Epicurian |
 |
| Photo by Reed Palmer Photography/Churchill Downs |
 |
| Photo Kentucky Derby-by Coady Photography |
The question I really have to consider is whether I would wear the Derby hat. Darn sure I’d drink the drink but the hat … not sure unless …
I might be able to pull off this look that I found on Etsy by Carolina Hat Girl …
 |
| Photo Carolina Hat Girl |
 |
| Photo SunBody |
 |
| Photo Old Town Hat shop |
Visit the Kentucky Derby site for party ideas and more …
Have you been to or want to go to a Derby? Add a comment and share.
~Maria
I wish and I ask ... Time to reset
Time to reset, time to wish big, time to ask God. What are you wishing and asking for today? Join me in sharing.
- I wish and ask that my boy always has love and happiness in his life
- I wish and ask that my boy has success in all that he tries
- I wish and ask that we have happiness in returning home to the high desert
- I wish and ask that we always find ourselves in the right place at the right time
- I wish and ask that I'll get to have another border collie in this lifetime
- I wish and ask that all the pieces fall together in the best way possible
- I wish and ask that all silent wishes are fulfilled, yours and mine
- I wish and ask that I make a good go of my business and as a rep for Cowgirl Dirt
- I wish and ask for financial success and stability
- I wish and ask that I get to attend the Kentucky Derby someday
- I wish and ask for good health for myself and my boy
- I wish and ask that I achieve my weight and fitness goals
- I wish and ask that love, happiness and success is at hand for all my friends and family
- I wish and ask that a cure for cancer and all prolonged illnesses is found
- I wish and ask for God's blessings everyday and
- I pray and ask that God will bless you too!
~Maria
Through the eyes of a girl … Horse Holocaust
Miss Leigh from The Sugar & Spice Ranch in Bandera, TX just posted on Facebook about a speech her 13 year old daughter wrote for school about ‘injustice.’ I love when proud Mama’s share about their kids success and after reading this heartfelt speech I was just so impressed with her writing and her ability to share her convictions on a topic that is, at the very least, controversial. Since I am in agreement with this young lady’s opinion, I contacted Miss Leigh and asked permission to post the speech here.
Horse HolocaustNot long ago, our President signed a bill to re-introduce horse slaughter. I don’t always agree with what The Human Society has to say but I agree with their pitch to end horse slaughter. For more information about issues that threaten horses, check out Equine Destiny and Habitat for Horses.
By Patricia McCourt
What’s going on? Where is my owner? What is this place? Get me out of here! I’m starving. I’m scared. Clink. Another horse just died in a slaughter house. This was what was running through her mind.
These helpless creatures’ lives are completely controlled by humans. We own them, take care of them, and are fully responsible for their fate. Horses rely on us for food, shelter, medical care, companionship and most importantly, love. There are many owners who just throw that responsibility out the window, and send their horses to slaughter. And there are also people who run these slaughter houses illegally and inhumanely in this country and all over the world.
Horse slaughter reminds me of the Holocaust in a way. Mindless killing in factories of death. These horses are killed for cruel and unnecessary reasons. Maybe their owners don’t want them anymore, or don’t find them useful because of an injury. They are killed for their meat which isn’t even that desirable or popular. You can go a whole life time without tasting horse meat. You’ll survive. Before horses are killed they are kept in horrible conditions and are given little or no food. These slaughter houses are literally the concentration camps of the 21st century.
People need to learn more about this issue. Honestly, how many of you already know about it? How many times has it crossed your mind? The importance of this problem needs to be spread. I can’t stress how crucial to remove this ugly section of our society. The people who think this is ok need to be put behind bars. The people who run these slaughter houses need to be put to death in my opinion, to justify all the innocent lives they took.
If everyone opens their eyes and looks at the hideous massacre taking place all around them we can end it once and for all. We can’t let horses be silenced even if they can’t speak. Horses would never intentionally hurt people, their natural instinct is to flee, not fight. That’s why we must fight the monsters who refuse them the right to live.
THIS IS MY SPEECH I HAD TO WRITE FOR SCHOOL.
…and the good people at The Sugar & Spice Ranch are doing their part to care for as many horses as they possibly can while providing wonderful bonding opportunities for Mama’s and their daughters. Wish I had a daughter but I do have a pretty cool 14 year old boy … but I digress. I appreciate what Miss Leigh had to say this morning …
“as you know...I am a business woman and my business is horses. But, I am first and foremost a horse woman. Every horse I have ever had the blessing to have come to my ranch I have made a promise to. They will never leave this place...this is their home and they are my family. They are my children and they are my heart and soul. I share my world of horses with anyone that wants to be touched by them and leave here a better person. I have rescue horses that have come here and they know they are safe...and I will continue to do this as long as there is breath in my body!!!” Leigh McCourt 05.01.12There really isn’t a reason to slaughter horses just because they are no longer useful or for food. There are people who can and want to care for them until they reach their time naturally. Just as we fight to insure that cats and dogs are not caused pain and suffering, we should do so for horses as well.
Find out more about The Sugar & Spice Ranch at their website and check out their Facebook page too. If you get an opportunity to visit their ranch, tell ‘em I said hi and give a ‘high five’ to that sharp young lady, Miss Patricia.
"About
The Sugar & Spice Ranch...."Bonding Mothers & Daughters Through Horses" What an amazing way to connect with your daughter. At the ranch you will spend a week living the ranch life. You will own your own horses for the time that you are there.
Description
"Bonding Mothers and Daughters Through Horses"
Texas Packages:The Sugar and Spice Ranch is exclusively for Mothers and daughters who want to spend a week having the best bonding experience of a lifetime. Imagine bunking with other moms and daughters in a real bunkhouse and riding your very own horse for the week. You'll learn how to care for your horse by learning to tack up, groom, bathe, feed, ...See More
Family Weekend Packages:These are either 2 day weekends or three day weekends throughout the months of September through May.~~Maria
Life's Little Instructions
Life's Little Instructions by William Snell circa 1993
Sing in the shower ... Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated ...
Watch the sunrise at least once a year ...
Never refuse homemade brownies ... Strive for excellence not perfection ... Plant a tree on your birthday ... Learn three clean jokes ... Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full ... Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them ... Leave everything a little better then you found them ... Keep it simple ... Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures ... Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know ... Be forgiving of yourself and others ... Say “thank you” a lot ... Say “please” a lot ... Avoid negative people ... Wear polished shoes ... Remember other peoples birthdays ... Commit yourself to constant improvement ... Have a firm handshake ... Send lots of Valentine cards, sign them ... Look people in the eye ... Be the first to say “hello” ... Return all things you borrow ...
~~~
Follow your heart!!!
This morning I was pushing papers here and there, making calls, checking calendar dates, just getting exhausted planning my move cross country. I decided it was time to take a break and check out some online shopping at one of my favorite places, Modern Cowgirl.
Lo and behold, a post had just been written, maybe minutes before, by the owner Shana whom I’ve never met but with whom I had an email conversation with when I was bidding to do some work for the organization. Shana wrote about how she built her business and how she came to a place where she understood her loves and with her becoming a new Mom in June, decided to take a jump and realign her business. I love that kind of confidence! It’s always wonderful and so motivating to hear when a women has looked inside and chosen to follow her hearts desire.
Read how she makes it her mission to “Ride her own White Horse” ….
Lo and behold, a post had just been written, maybe minutes before, by the owner Shana whom I’ve never met but with whom I had an email conversation with when I was bidding to do some work for the organization. Shana wrote about how she built her business and how she came to a place where she understood her loves and with her becoming a new Mom in June, decided to take a jump and realign her business. I love that kind of confidence! It’s always wonderful and so motivating to hear when a women has looked inside and chosen to follow her hearts desire.
Read how she makes it her mission to “Ride her own White Horse” ….
Ladies night!
Dinner with my buddy tonight!!!
"Knock off its horns, wipe its ass, and throw it on the plate” ~~ Pepper Lewis
(a line from one of my favorite movies)
Can’t go wrong with Whiskey and Wine …
Sooooo … I was browsing recipes on the Pioneer Woman's website. Now I don’t really buy into the whole Pioneer Woman perfect life thing because I know living on a working ranch is NOT easy … there is no way to spend a day on the ranch taking perfect pictures while preparing wonderful recipes, homeschooling the kids, trying out new gadgets, setting up giveaways, writing witty blog posts, prepping for a cooking show and whatever else the Pioneer Woman’s blog represents BUT she does have some decent recipes. {{Well, who knows (grumble, grumble) may she can do it all}} I know I couldn't, the ranch I lived at kept me pretty busy, and pretty dusty plus there seemed to always be something to get done to keep things running ... but I digress.
Sooooo … I was browsing recipes on the Pioneer Woman's website and I found this recipe she posted last year for Pasta with Whiskey, Wine, and Mushrooms … I like Pasta. I like Mushroom. I always enjoy Wine and I do like some Whiskey so how can I go wrong. Got this on the kitchen agenda for this weekend. I still have to go buy the pasta and mushrooms.
Ingredients
In a large pot, heat additional olive oil along with the butter over medium heat. Throw in the sliced onions and sauté for a couple of minutes, or until beginning to turn translucent. Pour in wine and whiskey and allow to bubble for a minute or two. Pour in broth and allow the liquid to reduce for a couple of minutes. Stir in cream and reduce heat to low. Add mushrooms, salt, and pepper, and simmer until sauce thickens.
Toss in cooked pasta, using a little hot pasta water if sauce needs a little thinning. Taste for seasonings and add immediately.
Sooooo … I was browsing recipes on the Pioneer Woman's website and I found this recipe she posted last year for Pasta with Whiskey, Wine, and Mushrooms … I like Pasta. I like Mushroom. I always enjoy Wine and I do like some Whiskey so how can I go wrong. Got this on the kitchen agenda for this weekend. I still have to go buy the pasta and mushrooms.
Recipe: Pasta with Whiskey, Wine, and Mushrooms
Prep Time: 5 Minutes | Cook Time: 30 Minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 8Ingredients
- 24 ounces, weight Thickly Sliced Mushrooms (baby Portobellos Are Best)
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 whole Large Onion, Peeled And Sliced
- 1 cup Dry White Wine
- 3/4 cups Whiskey (Jack Daniels Is Good) I like Jack but I’d also suggest trying Pendleton Whiskey
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- Salt And Pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces, weight Mostaciolli, Cooked Al Dente
Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Drizzle mushrooms with a little olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside.In a large pot, heat additional olive oil along with the butter over medium heat. Throw in the sliced onions and sauté for a couple of minutes, or until beginning to turn translucent. Pour in wine and whiskey and allow to bubble for a minute or two. Pour in broth and allow the liquid to reduce for a couple of minutes. Stir in cream and reduce heat to low. Add mushrooms, salt, and pepper, and simmer until sauce thickens.
Toss in cooked pasta, using a little hot pasta water if sauce needs a little thinning. Taste for seasonings and add immediately.
What’s that out by the pool?
I just read a story in the Albuquerque Journal about cattle wandering around Rio Rancho. Well, knowing Rio Rancho, ‘The City of Vision’ that dates way back to the roaring 1970’s when Amrep reigned supreme, I find this to be pretty funny since Rio Rancho is a mecca for city folk from other bigger cities, namely New York. It’s no longer the arid mesa land that crooked Amrep Reps sold to unsuspecting New Yorkers in the 1970’s but a qualified city boasting the “fastest growing community in New Mexico”
Perhaps some of the Cowboys and Cowgirls from Corrales, Los Lunas and surrounding areas will find some extra work, or a bit of practice for their next event, roping and returning the cattle to their rightful owners.
I wish they would have posted a picture …
Perhaps some of the Cowboys and Cowgirls from Corrales, Los Lunas and surrounding areas will find some extra work, or a bit of practice for their next event, roping and returning the cattle to their rightful owners.
I wish they would have posted a picture …
Wandering Cattle Trouble For Rio Rancho Homeowners
By Associated Press on Fri, Apr 13, 2012
POSTED AT: 8:40 am
Cattle wandering off the open range are creating problems for residents of some Rio Rancho neighborhoods.
They’re complaining that herds of a dozen or more cows are tearing up their properties.
The suburb just north of Albuquerque is the fastest-growing city in New Mexico.
The cattle come in search of grass and water, and if the properties aren’t fenced, state law says there’s nothing homeowners can do to recover their damages.
KVOA-TV in Albuquerque reports that Rio Rancho Police Sgt. Nicholas Onken keeps a rope in his squad car because police are called to move cows off roadways about twice a week.
The only thing the homeowners can do is fence off their properties. Then they can bill the livestock’s owner for any damages.
.jpg)
Your journey has no beginning … it has no end
…And the truth of the matter is it is always right and you are always where you are supposed to be, and every thought and action is exactly what it should be and your journey just continues to flow! It’s what makes everything worthwhile!
To drive or not to drive … that is the question!
So that is my question of the day … drive or not drive. Although I have driven across country several times, up and down and all around, I am seriously considering letting the moving company take my vehicle and my boy and I can fly out to New Mexico. I just talked to Miss M who works for the moving company, conveniently owned by my childhood friend and who has moved me several times in the past and has always done an excellent job. I also like that I get a bit of special treatment. Miss M is my friends daughter and such a sweetie. She got the scoop from her father so she knows all about me which makes me feel very comfortable.
It’s not such an easy decision. With the cost of gas, hotels and food, it might be about the same cost as moving the vehicle. Driving would include a stop in Mount Pleasant, SC, then Mandeville LA, on to Breaux Bridge LA, Dallas TX, Keller TX, a possible stop in Amarillo TX and finally Albuquerque, NM.
… but it’s not about cost … it’s about the drive and the long days of being on the road. I guess I am getting old, so is my vehicle.
It’s not such an easy decision. With the cost of gas, hotels and food, it might be about the same cost as moving the vehicle. Driving would include a stop in Mount Pleasant, SC, then Mandeville LA, on to Breaux Bridge LA, Dallas TX, Keller TX, a possible stop in Amarillo TX and finally Albuquerque, NM.
… but it’s not about cost … it’s about the drive and the long days of being on the road. I guess I am getting old, so is my vehicle.
On the move …
Hey, Hey,
Just wanted to update everyone on what is happening in my world. J.R and I will be returning to New Mexico at the end of June. We both loved South Carolina and will always hold our time there dear, as well as all the great people we met there, <<<sweet Lisa, Linda and Charmayne ~~ to mention a few>>> And … our time in New York was also purposeful. Being near my dear friend, for forever and a day, Ginny has been my delight and enjoying the company of some very good people from an earlier time in my life has allowed me to reminisce about very good times <<<Goodie and Sal and Norma are a joy in my world>>> New York has always been about la mia famiglia, my brother and sisters, nieces and nephews. Nevertheless, I think everyone knows my heart is happiest in the west and my soul is enchanted by those rose-colored mountains of New Mex. We are both excited to be going home and picking up where we left off with our good friends.
J.R will start high school … can ya’ believe it? I’m just amazed at how the years pass. A great kid, an artist at heart, lover of music, social animal and a looooooong drink of water nearing almost 6” foot at the age of 14 and not more than 120 pounds … all muscle. I just visited with his teachers for parent-teacher conferences and it looks like he’ll finish 8th grade with fine grades and they all had nice things to say about him. <<<Curtsying; thank you, thank you! Taking all the credit, yes I am!>>>
Besides for enjoying new adventures and having good times, I’ll be working with a new client … Cowgirl Dirt Cosmetics. <<<thank you to those who were professional or personal references in the review process>>> In addition to Cowgirl Dirt, I expect to continue with at least one of my current clients and try to pick up at least one more in the Albuquerque area, so wish me luck. I approached Cowgirl Dirt after trying some of their products and loving the look. I’ll be representing the wholesale line to retailers and I’ll also have the ability to sell at retail to individuals. Sort of a unique proposition and one I really like. Brings me back to my really early days in college when I worked for a well know cosmetic company. This time, things are different; my ideas about cosmetics and beauty have changed. Cowgirl Dirt products are all 100% Natural and Organic. Ding Ding!!! It will be nice working with a fun product and with a fun and ethical company. I hope you’ll check them out, try some of the samples they sell and see what you think. Use my page link to place an order. If you are interested in carrying the product in your business, contact me at maria@cowgirldirt.com .
As for news about the family, many of you know that my Mom, who is going to be 94 in April, has had some health problems and that is to be expected at her age. Last week though, she was taken to the emergency room after suffering from three seizures, each about 20 minutes apart. Then, when she was in the hospital, she suffered another. She is home now but much weaker than she has been in the past and she is sleeping most of the day. Please remember her in your thoughts and prayers.
My niece and godchild is pregnant with her first bambino. The baby’s room is decorated with sock monkey linens and blankets … and it’s beyond cute! She is due in June, and has chosen to be surprised by the gender, I’m betting a boy. She is staying home now to enjoy all the wonders of preparing for motherhood. She’ll be a wonderful Mom!
…And there’s good news from the FL family too. My brother-in-law has been cancer-free 18 months now. Woo-hoo!!! It looks like their move to FL has been good for them. My other niece, who is also in FL, is now the Director of Mktg & Bus Development for Simon Malls in Ocala. She’s 26, smart and beautiful. I’m so proud of her.
I’d love to hear from you about your good times and happy days, leave a comment below or email me ... and I’m wishing each of you the sweetest blessings.
~~
Alrighty then,
smile and be happy
Maria
J.R will start high school … can ya’ believe it? I’m just amazed at how the years pass. A great kid, an artist at heart, lover of music, social animal and a looooooong drink of water nearing almost 6” foot at the age of 14 and not more than 120 pounds … all muscle. I just visited with his teachers for parent-teacher conferences and it looks like he’ll finish 8th grade with fine grades and they all had nice things to say about him. <<<Curtsying; thank you, thank you! Taking all the credit, yes I am!>>>
Besides for enjoying new adventures and having good times, I’ll be working with a new client … Cowgirl Dirt Cosmetics. <<<thank you to those who were professional or personal references in the review process>>> In addition to Cowgirl Dirt, I expect to continue with at least one of my current clients and try to pick up at least one more in the Albuquerque area, so wish me luck. I approached Cowgirl Dirt after trying some of their products and loving the look. I’ll be representing the wholesale line to retailers and I’ll also have the ability to sell at retail to individuals. Sort of a unique proposition and one I really like. Brings me back to my really early days in college when I worked for a well know cosmetic company. This time, things are different; my ideas about cosmetics and beauty have changed. Cowgirl Dirt products are all 100% Natural and Organic. Ding Ding!!! It will be nice working with a fun product and with a fun and ethical company. I hope you’ll check them out, try some of the samples they sell and see what you think. Use my page link to place an order. If you are interested in carrying the product in your business, contact me at maria@cowgirldirt.com .
As for news about the family, many of you know that my Mom, who is going to be 94 in April, has had some health problems and that is to be expected at her age. Last week though, she was taken to the emergency room after suffering from three seizures, each about 20 minutes apart. Then, when she was in the hospital, she suffered another. She is home now but much weaker than she has been in the past and she is sleeping most of the day. Please remember her in your thoughts and prayers.
My niece and godchild is pregnant with her first bambino. The baby’s room is decorated with sock monkey linens and blankets … and it’s beyond cute! She is due in June, and has chosen to be surprised by the gender, I’m betting a boy. She is staying home now to enjoy all the wonders of preparing for motherhood. She’ll be a wonderful Mom!
…And there’s good news from the FL family too. My brother-in-law has been cancer-free 18 months now. Woo-hoo!!! It looks like their move to FL has been good for them. My other niece, who is also in FL, is now the Director of Mktg & Bus Development for Simon Malls in Ocala. She’s 26, smart and beautiful. I’m so proud of her.
I’d love to hear from you about your good times and happy days, leave a comment below or email me ... and I’m wishing each of you the sweetest blessings.
~~
Alrighty then,
smile and be happy
Maria
Brenn Hill ... Wyoming Wind
Nice song on the first day of spring!
Soooooooo happy spring is here ...
I think I'd like to visit Wyoming some springtime.
What about you?
Ranching on the Rocks with Gail Steiger and Amy Hale Auker
The March issue includes an outstanding article by Senior Editor Jennifer Denison which is also the cover story, "Ranching on the Rocks," about the lives and work of Gail Steiger and Amy Hale Auker (Rightful Place by Amy Hale Auker) on Arizona's remote Spider Ranch. See my own review of Amy delightful book, Rightful Place
Words to savor
Secrets of the Missing Crown: A Pilgrimage of Change by Sunday Larson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can not help but love Sunday Larson's use of words in this wonderfully enchanting story. Woven with magic poetry, this story is laid before us with a healthy dose of imagination, wonderful animal characters and true wisdom. If you are a desert wanderer or believer in guardian angels as I am, this book will be a delight. It's a quick read but much nicer when read slow and savored. You will truly enjoy this story and the beautiful artwork by Karen Vogel. I know you will return to it from time to time to savor the bits as I have already.
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Missing-Cro...
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can not help but love Sunday Larson's use of words in this wonderfully enchanting story. Woven with magic poetry, this story is laid before us with a healthy dose of imagination, wonderful animal characters and true wisdom. If you are a desert wanderer or believer in guardian angels as I am, this book will be a delight. It's a quick read but much nicer when read slow and savored. You will truly enjoy this story and the beautiful artwork by Karen Vogel. I know you will return to it from time to time to savor the bits as I have already.
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Missing-Cro...
View all my reviews
Kindness
Before You Know What Kindness Really Is
--by Naomi Shihab Nye (Apr 19, 2011)
Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness.
How you ride and ride
thinking the bus will never stop,
the passengers eating maize and chicken
will stare out the window forever.
Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness,
you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho lies dead by the side
of the road.
You must see how this could be you, how he too was someone
who journeyed through the night with plans
and the simple breath that kept him alive.
Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,
you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
catches the thread of all sorrows
and you see the size of the cloth.
Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to mail letters and purchase bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crowd of the world to say
it is I you have been looking for,
and then goes with you every where
like a shadow or a friend.
--Naomi Shihab Nye, from The Words Under the Words
Friends forever ...
An old cowboy was riding his trusty horse followed by his faithful
dog along an unfamiliar road. The man was enjoying the new
scenery, when he suddenly remembered dying, and realized that the
dog beside him had been dead for years, as had his horse.
Confused, he wondered what was happening, and where the trail
was leading them.
After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall that looked like
fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch
topped by a golden letter “H” that glowed in the sunlight.
Standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked
like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like
gold.
He rode toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a
desk to one side. Parched and tired out by his journey, he called
out, ‘Excuse me, where are we?’
‘This is Heaven, sir,’ the man answered.
‘Wow! Would you happen to have some water?’ the man asked.
‘Of course, sir. Come right in, and I’ll have some ice water brought
right up.’
As the gate began to open, the cowboy asked, ‘Can I bring my
partners, too?’
‘I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t accept pets.’
The cowboy thought for a moment, then turned back to the road and
continued riding, his dog trotting by his side.
After another long ride, at the top of another hill, he came to a dirt
road leading through a ranch gate that looked as if it had never been
closed. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning
against a tree and reading a book.
‘Excuse me,’ he called to the man. ‘Do you have any water?’
‘Sure, there’s a pump right over there. Help yourself.’
‘How about my friends here?’ the traveler gestured to the dog and
his horse.
‘Of course! They look thirsty, too,’ said the man.
The trio went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-
fashioned hand pump with buckets beside it. The traveler filled a
cup and the buckets with wonderfully cool water and took a long
drink, as did his horse and dog.
When they were full, he walked back to the man who was still
standing by the tree. ‘What do you call this place?’ the traveler
asked.
‘This is Heaven,’ he answered.
‘That’s confusing,’ the traveler said. ‘The man down the road said
that was Heaven, too.’
‘Oh, you mean the place with the glitzy, gold street and fake pearly
gates? That’s hell.’
‘Doesn’t it make you angry when they use your name like that?’
‘Not at all. Actually, we’re happy they screen out the folks who
would leave their best friends behind.’
Posted on Tumblr by Homewhereheart
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)