A Real Cowgirl

image

I ran into Susan Merill, a poet and performer from Colorado, while I was hanging out with Sue Rosoff and Liz Masterson on Sunday before I headed home to Humboldt. She recited one of her own poems for me, and she gave me permission to share it. I know a lot of gals who can probably relate.

A Real Cowgirl

I remember…

We were celebratin’ cowboys; it was like a Western fest.
The whole town came to gather to meet-n-greet each guest.

Now, most men in attendance were ‘neath a cowboy hat.
And no one thought much of it cuz ‘twas the fest for that.

But in the crowd among us a hat crowned one in curls.
There was no denying ‘twas worn by a cowgirl!

I greeted her a-smilin’ and said, “I like yer hat!”
But ‘stead of being cordial, she hissed just like a cat!

Then her posture changed a-sudden; she grew an inch or two!
She stuck her finger at me sayin’, “I’ve got news for you!”

“I’m a real cowgirl! Not a wanna-be! No how!”
My eyes grew wider as she barked, “I own a herd of cows!”

She spent the next ten minutes ascertaining that it’s true.
Yep! She’s a real cowgirl! And her cows vouch for her too!

I kept a smile on my face just nodding right along,
hopin’ she’d come up for air, then the band broke into song.

My toes, they got to tappin’, so I smiled at her and said,
“It’s been a thrill to meet ya! Keep that Stetson on yer head!”

Then, I grabbed the nearest cowboy, and he twirled me ‘round the floor.
I forgot about “Miss Cowgirl” as we two-stepped out the door.

The next day, I remembered the comments that she said,
and her bitter disposition. I just had to shake my head.

Cuz I know a lot of ladies, and they’re cowgirls sure enough.
And none of them own cattle, but they’re talented and tough.

Some barrel race in rodeos. Some take out trail rides.
Some help fix fence and put up hay. Some act as hunting guides.

Some are Roman riders. Some can spin the “Wedding Ring”.
Some can strum a fine guit-fiddle and can yodel when they sing!

Some drive a team of Belgians harnessed to a sleigh.
Some hammer shoes to fit and wrestle horses’ feet all day.

Some run the gate, some vaccinate. They all can bake and sew.
Though most of them don’t wear a hat, they’re true as cowgirls go.

So, I chuckle when remembrin’ the hat that covered curls.

Bet she’s still convincin’ all her cows that she’s a real cowgirl!

Posted by Kristin on 02/01/10 at 09:04 PM
Permalink • (0) Comments

And Then Me and Paul...

image

Courtesy of Sue Rosoff

Posted by Kristin on 01/30/10 at 01:47 AM
Permalink • (0) Comments

Me and Wally

image

Me and Wally McRae after the Hang-n-Rattle show on Friday night, courtesy of Sue Rosoff. I admit it: I was sassin’ him.

Posted by Kristin on 01/30/10 at 01:29 AM
Permalink • (0) Comments

Go Check Out the Wild Women

image

Sue took this photo of my Deep West Video buddy Susan Church at the Wild Women Artists Show at Duncan LittleCreek Gallery (next to Capriolas) on Thursday night. Susan does inspiring metal work—the kind that makes me want to take up welding.

image

Posted by Kristin on 01/30/10 at 12:44 AM
Permalink • (0) Comments

A Delightful Surprise

I’m not sure how I allowed this to happen, but until last night, I had never seen Dave Stamey perform. What a great show he put on! Just a guy standing on stage with a guitar singing—and completely mesmerizing. (Again, this video isn’t from last night’s performance. It’s just something I found on YouTube.)

Posted by Kristin on 01/29/10 at 06:29 PM
Permalink • (0) Comments

Where the Women Wave, Too

The time zone change plus a hectic schedule has thrown all my sleep rhythms out of whack. Yesterday, I woke up at 4:30 in the morning despite 18 hours of travel the day before. And then this morning, practically the same thing happened even though I went to bed just a few hours earlier. AND there wasn’t any coffee to fuel my move to a new motel. It was in this haggard state that I nearly ran over Rodney Nelson as I stomped toward my pickup, luggage in tow, and muttering cuss words under my breath the whole way. “Well!” he said as he stepped out of his room all cheerful and happy about the new day, “I don’t believe I’ve met you yet! Where are you from and what do you do?” I immediately felt foolish and hoped he hadn’t noticed my foul demeanor or the scowl that I’m pretty sure was on my face. I told him about the movie, and he had all sorts of opinions about waving, including this gem: “You know you’re headin’ west when the women start waving to you, too.” And then all of the sudden, I was a happy girl again. The end.

Posted by Kristin on 01/29/10 at 05:37 PM
Permalink • (0) Comments
Page 1 of 19 pages  1 2 3 >  Last »