Thursday, November 13, 2014

Remembering David R. Stoecklein



Ripples....
Do you ever really appreciate or realize the affect someone's life has on you?  Even loved ones...who you tell often that you care for and are grateful for.....can you ever really conceive how big of an impact they have on your life.
Dave has been a family friend since I was small.  Photoshoots, horse ropings, hours spent in the saddle shop visiting.  All I really knew was….Dave was a picture taker guys and I saw pictures of my family on magazines, books, and calendars.  He always sent cool Christmas presents.  (Seriously, I still have a cheese slicer from one of those fancy meet and cheese baskets)

After college, my first real job was for Dave, working as a rep for the Stoecklein publishing company.
This job would make such a big impact on my world.  Dave and his family were always so good to me and treated me like one of the family.  During this time I would also get to see and learn so much more from this amazing man.  He was still a picture taker guy, family friend, but I got to see a small glimpse of the passion and vision that drove him. 

People…..relationships…..time spent…..new friends…old friends….It is AMAZING the human connections that would come into my life because of my Stoecklein time. 
Stoecklein employees….the gallery, the warehouse, Denver markets, store owners all over the west, booth neighbors (seriously…after 2 weeks next door….we were all besties!  Cocktail hour always drew a crowd) , models, cowboys, cowgirls, photography students, family, lol …..I even had a boyfriend or 2 from my Stoecklein travels. Dave definitely screened more boyfriends that my Dad ever has!  Hahahaha….Dave probably met more of them than Dad did too. 

Even existing friendships were strengthened.  While traveling, I would often schedule my circles so I could stay with friends along the way instead of hotels.  It is amazing, as everyone goes there different directions in life…….Taking the time to stay in touch….really matters. 
Time spent is the most valuable gift!  Grateful for time spent loved ones!

Another amazing gift, Dave’s passion was preserving the Spirit of the West!  His photography and moments he captured are such a gift to the world.  Personally, the family photos captured in time Dave’s work, I will be forever grateful for.  Being able to open a coffee table book and take a trip back down memory lane.  Those moments made even more precious when the loved ones were no longer there to take pictures of anymore.   




 
It’s funny the moments you remember

  •  Peaking out from my bedroom into my Mom’s saddle....I think they were doing interviews for a book or looking for the next Marlbro Man...I was supposed to go be in bed I'm guessing....but who could resist all the excitement.   
  •   Photo shoots were you rode a pony and where told to stay out of shot because you were wearing red pants ( I still think they were “cool” at the time 
  •  Photoshoots were you are wearing your Mom’s high top boots that are too small, a weird leather vest, and a scarf….I swear it was 90 degrees.  Running horses back over the top of the camera…over and over …and over.  I was in 7 th or 8 th grade…. The whole time I was just mad because I was missing the church dance in Dubois.   
  •  Photoshoot in my favorite shirt and red gloves
  •  Photoshoot ….. You get told you  look like a boy. True.  I didn’t know I was going.  Hadn’t showered and was rocking 2 awesome braids like a little girl and wearing my Dad’s coat. 
  •  So cold and riding in a cowboy hat.  Sweat is FROZEN on the horses as we are trailing in.  I remember Dave telling me to smile. hahaha.....pretty sure my face was frozen in position and I was drooling.
  • http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2013/01/red-coats-and-winter-wonderland.html
  •  First real job out of college (ok, ok….only real job since college) 
  •  Always donated to my college rodeo auction books and pictures 
  •  Calls to check in and see how I was doing.
  •  Places I’d never been before…..Travel that didn’t involve a rodeo grounds…..Houston, Denver, Vegas and WEEKS in those big towns!  
  • The time we talked 2 nice English men into helping us tear down the PBR booth.  We became friends and later one would come to Idaho to have fullfill a life long dream of Riding a Bull :http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2010/09/life-long-dreams.html
  •  First veal dinner…with Dave and Jack Goddard after building the “house” we called a booth for the next 2 weeks 
  •  Surviving his crazy driving from the show to make it to the Thomas and Mack in time for the rodeo 
  •  Rancheros Party at the top of the Hilton http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2010/12/go-where-youve-never-been-before.html
  •  Cocktail hour at  the Vegas booth and the great stories
  • Always letting me stock chocolate milk in the cooler : ) 
  •  Fans…how people flocked to him.  Magnetic personality….they could see a glimpse of his vision and wanted to be in the glow of his brilliance 
  •  Amazing LOVE he had for his family!  The way Dave spoke lovingly of his wife and the time he dedicated to being with her.  The pride and love that he had for his boys.  When he spoke of them, you could see the gleam in his eye.  
  • Special way he had for making people feel important and included.  
  • Photography workshops…patient, supportive, encouraging….even when I literally didn’t know how to turn my big camera on… 
  • Treating me like family <3 comment-3--="">The entire Stoecklein family has always been so good to me and my entire family.   GRATEFUL for their friendship and the priceless gifts given throughout the years

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Eatin Rainbow Stew - My Spicy Sausage Tortelini Soup Recipe

"Eatin' Rainbow Stew in a silver spoon, underneath that sky of blue ..."
A little music to cook by ;)
Doesn't that song just make you smile!  This is a recipe concoction that came together last winter.  Great for days when there is a chill in the air.  First recipe was made with random leftovers from fridge and I spent the next 3 times trying to re-create it. 

Rainbow Stew ~ My Spicy Tortelini Soup

Ingredients:
1 package Pork Sausage, well browned ( I used Jimmy Dean, regular)
1 brick cream cheese (cubed)
1 Jalepeno Pepper (Finely Chopped, I used a hand crank chopper from Tupperware)
http://order.tupperware.com/coe/app/tup_show_item.show_item_detail?fv_item_category_code=10004&fv_item_number=P10113229000
(Omit if you don't like spicy flavor)
1-2 cups Fresh Spinach chopped (I grabbed a large handful)
1-2 cups frozen brocolli ( you guessed it...I just eye balled it ;) )
1-2 of carrot slices (honestly I forgot to put these in this batch, they will take longer to cook too)
1-2 Cups fresh sliced mushrooms (Yes, I pretty much use what is in the fridge ;)
2 small cans of tomato paste ( I was out so used 1/2 can of spaghetti sauce)
Couple shakes of Garlic Powder
Couple Shakes of Onion Powder
1 box Rainbow Tortellini Noodles ( this is the one this I recommend not substituting, they don't have to be colored but other noodles I tried just weren't as good)
2 cups Chicken Broth
2 cups Beef Broth
2 Cups Water (Soup tends to cook down & I always seem to be trying to stretch it to a few more guests that show up.  Just add to consistency you like)

As you can already tell, recipe is pretty flexible.  You can make it in a crock pot or a pot on stove.  I use the stove method when I'm making a batch bigger than my crock pot.
Directions:
Brown sausage (drain fat) .
Combine cooked sausage and all ingredients except noodles. 
(Cook time will be longer if using frozen brocolli & spinach)
Simmer  for 30 minutes to an hour
Add Noodles & cook for another hour
Cooking slow helps the flavors to soak into everything



Scoop into your favorite cup or bowl.  Top with freshly grated Ballard's Parmaromao Cheese!
Serve and enjoy!!!
(Click here to learn more about Ballard Cheese: http://rodeotalesgypsytrails.blogspot.com/2014/06/say-cheese-ballard-cheese.html

Thank You so much for stopping by the Rodeo Tales and Gypsy Trails!
See you again soon,
Mindy
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Saturday, October 18, 2014

Bucking Awesome BACON Jalepeno Popper Dip

BUCKING AWESOME BACON Jalapeno Popper DIP


2 Reasons I am sharing with you.....
1. I LOVE YOU
2. I LOVE this recipe and by sharing it on the blog I have it at my fingertips when I need it ;)

B.A. BACON Jalepeno Popper Dip
Party Guests Needed:
-2 bricks cream cheese, softened
-1 cup mayonaise
-3 Jalepenos ( I cut ends off and blend them whole in a food processor thing.  If you want less heat...seed them.  I tell myself that hotter....keeps me from eating as much ;) )
 -1 small can diced green chiles
-1/2 cup Mexican Cheese (grated)
-1/2 cup Motzerella Cheese (grated)
*** 2 Confession:  1. For the top two cheeses....I use whatever cheese is in my fridge.  LOVE Pepperjack & Cheddar too. 2. I rarely measure.  Don't like extra dishes so I just grab a handful of each. Probably closer to a cup of each. 
-1/2 cup Parmesean Cheese (grated)
- 1 Package Bacon (cut into small pieces)

This recipe is fool pretty hard to mess up. 
In a bowl Mix following: (Tip: if you use a glass bowl you can cook in, you don't have to wash a mixing bowl & hold heat really well.  If taking to a party, a disosable pan works too)
Mix: Mexcican Cheese, Motzerella Cheese, Chiles, Jalepenos, Cream Cheese, Mayonaise


Put mixture in cooking pan (9x9 size  or close to that....If you do a longer pan like a 9x12, dip will be thinner ...I think that is my favorite because cheese is crispy on top & bacon is spread farther)
Top with Parmesaem Cheese
Place in oven and BAKE at 375 for 25-30 minutes

Over stove top, cook bacon pieces until crispy.
(I place mine on a paper towel & plate to drain extra fat off)

Sprinkle Bacon over top of dip.
(If sending to someone for "Take & Bake" Dip.  Put Bacon on before cooking, cover dish with aluminum foil and remove foil 5-10 minutes before finished cooking so bacon doesn't get too crispy) 
BUCKING AWESOME BACON Jalapeno Popper Dip
Serve and Enjoy!
Awww..................This is so dang good!!! (Seriously.....having a hard time focusing!  I may or may not have dripped dip on my computer while trying to taste test while typing....just sayin


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Monday, September 29, 2014

A great day to be THANKFUL


 GREAT DAY ....to take a ride
....to trail some bucking horses....to laugh until you cry
.......to be silly .....to spend time with loved ones.....to be thankful

Today I am THANKFUL!!!!
  • Thankful to be alive!
  • Thankful to be healthy!  
  • Thankful for GREAT weather today!  Not to hot or to cold....it was just right for a cozy coat and wild rag! 
  • Thankful to be able to ride! 
  • Thankful for gentle broke horses you can trust and just enjoy riding!
  • Thankful for a herd of bucking horses to trail!
  • Thankful for RODEOS and a job for bucking horses!
  • Thankful for pastures full of feed!
  • Thankful for fall rains that soften the feed and green grass popping up! 
  • Thankful to be crammed in a semi sleeper with loved ones! 
  • Thankful for the laughing and play that occurs in tight quarters and on road trips.
  • Thankful for hot meals and cold drinks!
  • Thankful for always having more than enough!
  • Thankful for a great car and the freedom to go anywhere! 
  • Thankful for little brothers leaning their head on your shoulder. 
  • Thankful for cameras! So grateful for moments caught in time and the love captured in a memory
  • Thankful for my phone! Thankful for pictures and texts and calls from people you love.  At any moment, if has the potential to carry a message from people all over the world!
  • Thankful for a 2yr old pooping in the tub.  At the time...had a hard time seeing the silver lining ...BUT it Did GIVE me the motivation to scrub my entire tub.  It is shining, spotless and beautiful! ( That is a rarity here...I never clean.  Confession...Clean to me = you can see the floor of the house in every room)  
  • Thankful for GREAT SADDLES!!!  So honored to be able to ride a Harwood saddle.  Reguardless of how often it gets used.  Always feels like royalty when you get to set in the seat. 
  • Thankful for Kilgore and the simple beauty of every view. 
  • Thankful for Good nights & I love yous 
  • THANKFUL for THIS DAY!!! 

    So many more blessings I could list....so much to be thankful for it will take me more than a lifetime!





































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Friday, July 11, 2014

Spills, Thrills, and Wagon Trains!!!!


I must apologize.  This was a FABULOUS day and it took me over a year to share it with you.  I don't know why because I told it and re-told it in preson and on the phone. When I set down to write I just didn't know where to start.  Finally, I got the key pad moving! Hold on!  It is a wild ride!

Spills, Thrills, and Wagon Trains............


Grand Adventures…..that is the best way to sum up time with my father. 
You can almost guarantee…regardless of what he says…it will be an ALL DAY event.   Always dress for ANYTHING.  Protective clothing like boots and long sleeve shirts recommended. 

This very adventure would be right along those lines.  Dad stopped in at the house.  He was going to help some friends hook a team of horses…2 across and 2 deep.  (Keep in mind…he’d never done this before but he was going to help them) Now, Dad does have a lot of experience with teams.  He uses them to feed help every winter and now even as part of his summer employment. 

He offers the invitation to go and I accept.  Let the adventure begin.  I have a new big camera and this seems like a GREAT opportunity to use it. 

We arrive and I quickly notice that I am a party crasher : ) This is a “guys club” day.  I only know a few of the guys.  They are all so excited, conversing about the best ways to go about hooking the horses.  I sit back soaking it all in.


 
They were very kind and let me tag along…camera in tow.  (hahaha…I don’t think they knew what to think about me…especially when I jogged ahead of the team to get the shot I wanted)

Ok ok!  You know my Dad is notorious for wrecks and I know you are anxiously waiting to hear about the wreck the unfolded when they took off with the team.  I was too!!!  I walked a LONG ways away  to get starting pictures just so I didn’t get ran over.  (I didn’t get my “I survived the Hoggan Ranch t-shirt for nothing)   Well, much to my surprise…..they started off like seasoned professionals, not even a bobble!  Well broke horses and well mannered as could be. (No, I am not accustomed to this kind of horse ; )

Taking Off

That's right...they hooked 4 up and they started PERFECTLY!!!!  Drove out through the desert like they'd been doing it everyday. That's right....4 head of horses....5 cowboys...and 2 Wagons.......and it went smooth as can be!  See.....






About now you are wondering…..Mindy.....really….why are you wasting my time right now.  You had a great time with cool guys…..great but….really?!?!?  No, “Hoggan Wreck”??? 

Ok….you got me!     

Changing of the guard and heading home.  Drivers swapped around.  Everyone took a turn being part of the legendary day. 


The lead horses tuckered out from the jog out to open country.  They've made quite the trek today.  One minute we are cruising along like a Sunday Drive.....and seconds later we are messed up like seven days from sunday! 





Tangled in a mess of leather lines and horse flesh, the guys jump into action!  The paint is down and crushing the wagon tongue.  They work quickly to get everything up right and in working order.  (We are a LONG ways from home to have to walk ;)  I hop down to help also but before I do...I very carefully take off my fancy camera.  Incase, I get pawed in the head or something.....I don't want my camera to get hurt. 
Luckily, I'm with a very capable crew!  Horses are up right and safe in moments.  The tongue is bent back into shape and horses hooked again.  They switched the set of lead horses to the fresher set and once again we are headed home. 

As you can see, the lead horses are fresh and ready to go.  Dad and Pat are each driving a team at the lead wagon.  I am standing up at the front with them. The rest of the crew is sitting in the second covered wagon. Both wagons are equipped with brakes.  We cruising along at a decent pace across the desert road.  Pretty soon....we are gaining speed....and more speed and more speed.  Dad has me on the brake by us...soon I am full on standing on the brake, for all I'm worth.  Dad's eyes are getting bigger as he's hollering for the back wagon to give us some brake!  However, the guys in the back just think we are fine because Dad is still smiling and laughing.  (Yes, it was more of a scared laugh....like Whoa....we are in trouble boys)
Soon we resemble an amusement park ride blazing across the rocky desert road!  The wagons are bouncing up and down wildly!  We are headed straight for a narrow steel post gateway.  (Sidenote...on the way out before...I thought...This is a narrow spot to get through with such a big set up. Increase are speed by ten fold....I was pretty sure it was going to be real bad!) Mach 9....wagons flailing through the air....we make it through the posts.  Our load of hay bales and passengers are being tossed about.  Hay bales bouncing higher than my head and off out through the brush behind us!  Out of the corner of my eye....I see MY CAMERA fly off the wagon with a load of hay!  I hop off the wagon at probably 35 mph chasing after it!  I find it lying back on the dusty trail.  The lens has came off and lying a ways away.  (I gathered it up and I'll tell you what I told the guys....I don't want to talk about it)

They got the team back under control and we continued our trip home.  By the time we got back to roads, everyone was being a model citizen.  Horses were tired and working like well mannered professionals again.


All's well that ends well right ;) ....such an amazing day!  A day spent with true LEGENDS!  So grateful for time spent.  Oh ya....my camera survived too!  Little dirt in my zoom of my fancy lends but the camera body was good!  So lucky and grateful!!!
Moral of the Story = Memories are PRICELESS.  That being said, whenever you are with Dad there WILL BE a good photo op.....and You should NEVER take your big camera...it is not safe!
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    THANK YOU for shopping small! You, our loyal customers, are the driving force behind our small business. Thank you for your patronage and continued support. We are honored to be able to provide quality goods and look forward to serving you again in the future. ~ Mindy
    Visit us ONLINE!!