Sunday, October 25, 2009

Viva Las Vegas! Its the National Finals Rodeo!


So...hmmm...what to do next...?
I KNOW! I think I'll head to Las Vegas for the NFR!

                                                                                                                                                              
Me and one of my best buddies, the lovely and talented Mrs Dara Hopkins, have decided that we need to take a girls trip so we're packing our bags this Dec. and heading to Sin City. Strictly for the rodeo of course! I personally have never been to the National Finals Rodeo and I am super excited. Ms. Dara has been a regular so I get to sit back and soak up the benefits of having her as my official tour guide. What a great year this has been. So many firsts, so many great experiences...  I will of course be taking pictures to share. Im sure there will be shopping involved. Plus this is the 25th anniversary of the Finals being held in Las Vegas. We will also be stopping by a barrel racing event hosted by the legendary Charmayne James, another one of my barrel racing heroes. Yee Haw!
But, no...there will not be much gambling (for me anyway) They have a nickname for people like me in Vegas...its "SUCKER"! I might as well take my cash and burn it 'cause the outcome and the feeling is about the same for me! I cant wait to take it all in.  I'll keep you posted.
Later!

Friday, October 23, 2009

"Life on Planet Cowgirl"

There were cowboy boots and hats, leather and turquoise, a former first lady and cowgirl icons from corner to corner. Last Friday, I was lucky enough to attend the 34th Annual Cowgirl Hall of Fame Inductee Luncheon. As I mentioned in my August 14th post, my good buddy Mitzi made my year when she invited me to go along with her to this amazing event. I cant begin to tell you all how truly special this was for me. Nor do I have the time to describe everything about the event was made it so special. Suffice it to say that between sitting one table over from our beautiful, classic, unbelievably gracious former First Lady, Laura Bush and watching the new inductees each take their turn, striding proudly...nervously...happily across the stage to accept their individual honors - I was in heaven. So rather than try to cram everything I would LIKE to tell you about into a reasonably sized post...I will opt to simply post some of the MANY photos that I took that day. Pictures really are worth a thousand words and they will say all I want to say in one simple step. These are just a few of my favorites. Enjoy.  And if you're wondering about the title of this post, "Life on Planet Cowgirl", its the title song from the latest CD of one my favorite singer/song writers, Templeton Thompson.  Check out her site, her music and photos. If you love horses and the cowgirl way of life. You'll love Templeton.
Giddy up!

Me and Mitz...God Bless!



Good old Red Steagall M.C.'d and did a great job.

Our lovely Laura Bush.



Ms. Laura accepting the Gloria Lupton Tennison Award.


Our cool table.


Another cool table with a booth theme.

Fun, funky saddle by Gypsy Soul


Custom oil paintings of the inductees.


Western troubadours.

Gives me chills...

Kay Whittaker Young accepting her plaque.



After the luncheon, which was held at the Round Up room at Will Rogers, we walked across the street to the Cowgirl Museum. Many previous inductees were there and I was able to get some great shots but most importantly...I got to grab a photo of me with one of my long time barrel racing heros...Martha Josey. This lady has'nt changed in 30 years. Way to go Martha!


Old cowgirls and new.

The wall of honorees - past and present.

Hold on - Photo OP!!!

I'll post more pics later. Thanks and hope you enjoyed them.
Ride on Cowgirls!