Friday, July 20, 2012

National Day of the American Cowboy


I know...I know...I blog about this every year, but I love cowboys so I enjoy reminding the fans of American Romance books that the "U.S. Senate passed a resolution designating the fourth Saturday of July National Day of the American Cowboy.”
"Whereas pioneering men and women, recognized as cowboys, helped establish the American West...that cowboy spirit continues to infuse the nation with its solid character, sound family values, and good common sense; Whereas the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism."



If you visit All My Heroes are Cowboys you'll notice the following statement at the top of my blog...

"America needs the Cowboy both to remind us of how far we have come and to bring us back to the simplicity of the values he represents. He is also needed because he is a piece of who we are as a country. He represents a lifestyle and a time period that is a cherished part of our History. Little boys want to grow up to be him and the little girls want to grow up to marry him." ~cowboycrew.com

One of the more famous rodeos in the country is happening this month!  Cheyenne Frontier Days runs from July 20th-29th.  Started in 1897 and drawing more than 300,000 people to the area each year, this rodeo is billed as the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo & Western Celebration.  Cheyenne Frontier Days is the “Daddy of ‘Em All”!


Country Western Music fans…check out this year's entertainment schedule:

Zac Brown Band with special guest the Marshall Tucker Band
Brad Paisley with special guest The Band Perry
Merle Haggard with special guest Chancey Williams
Reba with special guests Rodney Atkins and Hunter Hayes
Journey with special guest Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Loverboy
Hank Williams Jr. with special guest Chris Young
Blake Shelton with special guest David Nail
Cheyenne Frontier days is more than just rodeo and music.  There's an Indian Village to explore. There is also a carnival midway, Chuck Wagon Cookoff, and the Wild Horse Gulch western heritage area, and Behind the Chutes tours. Cheyenne Frontier days is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned rodeo with almost 1,500 contestants who will vie for more than $1 million in money and prizes

What are your summer plans?  Do they include a rodeo?


 

A Cowboy's Duty (August 2012)


Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Top Ten Summer Treats

In celebration of the season, here's a list of what I like best about summer:


10. Longer days. Which means more sunshine, one of nature's best pick-me-ups. (My first and last piece of advice in this post: please remember to wear your sunscreen when you're outside soaking up those rays!)


9. Warmer weather. Okay, for some of you that's no treat. LOL But for those of us who walk around feeling chilly nine or more months out of the year, higher temps are a good thing. At least for a short while.


8. More humidity. If you live in a dry climate, enough said. If you don't...trust me, humidity can be a treat.


7. Vacation time. A week away from the day-to-day routines really changes your attitude, doesn't it? This summer, I'm heading to Anaheim for the Romance Writers of America's annual conference. (If you're attending the Literacy Reception, please stop by my table to say hello. I'd love to meet you!) Anyhow...the conference hotel is only minutes away from some of the best vacation spots in the world, especially if you're a kid at heart.


6. Guilt-free ice cream. Oh, haven't you heard? Rumor has it there are no calories in ice cream when the weather's hot outside. ;) Don't ask me if that's true or not. I only know I'm buying into it—literally! LOL




5. Picnics. Or barbecues, if you prefer. Either way, an abundance of good summertime food, from hotdogs and hamburgers to potato and pasta salads to watermelon and...dare I say it again?...ice cream.


 4. Swimming pools. Swimming is one of the best all-around sports for your body. And by the way, it helps to hydrate your body, too! (See #8.)


3. More time to ___. For me, that means more time to write. I know—you'd think summer would provide the perfect opportunity to take a break from the day job. Instead, maybe because of all the good things on this list, summer just revs me up write.

You fill in the blank with whatever works for your life.


2. A brand-new book!
My latest Flagman's Folly novel, HONORABLE RANCHER, debuts in less than three weeks—so of course, it's on my list. ;) My editors did a fantastic job of scheduling the August publication date to give me—and you, I hope—a real summertime treat.


1. More time to read. (See #2. ) Reading is my #1 pastime, and not just immersing myself in my own books. Summer is a wonderful time to catch up with my favorite authors and discover a few new ones.


So...what do you think? Do any of the above choices make your list? Anything missing that you've just gotta have on your Top Ten?

Whatever you enjoy, I hope you have a fun, safe, and happy summer!

All my best to you,

Barbara
~~~~~~
Barbara White Daille
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