1. My favorite breed of cow dog is the McNab.


2. I once spent over 4 hours in the Smithsonian of American History by myself and never saw it all.

3. I have a childhood issue with potato soup.

4. When I die, I’d like to be cremated and have my ashes spread across the desert.

5. I have a weakness for shabby chic.


6. Sugar cookies with really thick frosting will be the death of me.

7. I've never been able to read The Hobbit.

8. Tunnel vision suckers me in far too often.

9. I like working with kids.

10. My favorite social events involve roping dummies, camp fires, and big skies.

Ok, so I have probably lost my ever loving mind (are you surprised???) but I am hosting my first Instagram contest for National Cowboy Poetry Week!

I have been hearing for years, “how do we get a younger audience involved in cowboy poetry again?” People can recognize the problem, but few folks have put in to action ways to change it.

The other day I searched the hash tag “cowboy poetry” on Instagram and quite frankly, was a bit disappointed. I think the lack of approachability to the subject and main stream media attention makes it hard for younger folks in the cowboy world to latch on. So I want to try and change that.

This is where the contest comes in. I would love you to post your pictures of your favorite cowboy poetry cds, performers you’ve seen, books, pieces you’ve written, anything cowboy poetry related! If you will hash tag it with #cowboy poetry and tag @thebuckarette (me!) then you’ll be automatically entered to win a digital download of either History in the Barn or Buckaroo Woman Unconfined!!! You can enter every day from now until Sunday.

Good luck and posting!

Have fun, take’r easy and always ride hard!

Jess

So I took Quirt out to watch daddy train horses for a bit. Today he started in the round corral so I parked the stroller where he could see it and set the breaks. As Sam loped circles, Quirt watched his every move. His head would literally follow him around and around.

Then it hit me.

This was what it’s all about. Just being exposed to the world, spending time as a family, seeing what life is all about. This is why Sam and I have made the sacrifices we have to be able to bring our kids up in this environment. In that moment, I realized why it was all worth it.

Later we followed daddy to a grassy area where he was loping circles. Quirt sat in the stroller, pointed his finger and babbled at the horse and rider. He got to experience walking in dead grass and the noise it made under his feet. He picked up sticks and soaked up a little sun.

I feel so blessed to live the way we do, to be able to give these opportunities to our little boy. Although he won’t remember these specific moments, we are setting a pattern. Through example we are showing him that the most important things in life are the little things.

Now a very tired little bit is napping, but this mama is comforted by the idea that we’re doing at least a little thing right.

Have fun, take’r easy, and always ride hard!

Jess

So as many of you may be aware, anti horse roping laws have been introduced several times in recent history and are up again. Many folks are fighting for the right to keep our heritage, but they need additional help.

After discussions with several different people while at the Capital one of the biggest issues are having knowledgeable people to testify during session. Unfortunately we in SE Oregon are all 5 hours or more from Salem and many can’t be away from their ranches that long. If someone can find the time to make the trip, get in contact with your district’s senator and representative to find out when the bill will be on the floor.

Often times folks for the anti “horse tripping” laws as they are becoming known as, are just unfamiliar. I do think there are radical animal rights activists, but there are also plenty of folks that would respond to polite common sense. Keep this in mind as you approach the co-sponsors and stick with the facts!

Speaking of the facts, here is the verbiage for the proposed bill:

Senate Bill 790

Sponsored by Senators HASS, BOQUIST, Representative GOMBERG; Senators BURDICK, CLOSE, KNOPP,
ROBLAN, ROSENBAUM, Representatives BAILEY, BOONE, SPRENGER, WITT
SUMMARY

The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject to consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor’s brief statement of the essential features of the measure as introduced.

Creates offense of equine tripping. Makes violation subject to
punishment by maximum of six months’ imprisonment, $2,500 fine, or both.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to equines.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1.
(1)
As used in this section, “equine” means any member of the family
Equidae.

(2) A person commits the offense of equine tripping if
the person intentionally causes an equine to trip or
fall, or intentionally ropes or lassos the legs of an equine, for purposes of
a rodeo, contest, exhibition, entertainment or sport or as
practice for a rodeo, contest, exhibition, entertainment or sport.

(3) The offense of equine tripping is a Class B misdemeanor.


If this feels like something you would like to be involved with preventing, call or email the following folks and let them know you concerns. These are the co-sponsors of the bill. Also, check out http://www.leg.state.or.us and send your senator/representative your thoughts as well!

Bill’s co-sponsors:

Senator Mark Haas 503-986-1714 Sen.MarkHass@state.or.us
Senator Brian Boquist 503-986-1712 Sen.BrianBoquist@state.or.us
Senator Ginny Burdick 503-986-1718 Sen.GinnyBurdick@state.or.us
Senator Betsy Close 503-986-1708 Sen.BetsyClose@state.or.us
Senator Tim Knopp 503-986-1727 sen.timknopp@state.or.us
Senator Arnie Roblan 503-986-1705 Sen.ArnieRoblan@state.or.us
Senator Diane Rosenbaum 503-986-1700 Sen.DianeRosenbaum@state.or.us

Representative David Gromberg 503-986-1410 Rep.DavidGomberg@state.or.us
Representative Jules Bailey 503-986-1442 Rep.JulesBailey@state.or.us
Representative Deborah Boone 503-986-1432 Rep.DeborahBoone@state.or.us
Representative Sherrie Sprenger 503-986-1417 Rep.SherrieSprenger@state.or.us
Representative Brad Witt 503-986-1431 Rep.BradWitt@state.or.us



As always, have fun, take’r easy, and always ride hard!!!

Jess

So as promised, I am writing you all to update you on the crazy, wonderful couple of days I had!!!

I started my trip out on Wednesday evening by driving over to Salem. This was my first trip west of the mountains in Oregon. There was a lot of pretty country but boy was I starting to get vertigo when that afternoon sun kept kaleidoscoping through the trees!

I started Thursday morning bright and early at the Capital. My first task of the days was to figure out the parking garage and the parking meters. I apparently failed at this because I later discovered that some parking meters could be used for 4 hours (the one I got) and others for 10 (closer to what I needed!).



After a short self tour (and stopping to get directions!) I found my way to Senator Ferrolli’s office and met Becky, his assistant! Becky helped me so much on this trip! She arranged for a private tour as well as meetings with a few people while I was there.

The tour was so amazing! I learned a lot about Oregon history, industry, and the architecture. For example, I knew there were wineries in the state, but didn’t realize they were as big of a contributor as they are. Oregon’s main industries use to be in agriculture but now they are in technology. I was also able to learn a lot about the voting process and how only the Senators/Representatives walk in “The T.”

I then got to meet with Senator Ferrolli for a few minutes and was invited to a meeting that the Republicans hold shortly before going on the floor. Basically they discussed what bills were coming up that day, rather testimony was needed, and any thoughts they had. I had to sneak out of there early to get set up to perform on the floor.
For opening ceremonies I did Listening for a Cinch Bell and it was so well received. It was just an honor to have the opportunity to be there, much less get such a positive reaction.

Senator Ted Ferrolli

I was invited to sit with Senator Ferrolli at his desk at the conclusion of the performance (this is where the rule about not walking in “The T” came into play!). It was amazing to watch our government in action. What I had expected were the rows of desks with people listening to a speaker. Instead, folks moved around the floor talking with one another and would vote with the British system of “ay” or “nay” from where ever they were standing. I was able to meet several senators from across the state during this time and with some, hear about their ties to agriculture!

I was also able to talk with Senator Ferrolli and a member of his staff, Jenny, regarding the pending “horse tripping” bill and what that would mean to those of us in SE Oregon. I have information about how YOU can get involved, and will put all that info together into another blog.

Other highlights of the day were meeting Representative Bentz, getting a jar of garlic dill pickles made by Becky (these things are to DIE for!!!), and checking out the Governor’s ceremonial office. This was definitely a trip to remember!!!

Myself and Representative Bentz



Have fun, take’r easy, and always ride hard!!!

Jess

So I know I have been a little quiet on the blog side of things lately and I’m so sorry for leaving you all hanging!

I’m not sure who everyone thinks I am, or thinks I should be, but at the end of the day, I’m just me. I’ve never been one copy others, to fit into a mold of what society thinks I should be, to run with the herd. I just am.

There has been a lot of negativity in my world lately in different forms, but at the end of the day, I know I am blessed.

Am I the punchiest, handiest girl out there? No, but I never claimed to be…

Am I the best cowboy poet to ever put pen to paper? Never thought I was…

Am I the most “happening” designer in the world? Far from it…

All I can to do is get up every day and do my best. Some days my best is better than other days, but I am here still trying.

I hope as you guys go throughout your lives, you face the put downs of others with your head held high instead of allowing them to determine your destiny.

I love you all and appreciate your love and support so much!!!

Have fun, take’r easy, and always ride hard,

Jess

Photo credit: Becky Kingen

Wow, I should be thrashed about the head and shoulders with spaghetti noodles for my lack of blogging here lately!

So, to make it up, how about a little branding talk???

Ok, so here is my top list of things to have for branding!

1. Gear check! I recently got:

• a new saddle (cowboy singer/songwriter bud, Daron Little, told me I needed to visit the confessional at Capriolas after seeing my old rig!)
• armitas (didn’t Kelly Martin do an awesome job on these???)
• horse (this is Genoa, the mare I traded Owyhee for last month).



I’ve also got a new Open Range rope, Jennifer Whiteley cinch, and Jessica Kelly stirrups on order, boy is this girl excited!!!

2. Baby Check! Now that the weather is starting to warm up, we’re getting Quirt use to the stroller and watching the world around him. I am not 100%, but I assume branding will be a lot easier if I don’t have to keep leaving the trap due to a fussy child :)



3. Pretty check! Although I am not normally one to wear make up while gathering or working horses, I do make an exception when it comes to brandings! I also love pops of color in usable gear. My rope is green. My armitas maroon. Ribbon on my Sunbody is purple. I am also into the hat flowers and concho sunglasses (these are The Buckarette Collection pieces!)



So I think all that is left is to, ummmm…..

ROPE, ROPE, and oh yeah… ROPE!!!

Are you ready to brand?

Have fun, take’re easy, and always ride hard!!!

Jess

Here lately I feel a bit out of sorts.

If I am making progress with my poetry, I’m not working out.
If I’m working out, I’m not accomplishing much with The Buckarette Collection.
If The Buckarette Collection is hopping, then my house is getting behind.

Well, you guys get the picture, things are a little crazy here! I have thought about dropping something, taking things off my plate, but that just seemed silly.

I started the C25K (Couch to 5K) program today and while out running, I had a lot of time to think about this. I did this program last summer, but got busy and moved away from it. As I tried it again today, it was so much easier. The work I did before wasn’t completely gone, I just had to try again.

It seems that this idea of coming back stronger works in so many different facets. I learn tricks to make the balancing act easier, I look technical skills that help me complete tasks better. Reaching my dreams becomes a little more attainable every time I refocus my energies.

So I challenge you right now, what is something you’ve been dying to do? What will it take to get there? What is something you can do RIGHT THIS SECOND to start on that dream?

Go forth and conquer! And what happens if you fall off the band wagon? You’ll jump back on even stronger and smarter than before :)

Have fun, take’r easy, and always ride hard!

Jess

Kelly Martin is one of the few women boot makers in a male dominated industry and she has more than proven she can hang and rattle! In addition to her fabulous boots, she makes all sorts of gear, from girly to tradtional, that is dang sure usable! Add in cowboy friendly pricing, and you've got it made! I have a brand new pair of her armitas and it goes without saying, I can't WAIT for branding season :)

1. Ok, so give us the basics, name, location, what do you do?

Kelly Martin. Battle Mtn Nevada. Boot Maker - sometimes ha ha!

Some of Kelly's boots in progress.

2. Boots? How did you get into that? Not the most typical occupation for a woman...

My Dad is a Boot Maker and I grew up in the shop with him and my mom, she did everything too. Dad ran ranches, but we always had a shop set up some where, a bunkhouse, barn, etc. Sometimes we opened up in town. Dad always told me there's nothing you can't do if you put your mind to it. I love the design part of boots and try to make a tough boot for a working guy. Town dudes need not apply. Not typical for a woman, took the guys a while to trust me but now I make lots of boots for working cowboys and I wouldn't have it any other way. It just kinda happened I guess.

Kelly and her dad on Tough Enough to Wear Pink night.

3. I absolutely LOVE the girlie look you are incorporating into your tack, how do you come up with your ideas?

I try to make one of a kind. I have my own style that comes through in my work, but a lot of women work on the ranch to and even though we're up to our elbows in cow shit doesn't mean we can't look cute! Plus I am a girl and I like girl stuff, but I try to be original. My brain is just off I guess.

One of Kelly's original headstalls featuring John Mincer silver!

4. How important is tradition in terms of your techniques and designs?

Its very important, function is a must an tuff cowboys are hard on stuff so it has to be tuff. I'm pretty old school when it comes to the actual making of my wares, but kind of funky in design. I don't want to make cookie cutter stuff that's why I try hard to keep my designs fresh. Nobody wants to look at the same thing all the time.

5. You have 2 of the cutest granddaughters, how do you like playing grandma?

Grandma is the best! Spoil em! Its great because I get to make little girl cowboy stuff and they love it! Another tradition passed on another generation.

6. When you are not in your shop, where are you most likely to be found?

In my shop. Seems like I live in there lately. Got a little more behind than I like. But horseback as often as possible. Outside I get cabin fever if I stay inside to long.

7. What advice do you have for women looking to pursue dreams as well as be mothers, wives, etc?

Dreams are just things you haven't done yet, Anything is possible and don't let anyone tell you different. When the kids were little we did everything together, moved cows, branded, hauled water, chopped ice, rodeo'd all of it. Be honest to yourself and the rest is easy. Also I always told my kids if they needed therapy later in life it will have been my fault! Ha ha! Live every day like its your last and don't forget to tell the people you love that you love them every day.

8. How does your time horseback influence your work in the shop?

In everything I do, because I have been horseback I know how things work, so I try to build a quality product that functions well.

9. So how do you doll up when you leave the ranch?

Its like playing dress up because my job is dirty, glue, dye, oil, cow shit, horse shit, blood, you know normal stuff. So I like to mix old with new. Cowboy stuff and girlie stuff. My motto is if you think your pulling it off you are rockin that outfit! Plus I try to be original which is hard, but I mostly mix an match.

A pair of Kelly's spur strap sandels (psst, Sam, do you see these???)

10. Favorite 30 minute meal, go!

Mustgo- take every leftover in the fridge mix together and add rice. Cuz sooner or later everything Must Go! If some of the leftovers look a little if'y take a tablespoon of vinegar to ward off any of the stomach issues! Ha ha! I'll never get tired of the look on peoples faces when I tell that!

Kelly will be set up at the Winnemucca Rand Hand Rodeo March 1-3 with all of her wonderful wears! Make sure you stop by and tell her I said it was ok to give her a hard time (she's tough, I know she can take it :))

Can't make the haul to Nevada but would still like to talk with Kelly about your custom order? Shoot her a message on Facebook here.

Ok, so after hearing so much about couponing and watching Extreme Couponers, I decided I had to find out if it would work for me. Seriously, what ranch wife or mom isn’t looking for better ways to manage their family’s money? I’m all about saving a buck, so since it was mostly time, I figured it was worth a try!

Well I have been doing this almost weekly since the end of December and I can say hands down, it works! It does take about 6 weeks to get your coupons built up as well as your personal “system” in place. I think you can realistically get to the point where you only spend an hour or two a week, but if you can save hundreds, why not???

Last night I made my weekly trip to Safeway. I didn’t have coupons from this Sunday’s paper (as we were coming home from Elko) but I had coupons I saved up from weeks past. I also got on line and used Safeway’s Just for U deals as well.

For $104.80 I got $162.06 worth of groceries. This was a savings of $57.26 or 35%. Now keep in mind, some of my coupons didn’t go through as planned and I bought some things I needed (like produce), so my savings on individual items were 50% or more in many cases! On other trips, I have walked out with literally a 75% savings by going in with a very specific list and buying what was on sale.

Here’s what I got for my $104.80:

5 boxes of Cheerios
2 boxes of Fiber One brownies
1 box of pasta (free!)
2 jars of Ragu
1 Progressive soup
2 Toblerone bars
1 18 pack of eggs
2 packs of string cheese
3 quarts milk
2 coffee creamers
14 Yoplait lights
1 box of Pampers
2 loaves of bread
2 packages of Tyson chicken
3 lbs of bananas
3 bell peppers
Green onions
Garlic
Mushrooms
3 oranges
4 packages of blackberries
2 bags of salad


Yes, some of the items are random, but when combined with things I have in the house, or being stored until later, I save money. The point is to stock up when things are on a good sale and you’ll rarely, if ever, pay full price again. Can you say cha-ching???

Well, what do you think, is couponing worth a shot?

Have fun, take’r easy, and always ride hard!

Jess