Blessed Autumn Equinox

 Hello everyone! I survived Round Up and am so excited that it's now Fall! It's the end of one thing and the start of another which is always very exciting for me. It's all I can do not to put all my Halloween decorations today. I did get some candy corn lights hung up and rest is calling my name. I take a lot of grief for my holiday enthusiasm but I won't apologize. I read something the other day along the lines of where the world is today and wherever you are able to find happiness is where you should grab it. So if Jack O Lanterns in September do it for you, grab it! I recently landed on this thing called a Fall Tree! It's a must have in my home this fall. In fact, its on my to do list today! How great is this! So what are your Fall traditions and what are you really excited to do this Fall? I love hearing and sharing ideas. With Fall comes my big cooking season so stay tuned for great and easy Fall cooking recipes!

Let'er Buck!!

Ahhhh.....it's finally here! Mardi Gras done western. The rodeo of the summer. The party of the year. That's right, it's Pendleton Round Up time, again! I look forward to this every year. I get to see people that I only get to see at this event and am sure to make a few more friends. Everyone is a cow folk even if you just have a big hat but no cows. I have my favorite things about this event that I hope never change. The Grand Entry is second to none and this girl will for sure be in her seat to not miss that every day. There is the legendary Chinook and rider Bryson Bronson that give me goose pimples every time.

There is the shopping in the Indian Village where Native Americans bring there wares to sell. Most popular being that huckleberry jam. The Indian Relay races that I kind of watch through my fingers are electrifying. When all goes well (and it usually does) it is a spectacle for sure. And of course...what would Round Up be without some fun in the Let'er Buck Room with good friends! And let's not forget the four day rodeo where the best of the best converge on little Pendleton, Oregon! I'll keep you updated as tonight kicks off with the PBR in Happy Canyon Arena. I will report back. Tired but with a smile on my face! See you in the Let'er Buck Room! I'll have a Pendleton's and Diet, please! What is your favorite thing about Round Up?

Lend a Helping Hand

When I started this blog, part of my motivation was to be an upbeat, happy site where we could share and appreciate and maybe even help one another. I want to stay away from anything hard or heavy. But then on the other hand, it didn't feel right to write something light hearted tonight when so many in our nation right are suffering nature's wrath in one form or another. I followed fellow blogger, Cindy in Texas as she brought her chickens inside to avoid flood waters. And where I am now is so heavily blanketed in smoke that I am worried for so many here in the Pacific Northwest and Montana. I guess what I'm asking now is that if you can, even in some small way, help. Can you donate to your local red cross? Are you good at giving blood? That could save a life. The west side of my state (Oregon) has asked for help in evacuating horses and several areas in the Northwest have asked for safe places to keep horses and other stock until it's safe for their return. I have seen a fellow horsewoman locally offer her home as a safe haven for horses while she is away. Shelter's need foster care providers for pets to house pets that are lost and frightened. Miranda Lambert's Mutt Nation has been a huge part in helping shelters in Texas and some of my money has gone there. Maybe you could just check on a neighbor. Make sure they have water and are safe. Or maybe just ask the Universe to provide sunshine to the south and rain to the Northwest. Whatever you can do. Whatever you can provide is so baldly needed now. I promise my blog will return to lighter hearted faire once this passes. In trying to find the good, maybe Mother Nature is trying to tell us, yes, we can love one another just a little bit better. Stay safe out there. Let me know if you have a specific need where you are and I promise I will spread the word. ~Blessed Be.