Where's the song ~~ "Don't let your daughters grow up to marry a Cowboy" ?

​​​​​​​Life is tough! Requires hard physical work, long, long days of pain, dirt, and broken fingernails.​
​Days of frigid cold & scorching heat; through the dust & mud; daybreak into the darkness of nite~~​
​the heart & body becomes toughened & weathered replicating leather!​
​A forever constant factor for a real Cowboy's Wife is tons of sweat, oceans of tears and a constant 'drought' in the wallet!​
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​​​​​​​​​IF​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ she wants to spend anytime at all with her Cowboy, she must do as he does, you become partners!​
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​​​​​​Kick off your boots, grab a cup of coffee, sit back and envision yourself in my life!​
​... It really isn't that bad! There are many rewards to be had to make it a great lifestyle! ...​ ​​​​​​​


Thursday, November 6, 2008

Time and Circumstances…

…can changes dreams and perspectives.

After "that incident in July", I quickly sent out an “APB” email across our vast array of family and friends without Cowboy’s knowledge. Soon afterwards, a suggestion came in. I did some careful research before approaching him about the possibility of him pursuing this suggestion. We spent many hours discussing this. We did a thorough assessment of our finances and the decision was made to give it a try.
For 3 ½ months now, my Cowboy has been studying faithfully, taking his exams on line.
To his amazement, as he does not touch the computer if he can help it,
he passed the “book learning” phase with a 96%.
The toughest part was yet to come.
*
The first week of November would consist of an arduous test of his will.
The immense challenge to leave the comforts and sanctuary of his home boundaries
for the west side of the state would have to be achieved.
Another, would be the application of his book learning,
to the hands-on experiences that will be taught.
The most difficult part of this phase, will require Cowboy to interweave with others that do not come from the same walks of life, the simple isolation that he’s accustomed to.
Don't misunderstand me, he is very much a people person and everybody loves him.
He can meld with all types of people easily, when he chooses the circumstances and environment.
At the control of others, his shy side takes over.
If he isn’t made to feel inferior, his personality will blossom profusely.
This, is my concern.
Knowing where he is and who will share in this learning environment
may not allow that process to happen easily. My fingers are crossed for him.
*
This being the first week of November, my sweet Cowboy left several days ago for a weeks worth of hands on application in a “step” towards our future….. we hope!
He had to enter a world in which he feels completely out of his element, his comfort zone.
The metropolis of Seattle and it's suberbs!!
*
Cowboy is comfortable driving dusty country roads while encountering only a
minute number of cars, each containing waving hands and smiling faces.
The bumper to bumper cluster of vehicles without the same slow courtesy,
will add stress to his days. Luckily, Our Son has a friend that lives about 5 miles from Cowboy’s daily destination and he is staying there (which to Cowboy will feel like 500 miles!).
Thankfully, he has a friendly place amongst the "wilds" of the populous surroundings,
enabling him to seek quiet solitude each evening.
I cannot forget to mention there will also be a delicious meal
prepared for him by this friends' lovely lady each evening!
Of course, Cowboy was concerned about that too!
As much as he loves to eat, he is not comfortable eating what he calls “Foo Foo” food.
Meat, vegetables, potatoes, milk is what sits the best on his palette.
It will be interesting when he returns late Saturday,
to hear about the menu set before him for the week.
(Hopefully, there was NO seafood!
Cowboy claims that if it does not come from the solid surface of the earth, it is not edible!)
*
We have no cell phones, not only because they aren’t in our budget, but more importantly, because they don’t work where we live. We don’t have Caller ID available so our outgoing calls on the receiving end show as “Unknown Caller”. I am sure that is why this “friend” has not picked up my calls. (Our families know this fact, they are the only ones who will answer!)
Cowboy would not ask to make long distance calls, out of respect.
For several days now, and several more to come, I must sit here in my own little world wondering how Cowboy is surviving the “Jungles”.
Wondering how he is surviving his daily undertakings.
My time passes quietly as I keep the home fires burning.
Thankfully, there is a woodpile alongside the garage.
Regrettably, despite my rants in the previous months,
there are literally "no chores for me to do"!
More than this allowing for boredom fester…it is Sad.
*
With the economy the way it is, this chance for a change in our life and finances,
may not come to fruition for some time.
It was already paid for, so there was no turning back.
*
When My Cowboy returns, he can add another accomplishment to his repertoire of abilities. Cowboy has spent his life in the quest of acquiring a continuous stream of knowledge and improving his skills in every phase of his “Cowboy Way”.
He has maintained a bottomless pit for his unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
Whether it be within his applications as a certified Farrier,
his passion for starting colts and training working stock dogs;
or the in-depth understanding of cattle, the ranchers and the markets.
Cowboy has always professed “The more I learn, the less I know”.
The same will apply in his becoming a certified Equine Massage Therapist.
*
I pray the economy makes some positive changes in the Ag world..soon!
(We must not tell him I told all of this you, as he is too reticent to admit his knowledge and skills.
His sentiment here is: "Don't tell me, show me.")
When he asks about my newest posts?
I will skip over this one.


35 comments:

Sarah said...

How exciting! I'll bet his fellow classmates really value his experience as a real horseman and cowboy. There's much to be learned from a person who lives his life dependent on the land. His (and your) daily bread is earned in part by the relationship he has with his horse..I'm sure this will be of great value in his and his classmates learning.

Mrs. Mom said...

Go COWBOY!! Soooo WOW, ;) Y'all gonna move thisaway? hehehe

I bet he does fantastic- truly really fantastic. Cant wait to hear his thoughts on it!!

wordmama said...

All my best wishes that Cowboy returns triumphant in his course and unshaken by the wilds of the city! And I'll bet he'll be even more appreciative of what you provide in your humble home!

RazorFamilyFarms.com said...

How exciting! We used to live outside of Seattle and I whenever Josh came home from the War, I would take him to Kells, an Irish pub near Pike's (the huge market). It's a very good meat and potatoes kind of place. So, if he wants a special meal that reminds him of your amazing cooking -- that would be a good stop.

Seattle is a really good city to be in -- of all of them, it is my favorite and I am NOT a city girl.

Not at all.

So, this means you are all by yourself at home? Bless your heart! Oh, how wish I could just pop over and hang out.

Blessings!
Lacy

Renie Burghardt said...

Oh, how exciting, Barb! I bet cowboy will do great! Keeping my fingers crossed for you guys!

Hugs and the bestest wishes!

Renie

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Oh what a great opportunity, I hope everything works out great for you two.

Tardevil said...

I know you must miss him...things will turn around...try not to worry!

Linda said...

He'll be fine, I know we worry but they always seem to manage even when totally out of they're element. Mine surprises me every time.

Sarah said...

That's so exciting for you guys! Poor Cowboy having to go over there, I hate driving over there.

Man, had I known you were going to be alone all week, I sooo would have come over to visit (and drop off my kids!) :)

Keep us updated!

gtyyup said...

Waiting and wondering how Cowboy's doing has got to be hard for you.

I'm sure his determination to succeed will prevail...a lil' ol' thing like Seattle won't get the best of him!

RURAL said...

Wish him the very best of luck, I am sure that he will do fine. Sometimes it takes being away from home to realize exactly how much it means to us.

Has he tried a Calling Card, I think the minutes are pretty cheap in the US.

Jen

Egghead said...

I know good things are coming his way. Wishing both of you the best of luck.

Anonymous said...

Sending you hellos from another Washingtonian, just found your blog and am enjoying it tremendously!

The Blonde Duck said...

I hope everything works out! I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Caffienated Cowgirl said...

Oh my gosh, that is really big news. Good luck to you and the cowboy...it's a true leap of faith.

Ranch wife said...

How neat. Praying he does real good, and doesn't get to nervous in the big city.

~M~

Annie Wicking said...

Hi WOW, my fingers are cross for your Cowboy.

Like him, I love to learn but I don't have anything on paper to show how much I do know.

My thoughts and with him and your goodself.

Here is a fresh cuppa to enjoy while you are waiting to hear from the Cowboy.

Best wishes my dear friend, ((Hug))

Annie

LL said...

Sounds good, and I'm sure he'll come out a regular masseuse! But he's going to have to practice on somebody, and that's bound to be you!

UNfortunately, a horse masseuse is probably another luxury item that most people will be cutting back on...

But heck... who knows? Might be just the ticket.

Sage said...

Good luck and wishes to the Cowboy, I'm sure he will enjoy it and come back with many tales of wonder... love your descriptions

{{hugs}}

DesertHen said...

Hello W.O.W....sounds like Cowboy is off on a great adventure. I know exactly how he feels about being in a big city. We love the quiet that our country life brings to us and the peace. Even a few days in a large city will send both Hayman and I running back home to our gravel road and solitude.....=) We do have cell phones here, but our land-line does not have caller ID, so we too get those "caller unknown" messages....most folks call our cells now and we only use the land line for our computer access. Hayman called today...still no elk, but another in their party got his bull elk today....so there is hope for the rest of them. Weather is still cold here....winter is on the way.
My week has been HECTIC!! I'm not use to having little ones around all of the time....I'm pooped!! And Countrychick is hiding out in her bedroom a lot.....=/

Anonymous said...

Dee from Tennessee

Wishing y'all the best of luck ...or maybe I should say wishing you blessings. Hopefully, you will hear from him soon. I admire both of you so much!

terri said...

It shouldn't surprise me that cowboy is the amazing man that he seems to be. Look who he's married to! The ability to roll with the punches has seen you through to this point and it looks like it will continue to do so. Way to go, Cowboy!

Anonymous said...

We'll sure keep you and Cowboy in our prayers. He sounds alot like my hubby. We had that talk today about finances and he mentioned maybe doing some work for a weldor friend...and while he knows this man and all, he's be working for "somebody else" and there would be people interaction....and he's pretty good with people...on his terms!
No chores? Wow, I gotta few I could loan you!! Hey, just don't go using that "B" word (bored) on me...I haven't been bored since I was nigh on one year old...would love a day of it!!

Icymar "Iceman" Tagimacruz said...

Nice blog... i like it..

Iceman

Tardevil said...

Ok, Pluto! Give me about 20 minutes, and you can come by my place & pick up an award (posted before what you just read!) LOL!

Tardevil said...

Sorry, Tar's too tired & must go to bed. I'm posting the award at 12:00 EST on 11/8. Be sure to stop by after that. I have too many people to notify & it's late here. LOL...just know I'm thinking of you!

Train Wreck said...

Oh my dear friend, I am so hopeful for my other Cowboy! I know he will succeed. How can he not, with you standing beside him? Masseuse? Is LL serious? No Chores? May I suggest...oh you know! he he! Actually do you know how to grind your own flour? I keep you and my other Cowboy in my daily thoughts and prayers.

Gail said...

Good for him! You can never learn too much.
Good for you! How are making it without him?

Janice Thomson said...

What a sweet, caring and loving wife you are Barb; not to mention your wonderful gift of humour. I know whatever happens good or bad you will survive because of your passion for living. It is an honour to have met you.

Anonymous said...

i am new here, but no less touched by your compassion, support, and love for your cowboy. My very best wishes to him and to you. I never even knew of an "Equine Massage Therapist." If humans can be massaged (ahhhhhh!), I certainly can see how it would benefit horses.

Your heart talks beautifully.

Jenn said...

I read your whole post (between loads of wash yesterday) and the only thing that sunk in was your phrase, i have no chores to do.

Anonymous said...

just spent a hour or so reading your blog. I can fit into some of your stories-a lot of the same with me. I'm still a cowboys wife-always will be, although a lot of the cowboys living is going in the past also. But we still have horses and herding dogs-a blue heeler-sis and a Corgie-Sadie. And of course, friendship-he's my Best Friend and like you-the love of my life. will be visting you a lot. I quilt too.

Anonymous said...

Good for Cowboy. I know you must be very proud of him!

The economy is getting worse and has me beating a path back to employment. Everyone holding on to what money they have and no one doing much building or remodeling.

I hope everything works out fine for you and Cowboy.

God Bless both of you. You are two very special people.

Shirley said...

Good for Cowboy for taking on something new! He'll be good at it, I am sure. Don't know if you live anywhere near a racetrack, but they use EMT's a lot. Read your more recent posts about having a houseful of hunters, looks like you are quite busy!

Anonymous said...

Good luck to you and your Cowboy! I'm sure that whatever Cowboy does he's great at it!