Live with No Regrets!

walk to the edge.

listen hard.

practice wellness.

play with abandon.

laugh.

choose with no regret.

continue to learn.

appreciate your friends.

do what you love.

live as if this is all there is.

mary anne radmacher

(quote provided off of a card from Miss Melina~THANK YOU)

Flash from the Past....One of my favorite road trips ....ever! :)

Happy Monday Friends,

Mom is at the shop this morning & we are gearing up to kick some butt & take names. Well, more like she is whipping me into shape....cuz she kicks butt all the time :) Be watching Lil' Red Roan for NEW & EXCITING things made by the amazing Mrs Nancy Martiny!

Thanks for stopping by this morning.
Hope you have a great week!
~ That Girl

Rodeo Tales & Gypsy Trails
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LIL' RED ROAN OPEN HOUSE PARTY

NOVEMBER, 11, 2011

HAMER, ID

10-8

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A sneak peak at some of the AMAZING MARTINY HAND CARVED CUFFS that just arrived!

Guns & Roses....how bad A is this!

Lessons from Grandma

Every fall I make my way to Dillon, Montana for the UM-WESTERN College Rode0. This year for the 1st time in 12 years, I didn't make it up. No major event to attend instead...just a lot of everyday things on the To Do List that were piling up.

I spent the weekend close to home. Even worked in Spud Harvest for the 1st time ever...& on my birthday to boot! I'm a real Idahoian now :) Don't worry...I still missed being with Olie Belles & all my Montana friends...even thought about getting a wild hair & running up for the night. I resisted the temptation and got some much needed things done...but in the back of my mind I wished I was there instead of home.

During my weekend home I had the chance to be up to Grandma's with a pile of little girls (all relatives in a round about way...but that's another story) The girls were wound up like a 10 day clock...playing... Duck, Duck, Goose...Ring Around the Rosie...and pretty much just running around the living room screaming and giggling like little girls.
For those of you who don't know Grandma, she is an amazing lady. She spent her life in service as a county nurse, was active in Lions Club, church, and her community. Now dementia has taken her mind and many tasks are no longer in her grasp. However, somehow she still manages to be amazing example and teach us all valuable life lessons.

At one point the girls were running around the coffee table laughing and playing. Grandma was sitting at the couch next to the coffee table. Every time the girls would pass her she would say...Oh, I love you! I'm so glad you're here! (Now, I on the other hand, was thinking...geez these kids are good birth control) With out wavering, Grandma would let out an excited outburst of joy and appreciation for the children and happiness in her living room.

"I want you to know I love you! I always have and I always will!"

In that moment, I realized what an amazing example everyone in that room was.
The girls were HAPPY!
They were enjoying every single moment of joy that the day had to offer them regardless of were they where or who they were with!

Grandma spends a lot of time alone since Grandpa passed away in 2005. She was enjoying the life and happiness that the little girls brought into her home.
Enjoying the companionship of having company!

Lesson Learned :)

Here are a few pictures I grabbed with my cell phone. Often times that is the only camera I have with me. They are blurry and definitely leave room for improvement but they captured the moment that I was trying to remember.
I'm thankful that we were able to spend a night learning from Grandma :)

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ~ Leo Buscaglia

lol...these pictures are CRAZY but they capture the little wild women in action and with Grandma. Realizing that she won't be here to teach us forever, thankful for all the time spent.

Thank you for taking the time to visit the Gypsy Trail today. I truly appreciate you stopping by. Happy Sunday! May you enjoy all the blessings prepared for you today!
~ That Girl

Rodeo Tales & Gypsy Trails
is proudly brought to you by
Lil' Red Roan

Come SHOPPING with Lil' Red Roan today!

LIL' RED ROAN OPEN HOUSE PARTY

NOVEMBER, 11, 2011

HAMER, ID

10-8

COME PARTY with US!

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FAITH bracelet

SUPER Shady Shadows

So one night after a little block party my Dad calls and says come down to the house right now and take a picture of this. I say, "What?" He replies, "Just get down here!" I'm quite certain he is crazy. I'd just spent the last 2 hours with him at my house and whatever it is....it can't be really that cool.

Regardless, I drive over at at 10:30 at night. It is a cool dark night. Dad is standing in the yard waiting for me as I pull in the yard.

Something over at the trailer catches my eye.
I know it's not a person but ....I don't know what it is....SUPER SHADY!

SUPER Shady!
(Yes, I repeated Super Shady...numerous times in a row)

Dad's like you should've seen me come out side....I was like...Who the H@*# is over there!

Lol...It was pretty funny.

Earlier that day, Dad had hung his saddle pad on the trailer to wash it out.
It just so happened that it lined up perfectly with the shop light.

When combined with some yard decorations.....

MR SUPER SHADY appears lurking over by the horse trailer!

You see him 1st thing when you walk out the back door from the house.
Super shady....lol...but harmless....and kept us entertained for awhile :)

Wishing everyone a HAPPY HALLOWEEN weekend
& enjoy the adrenaline rush from SUPER SHADY things that go bump in the night :)

THANK YOU for taking the time to travel the Gypsy Trail with me today.
I truly appreciate you stopping to visit and look forward to another stop soon.

Rodeo Tales & Gypsy Trails
is proudly brought to you by
Lil' Red Roan

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN
from
Lil' Red Roan
Wishing you many happy moments making memories with your little pumpkins !

All great and beautiful work has come of first gazing without shrinking
into the darkness.
John Ruskin

Fearless Photographer: Courtney Todd

Courtney Todd Photography

Self Portrait ~ Courtney Todd

Courtney Todd Photography

Today I would like to share with you a talented young photographer, Ms Courtney Todd. Recently I was introduced to her photography and instantly fell in love! Such a great eye for detail, endless imagination, and her pictures just speak to my heart! Love! Love! Love! I had the honor to visit with Courtney a little and I’m so excited to share with you a little about this lovely young lady!

Courtney had a love of photography from a young age, grabbing disposable cameras and taking pictures every chance she got. 5 years ago she received a digital camera from her parents for Christmas and hasn’t quit taking pictures since! Photography is her passion.

The more I learned the more I wanted to know! Such an amazing and lovely lady inside & out! Here are a few of Courtney’s favorites!

Mission: My favorite thing about photography is catching moments that may otherwise go unnoticed. I love documenting everyday life. Sometimes simple subject matter makes the best picture. I hope that when people view my work that it makes them feel something.

Courtney’s Muse: CLOUDS – “My very favorite subject matter to photograph is clouds. I cannot road trip anywhere without stopping on the side of the road to take a quick picture of the sky. Every cloud is different and I have never seen one that I didn't like…except for a tornado one time.”

She also loves photographing western culture and everything that entails. The people, horses and dogs provide endless photo opportunities! “I am continually drawn to lines, patterns and horizons. I love bright colors and movement that are found in nature right outside the front door!

Courtney says Photography is fun for me and I am so grateful for the business it’s turned into. What a blessing to get paid to do what you love!

Here are a few of MY COURTNEY TODD PHOTOGRAPHY FAVORITES:

I love the way she captures the tender innocence of her subjects.
They are raw, real, and you see a little glimpse of their soul!
Her pictures tell a story!
I love how this shot instantly captures the emotion of the moment and you can almost feel the sober energy from the arena floor.

Apparently....I'm fond of Love Stories :)

but...seriously...who doesn't want to be "Head Over Heels" ;)

and...Happily Ever After
Falling in Love several times
All with the same person :)

I love the wide spectrum of subjects that she shoots
throughout the common theme is really seeing the subject!

Love her bucking horse pictures!!!...but I might be a little biased

Drum Roll Please......rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Last but certainly not least! My very favorite Courtney Todd Picture!
LOVE this ROAN :)

To see more amazing Courtney Todd Photography

Courtney Todd Photography
Courtney Todd Website:http://www.courtneytodd.com
LIKE her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Courtney-Todd-Photography/112360265450316
Courtney Todd Photography BLOG
http://www.blog.courtneytodd.com

WIN a Courtney Todd Print
Courtney Todd Photography & Lil' Red Roan have teamed for a fun Photo contest!

Here's how you enter:
Go to facebook & Like
Courtney Todd Photography
&
Lil' Red Roan

Next: Go to Courtney Todd Photography Wall Photos
&
SHARE your FAVORITE Courtney Todd Picture on your own wall!
Tag us so we know you shared.
Easy as that! You are entered to win!
(You must LIKE both companies in order to be entered.)

2nd Chance Entry! ~ Click SHARE on the Courtney Todd Blog Post
to be entered TWICE!

Good Luck!

THANK YOU for taking the time to travel the Gypsy Trail with me today.
I truly appreciate you stopping to visit and look forward to another stop soon.

Rodeo Tales & Gypsy Trails
is proudly brought to you by
Lil' Red Roan

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Imagination

"A great wind is blowing,
and that gives you either imagination
or a headache."
~Catherine the Great

Just a lil' sunset to say goodnight.
THANK YOU so much for taking the time to visit Rodeo Tales & Gypsy Trails.
Today we hit 20,000 views! My cup runneth over!
THANK YOU for being part of the journey!

Rodeo Tales & Gypsy Trails
is proudly brought to you by
Lil' Red Roan

Come SHOPPING with Lil' Red Roan today!

LIL' RED ROAN OPEN HOUSE PARTY

NOVEMBER, 11, 2011

HAMER, ID

10-8

COME PARTY with US!

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FAITH bracelet

Flour, Fire,Family Photo, Flashing and a Funeral

So….in the process of “catching up” on summer fun stories….I have to break your regularly scheduled programing for some….Mindy Moments. There is really no other way to describe the stealth, speed, and consistency of how I get myself into some of these situations.

I apologize in advance...this post is random....& all over the spectrum of life...but pretty typical of mine ;)

Sunday – Well, Today I learned how to ruin the easiest bread recipe ever! Use racid flour in your beer bread and it will be so horrible not only will the Hoggan family snub their noses in disgust…even the dog Maggie is pretty sure that it was never ever meant for consumption! Ruined 2 loaves…just wasn’t convinced the 1 st one was horrible enough to stop : )

Electric Fire: Lil’ J2 is over at my house. It is fairly late and he thinks he should be fed dinner because he’s a growing boy. Drive to Dad’s to borrow some Ramen Noodles to feed him because my fridge is empty….as usual. Pick up cousin, Lisa, who is home alone and scared because power is flickering.

Come home to fix some grub. I am attempting to boil the water…..while talking on the phone to my Uncle Jim. START A FIRE on the electric burner on the stove! Apparently while executing an EPIC FAIL in Beer Bread making earlier…I had dripped butter or something flammable in the element & now had ignited an electrical fire! I hurriedly tell my Uncle I had to go ….there was a fire…throw the cell phone down… grab baking soda out of the fridge & douse the fire to extinction!

I don’t think the kids even knew I was trying to burn the house down :)

Besides trying to burn down the house...I also did my very 1st Family Photo Shoot! Here is a Peak at Carpenter Family Photos

Tuesday

SHOWING Your Lingerie …or in my case…Long Johns

I’m at a funeral. My choice for such gatherings is traditionally Sunday best. It is October in Idaho. Favorite Dress paired with Long Johns underneath to combat the cold weather! Perfect!

At the church, I have to use the restroom. No problem, I’m a big girl and don’t even need anyone to hold my hand….or do I... Apparently while in said restroom…I tucked the back of my long beautiful flowing dress….into my long johns (No not sexy silky long johns….black Carharts that I used to feed elk last year) Yes, tucked Dress INTO Long Johns & had NO IDEA! Walked all the way across the chapel to my seat…saw a few friends walk in that I had to hug before the services started….Strolled back across the sea of people in the chapel …..Hugged friends….& THEN my Aunt comes up behind me to tell me my dress is tucked in my Long Johns! Seriously, so embarrassing! My Aunt Nancy & Sister both said…why didn’t you wear a slip? Hmmm, well, that never even occurred to me…Long Johns to stay warm…yes…Slip to avoid flashing people…completely slipped my mind!

Vearl C. Crystal – May 29, 1919 – October 20, 2011

On a serious note...I had the honor of attending funeral services in honor of Vearl Crystal yesterday. Learning many things during the proceedings, about a man that I had known my entire life. It occurred to me that ….Vearl had been atleast 60 when I was born. By the time I met him…he had already lived a full life….little did I know how full! Serving in the military….then serving in public office as an assessor for 28 years…serving as a Idaho Senator! What an amazing man! He had dedicated the majority of his life to SERVING OTHERS! SO thankful for the example he has provided and a standard to strive for.

My memories of Vearl mainly revolved around baby calves. Vearl provided the rope calves for Hoggan Rodeo for years. In high school I would often have the task of taking the calves back to his house. To get to his corrals you had to back in down a long narrow road….next to his yard fence. In the name of yard preservation….I let him back in whenever possible : )

Privileged to have known Vearl. He was always encouraging and I never saw him ever raise his voice or spoke ill towards anyone. Blessed to call him family.

At the memorial services they told a story about a rowdy hired hand that was bragging to Vearl about his drinking, wild sleepless nights, and living with a gal. This was his reply & is one of my new favorite quotes.

"Why don't you marry her....Make a man of you & a lady of her"

~ Vearl C. Crystal~ May 29, 1919 - October 20, 2011

Sunday Sunset & Quote I Love!

To love without condition,
to talk without intention,
listen without judging,
to give without reason,
and to care without exception
~ art of a true relationship

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to travel the gypsy trail with me today!

Rodeo Tales & Gypsy Trails
is proudly brought to you by
Lil' Red Roan

Come SHOPPING with Lil' Red Roan today!

LIL' RED ROAN OPEN HOUSE PARTY

NOVEMBER, 11, 2011

HAMER, ID

10-8

COME PARTY with US!

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Feeling Frisky with the Fall weather!
Win a FUN Prize....1st one to comment
"Why don't you marry her....Make a man of you & a lady of her" on this post on Lil' Red Roan gets a prize!

Picture in My Mind

North bound and down...loaded up and truckin....we're gonna do what they say can't be done! (lol...sing it with me :)

Swing thru Malta to gather some horses that are out to pasture. Gather, unload, sort, re-load....the usual. Well, pretty much usual...that is what we've done the last 4 times I've been there. I have this fabulous plan...I can run my gate to sort....& take fabulous pictures without disrupting the flow of sorting at all! It's worked out perfectly...in my mind! Well...today David sorts everything ALL DIFFERENT.....& ......I ....well had a melt down....pretty sure I said something to the effect of "Why do you always have to wreck everything" (No, I'm not proud...it was behavior similar to my 4yr old cousin) Well, my Uncle David, bless his heart....after we finished.....he sorted a handful of horses to me....the regular way so I could get the picture I wanted :) THANK YOU DAVID!

Here is a few pictures from sorting that struck my fancy

THIS is the picture I had been wanting to capture!
Well or pretty close....Sometimes I think it might be impossible to capture the complete human experience as we see something. Not only is the human eye the most amazing lens....it is so much more than what you see. The energy you feel as the pounding hooves hit the ground. You can smell and taste the billowing dust as it rolls around them like a magical sorcerers spell. The sheer speed, power, and agility of the horse as he moves! Love the horses strong controlled precise movements as we sort. Hope these pictures can give you a glimpse of that feeling ;)

Thank you so much for traveling the gypsy trail with me today.
Hope you enjoyed the scenery :)

Rodeo Tales & Gypsy Trails
is proudly brought to you by
Lil' Red Roan

Come SHOPPING with Lil' Red Roan today!

LIL' RED ROAN OPEN HOUSE PARTY

NOVEMBER, 11, 2011

HAMER, ID

10-8

COME PARTY with US!

LIKE us on facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/LittleRedRoan