Seems there's a resurgence of interest in all things Western, probably because we love the idea of living wild and free. The West is unimaginably beautiful - God's Country they call it out here in Colorado. A few years ago I quit my job, sold everything and moved here to work outside. I'd hardly call myself a cowgirl, but it sure is fun playing at one.
There's nothing comparable to waking up to the Sangre de Cristo mountains turning purple, pink, then white in the morning sun. From my bedroom (which is also my living room, kitchen and office) I can see a herd of 60-some horses, heading down from the trees where they huddled the night before, and looking for hay. I'll pull on my jeans (have to go out anyway, to use the "facilities" such as they are) and head down to the pasture. Some days, a bunch of them will just walk up to me like puppy dogs, sniffing me and covering my face with their warm, sweet breath. Horses transmit amazing power to me somehow and I'm awed and humbled by them. I'm also grateful to be able to make a living hanging around them.
I'm not a real cowgirl, mind you. Transplanted from Jersey, I'm just a city girl lucky enough to have shucked everything to play outside. Sure I get knee high in it; I tack and ride them and help with round up and horse chores but the cowboys tolerate me. They know I'm just a dude (city slicker) and pretty harmless. Cowboys can be very sexy and alluring in the short run but believe me, when you work a ranch they expect you to haul your own saddle, and carry your weight in every way. They sure don't cotton to "helpless" out here.
I was a lawyer and a teacher; I've raised three boys by myself. Part of this new beginning is just detoxing from my stress-filled existence. You may need to do the same thing. You might not be able to transform your whole lifestyle but heck, you could come play cowgirl for a week or so, right? Maybe it's time to "cowgirl up" honey, and change your perspective on life a little.
Sometimes folks can't make these kind of changes until the kids are gone and "work" is over. Pre-tirement is a great chance to change your life completely. Did you know that most folks "retire" several times and often continue working part time, full time, in completely new environments and careers. And the truth is, it's never too late to live out your childhood dreams. I was 48 years old when I headed west to work on a ranch. The change was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo in Douglas
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