Vintage and Western Boutique | Cowgirl Cash | Bend, Oregon

Cowgirl Cash's Best Rack

2012-10-07T10:32:00.002-07:00

I heard about this buck and saw a picture before it actually came into Cowgirl Cash. If you consider antlers beautiful, this set qualifies as amazing. Eva Hulett was in the same hunting party as 12 year old Olivia who also shot a buck this year. Olivia's mom brought in photos of Olivia and her deer and went home with a Cowgirl Cash tee shirt for her. It was Olivia's mom that showed me the photo of Eva's buck.

Eva Hulett shot her buck at 9 am opening morning in the Silvies unit outside of Burns. It's complicated to get a tag there. She was talking about preference points, and trading and sharing and accumulating from other states. To be a hunter of this caliber takes effort, knowledge, research, and planning.

Eva knew the butte she wanted to be on when the sun rose September 29. Her husband wasn't in full agreement, but she had full confidence this was her spot. She started hiking in the dark and made her way to "her" stand. An hour or two later she heard a shot. Soon after two bucks ran past and dropped of the hill out of sight. Six more deer followed and dropped over the edge. She took a breath, drank some water, and hoped that maybe they would circle back. Then she heard him. A heavy footed deer was approaching, and when she saw him, she could tell he had to weave in and out of the trees to avoid snagging his huge rack. She watched him walk. When he finally stopped, all she could see was his rear on one side of a ponderosa tree and his antlers on the other. There was no clear shot, and more than anything, she wanted a clean kill.

Slowly, he walked towards a clearing. She willed him to stop but he kept moving. There was a reason this big deer was still around. He was smart. She was able to steady herself and take the shot. He went down.

When she radioed her husband, she said "Come and get me, and bring a meat bag". Her husband replied "I've got a four point in my truck right now." "I'm sure mines bigger." Eva radioed back.

They easily found the buck and when they lifted his head they all gasped. The rest of their hunting party made their way to the deer and Eva said to her husband. "You know what this means right? Your mount has to come off the fireplace..."

When I took the T measure, (42 1/2 btw) I had to ask if the buck was a mule deer. The antlers are a dark, gray/ rich brown. I was told that there have been a few fires in the area since 2003, and that the bucks rub against burnt ponderosas to remove the velvet from their antlers and that causes the dark stain.

You can't talk to Eva about her deer (especially when you see it) without using the word "rack". It's a beautiful rack! I mentioned that a guy friend of mine had suggested that Best Rack might be a better tag line on the "trophy buckle" for my Women Only Buck Hunt than Best Buck. I wondered if it was sexist or cheap. Eva said "are you kidding me? These women are hunters! They'll love it! So there we have it.
Next year, the trophy buckle will read "Best Rack 2013"

Gutsy Woman

2012-10-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

Laurie Piper from Redmond brought a deer in for a Tee measure on Friday, October 4. ( 39 inches) Laurie shot her deer on Sunday opening weekend of hunting season. She had a tag in the Upper Deschutes unit. She and her husband generally hunt in the Sisters area, but due to closures from the Pole Creek Fire they were forced to explore new country. At 3:00 pm on Sunday, Laurie and her husband headed out Century Drive and turned off onto a Forest Service Road at about the 11 mile marker. She and her husband were not feeling very optimistic about their chances and weren't seeing any sign of deer. They decided to head home. As they were getting back into their Subaru a big buck crossed the road in front of them about 100 yards out. Laurie pulled her 30-06 up to her shoulder and took a shot. It was a clean kill and the end to a successful hunt. Thanks for sharing Laurie. Enjoy your Cowgirl Cash tee shirt.

First Buck in

2012-10-02T13:38:00.001-07:00

Cowgirl Cash got their first Buck entered into our Women only Big Buck contest. Shelly Ann Turner came in before the season started after reading about the contest in Lily Raffs column. She told me she would bring one in and she did!

She shot her deer on the 6 Ranch outside of Enterprise in the Minam unit. It was a three point white tail buck that she shot with a 243 Winchester. She was hunting with her husband. It was the second morning, Sunday just after dawn. They had been sitting in their blind near a fence at the top of a ridge when the deer came by. One shot through the shoulder about 75 yards brought him down. White tail are supposed to be very tasty due to the fact they hang out and eat in alfalfa fields. Shelly Ann left with a Cowgirl cash tee shirt. Thanks for sharing your story with us!

Cowgirl Cash Hunting Story

2012-10-01T18:21:00.002-07:00

It was Mothers Day weekend when we all decided we'd go hunting in the Fall together. My friend Tom who is becoming quite the urban farmer was interested in harvesting a deer. My friend Carrie has hunted before and is always up for a physical challenge with a little adventure thrown in. My parents were in. They were the ones most likely to get tags due to "preference" points accumulated over 40 years of hunting in Oregon. Scott, and our 13 year old son were on board. And of course, as the owner of Cowgirl Cash, the sponsor of the Women only Big Buck hunt, I was in. The rest of the friends and spouses at the Mothers Day tailgater at Mt. Bachelor, were also up for an authentic Eastern Oregon experience.

The obscure white postcard printed with successful or unsuccessful didn't arrive until mid June. Our party quickly dwindled to six. Scott and my parents were the only ones to draw a tag. Teddy could hunt under the "mentor" program which meant he could fill one of the 3 tags.

We have hunted in the Paulina unit east of town a few times before. It's nice because it's close, beautiful, and familiar. However, it had been a long time since we'd filled tags there. There was a glimmer of hope early in the year of hunting on private land in Mitchell. But it's complicated and rare to get permission. Multiple generations and past promises dashed our hopes. We would be fine on public land. I learned a new term from my dad on this trip. DIY hunter. That's what we are. No lodges, no guides, no private property.

The season opened Saturday, September 29. We had hauled a trailer out the weekend before to secure a shady, central spot in the middle of the high desert. Remote, but surprisingly close. We worked all day Friday and were at our camp sight having dinner, making a plan, packing lunches, loading guns and reminiscing over past hunts. Lights were out by nine pm.

Day 1.
The moon opening morning was immense. It was 5:30 am and there was no need for a headlamp. Scott and Teddy headed out early on foot. Luci drove my mom, dad, and I to two different spots. It was cold and early and dark despite the moon, and damn we forgot both sets of binoculars. Luci and my dad turned around and headed back for them. The plan was to hit three different peaks above an open valley and glass the hillside at daybreak and wait for a big buck to walk in front of one of our groups. We got the binoculars headed to our "stands" and waited. We watched the wind, we watched the sun and our shadows, we watched each other and waited some more. About 2 hours later my mom and I got cold and we were starting to get bored. No deer. Just two red spots on one hill (Scott and Teddy) and one neon orange speck on the other (my dad). We decided to take a walk to a ridge in the sun and scare something up. We ended up walking through a valley, up a hill, and catching up on everyone we knew and the complete Branin health history. Scott said he couldn't always see us, but he could hear us. Oops. We were scaring deer to them.

After a nap and a close game of scrabble we headed to a different spot. This time it was Scott, Teddy, my dad and myself. The plan was for Scott and I to head up the butte. Teddy and my dad would circle around on the road and pick us up afterwards. As we headed up the hill we crossed a deer trail we referred to as the deer super highway. Never have I seen as many tracks on one trail as this. There were deer here! We executed the plan and sure enough, we spooked a doe from her napping area and sent it over the hill to Teddy and my dad. After walking and scouting and traversing we headed down and headed home.

Day 2.
I did not have a tag, so I felt perfectly justified to stay in bed when the hunting party headed out at 5:30. I was dreaming of snuggling under my comforter with a fresh pot of pressed coffee and my book (Wild by Cheryl Strayed. You'll understand if you've read it.)

At 10, Luci and I went driving and looking for the hunters. We found them an hour later. No bagged bucks, but they'd jumped some does, and found some beautiful shed antlers. Scott was ready to head in, but Teddy wanted to keep hunting. We agreed that my mom would drive and drop my dad and I and Teddy. We drove for a few miles. Spotted antelope, found another hunters gut pile, jumped a doe and her fawns and finally I said "wait"! Far in the distance was something that looked like the body of a big desert buck. It was far. It was fuzzy, but I was sure it moved like a deer. We crept closer by car. Finally I realized we were at the same butte from yesterday evenings hunt and that the deer I was imaging I saw was on the deer super highway!

We formulated a plan (a new plan apparently, that had my mom climbing a mountain instead of driving the car) and silently got out of the truck. The wind was blowing our scent towards the deer. My mom and I spread out in order to send the buck over the hill to where Teddy and my dad would be waiting on the other side.

Soon after we saw a doe staring down at us from the top. We crept closer, scared up another doe mid-butte and then six deer ran across the top. In the herd was a nice beautiful buck. We had given up walkie talkies for cell phones and I texted Teddy.... Buck!!!!. Minutes later we heard a shot, then another. Was it them? My mom and I continued over the hill. We took our time in case the deer circled back to the cool trees where they had emerged from. When we got to the top of the hill we could see Teddy and my dad head down in the desert below.

Again the plan had worked. Teddy and my dad had parked the truck and were waiting for deer to come their way. Teddy had a nice stand, and my dad decided to rest his eyes a bit. (We let him off the hook since he'd been hunting since dawn). Teddy heard the deer crashing down the hillside, but he was facing the wrong way. He turned, shouted "buck"! "Big Buck" to wake my dad. He found the deer in his scope and took a shot. When he brought his gun down, the deer was still running. He put another bullet in the chamber, found the deer again and took another shot. When he took the gun down the deer was gone. Dead and gone or just gone? We searched for a body and blood for a good hour. This nice buck got away this time. It was a thrill, and my dad said "Teddy, I'm proud of you for getting the lead out."

Deer hunting. It's not for everyone, but I've decided that while I have the opportunity to spend one weekend a year with my family working together for a common goal in amazingly beautiful country, that I will continue to hunt. I've added killing (and gutting) a buck to my "list". I'm inspired by Lily Raff, Cheryl Strayed, my mom, and all of the other women out there who go against the norm, stand out from the crowd, and take life head on. Besides, hunting fits my criteria for the "four basics" necessary for a good life. Whole food, fresh air, sound sleep, and love. I experienced all that this past weekend.

Sisters Folk Festival Cowgirl Cash Style

2012-09-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

First off, I apologize to all artwalk customers who were rushed out of the store at 8:15 pm during the First Friday of September. Scott and I were already wearing our "gold" wristbands and we had plans to see the 9:15 show of James McMurtry at the 17th annual Sisters Folk Festival.

We started this big festival weekend by securing a spot in Sisters for our little Cowgirl Cash trailer on Monday. We had already made arrangements for our kids, so we were free to roam around Sisters and hear non-stop music for the weekend.

James McMurtry performed at the Village Green. This was the heart of the festival. The Village Green is located on the corner of Elm St. just south of the downtown "drag" across from the beautiful fire station. They had a huge white tent set up and hundreds of chairs. This venue was reserved for head liners and designated as a "listening" venue. If you wanted to dance there were other venues waiting. That however, did not stop festival goers from heading to the front of the stage and shaking their booty to a few McMurtry songs. I learned that people come and go from venues in order to see all of the artists they want to see. I was glad we stayed for the last of James McMurty because his final song, "We can't make it here" was memorable.

Scott and I were hungry after working at the store and rushing to Sisters so we headed to the Melvin's Market location. The store (Melvin's) was open and adjacent to another beautiful white tent. We bought some snacks and a Deschutes IPA on draft, and stood at a tall table and enjoyed our second act, Hobbs. Hobbs had the venue dancing. The people watching was fabulous and the music was even better. After we ate, and got a feel for how this festival worked we were ready for another venue.

We headed to Angeline's Bakery. Angeline's is a must stop for us anyway. We love this bakery. The line was long, and there were other choices so we headed around the corner to the Depot Cafe. The Depot is the sandwich stop on the west end of town. I was unprepared for the stage they had set up in back. Deck, dropped down to grass, set-up with chairs for the perfect amphitheater feel. The stage was a finely crafted work of art. Twinkly lights, and an intimate setting made this a magical venue. We saw Taarka here. Scott referred to them as the "string" portion of the festival. They had a unique and beautiful sound. We made it back to our trailer a little after midnight. End of Day 1.

We had hauled our bikes to Sisters for a ride on the Peterson Ridge Trail. The music didn't really get started until noon so we had our coffee and got a nice mountain bike ride in. First stop when we got back: Slick's Que Co. We had been told to see Jeffrey Martin. He played his guitar along with a beautiful singer, Anna? We ate, listened, people watched. One of my favorite features of a folk festival is the quick format. 45 minutes an artist. We stayed at the barbecue joint to see Hobbs again. We had heard him plugged in and rocking and we wanted to hear him unplugged. This kid is young, and charming, really good, and a Sisters resident.

The next stop was a "must see" for me. Slaid Cleaves on the Village Green. Customers sometimes pass on good music to me. James McMurtry and Slaid Cleaves are two of these artists. Slaid was not a disappointment. Great sound, an adoring audience, and one captivating song after another.

At 3:30 we took a break and at 4:30 we had "cocktails" in the grassy square where we were camped with some other friends. Everyone pulled out their guacamole, nuts, crackers, cheese, and booze, and we enjoyed great conversation and perfect weather. 6:00 was showtime. Scott and I raced to Angeline's again knowing we may have to wait in line. I wanted to see Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion. They had been featured as a "band to watch" in the Source. Our wait was about 15-20 minutes. We were able to see them, hear them, and see Angeline's beautiful little venue.

We were on bikes and our next stop was minutes...maybe seconds away, at Sisters Art Works. We went there to hear Mary Gauthier (pronounced Go Shay) but came in for the last two song of Keith Greeninger. He brought down the house. When Mary took the stage she said "I didn't know I coming on after Bruce Springsteen". That pretty much sums up Keith's style, and Mary's wit.

After Mary we moved up as close to the stage as we could to see David Jacobs-Strain and the Crunk Mountain Boys. I'd seen David before, but this band was a treat. I'm officially a BIG fan.

"Late Night" for Scott and I was Melvin's Market to see Pokey Lafarge and the South City Three. Our timing allowed us to see a few songs of John Fullbright. This guy was amazing. He had this "dance" venue mesmerized. His piano playing, his voice, and the lyrics captivated. Like most of these artists he will be a "must see" anytime he comes through Oregon. Pokey has a sound like no other. Ragtime, cartoon, rockabilly, dance. I'm no music expert of course, but this band was really unique and a treat to watch and dance to.

Again we were in bed shortly after midnight. I had big plans for Sunday at 9...

I had read on facebook that Shine Global was part of a yoga challenge that was taking place in Sisters. I love yoga, but this was my music weekend. What grabbed me, was that Shirin Amini was playing for the practice. Lovely! At 9 am I placed my mat on the grass in front of Live.Love.Yoga and had a blissful experience.

I biked from that transforming event to the best church service I've ever been to. Artist after artist came out singing one beautiful; song after another. Catie Curtis, Seth Glier (Let it be), Abigail Washburn singing and "buck dancing" on stage, Jude Johnstone, Moe Dixon, and finally 1 1/2 hours later, Keith Greening had the whole Village Green tent on their feet singing...Every Little things, Gonna be alright. Whew.

There was more music to be enjoyed, but there was also a trailer to take home, kids to pick up, and work and school to prepare for. Sisters Folk Festival; we will be back.

Even Cowgirl Cash can make jam.

2012-08-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

The Pilot House, Ocean Park, WA.

Prettiest hydrangea ever and blue sky and ocean beyond!

Our last hurrah before school started this year was a trip to the family beach house. It's the perfect place to cool down from Bend's heat, celebrate Teddy's late August birthday, and enjoy the last of summer at a slow pace. This trip has been on the books for months and in the back of my mind I've been planning to make blackberry jam. I've made jam twice before this trip and both times have been with my girlfriend Suzanne. She brings her expertise, her "equipment" and her enthusiasm and we get busy. This time however, I was on my own. The beach offers time for the activity, a cooler kitchen, and seasonal berries. Blackberries abound here. However, I only picked a few of these precious and prickly berries. The rest I bought at a roadside stand and I had to ask for them. The young girl was out back picking them at the time, and I bought all they had.

Here is Cowgirl Cash's "wanna be" jam makers how to guide...Trust me it's EASY.

1. Start with a 1/2 flat of berries. I used blackberries and the flat cost me $16.
2. Assemble your tools and ingredients.

3. You need "pectin", sugar, jars, and lids. You can buy everything you need at Bi-Mart in Bend, and at Jack's Country store in Ocean Park, WA. (also Safeway) The lids consist of rings and the flat lids you can see in the above picture. My jars were "regular" sized lids as opposed to "wide mouth". Don't assume you have enough sugar at home. Jam takes a lot of sugar. The paper, (next to my readers) are the instructions that come in the pectin box. That's what I used. It has instructions for almost every imaginable fruit jam.

4. All of the tools above come in handy and I now keep them all together in my jam pot, (along with the jars as we finish our jam). A funnel for getting the jam into jars, a long handled wooden spoon, a flat slotted spoon for "skimming" foam from the hot cooked jam and a measuring cup for measuring sugar and crushed berries.

5. This is my big jam pot. It's not for the berries, it's for sealing the jars. The metal ring at the right cradles the jam jars in the pot.

6. The secret to successful jam making is following the instructions to the letter. That is not my strong point, but I can do it if a have someone working with me to keep me straight. I read the instructions over and over. Measure crushed berries, not whole, pre-measure the sugar into another bowl, start the huge pot of water boiling early, sterilize the jars and lids, use a timer, adjust the time if you are at higher elevation. It's all important. But trust me, it's all EASY.

7. Luci dropping jam into the hot pot with tongs.

8. Timing the process is very important!

Ahh, the satisfaction of your own winters supply of jam. We've already given away 2 jars, and eaten 1/2 of another. I hope this little tutorial motivates you to try jam making. It's EASY, really

Cowgirl Cash visits the Wild Horse Corrals

2012-06-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

I'm still nursing a calf injury so instead of a family hike or bike ride, we took a road trip. Destination: BLM Wild Horse Facility outside of Burns, OR. Find Hwy 20 East and drive 2 hours. This weekend was a Mustang Adoption event. We really didn't know what we would find at the end of the drive. We spotted the mustang statue off the road and turned at the BLM sign. I was hoping there would still be mustangs left to see...

We got our first sight of corrals and horses. Yes there were still some left. We later learned that there are over 450 mustangs to adopt. They come from:

Paisley Desert

Beaty's Butte

South Steens

Palomino Buttes

Sand Springs

Big Summit

Murderers Creek

Warm Springs

and the area made famous by the movie Spirit. Kiger.

We did what most people do, (especially city slickers in a volvo) and took the driving tour. I suggest stopping at the office before the tour. We drove the loop twice because we were better informed with the maps provided that clearly outlined each pen and what horses were in each one. One year old fillies, 3 year old mares, 2 year old geldings etc...

The horses were amazingly healthy looking. I guess I expected half starved and mangy wild horses struggling to find food. But many of these horses have been at the facility for 3-4 years and look healthy and happy. Tara at the office said that's a sign that they are doing their job.

Of course the moms and babies got me out of the car. I snapped this shot and soon discovered there were two!

If you are in the market for a beautiful horse that is a true product of the Wild West, there are plenty to choose from. They cost $125 and during the adoption weekend they will deliver. There is a screening form to fill out. Wild mustangs have special needs like higher fencing. You forget that these gorgeous horses are wild until you approach the fence. They run.

Top 10 things to do in Bend,OR.

2012-05-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

The official start of summer is next weekend...Memorial Day. These are the "Top 10 things to do in Bend,OR"...according to Cowgirl Cash.
These are not in any special order.

1. Eat outside. The bugs in Bend are not an issue. We are fortunate to have dry weather and cold nights. The outdoor tables at 900 Wall are perfect for great people watching. Bring a sweater. The nights are still cold in summer.

2. Take a day trip to South Twin Lake. We have numerous options for high mountain lakes, but South Twin Lake and Resort still feels like it did in the early 1970's. Photos of fish on the bulletin board, dreamcicles, grape pop, boat rentals. No big motors are allowed on this lake so it remains peaceful. There is a beautiful path all of the way around the lake. It will take you an hour to get there. Bring a suit and a blanket and a cooler...maybe a book.

3. I'm not a big golfer, but a top 10 list about what to do in Bend, OR during the summer, that leaves off golf is remiss. The Old Back Nine is a gorgeous 9 hole course with greens and fairways that rival the finest courses in town and it's only $22. I just saved you money and 2 hours!

4. A river rafting trip with Sun Country Tours. This can be done in a few hours on the upper Deschutes near the Inn of the 7th Mountain or as a huge day extravaganza near Maupin. Both will get you wet and will give the whole family a thrill.

5. The really adventurous should hike South Sister. This climb up one of the Cascade peaks is not for the ill prepared or the out of shape. However, fancy climbing gear and expensive permits are also not needed. The best way to do South Sister is to pack in with a friend. Leave your tent, pads, sleeping bags and evening meal near Moraine Lake and head to the summit. Have dinner and spend the night at Moraine Lake and watch the sun set over the Cascades. Pure Bliss.

6. No matter what you do in Bend, you'll need a great breakfast out. Don't miss McKay Cottage. It's kind of off the beaten path on Bend's north end. However it's no secret, so expect a line.

7. Plan a day Downtown Bend perusing the boutiques. Stop by At the Beach for a new swimming suit. The owner is an aspiring resort wear designer with a new line she recently launched with a fellow bend swimsuit designer.

8. While you're downtown Bend, find Cowgirl Cash. This Western Vintage Boutique has a great selection of beautiful vintage boots. These boots are for wearing. They are beautiful, quality, green, unique, and authentic. This shop is not just for girls. It's called Cowgirl Cash because we pay cash for great pre-owned stuff. Dresses, leather bags, jewelry, buckles, flasks, pearl snap shirts, hats, market baskets....consider hitting Cowgirl Cash on Wednesday afternoon....(see number 9)

9. The Wednesday Farmers Market. Starting in June, the Farmers Market will be back in Downtown Bend. This year the stalls will set up down Brooks St...behind Cowgirl Cash. Come get your picnic treats!

10. Float the Deschutes River like a local. Buy a cheap air mattress at Bi-Mart. Park at River Bend Park, slather up with sunscreen and have some good cheap fun.

The cyclists are going to be unhappy with my lack of trail options on the top 10 list. Bring a bike and ride it everywhere!

A weekend trip to Belknap Hot Springs

2012-05-21T15:01:00.001-07:00

Our family and friends weekend to Belknap Hot Springs. This trip was planned well ahead of my "injury". The timing was perfect. The adults left me at the pool while they rode the McKenzie river trail. The kids explored the "secret" garden, and I read my book and soaked. I did manage to explore enough to take a few photos.

a quick stop at Sahalie Falls

The secret garden

Lovely warm pools

Clean and convenient campsites.

Cowgirl Goes Down

2012-05-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

I love the title of my blog. "my store, my stories". It gives me the freedom to turn this space into my musings. My store is a reflection of my life and values important to me.

Anyway, this post is about a sports injury.

In high school my sport was tennis. I was a member of the state championship tennis team in both 1984 and 1985. I wasn't a star, but I was on the team and did my part to earn the banners and the trophies that I love to to see when I visit Bend High for my freshman daughters activities.

So this was my summer to get myself back into tennis. Yesterday during a fast, fun, and furious lesson I tore something in my calf. I've been through this before. I think I know the diagnosis before my appointment. My husband had a similar injury 4 years ago. Maybe surgery, crutches, no weight on my left leg for weeks.

The incredible thing about this injury is I'm not in a lot of pain. Yes it's tender, yes it's wierd having my tendon bulging from the back of my calf, but I'm not taking anything for pain so therefore I'm not on the couch in a drug induced coma. I'm on the couch, but I'm clear, I'm reflective, I'm surprisingly calm.

I've been going at hyper speed for months. Spending money I shouldn't spend. Planning trips, inventing needs, running, yoga, skiing,laundry, cooking... all with a back that hurts all of the time. Enough. Now I'm forced to sit down and let my family take on some new responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, shopping. My store is stocked and ready for summer and staffed with two of the cutest most capable employees one could hope for. I also have a willing and capable mom and daughter.

I'm going to embrace this time of my life. (it will be brief) and do some delegation. This morning after I reminded my husband to water the hanging baskets and my daughter to check the dog water and the chickens' water, my son says, "we've got a lot of living creatures around here that need water". That's right Teddy, get ready to learn them all.

Gettin' Sassy at Cowgirl Cash

2012-04-27T16:06:00.001-07:00

Four months into working at Cowgirl Cash it is clear that this store has sass and that sass rubs off on those who come through the doors. This is the good sass that makes people feel fun, cool, and bad ass.

I never would have picked up on it as a customer because it’s subtle. As a customer you see a beautiful store that is a mix between a country home and a quirky boutique. As a salesperson, I see the shift in attitude and confidence when someone purchases something they love. When it comes to boots both men and women have a similar reaction. They get a smile and remark “oh no, it fits perfectly”. My guess is that the “oh no” is result of one of these two thoughts:

1) “Ah, I don’t need another pair of boots but I love these.”

2) “These are awesome but I don’t know if I can I pull them off?” (Literally and figuratively)

The first remark is from someone who owns cowgirl boots and knows how sexy they look with jeans and how confident they make you feel. The second remark is from someone who has never owned cowgirl boots or hasn’t owned them since he/she were a kid and they are wondering whether they will ever actually take them out of the closet and onto the town. Both groups of people are experiencing the Cowgirl Cash sassiness rubbing off on them. They feel a little tougher and pretty damn good about how they look.

Seeing that happiness is my favorite part of working at Cowgirl Cash. Rebecca picks products she feels proud to sell and people walk out knowing that they got a gem. Remember back to when you last got something you loved from the store? Remember how excited you were to wear/use this item? Well, I get to see that excitement over and over again and that rubs off on me. Simply, I am way sassier that I was five months ago.

Cowgirl Cash loves cute chicks.

2012-04-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

Raising backyard chickens has been a fascination of mine for 10 years. When I moved back to Bend in 2003, I decided that was my year. We got the chicks, raised them all summer, and enjoyed their quirky ways. We were irresponsible and clueless chicken owners, trying to learn as we went. The chickens roosted in the pines in our backyard. When Fall came we used chicken wire and converted an old dog run into a coop. The first night raccoons got in and ate our chickens.

We're in a different house now and that memory has faded enough to allow us to try again. Our yard is boring and small, but nicely fenced. Our children are older and in need of a farm experience.

Cowgirl Cash has sponsored the Coop Tour and many of our customers raise backyard chicks. A customer told me about an old coop in need of work I could have for free. Soon after a contractor told me one night during art walk, that he was building custom coops. I had put my intentions to the universe and the timing was right. The Charlton's were getting chicks.

We have a Dominique, a Buff Brahma, and a Partridge Rock, all from High Desert Ranch and Home. Dominique, Claire, and Ruby seem happy in their cozy coop, complete with floor to ceiling windows. We are looking forward to eggs at the end of summer.

My custom "up-cycled" coop.

Clyde is still adjusting to the girls.

The paned doors open for cleaning, feeding, and egg gathering.

The best feature is I can see the chicks playing in the coop from my kitchen window.

Coming out of hibernation at Cowgirl Cash

2012-03-21T15:11:00.001-07:00

I took a road trip to the Valley on Monday. A quick trip with the purpose of getting the raw honey I love to carry in the store, and a chance to pick up some "goods". I sometimes wonder how I came to own a Western Store. I don't think it often, just when someone refers to Cowgirl Cash as a Western Shop. I think of Cowgirl Cash as a Western Lifestyle store. A place to buy a cool pair of authentic boots with a story to tell, or a buckle to add a little personality to your outfit. The store has evolved into me having the opportunity to buy quality items at a deeply discounted second hand price and share that value with my customers.

My point is that my entire working career has lead me to this store. It really didn't just happen on accident. I had this realization as I was driving south on I-5 after a nice score at one of my favorite Salem haunts. I found a Droll Designs platter. Not everyone appreciates Droll Designs. I however worked at TWIST in Portland and lusted after all that was Droll. To this day my family uses a butter dish that I actually had on layaway. Yes it's a $60 butter dish. My time working at Skeie's jewelers in Eugene prompted my love of Rolex...(there is a ladies 2-tone at Cowgirl Cash currently) and Paul Revere bowls. My time at Neiman Marcus in Boston educated me on Prada, Elizabeth Locke jewelry, and many things gorgeous. Working for NIKE in the Retail division taught me the basics of merchandising. I followed up my time at NIKE with 2 years at TWIST, an American Craft Gallery that introduced me to young artists and designers with enduring style. Before launching Cowgirl Cash, I was a residential realtor, and learned the importance of presenting used goods in perfect condition.

It's a nice realization that I wasn't unprepared when I decided to launch a Western Vintage Boutique. My life experiences have prepared me quite well, and the good news is, the learning and growing is far from over.

With that said, Cowgirl Cash has officially come out of hibernation, and we are now (despite the weather) expanding to Spring hours. From now until Dec.31 we are open 7 days a week. Monday-Saturday 11-6
and Sundays 12-4. Come visit us and remind your friends visiting Bend, that Cowgirl Cash is one of the top 10 things to do in Bend.

Maya Moon March Madness Event at Cowgirl Cash

2012-03-15T15:32:00.002-07:00

Who or What is Maya Moon and why is she at Cowgirl Cash? Come see for yourself during a Maya Moon trunk show Wednesday, March 21 from 6-8. Maya Moon is one of Bend's hottest local artist who makes handbags, clutches, key fobs and headbands to die for. Once you've identified her her signature style of mixing textures, colors, and quality details, you'll begin spotting her bags on Bend's best dressed ladies. She sells her bags at a limited number of retail boutiques and at trunk shows in Bend, Portland, Park City and elsewhere. Her facebook page is a favorite of many who love to see her "freshies". New bags, new styles, more fun. These bags are authentic, practical, beautiful... the perfect fit for Cowgirl Cash.
I hope you can join us next week.

"A Note"

2012-02-17T17:09:00.002-08:00

I'm not a big Twitter follower, but today I checked out some Powell's Bookstore tweets. One from Feb 2, 2012 caught my eye.

Nobel prize winner Wislawa Szymborska passed away that day. She was 88.

Her poem "A Note" was the body of the tweet.

A Note

Life is the only way

to get covered in leaves,

catch your breath on the sand,

rise on wings;

to be a dog,

or stroke it's warm fur;

to tell pain

from everything it's not;

to squeeze inside events,

dawdle in views,

to seek the least of all possible
mistakes.

An extraordinary chance

to remember for a moment

a conversation held

with the lamp switched off;

and if only once

to stumble upon a stone,

end up soaked in one downpour or
another,

mislay your keys in the grass;

and to follow a spark on the wind with your eyes;

and to keep on not knowing

something important.

Top 10 things to do in Bend, OR.

2012-02-14T13:03:00.001-08:00

Cowgirl Cash has a goal. I want Bend visitors to google "Top 10 Things to do in Bend, OR" and I want Cowgirl Cash to show up on the list. This was not my idea. My very talented friend who assists me in all of my marketing said it first, and since then, a few customers have mentioned it.
My store is authentic, true to the area, and unique. A must see right?

The goal inspired me to make my own list. This is a "Top 10 things to do in Bend, Or. in the Winter" list. The summer list will be out in a few months.

1. Pilot Butte: (not the burger joint) I love sending newbies to Bend to hike Pilot Butte. It's a great way to stretch your legs after a long day of traveling and it gives a very good lay of the land. Learn the names of the mountains, and see how the high desert truly meets the mountains on this easy, but heart rate raising jaunt. I would do this hike right before sunset with two local brews in my backpack. (Don't forget an opener, the local brews are not twist offs.)

2. Newport Market: This market is dangerous for me. That's why I don't shop here, but if I was visiting Bend, this would be a great place to stock up on fruit, cheese, crackers, nuts, chocolate, spreads, and wine. The basics for great lunches and high class tailgating.

3. Mt. Bachelor: I know this isn't unique, but it's a must do right? I'm at the mountain weekly. It's why we live here, it's what we do, and it's amazing.

4. Cowgirl Cash: Whether you visit Downtown at the beginning of your trip, or near the end, I hope you make it into Cowgirl Cash. My shop is a Western Vintage Boutique that strives to carry items that are authentic, practical, and beautiful. I'm a local Bendite who returned after 20 years away to raise my family. I needed a job, couldn't find the right fit, so created a store around my Bend roots and things I love. Vintage cowgirl boots, pearl snap shirts, one of a kind buckles, jewelry, and art.

5. Mcmenamins St. Francis: This would be my first choice for lodging. The Inn of the Seventh Mountain, The Oxford, or a friends vintage trailer complete with cozy down comforter would be good options as well. Mcmenamins wins for 3 reasons. 1. Mineral soaking pool to die for. 2. Cheap movies with the option to eat dinner while you watch. 3. The fire pit. I love this place, but don't eat here. There are too many other good options in Bend (unless you're seeing a movie).

6. Jackson's Corner: This neighborhood eatery is amazing. Simple healthy lovely food set in a relaxed anything goes setting. Don't plan to eat here Friday night. Too busy. Breakfast is great as well.

7. Tumalo Mountain: This hike will make my summer list as well. When you climb Tumalo which is directly across the street from Mt. Bachelor, you feel as if you just summited a Cascade Peak. The views are incredible and you earn them. This hike requires snow shoes in winter and lots of water and snacks.

8. Sparrow Baking: This coffee shop is off the beaten path and worth the search. It feels very European and you haven't tasted anything until you try an ocean roll.

9. Pine Mountain Sports: This is the spot to rent snow shoes if you want to take my recommendation and hike Tumalo. This locally owned shop is on Century Drive on your way up to the mountain. It's a great place to pick up necessary Bend wear like bright puffy jackets, cute beanies and sun glasses. All of this works well with your vintage boots from Cowgirl Cash.

10. Goodwill: Bend's Goodwill is clean, loaded with stuff, and the music is not bad. Goodwill fundamentally irritates me, but this is where locals donate their good used gear and household stuff. They make drop off so easy and painless that they get the good goods. Be patient, put your head down, and dig. I guarantee you'll find a treasure.

Business trip to AZ...Cowgirl Cash Style

2012-02-09T17:47:00.001-08:00

I had a great trip to Arizona. 5 days of the perfect combination of work and play. My parents live near Surprise, AZ in a community filled with very busy, happy, healthy, athletic, spontaneous, retired people. I could barely keep up.
We spent the first two days of the trip in Tuscon for the Gem and Mineral show. It's an eyeful. Rocks, mineral specimens, jewelry, rugs, geodes, agates, precious stones. It's got to be an annual trip. We then preceded to hit every thrift store, consignment store, pawn shop, and antique store in a 90 mile radius of Phoenix. Here's a sampling of what I bought.

Thanks Mom and Dad for showing me around and being patient while I sifted through "stuff" I love what I do.

New/ Old at Cowgirl Cash

2012-02-01T13:05:00.001-08:00

Winter is my time to slow down, reflect, read, plan, play, ski, evaluate, research, and revive. I love the slow pace of searching for items for the store between a ski, a snowshoe, or family household duties. Here's some new treasures. Some I found, some found me.

I'm a sucker for handmade, and back to school dresses are a weakness for me. They remind me of my Grandma Helen.

sweet girls dress $20

Regardless of how cute a dress is, it won't be found at Cowgirl Cash unless it looks great with boots.

Kids 8.5 boots $30

Remember the deep slush/ snow we had recently? Wouldn't these rubber boots, decked with outdoorsy, lovable dogs have been perfect?

Yuppie J.Crew boots.

Ladies 9 $30

Soft corduroy baby dress.

12 months $12

Handmade, heirloom quality beaded leather baby slippers.

Amazing $45

I'm collecting baskets. Big news. The Bend Farmers Market is going to set up down Brooks Street; right in front of Cowgirl Cash. I think this location is going to lend a European...farm to table vibe to our market. An improvement over the ADA approved parking lot location.

This basket is handmade, signed, sturdy, and beautiful. How could you forget a basket as special as this?

$40

I love dresses, and I am actively looking to buy dresses for the store. Clean out your closet and bring me your cute cotton classics.

Like most Bend girls, I'm a sucker for Patagonia. The quality is hard to deny. This is a near perfect dress.

$35

As I poke around sales and stores I pick up great books. Books I've read. My selection of paperback books are all recommended.

Cowgirl Cash plans ahead.

2012-01-24T12:40:00.001-08:00

Planning for the year. Happy with my decision to stick to winter hours. It is definitely winter in Bend Oregon today and I'm thrilled to be on my couch with my bestie Clyde looking forward to some of Cowgirl Cash's favorite events.

February 2012
This year I'm heading to Phoenix to see my parents and I'm taking a side trip to the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase that is held every year for 2 weeks at the end of January. I haven't been since I lived in Boston in the early 90's and sold loose gemstones for a wholesaler. Looking forward to the "search", the oddities, the contacts, the weather...

May 2012

I love being a sponsor of this event. I admire the creativity, hard work, and devotion these coop owners give their chickens and their willingness to share their knowledge with the entire community.

June 2012

The Sisters Rodeo! This is a classic Central Oregon event and a must attend. Follow the link for more information.

August 2012

The Deschutes County Fair is a favorite as well. The kids and their livestock, the rodeo, the Queens, the live entertainment... and yes, junk food and rides. Open your wallet, and off we go.

September 2012

The Pendleton Roundup. We are fortunate to have this famous, fun, tradition filled rodeo in our backyard...ok not really, it's 5 hours away. This rodeo is a must see, and I must admit I haven't seen it. Will this be the year?

October 2012

Cowgirl Cash shows her true colors in October. My Bend roots and my nostalgia for the old days of deer hunting with my parents, grandparents and friends inspire me to honor women who plan, save, and attempt to bring home a big buck during deer hunting season. These women live among us and I love their stories and their spunk. That's why I will be hosting the third annual

Womens only Big Buck Contest. Prizes for all who enter a buck! Last year I gave a wooden belt buckle engraved "Best Buck 2011". My friend (male) suggested a better buckle would read... "Best Rack" hmm.

October is also BendFilm. Independent film, independent business, independent women. I love them and support them. Cowgirl Cash plans to again host "How to BendFilm". Learn the ins and outs of how to get the most of your local film festival at this free class held prior to the festival.

November 2012

Cowgirl Cash Celebrates three years on Friday, November 2. I hope you can make it.

This and that at Cowgirl Cash

2012-01-13T16:04:00.000-08:00

A little sampling of what's new at Cowgirl Cash since the first of the year. It's always fun to see what people bring in. Clean out your closets and try me. Just remember I like the really nice stuff....

I buy Thursday and Friday 11-6 and by appointment.

Cowgirl Cash

924 Brooks St

Bend,OR

vintage vessel candle $10

Vintage canister candle $15

Glass candle with lovely lid. $15

Mad Men low ball candle $10

Handmade down pillows from She's Happy in Bend $45

Recommended paperback reads from Cowgirl Cash. $8

Smokes box signed and dated 1976 $40

Sweet little vintage bag with chain. $20

A visit to the Boot Barn

2012-01-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

I had a free Saturday after Christmas and my sister in-law was visiting from Portland. She was a willing explorer and so I set an itinerary of places I had heard about, but not yet seen.

First stop, the "swap meet" next to Grocery Outlet. A little of this, a little of that. Most things I liked were priced at prices I would sell them at Cowgirl Cash. I did buy 3 vintage dresses that will go on my soon to come "dress rounder".

Then we headed to Redmond. I can't go through there without a stop at Goodwill. Wall to wall people shopping the Saturday after Christmas...I guess they didn't get what they wanted.

Then we headed downtown. Redmond is looking cute with the trucks off of the main street, the Historic Redmond arching sign and the new store fronts.
I had to visit my friend who owns Sam's Sweet Addictions. She's the one who has the adorable cupcake cart parked near Cowgirl Cash occasionally. Her shop is just as cute and the sandwiches and soup we had for lunch was perfect.
The next shop was The Back Porch and Company. This shop was right out of a Country Living type magazine. Great old chandeliers, square dance crinolines, various antiques, and a line of drapey "gypsy chic" type clothing that sells for $250 a shirt. It's so interesting to see what other shops sell! From there we headed to a new "Cowgirl Consignment" store. This shop had lots of people and lots of apparel. It's more for the real Redmond resident than for the person wanting Western Vintage.

Last stop on our shopping day. The boot Barn in Bend in the old Spotted Mule location. Lots of hats, blingy shirts and jeans.... and boots. The boots were arranged by size. They had some pretty colorful inlay boots. They carry Laredo, Dan Post and Ariat. I was surprised you could buy boots for $129. The problem with these boots however, are the materials. They were composite , with stiff leather, stitched on the soles, not rolled and pegged.

I left glad knowing we now have a big Western Wear store to check out. I was also happy to confirm that I'm still the only shop in town with a selection of all leather, high quality, soft and ready to wear authentic boots for a great price.

Happy New Year!

The getting of the '63 Shasta

2011-11-29T14:42:00.000-08:00

I was long over due for a trip away with girl friends. So when a card playing weekend to Summer Lake hotsprings came up again at the end of one evening of "pitch" playing, I was inspired to get my phone and call up Duane at Summer Lake Hotsprings. Sure enough, at 10 pm Duane answers the phone and I'm able to book the "ranch house" for 2 nights (Sun-Tues) the second week of November.

Right before the trip my parents tell me they've purchased a 1963 Shasta trailer. A 49 year old "canned ham with wings" my dad excitedly tells me. The problem...it's parked next to the grange hall in New Pine Creek, OR. 189 miles SE of Bend on the Oregon-California border. My parents are in Arizona. Well, I say, "I do have a trip to Summer Lake planned, maybe I can tie it in". A little sweet talking to my husband, a little ditching of my children, and we have a plan. Scott and I will take two cars to Summer Lake, leave one at the hot springs, and drive our trailer towing rig to New Pine Creek, pick up the trailer and head back to Summer Lake. Nearly 400 miles of driving for Scott, and a novelty at the girls weekend for me and a place to escape if 7 girls in the "ranch house" is too much.

The trip went according to plan and after hours of card playing, hot tub soaking, and fun, the trailer made it back. I didn't sleep in it. It had no break downs, and the trailer was handed off to one of my dad's friends for storage. Who knows what's in store for this old rv. Here's some pictures to tie up this boring story. Sorry it's boring.....the girls weekend was not!

The end.

My Mission

2011-11-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

There's nothing wrong with having a plan

Plans are great.

But missions are better. Missions survive when plans fail, and plans almost always fail.

I stole this statement from Seth Godin's daily blog. I love this marketing guru's wisdom and words.

It inspired me to write my own mission statement. Sadly, I didn't have one.

Cowgirl Cash Mission: Be a spirited, healthy, money making business by paying fair prices for second hand items that are authentic, practical, and beautiful. Store promotion will be done through community sponsorships, ads, and events that recognize hardworking women (and sometimes men) with spunk and determination who live a socially and environmentally conscious life.

I like it. Could be tweaked, but I like it.

Cowgirl Cash's latest treasures

2011-11-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

The days are shorter and colder. People seem to be nesting and preparing for the winter ahead. That means treasures are coming into Cowgirl Cash.

Here's a look at today's booty.

Sweet grape vintage glasses. Fine rimmed on the lip. Really lovely like an amethyst....$25 set of six.

Vintage Capezio inlay tulip boots with a saucy, fresh heel.

Ladies 8.5....$85

Oregon sage artfully wrapped with gem stones and feathers from the artist's property. Smudge your home or enjoy the aroma as it graces your mantle.

$20

Kinda crazy, lots of fun butterfly boots.

$60

Yep, the timeless and much coveted Frye Harness boot.

Ladies 10....$150

Rare Tony Lama Black Label with a side wing tip. What makes them so desirable is the size.

Ladies 9....$130

Sweet pink 50's or 60's? lamp.

Place in a bathroom, kitchen, hall, entry, babies room.

Love sweet lighting.

$30

This is an old beaded bag from Hong Kong. The clasp and opening and colors are Divine.

$40

An assortment of vintage buckles. All authentically "used"!

$20 each

Soft wrap to snuggle in. Love the cheery warm red's and oranges.

$20

Don't forget our winter hours. I hate it when I miss people!

Mistakes happen...

2011-10-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

Cowgirl Cash is celebrating it's 2 year anniversary in our shop in downtown Bend this weekend. What perfect timing for a bit of a snafu and business blunder. On Wednesday this week (my usual day off) I kept myself busy all day preparing for Friday's party at the store. Carmel apples, candles, table coverings...check, check, check. About 3:00, after not hearing from Burl all day I sent her a text. "How's things". A few minutes later she answered back. "Good, how are you?". I excitedly but as briefly as I could told her via text that I had watched Dr. Oz and Anderson for the first time ever! A few minutes later she said..."um I'm not at the store". "Crap", was my response and I instantly remembered that Burl had asked for Wednesday off.

My range of emotions went from "crap", to guilt, to humorous, and finally ended with relief. I felt relieved that I had created a business and a life that when mistakes happen, all hell doesn't break loose. My family and I live a relatively low stress life. I was relieved to realize our lives are not like the lives of the people on Anderson Cooper . (They had to do a technology detox on farm with no electricity or plumbing.)

I apologize to anyone who came by Cowgirl Cash Wednesday, October 26 to sell gold, buy boots or pick up a gift. Let me make it up to you.