Vintage and Western Boutique | Cowgirl Cash | Bend, Oregon

Cowgirl Cash plans ahead.

2012-01-24T12:40:00.000-08:00

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.

Another nice Cowgirl Buck

2011-10-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

Chandra Newton, a senior at Redmond High School brought a buck in Thursday afternoon. Chandra shot her deer on October 8 in the Fossil unit. They have family friends with property near Spray that she hunted on. She and her boyfriend were out hiking up a hill when they spotted a herd of does with one forked horn with it. She sent her boyfriend to follow and she went around the other way. Chandra found herself face to face with a nice buck 150 yards out. She pulled up her gun and took him down with one shot. She used a 30-30 lever action. Chandra hunts, ducks, and birds as well, and for the record...she guts them herself. Congratulations on a nice buck! Her deer had a T measure of 40.5.

2011-10-09T10:37:00.000-07:00

Darylynne Cortazar from Warm Springs is the second entry in the Cowgirl Cash Women's only Big Buck contest. Darylynne shot her buck opening day in the West Biggs unit near the Dalles. She shot it with a Winchester 270 short. She's been hunting for 10 years. Hunting is a family affair for the Cortazar family. Orrin her 20 month old loved poking at the big buck. It was an interesting mule deer with an a-typical rack. It measured 37 1/8 inches. Not the biggest, but a great buck. As we photographed and measured Darylynne's deer, Orrin was running around saying "mama big buck"...too cute!

"mama big buck"

I couldn't have said it better myself... Thanks, Maya!

2011-10-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

Grab a girlfriend and come on down to Cowgirl Cash during art hop this Friday between 6-9pm. If you're already planning to be out and about for Art Hop, then you HAVE to at least stop by and check us out!

Maya Moon ~ bags & accessories ($5 bin and a whole rack of amazing sale bags)

Stoned & Beautiful ~ jewelry by Doris Kozlovic (rumor has it Doris will be there)

Cowgirl Cash ~ Vintage cowboy boots and amazing treasures
If you haven't been to Cowgirl Cash for first Friday (or if you haven't been to Cowgirl Cash EVER), you're missing out!!! It's a gem of a store and it's hoppin' for Art Hop.

Ok...enough said.
Friday - October 7th

6-9pm

Cowgirl Cash
924 NW Brooks Street (between the breezeway and Pine Tavern)
541-678-5162
Hope to see you there!!!
-Maya

First Buck entered at Cowgirl Cash

2011-10-03T16:19:00.000-07:00

Why do I hold a contest for women who kill deer? If you've ever met a woman hunter they are tough, calm, capable, outdoorswomen who love an adventure and love to tell a story. Meet Haley Rager a sophomore at Willamette highschool in Eugene. She's been hunting since she was 9. She was with her dad, her grandpa, and her grandpas three friends in the Interstate unit near Lakeview , Oregon.

She was the only one with a tag and she did not dissapoint her party.

Haley shot this buck with a T measure of 41 using a Remington 7mm 08. Click this link to hear Haley's big buck story.

Click here to listen to Haleys story.

p.s. Any suggestions on how to link an audio file in a less cumbersome way would be appreciated.

Why buy Vintage?

2011-09-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

Many people may not need any coaxing to buy someone elses used stuff. Others however, may be leary of anothers discarded item. At Cowgirl Cash we sell apparel, glassware, jewelry...all pre-loved. But for my argument today, I'm focusing on vintage boots.

Quality: 30 years ago a higher number of goods were made in the USA. Boots were made with a higher quality of leather, by a bootmaker, who paid attention to the details. The boots were made to be be repaired if needed, not thrown away.

Style: Personally, I don't like to dress like everyone else, and I assume others don't either. It's fun to have a unique item that people ask about, comment on, and compliment on.

Sustainability: Call this what you want. Being Green, Loving Mother Earth, Being a Tree Hugger, whatever the term, buying secondhand doesn't take any natural resources to produce (the second time around). New can be nice, but there are plenty of goods around that have lots of life and beauty left in them that will reduce our impact on the enviornment.

Lower Priced: As more demand is created, a low price may no longer be a reason to buy vintage, but for now, at Cowgirl Cash, boots of the quality we sell are a real bargain to a comparable "new" boot.

Examples...

Women Only Best Buck Contest

2011-09-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

It's that time-- hunting season! Cowgirl Cash is hosting a Women Only Big Buck Contest, October 1 through November 4, 2011.

Pull up in front of the store for a "T" measure and claim your prize. If your buck measures, you could win $100 of Cowgirl Cash, a Trophy Belt Buckle, and the bragging rights of Best Buck.

Cowgirl Cash supports women who draw the tag, plan the hunt, site the gun, take the time, rise with the sun, bring down the buck, enjoy the feast, and retell the story.

Good Luck.

Big Bucks and Cowgirl Cash

2011-09-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

My son Teddy turned 12 this summer. He was also given a gun by his grandfather and encouraged to take an Oregon hunters safety course. My husband and I obliged because Teddy seemed genuinely enthusiastic and my father was persistent. The class that worked best for us was in Redmond (about 25 miles from where we live) 2 days a week for three weeks, from 6:30-9:00 pm with a "field day" from 8-1:00 on a Saturday. This was a commitment.

At the end of August after target practicing, a lengthy "draw" process that determines if you get a tag, Teddy headed out to desert with his grandparents. After three days of early morning and late afternoon hunts in the heat, Teddy shot an antelope. He returned home feeling proud and accomplished with a story to tell. He posted on facebook about his triumph and a 6th grade classmate commented "that's mean"...Teddy's response was, "no, it's called success and providing food for the family".

I'm proud of Teddy's hard work and his understanding of where food comes from. I want to recognize the women in our community that also work hard and enjoy preparing for and participating in the hunt for the meat they eat. Meat that is local, organic, and sustainable. That is why Cowgirl Cash is again sponsoring a Big Buck Hunt. This year however, the hunt is for woman only. Stay tuned for details.

Congratulations, Teddy.

Working moms summer

2011-08-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

I love summer. The weather, the loose schedule, and the unlimited adventures available to us in Central Oregon. As a kid my mom was an elementary school teacher. That meant she was off in the summer to take my brother and I and our friends to lakes, lessons, and state parks. As a working mom with a small business summers are challenging. I want my kids busy, but not too busy, outdoors, but not burnt, and when someone says "what did you do this summer", I want them to have an answer. This year I bought a big blue poster board. The purpose is to write what we did on the board, and remind ourselves that we did have an awesome summer break. Thank you to Burl and my mom who help at the store so get-away summer adventures are possible.

Why you should care that gold is at $1605 an ounce.

2011-07-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that there are economic reasons you should care about the price of gold, but I'm referring to your bottom line today. Many women and men have full jewelry boxes. Jewelry you have received as gifts, the jewelry you inherited that you don't wear. The "stuff" that blocks the view and the access to the jewelry that you do adore. I love jewelry. I love how jewelry makes me feel, look, and "remember". The jewelry I received when my kids were born. The special pieces I remember my mother in law wearing. The gifts from friends and family, and the pieces I splurged on for myself.

But many of us have over-run jewelry boxes with broken pieces, single earrings and some pieces that hold bad memories. This is where Cowgirl Cash can help. For no charge, I will go through the box with you. Pull out the real gold, evaluate the valuable from the clutter and offer you a fair price based on the current price of gold, and silver and resale value. My background includes six months at the Gemological Institute of America, studying and evaluating diamonds and colored stones eight hours a day. That's why my business card says Graduate Gemologist.

Bringing in the jewelry you don't wear, and don't feel a strongly about prior to an upcoming vacation is like found money. Try it, I guarantee you'll like it.

Spring Cleaning

2011-05-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

If you plan to use the upcoming rainy days to do some spring cleaning prior to summer break, keep Cowgirl Cash in mind.

Cowgirl Cash stands for....... I pay cash for good stuff. Yes, I like vintage cowboy boots, but I like other treasures as well. Bring me the items you are reluctant to put on Craig's list or out in your garage sale. You know, the good expensive stuff.

I pay 1/3 of what I retail something for. This is generally more than what most garage salers are willing to pay. Here's a list of what I buy. I'm particular, but I may surprise you.

1. Leather boots. I like them made in the USA by good boot makers. I'll take them in most any condition. The high quality boots can, and deserved to be repaired. I'll do it.

2. Pearl snap shirts. Cute, stain and rip free.

3. Turquoise jewelry. My gemology skills and my love of turquoise makes me sucker for buying native American jewelry.

4. GOLD. Don't know whether it's real or not? I can test and evaluate your jewelry and offer you fair market prices. I can also buy the cute miscellaneous earrings, bracelets, and necklaces you are no longer wearing.

5. Vintage glass wear. The good old stuff evokes memories of grandmas house and feels so good in your hand.

6. Maybe it's the rain, or maybe I lived in Portland too long, but I also love anything with a bird on it. Is it pretty, practical, unique?

7. Sweet Summer dresses. They need to be in perfect condition and look great with boots. I pay $10 each.

8. Western cut jackets, vests, overcoats. We all have too many coats in our closet. Bring me the one you splurged on, but have only worn twice.

9. Beautiful buckles. I sell the snap belts to give your old buckle a new look or a new home.

I work hard to pre-screen vintage and pre-loved items to create a store filled with Western living essentials. We all need a little retail therapy and this kind of shopping and swapping is guilt free and green.

Chicken Coops in Bend

2011-05-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

I loved the few chicken coops I was able to hit on Saturday as part of the 2nd annual Bend Coop Tour. Thanks to all who opened their yards and shared their knowledge with the rest of us who wonder
"could I raise backyard chickens".

Two neighbors share insight and "babysit" each others coops.

A coop made from salvaged parts.

Meet "Betty"

This coop owner loves Eli Halpin art from Cowgirl Cash!

A beautiful Custom Coop.

You never know which neighbors might have chickens.

This chartreuse coop was really special.

These coop owners made a great poster with a timeline and details for us novices.

I left inspired. Now to convince my husband and my landlord....

Yoga and Cowgirl Cash

2011-05-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

I wish I could write more. I wish I could write better. I can only write when inspiration strikes and today it was while I was in yoga class trying to clear my mind in the perfect mountain pose. I appreciate my store and my yoga classes both at Juniper and at Iyengar for the same reason... community. Surrounding yourself with like minded people feels nice. There is a cross over between the people opening their minds and bodies in yoga and the people that appreciate the second hand and handmade items at Cowgirl Cash. I frequently find myself in conversation with women 20 years younger (ie: Alicia who helps with my etsy page) and women 20 years my senior (ie: Peggy who finds the best pearl snap shirts and DD Ranchwear jackets). There is nothing better than three women having a fun conversation and age is no consequence. We just like each other. Recently, the organizer of Bend's Chicken Coop tour happened to be in Cowgirl Cash when one of the coop stop owners was shopping in the store. They had never met before, but knew of one another. I guess this type of thing happens in Bend quite frequently, and I always love it when I witness it. Call it fate, call it community.

Today in yoga I had a secret with Jack (he's an older white haired guy who I don't even know). We both attend a small, very structured Tuesday Iyengar class, and on then on Thursday show up at the same crowded vinyasa flow class at Juniper with loud fun music. This pattern has been going on for a few weeks, and I find it comical and comforting.

The grounding and acceptance I learn in yoga, helps me run a small business and enjoy the highs and lows that come with it. I breathe, follow my instincts and enjoy the community that surrounds me. Neither do I do perfectly, but both I do with a true heart.

A visit to the Small Farmer's Journal Horsedrawn Auction and Swap

2011-04-13T20:45:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to attend the Small Farmer's Journal Auction and Swap today at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras. I've had a poster advertising this event up in the store for weeks. I'd talked about wanting to attend and see what this 33 year old event was all about, but getting away was a bit of challenge.

For those of you who don't know about the Small Farmers Journal I encourage you to pick one up. I have past issues at Cowgirl Cash. It is an international agrarian quarterly based in Sisters. For 35 years they have worked diligently to support the belief that animal-powered agriculture is viable, efficient,sustainable, beautiful and profitable. The quarterly is filled with beautiful photos, recipes, how to articles, and International "apprenticeships".

Clyde and I headed to Madras about 2:30 on Wednesday, the first day of the event. The Program and Salebill was easily found and is filled with classes, events, and auction information. The idea of this meet is to swap everything from tools, and equipment to stories and information.

The event was easy to find. Coming from Bend just turn left on Fairground Rd. You'll see the sign.

The first day was "set up" for the many vendors and sellers.

The best way to learn more is to check out the web site for the Small Farmers Journal, and see and read what these people are doing to promote small agriculture. The auction office is filled with books on how to make cheese, keep bees, raise chickens, can and preserve food, and grow hay. It's a living museum and school. Dress warm, wear comfortable shoes and check out this authentic, practical, beautiful event.

Include a Rodeo in your summer plans

2011-03-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

It's the time of year where I start planning for summer. Help at the store, family trips, camp for the kids, and fun summer activities. The Sisters Rodeo is always on our radar and my mom helps the kids cook or sew entries for the Deschutes County Fair. I've compiled a list of local rodeos that might ad a bit of spice to your summer or help you plan your trip to Bend. I've included Chief Joseph Days on the list because we planned our summer trip to the Wallowas around this event.

June 11-13 Sisters Rodeo Known as the Biggest Little show in the world, the 71st Sisters rodeo is as sure to be as fun as the last 70 years. Big names, great music, and a fun crowd.

June 25-27 Crooked River Round-up This rodeo in Prineville is true blue and a blast. The horse races are also fun. They are a separate event and take place July 13-16.

July 2-4 LaPine Rodeo There are many rodeos around Oregon during the 4th of July weekend. The closest for Central Oregonians is the LaPine rodeo. This rodeo is in it's infancy and appreciates all attendees.

July 27-30 Chief Joseph Days I'm very excited to attend this rodeo for the fist time. It's supposed to be action packed with loyal fans, crazy cowboys, beautiful princesses, and a fantastic setting.

July 29-Aug 2 Deschutes County Rodeo This is the rodeo I grew up going to. The parade that my grandpa was always in, the pancake breakfast, the rides, and the rodeo. You can't be late, because you don't want to miss those rodeo princesses riding in at break neck speed! I am a member of the Deschutes County Fair Board. It's a position my daughter and I inherited from my grandparents. We don't do much but attend one meeting a year. Honestly, this web site is a disappointment to me. It's all about the rides, and not enough about the 4-H, the live stock and the rodeo. I know that participants in the fair love coming to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond. Everything is new, clean, nice. But I miss the old location where Fred Meyer is now...

September 15-18 The Pendleton Round-Up The grand daddy of them all! 2010 was the 100 year celebration of the Pendleton Round-Up and my sources say it did not disappoint! This is one to put on your list. It's on mine.

To help you be a better, more informed spectator, Cowgirl Cash is offering a noon class as part of the Cowgirl Cash Good Living Series. Rodeo Know How taught by Cowboy Mark Gage will be held Wed. June 8. Free!

For a full list of Oregon Rodeos check out this site wheretorodeo.com.

Who is Cowgirl Ca$h?

2011-03-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

Who is Cowgirl Cash? We know Cowgirl Cash is a Western Vintage Boutique in downtown Bend, Oregon that pays cash for good used stuff; but Cowgirl Cash....she's like Johnny Cash, but more. She's like no one you've met, but similar to someone you know. She embodies all that is exciting, heroic, and good.

She's honest, hardworking, and healthy. She's at home in the outdoors, but adapts to all situations. She's thoughtful, but fearless, listens well, but speaks her mind. She lives simply, but appreciates beauty, quality, value, and rich experiences. She is a nurturer and loves her friends, family, and all living things.

Cowgirl Cash can ride.

Cowgirl Cash is open minded and strives to feed her mind, body, and soul a good diet of healthy food, great music, and wonderful books. This woman can grow a garden, catch a fish, shoot a deer, raise chickens, and then turn it into a beautiful meal meant to be shared.

Cowgirl Cash is not perfect, (and I have no idea what she does for a living) and despite her enviable traits, she does make mistakes. She can be too opinionated, talk too loud, drink too much, eat too many desserts, and pout when she loses. But, overall this Cowgirl strives to be fair, honest, and kind.

Come check out the store that strives to embody her the next time you're in Bend,OR.
Cowgirl Cash

An Inside Report from the 2011 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

2011-02-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

Greetings, Cowgirl Cash and friends! It’s your roving Cowgirl Reporter, just back from my latest adventure, a trip to the 2011 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. Our annual pilgrimage to Elko is a long-standing tradition for my dad and I- this was his 22nd year, and my 19th! However, this was our first year accompanied by a toddler (a teething toddler, at that!), my son, Colton. He definitely added to the “adventure” aspect, but I’ll get to that…

Over the years, I’ve run into several other Central Oregonians at the Gathering, so I know many of you are familiar with it, but I’ll give a brief description for those who aren’t: Founded in 1984 by the Western Folklife Center, it was a way for cowboy poets and musicians- many of whom were, and are, working buckaroos- to showcase their talent and introduce their art to the public. In the ensuing years, it has become much more than a mere poetry festival. In addition to the “regulars”, (Ian Tyson, Paul Zarzyski, Wally McRae, and Georgie Sicking, to name a few of my favorites) new performers are invited every year. The Gathering features cowboys and cowgirls alike; this year, there was even an 8-year old girl who yodels! From Guthrie-era legend Ramblin’ Jack Elliott to Cajun zydeco maestro Geno Delafose and his band, French Rockin Boogie, the genre-bending selection proves that “Cowboy” is as much a state of mind as an actual occupation. This is not to say that the authenticity is gone- as I said, most of the performers have agricultural backgrounds, and many of them have kept their “day jobs”, ranching, buckarooing, etc. Their experience is evident in their craft- who could write about prolapses, cow pies, and ornery camp cooks without actually being there?- but these performers are true artists. Their sincerity, depth and humor are touching even to those with no knowledge of the Western culture.

In recent years, the Elko gathering has also featured poets and musicians representing similar cultures from around the world, including the Argentinean gauchos, nomadic Mongolian herdsmen, Australian drovers, and Mexican vaqueros. This year, the “guest culture” was the stockmen of Hungary, famous for their distinctive Hungarian Grey cattle and vast grassy plain called the puszta. There were performances by Hungarian musicians, Hungarian tack-making demonstration, even a Traditional Hungarian Cooking workshop.

An increasingly popular part of the Gathering are the numerous gear and art shows, held at several of the casinos and the local fairgrounds. These bazaar-style trade shows feature a wide variety of Western artists and craftsmen, selling paintings, jewelry, tack, books and CDs, even custom-made hats and boots. Some of the notable artists are (and yes, this is a shameless plug!) Linda Davies-Gage and her husband, Leon Gage, painter and silversmith, respectively, from the Jordan Valley area; Deborah Kunic, a rancher from Paso Robles, CA, who produces unique paintings using an old-fashioned, labor-intensive etching and printing process; and Tracy Baird, an Eastern Oregon cowgirl who braids rawhide, hitches horsehair, and sews wild rags. This year, I was excited to run into Jacque Smiley of Vintage Revival, having recently read an article in Cowboys and Indians Magazine about her beautiful jewelry, handcrafted out of pieces of antique china set in sterling silver. Turns out, she is as personable as she is talented. Also available was artwork by late Powell Butte cowgirl Joelle Smith. I bought a gorgeous silk wild rag printed with one of her paintings, and the woman running her booth was kind enough to give a cookie to a very cranky little boy. I wish I could give individual accolades to all of the wonderful artists and craftsmen, but there were just too many extremely talented people to list them all!
Perhaps the best part about the Elko gathering is the feeling that everyone present is part of a big, close-knit but far-flung family. My dad and I have made many friends there over the years, and continue to see many of them every year. In a way, I feel like I have come full-circle, beginning my attendance as a child, and now, coming with a child of my own.
This familial feeling seems to extend beyond the attendees to the performers, as well. I have seen some of them literally give the shirts off of their backs (notably, Baxter Black, at an impromptu fund-raising auction to benefit a fellow performer who was battling cancer) to help others in need. It’s common to run into them around town, and most are just as friendly and personable as anyone, welcoming a chat over a cup of coffee at Cowboy Joe’s or a cold beer at the Stockmen’s.
The entire city of Elko, worth a visit in itself for the rich ranching and mining history, as well as the great Basque food, takes part in the Gathering. There are events held all over town, from art gallery exhibits to performances at some of the local watering holes. The Northeastern Nevada Museum has some great exhibits, and there are a number of impromptu amateur performances to be seen if you happen to be in the right place at the right time. All of these extra-curricular activities were great for us, as we couldn’t attend the regular shows with the little guy along. (Not that the shows aren’t family friendly- most of them, anyway- but I know my son’s disruptive capabilities!) The Gathering can be as exciting or as laid-back as one wants it to be; in the past, I’ve brought friends along and we’ve had some pretty wild adventures. This year, of course, I didn’t participate in the party scene, but definitely still had a lot of fun- and was in much better shape for the long drive home on Sunday!

LOVE at Cowgirl Cash

2011-02-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

February. Valentines Day. Love. Endearment. Sentiment. My Anniversary. 16 years for my husband and I. Expressions of love from Cowgirl Cash.

Eli Halpin painting $700

Crumrine buckle $50

Pink tumblers $4 each

Sock it to ME! $9

Handmade butter dish $65

red pearl button shirt $25 tooled holster $75

Justin vintage inlay heart boots $150

VW bug coffee mug with hearts $20

Getting through January

2011-01-27T11:19:00.000-08:00

How can I be so busy, when really it's a quiet January? I haven't posted in a while so here's a recap of what a Western Vintage Boutique does in January.

I buy. January is a big get organized and clean out your closet time. I benefit by taking cool old boots, little worn leather jackets, and beautiful jewelry off peoples hands. For a price of course. That's one of the things I'm most proud about. My shop can help someone in need of cash right away.

I joined O.K. Opportunity Knocks is a non profit that connects like businesses in a small group to help each grow and be all they can be. Cowgirl Cash was started and has been run by the seat of my pants. It's time for me to have a "board of directors" so I can take this little business to the next level. My first 3 hour meeting was 2 weeks ago. Who knew helping someone else with their organizational chart could be so stimulating?

I was featured in COWGIRL Magazine under "where to shop". What a thrill to see my store featured. You can pick this gorgeous publication up all over the country.

I'm planning the Cowgirl Cash Events calender. Everything from Artwalk artists to classes for the Cowgirl Cash Good Living Series and even a Band scheduled for July 1! Stay tuned for more about 6 Gun Romeo.

After my latest class on Eat Like Your Great Grandmother, I signed up to be a distributor of an antioxidant supplement called Protandim. I read every testimonial, read the independent Scientific studies, learned about the Elliott Cresson Medal and am convinced Dr. McCord has developed a cancer prevention drug that I want everyone of my friends and family on. Here's a video about the product: http://bit.ly/bh7Xz9

I opened an Etsy shop. I hired the cutest girl in the world to photograph, upload, describe, and run the shop for me. If you haven't heard of Etsy.com it's worth checking out. It's a beautiful e-commerce shop with vendors selling vintage and handmade items. You can peruse it for hours, so be careful. It's my way of getting my boots out to the world without rebuilding my web site. I'm calling it a baby step. My boots sell quite fast so keeping up on this task is a challenge, but we're getting there http://www.etsy.com/shop/cowgirlcash