Cowgirl Goes Down

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.

Cowgirl Cash loves cute chicks.

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

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.

Top 10 things to do in Bend, OR.

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.

New/ Old at Cowgirl Cash

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.

$8