They're Back with a Bang: The Mavericks Launch New Single

The media has been telling us that Lionel Richie is the biggest country star on earth right now.  But the last time I mentioned it and asked for your comments, most of you seemed to land somewhere between amused and appalled at the thought.  I get it.  When I was a kid, Dad played Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Patsy Cline ALL the time.  My grandmother yodeled.  My first concert was Johnny Cash at the WHO Theater in Des Moines in 1963.  I was only four years old but it still counts!

I'm what you call a country music purist for sure, and I haven't cared much for most contemporary country music for a long time.

Well, we just got some news from Universal that I am EXCITED about! (I think you will be too, Dwight, we seem to agree on music pretty regularly.) 

The Mavericks are back with all the buzz you'd expect from one of country music's most successful bands of the 90's.  With countless hits, gold and platinum albums, and numerous CMA, ACM, and Grammy awards, there is no arguing that they could rest on their laurels, but this week the band issued its comeback single "Born to be Blue" to overwhelming reaction.  On Tuesday, May 29 their new EP "Suited Up and Ready" will be released on iTunes. 

If you've never heard them before, check this out to whet your appetite.  This is a 2008 live video of one of their biggest hits, "All You Ever Do is Bring Me Down" originally released in 1996.

What do you think?  Are Lionel's days numbered?  I know I'll be keeping my eyes open for a Mavericks tour date near me. 

"Why My Mom Rocks" Winners

Ariat and RCC teamed up to honor those who hold the toughest and most important job in the world, those with the title of "Mom."  And now, here they are, the winners in the "Why My Mom Rocks" Mother's Day Contest.  Jessica's mom will be getting a complete Ariat outfit, while Julien and Brendon will be presenting their mother with a $100 RCC gift card, and Raigan's effort won her mom a $50 RCC Gift Card.

Jessica Dzienkowski

Not everyone can say their Mom is their best friend, but I know my three sisters and I can. Not only did she raise four beautiful, successful women, but she has stood by us through thick and thin, right or wrong. My Mom is the strongest person I know, she was in a serious fire accident a few years ago but her true strength and passion for life kept her alive. I remember seeing her in the hospital thinking that my world was crashing down, and how SHE comforted ME as she laid in her hospital bed fighting through the pain. She would do anything for "her girls" and she tells us that every day. There has never been a moment in my life that I have ever thought otherwise. This month not only is my family celebrating her for Mother’s Day, but we also just celebrated her 55th birthday! I want this to be the most special month for her, and I want her to feel like the most special mother that she is. I'm proud to say my mother is the most influential female in my life and always will be. She deserves the best this Mother’s Day, because she is the best mom any girl could ask for!

Julien & Brendon Bancroft-Connors

My Mom loves my brother and me more than anything in the whole wide world. She teaches us how to ride our horses, how to cook and how important family truly is. She always stands up for us when we need her but lets us make our own decisions and make our own mistakes. She lets us try new things, won't let us give up just because we are frustrated and tells us to never lose heart. She does everything to keep our lives balanced between country (which we all love) and city (where there is work). When our school here went south, she even changed her whole life around and became our teaching coach! She believes that fun should be a part of everyday but also that you have to work hard and do your best no matter what it is you choose to do ( from mucking stalls to learning at our lessons). My Mom is the kind of person who would help anyone who needed it in a heartbeat but she is cowgirl through and through and won't let people abuse that trust. Mostly, though my Mom is fun and loving. I can’t imagine a better role model or Mom. My Mom ROCKS!

Raigan NesSmith

My Mama...she's a mama of 3 and she's great for a lot of reasons. She's smart, beautiful, funny, and lots of fun. She is a GREAT cook. She helps me take care of my horse (feeding, watering, saddling, brushing) and helps me take care of my fair hogs. She makes sure all the animals have feed. She makes sure we all have clean clothes and a good supper. She is also our 4-H leader and keeps us all very busy. She loves to hunt and fish. She knows how to load, unload, and drive the boat. She is a Shooting Sports instructor. She is the Chairperson of the elementary School Advisory Council and the Chairperson of the local Friends of NRA committee. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and works for 2 separate attorneys. She is a Christian and is very sweet and loving. She is a very busy woman but somehow she manages it all. I love my Mama so much!!!!!!! (: (P.S. The pic I'm attaching is of me and her at a Miranda Lambert concert last year.)

RCC and Ariat Want to Send You to Nashville!

Ariat is a proud sponsor of top athletes including PBR professionals Adriano Moraes, Cord McCoy, Wiley Petersen, Chris Shivers, and Luke Snyder among others.  Now, Ariat and RCC Western Stores are teaming up to give one winner a chance to meet some of them behind the chutes at the PRB Jack Daniels’ Invitational in Nashville on September 7 & 8. 

If you’re that lucky winner, you will receive round trip airfare for two to Nashville, hotel accommodations for two nights, a behind-the-chutes tour, and two VIP tickets.  And to be sure that you’re looking your best, we’ll even throw in a $500.00 RCC/Ariat shopping spree!  You can enter in any of our stores or go to contests.rccwestern.com to fill out an entry form and see the official rules.

RCC Western Stores Now Shipping to the United Kingdom

RCC Western Stores is happy to announce that we are now shipping orders to the UK.  Starting today, customers in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales can begin ordering from RCC and accept delivery of their merchandise at their front door.  This is in addition to the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany.  This is the most recent step in our expansion and we will be announcing more such additions in the future. 

13 Reasons Nashville Loves Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie’s Tuskegee Debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart, Becomes His Highest-Charting Album in 26 Years

Country Duets Album Is a Worldwide Hit As It Debuts at No. 1 in Canada and in the Top Ten in the U.K., Denmark, Holland and Sweden

NASHVILLE, TN – Lionel Richie’s Tuskegee debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart this week and is his highest-charting album since 1986. With sales of 198,892, it is also the best-selling debut by any country artist this year.

Tuskegee, a collection of 13 of his beloved international hits performed as duets with today’s country stars, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200, behind Madonna. This is his best sales week since SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991, according to Billboard.  His last appearance in the Top Two was in October 1986, when Dancing on the Ceiling held the No. 1 spot for two weeks.

“I am ecstatic!” Richie says. “These songs are like my children, so I am overwhelmed that they are being embraced by several generations of music lovers. I am so grateful to all of my duet partners for bringing their own distinctive styles and personalities to this album and interpreting these songs in fresh new ways.

“I haven’t had this much fun in the studio since the Commodores. I will treasure the memories of working with these country stars for the rest of my life. I’ve made so many brand-new old friends from this album.

“I have loved my time in Nashville and can’t wait to spend more time there writing songs and collaborating in the studio. It inspires me creatively and being there just makes my heart feel good.”

Luke Lewis, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville,  says, “It is gratifying to see consumers react this way to a collection of timeless songs, great performances and an outstanding marketing effort by the UMG team.”

Tuskegee has become an immediate worldwide hit, debuting  at No. 1 on Canada’s Top Albums chart and reaching the Top 10 album charts in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Holland and Sweden. This is his first No. 1 album in Canada in the SoundScan era and his first No. 1 album in Canada since his sophomore solo album, Can’t Slow Down, in 1983.

“What makes this so special is that I am able to experience all of this with my children,” he says. “They are too young to know about the Commodores or anything that I did in the eighties. They just know me as the dad who drives them to school. I’m glad they finally get to see what I do for a living!

“It’s also special because I can share this with my Tuskegee family. Keep in mind that these were the folks who encouraged me when the rest of the world had never heard of Lionel Richie or the Commodores.  I discovered that I was a songwriter in Tuskegee, Alabama, and this is where I wrote all of these songs. The roots of my writing, my storytelling, are from the South.  I am thrilled that the city and the people that made me who I am today are being honored by the warm embrace this album has received.  How fortunate I have been to discover that you can go home again.”

Tuskegee has been an extremely satisfying full-circle moment for Richie, who has earned album sales of more than 100 million, 22 Top 10s, five Grammys, an Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Golden Globe, and a host of other awards.

His duet partners on Tuskegee are Jason Aldean, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Rogers, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton and Shania Twain.  The deluxe edition of the album contains a DVD featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the recording sessions with Richie and his duet partners.

CBS will air ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends-- In Concert on Friday, April 13 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. The show serves as a tribute to Richie’s influential career and features solo performances by Richie as well as duets with Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Jennifer Nettles, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Rogers, Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton. It also includes performances of his songs by Jason Aldean, Marc Anthony, Sara Evans, The Band Perry, Martina McBride, Big & Rich, Luke Bryan, Sara Evans, Lady Antebellum. 

He will be inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame on June 4. He will join Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles and Robin Thicke as mentors on the new ABC summer show, Duets.

"Can He Rope It?" Win a Pair of Justin Boots!

Our friends at Justin Boots are having a lot of fun with this one! 

He's a professional trick ropin' cowboy, but can Anthony Lucia rope your challenge? 

Followers so far have seem him rope a calf backwards, rope two steers at once, rope an alligator, rope a paper airplane, and rope a basketball!  They are inviting you to submit your idea.  What do you want to challenge Anthony to rope?

http://bit.ly/kIsSLp

Check out these hilarious videos and enter to win a pair of Justin Boots!

RCC's Opry Mills Store Re-Opens Today

In May of 2010 a flood closed the Opry Mills Shopping Center in Nashville.  Now almost 23 months and $200 million later the mall, with its 140 retailers, re-opens today. 

There will be live entertainment all day and throughout the weekend, as well as hourly prize drawings throughout the mall.

RCC Western Stores has been gearing up for this for a long time as well. 

RCC Apparel Buyer Zeann Golliher said, “It is a beautiful store and we definitely, definitely have anything a western customer may need:  over 6000 square feet of cowboy boots, western apparel, a beautiful presentation of cowboy hats.  The town is excited for it, the people are excited for it.”

RCC Western Stores is excited for it, too!

Who can clear this up for me? Reward offered

I have a question for you regarding cowboy hat etiquette:

Growing up on a Wyoming cattle ranch in the seventies, one was provided with opportunities to learn that wearing your hat at the table might earn you a brisk backhand, smacking you away from that table.  At least that was the rule at our house.  And to not remove your hat at a restaurant table was unthinkable. 

A while back my wife and I went out for dinner in Rapid City, SD during the Black Hills Stock Show.  The show is a week and a half of great livestock events, PRCA rodeo, and agriculture-related trade exhibits.  People come from neighboring states and further to take this all in.  Surely, this is a crowd who knows a thing or two about hats. 

I was a little surprised when I noticed a guy wearing his hat while eating.  My first thought was that young people just aren’t raised the way I was.  Then I noticed another, this one older.  I looked around the room and counted no fewer than six cowboy hats and ball caps being worn by men from 20 years of age up to about 55.  I would expect this from a different cross-section of society in a different setting, maybe the local Perkins after a Snoop Dogg concert.   I also saw two or three with their hats on the seat beside them.  My conclusion was that somewhere along the way the rules have changed.  So now it’s acceptable to have white wine with steak AND wear your hat at the table?

Things like this tend to make me feel like I have finally gotten old.  Which is why I was so embarrassed recently when visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.  I was standing in awe at the back of the church taking in the exquisite display of gothic architecture before me when a staff member approached and in a soft but stern voice, asked me to please remove my hat!

So what’s the deal?  Have the rules changed?  Where do you stand on this one?  Just for fun, give your age with your comment and we’ll see if this is indeed a notable cultural shift or me just being old!

Celebrities Keep Telling Us What to Wear

How many cowboy boots have you seen in popular gossip rags and mainstream magazines this year?  I’ll bet you can’t count them.  And most of them were not on cowboys or cowgirls.  Fashion trends have been dictated to the general public by celebrities for generations through TV, movies, and print media. 

Western fashion was introduced to mainstream culture in popular television shows and movies portraying the western lifestyle generations ago.  At some point along the way, western fashion was absorbed into other styles and now has been hybridized into many others.

An obvious example of this is jeans and denim jackets.  In the 1950’s, jeans were worn most notably by cowboys and laborers.  In 1955, James Dean wore jeans in “Rebel Without a Cause” and a western classic became the choice of an emerging class of pseudo-hoodlums!  Now jeans were the epitome of cool, and they exploded outward through rock & roll and biker culture and other fashion channels like a giant web until it’s impossible to imagine a world without denim.  

Now, with the internet driving cycles of popularity, the ebb and flow of fashion trends moves too quickly for most to keep pace with.  But one thing is certain; although the popularity of western fashion waxes and wanes, it never disappears from the lexicon completely.  Indeed, it seems to be making a big surge right now and the current popularity of country western music probably has something to do with that, particularly popular country music artists whose styles lean toward the mainstream… Lady Antebellum, Sugarland, The Band Perry, and Taylor Swift.

With the emergence of Taylor Swift as the world’s current reigning sweetheart, there seems to be as many dresses paired with cowboy boots as there are Starbucks in the Mall of America!  And Taylor Swift is influencing a LOT more than just country music fans.  Did you see her at the Grammys?  Did you see her on the cover of Vogue last month?  In two minutes of research I lost count of how many times she has appeared on the cover of a magazine that had nothing at all to do with country music or the western lifestyle.  I also lost count of how many celebrities I could find wearing a variation of Taylor’s signature cowboy-boots-and-dress;   Jessica Simpson, Brittney Spears Jessica Alba, Mary Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen, Miley Cyrus, Rachel Bilson, Sienna Miller, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Ritchie; and these are people who each influence a million more.  The cowboy-boots-and-dress ensemble has gone viral!

Who wants to guess how many Charlie 1 Horse hats have been sold because some young guy wanted to be as cool as Kid Rock?  Even Lady Gaga has her own signature Tony Lama boot styles! 

Celebrities who have NOTHING to do with our lifestyle are telling the whole world what to wear.   And it’s been going on for generations.  Stetson still sells the “LBJ” hat made famous by President Lyndon Johnson in the 1960’s.  Some people born after 1981 may have never heard of a fedora, but they know what an “Indiana Jones” hat is.  And who has ever seen an episode of Bonanza who wouldn’t immediately recognize Dan Blocker’s hat as the “Hoss?”

Our society has always looked to celebrities to give us cues as to where the next trends are headed.  As long as the western lifestyle is canonized and country music is popular, western fashion will not be far behind.   

Timing of Daily Feeding Impacts Timing of Calving

Thanks to our friends at South Dakota State University Extension for this contribution.

BROOKINGS, S.D. - For generations cattlemen have heeded the advice of their fathers and changed the time they feed their cows as calving approaches. It's believed by feeding in the evening, the majority of cows will give birth during daylight hours, easing human labor needs and boosting calf survival, says Adele Harty, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist, during a recent iGrow Radio Network interview.

"If we're feeding in the evening, more will calve during the daytime. This is easier on the calves because they get the sunlight, they're going to be more active, more likely to get up nurse, get that colostrum in the first hours of life and get a better start," Harty said.

Harty explains evening feeding is proven with research.

"Eighty-five percent of calves were born between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. if they were fed at dusk - in the evening - so it does help significantly and we've proven it with the research," she said.  However, the research is unclear why evening feeding works. Harty says it's believed eating and digestion increases the cow's internal body pressure, holding off labor for hours. 

Harty notes evening feeding can be helpful for both mature cows and bred heifers. No acclimation period is needed so starting evening feedings one week before calving should be beneficial.

She reminds producers to consider the cow's additional nutritional needs during and after calving season.

"We have to remember that as soon as we calve, the nutritional needs are going to increase significantly because those cows are going to begin lactating and we need to make sure the feeds that we're providing are going to meet those needs," Harty said. 

For more information on this topic, visit iGrow.org. The iGrow Radio Network and SDSU Extension bring listeners an informative show each day. For more information on the iGrow Radio Network, or to listen to archived shows, visit www.igrow.org.

The Black Hills Stock Show, January 27 - February 5

In 1959, the Black Hills Winter Show premiered at the Pennington County, South Dakota Fairgrounds, featuring area beef producers showcasing three popular cattle breeds.  It ran for three days and had all of 16 vendors.  53 years later, it has evolved into the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo.  Produced by the Central States Fair, it has grown into Rapid City’s largest event and one of America’s largest winter shows for horsemen and cattle producers.  With over 300 vendors, the show attracts over 300,000 attendees each year.  The Stock Show hosts cattle producers from all over North America. 

It is also the 15th stop in this year’s PRCA Rodeo tour, before moving on to Lake Charles, LA.  It is produced by Sutton Rodeos of Onida, SD, as it has been since 1978.  According to Kim Sutton, there will be over 600 of the world’s top PRCA contestants competing for their share of over $200,000 in prize money.  That’s three times more contestants in 2012 than there were spectators in 1978!  Competing will be six 2011 WNFR Champions and 59 2011 WNFR contestants and Badland’s Circuit champions.  Among them will be 16-time World Champion and 9-time World Champion All-Around Cowboy Trevor Brazile as well as Bareback Champion Kaycee Fields, Saddle Bronc Champion Taos Muncy, Bull Riding Champion Shane Proctor, Team Roping Heeler Champion Jett Johnson, and Calf Roping Champion Tuf Cooper. 

“This rodeo has always been one of the top rodeos in the country no matter who you talk to,” says Jim Sutton, the rodeo event creator.  “We have always tried to have the best people and have always worked off the top of the list of stock contract people and have again this year, maybe better than we’ve ever had, and have always been able to get good cowboys because of it.”

The Ranch Rodeo will be a widely attended event again this year, with a record 60 four-man teams competing for a total of over $20,000.00 in cash and prizes.  Don’t miss The World’s Smallest Rodeo, sponsored by RCC Western Stores.  Contestants ranging in age from three to five compete in events including barrel racing and pole bending, all on a stick horse!  And for dog lovers, there’s the North American Sheepdog Trials.

RCC Western Stores is happy to be one of the vendors appearing at The Black Hills Stock Show again this year.  We hope you’ll stop by our booth, located in LaCroix Hall in the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, and see our wide selection of cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and western accessories.  On display will be new styles from Ariat, Corral, Roper, and Tony Lama, among others.

The Stock Show runs from January 27 through February 5 this year.   

http://www.centralstatesfair.com/stock-show/schedule/

SDSU Extension Service Will Host Kids' Program During Black Hills Stock Show

BROOKINGS, S.D. - SDSU Extension and South Dakota Ag in the Classroom will host a "Kids Take Stock in Science and Agriculture" program at the Black Hills Stock Show. This program received the National Teamwork Award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, and it promises to come back even better this year.

The program is two-fold; the first part is primarily scheduled for schools. Interested classes can attend the program from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. MST Jan. 31-Feb. 1. The second part is geared toward walk-through traffic, and parents can bring their kids through the event from 2-5 p.m. both days. Kids Take 'Stock' takes place in the Rodeo Zone at the Rapid City Civic Center.

The event is done in conjunction with SDSU Extension and South Dakota Ag in the Classroom. Both organizations bring hands-on learning opportunities to youth who may not be familiar with South Dakota's largest industry - agriculture.

"This program is designed to teach youth about both science and agriculture - two areas that are everywhere in the state, but sometimes are far too intangible to youth," said Jessica Eikmeier, a co-coordinator of the event and an Extension Community Development Field Specialist.

She adds: 

"The program is geared towards elementary-aged kids from schools as well as home-schoolers, and we hope to bring these hands-on activities to students who might not get the experiences otherwise," Eikmeier said. "We take what they have learned in the classroom and build on it and put a new twist on it so that they can see it in a different light."

Attendees will have the opportunity to see a balance of agricultural and science-based stations. Each station will take 8-10 minutes and will range in topics from egg experiments to water quality to branding. Teachers will receive a packet of lesson plans to take back to their classrooms to further build on what the youth see in the short stations.

For more information about the program or to sign up for a walk-through time, call Jessica Eikmeier at 605.455.1299 or email her at Jessica.eikmeier@sdstate.edu. You can also contact Ann Price, Executive Director of SD Ag in the Classroom at sdagclassroom@yahoo.com.

Special Offers from Justin and Cinch

Justin Boots has a long history.  More than 130 years ago, H.J. Justin opened a boot shop out of his home in Texas, making custom-fit boots for cowboys riding up the legendary Chisholm Trail.  Today, Justin Boots have the same high quality and authentic styling they did then, combined with decades of comfort innovation.  With genuine leather, beautiful stitching, and a wide selection of styles still  handcrafted in the USA, Justin Boots have been the Standard of the West since 1879.  Justin makes more cowboy boots in America than any other boot company in the world.  Justin Boots also supports the American Cowboy with programs such as the Justin Sports Medicine Team and Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.

Now while supplies last, buy any Justin Boots or Justin Original Work Boots priced $99.98 and up, and get a Justin Gear Bag free!

Cinch jeans & shirts are worn all over the world by the finest rodeo athletes and cowboys.  Cinch jeans and shirts are known as one of the best fitting premium western jean and shirt lines available.  Fashion basic styles and new premium fashion Cinch jean styles make Cinch the brand of choice for those who live their life in the arena or those who want to wear western fashion Cinch jeans for hanging out.  Cinch jeans are always coming out with new styles and RCC Western looks forward to bringing you the latest in Cinch jeans and shirts.  "Cinch is made for the man who lives his life in denim."

Now through November 30, 2011 get $10.00 off any Men’s Cinch Jeans!

Both offers are good online or in any RCC Western Store.

Never Give Up!

Cowgirl Tuff’s relatively recent success seems as if it came overnight, but lots of years of hard work are responsible for their spot on top of the western wear fashion world.  Here, in her own words, is the story of Lisa Bollin and the dream she made come true.

In 1999, Lisa had a dream to own her own clothing company.  With the support of her husband and partner, Kirk, and their daughter Lexie, they started on a journey.  That journey has brought them so far, inspired many, and has become a dream come true!

Cowgirl Tuff Co. started in the little town of Litchfield, MN.  The company that is busting out at the seams sits in the middle of a field that was farmed by Lisa’s father, Wayne, (aka Grandpa.)  Lisa started printing tops and retailing them at many of the major barrel racing events throughout the U.S.  When she realized she couldn’t keep up with the demand, she looked into wholesale.  Lisa went to her first wholesale market in 2004, and at that market landed 18 stores!

Over the last 7 years, 18 stores have turned into 1,500 and are still growing.  In 2008, Lisa wanted to try her luck in designing a fashionable western jean, with an emphasis on comfort.  That she did!  Her jean line is making a name for itself in a BIG way in the apparel market.  Lisa is not slowing down.  She has decided to get the cowboys looking fashionable as well.  In 2011, the men’s B. Tuff line was launched to much acclaim.

Lisa’s journey has been a dream come true.  She has hit bumps along the way, but with those bumps, she has always lived by her motto: “Even though you’ve been bucked, kicked, bit, & stomped… NEVER GIVE UP!”

1.  Who or what inspires or inspired you?

Peoples' stories… I am always inspired by people who overcome obstacles to make their dreams come true no matter what!  People who never give up on themselves and believe they can achieve whatever they really want.  It is so powerful when someone stays positive and doesn’t let negative thoughts or negative people hold them back.

2.  How & when did you get started in the clothing business?

I remember in high school redesigning all my clothes so I would be different than everybody else… hand painting tees and sewing up new creations.  After graduation I went to school for fashion merchandising and design.  I then managed clothing stores and worked in display departments.  I feel I have a very full background of understanding selling to the end customers and what women really look for in their clothes.

3.  What is your family’s role in Cowgirl Tuff Company?

Huge part!  My husband and daughter have been there 100% of the way working and supporting this huge dream.  My husband is my full partner in the business.  He has been there in the lean times and now in the extremely busy times.  My daughter has been raised with Cowgirl Tuff and has worked in every department.  My parents have always been supportive of my dream of becoming a designer.

4.  How many horses do you own and what are your goals with them?

Three.

**Bird is my 21 year boy who is a major part of the creation of Cowgirl Tuff Co.  He was the horse that really made me a better barrel racer and made me work really hard for the things I wanted to accomplish.  A lot of my slogans were inspired from him.  It is his picture that is on a lot of our tags.   He has been an amazing horse and is now semi-retired due to ringbone.  He has such a huge heart and ran many years in pain but he truly loved his job!  He still loves to just run around the cans for the fun of it.  I was truly blessed to have such a wonderful partner.

**Spider is 14 years and is my “Fun Run” boy who is a turnin’ machine and can run on any ground!  He is the guy I can put anybody on so they can just have fun.  I am planning on getting him to more rodeo runs this year.

**Mater (Dash of Kelly) is my future!  He is a big 16 hand 6 year old this year.  I bought him last year from Shelly Murphy.  She did such a great job starting him.  It has been really hard to replace Bird but I feel this is the guy. He is a big ol’ puppy dog with a large stride and smooth turns, a true pleasure to ride.  We had a late start to the futurities but watch out this year as we are ready to hit the derbies.

I am so excited to haul a lot more this year, the past few years have been spent building Cowgirl Tuff and making some well worth sacrifices.

5.  What impact have horses had on your business?

Huge ! I feel I have the upper hand compared to some western apparel companies as I truly live the lifestyle.  I am just like our end customers.

I barrel race, trail ride, haul down the road, bale hay, clean stalls, and really enjoy every aspect of the cowgirl life.

6.  What do you think makes your clothing unique compared to other clothing companies?

I feel Cowgirl Tuff Clothing is unique because I am the designer, not someone hired from another competitor’s company.  My studio is in my barn next to my horses and the smell of hay on our 40 acre ranch in small town USA not in a corporate office in a large city.  I like to look out my window to watch my horses running 'n' playing.  It keeps me grounded and in touch to real life.  I also compete at rodeos, events and races which keeps me in tuned with fellow cowgirls.

7.  What is something that would surprise people about you?

I really like days off with no make-up, undone hair and clothes that don’t match.  Ha haa, those are the “ain’t my days to care.”

8.  How did the idea of Cowgirl Tuff come to you?

I love mainstream fashion and all the fun of styles and trends.  Back in 1999 I decided to try a new concept that I hadn’t seen in the western apparel before, bringing some mainstream looks and blending with western.  I wanted to offer a more stylish sportswear line to cowgirls.  I live in comfy jeans and tees everyday… but with some bling & cool embellishments.  The name Cowgirl Tuff has many meanings to me, it started out with the thought how Tuff you have to be with some horses and the lifestyle.  The slogan “Even though you’ve been bucked, kicked, bit & stomped….. Never Give Up” came from being raised with not the nicest of horses and today I live by it because life can kick 'n' stomp you but you can Never Give Up.  It drives me to be more persistent and determined to do the best I can.  We hear so many inspiring stories of how our name & slogan helps people get through those “tuff” times in life.

9.  What’s your favorite pastime? (besides horses and work.)

Doing anything I can outside… I am a true tomboy at heart.  Getting dirty and not living by a clock!!

10.  Where is your favorite place to vacation?

Lake Tahoe took my breath away… it feels like God’s country.  But, really anytime I can ride horse all day is the best days and always feel like vacation.

11.  What would you consider was the most important achievement you have had up to this point?

JEANS!  Right now I am so thrilled to hear how much women love our jeans.  Being an average size woman and knowing how hard it is to find comfortable, stylish jeans!  Before I designed my own jeans… I hated to try on 12 pairs of jeans and you might find 1 pair that would work.  We have so many women who can wear all our jeans no matter size, height, age, etc… it doesn’t matter!  They fit!  Achievement has been to hear woman feel good wearing our jeans!  That is amazing!

Keep up with Lisa by reading her blog:  http://cowgirltuffcompany.wordpress.com/

The Heroes Among Us All

                           

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."  - Elmer Davis

At 11:00 am on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the major hostilities of World War I ended with the Germans’ signing of the Armistice.  In 1938, Armistice Day was officially recognized.  In 1954, after having experienced the greatest mobilization of forces in US history during World War II as well as aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress and President Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day in order to honor all who have served.  Now, on November 11 each year, we pause to recognize all that our veterans have sacrificed for our great country.

But how many times have you been surprised to find out that someone you know, maybe even see every day is a veteran?  It is estimated there are currently 5 million active military personnel and 23.5 million veterans in the U.S.  Chances are you know several and don’t realize it!  And chances are you could learn something from their experiences.  We started poking around here and found this to be true at RCC Western Stores.

Jeff Williamson, Assistant Store Manager in Rapid City, served in the Navy from 1995-1998, and in the Army National Guard since then.  He has spent time in Spain, France, Greece, Italy, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Souda Bay, Crete, Bermuda, and St. Thomas.  He was deployed to Iraq in 2005 and to Kuwait from 2009-2010.  He credits his time in the service as where he developed the work ethic and the accountability that he displays on the job every day. 

Network Administrator Stephen Capistrant served 8 ½ years in the US Coast Guard, three of which were on the polar icebreaker Westwind.  He has literally seen the world from pole to pole! 

Steve shared this memorable story with us:  “I remember a rescue mission and a little kid fell asleep on his raft on Lake Huron and drifted out of sight of land and we were sent out to find him.  I was the electronic tech for the station so I would not normally be on a rescue but the radar on the boat went out so I had to speed to a dock up the coast to try to fix it. Well, I got stopped for speeding doing 80 in a 50 zone. The cop came up all upset but when I told him what was happening I got a police escort to the dock!!  Boy, the guys on the small boat got a kick out of that!  Yes, we did find him the next morning, safe and sound.”

When asked what his military time taught him, he replied, “I learned to take care of your team and they take care of you.”

Ron Cordes, Customer Service Specialist for our internet site, served in the Navy from 1973 to 1979 and from 1985 to his retirement in 2000, making him one of few who have served in four different decades!  He has seen much of the world, also:  Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Sicily, Turkey, Israel, and Romania.  Ron says, “Seeing different countries and their way of life makes me appreciate our way of life that much more.  I think the things that the military has impacted on me is a deep patriotism for our country and our way of life and growing intolerance for those who would try and take away our freedoms that have been fought and died for;  also, the structured way of doing things, i.e. self-discipline, organization, and pride for those who currently are serving.”

Duane Brunsen, manager of the store in the Mall of America, served from 1979-1985 and found himself stationed in Bamberg, Germany with the 82nd Combat Engineer Battalion.  He received an injury while there, returned home to heal and rehab, and then reenlisted in the National Guard 367th Engineer Battalion in Minnesota where he finished out his duty.

“I guess the best things I've taken with me from my military experience are fulfilling a sense of duty, an understanding of leadership, (a good leader is a GREAT follower,) a sense of belonging, and team work," Duane says.  "Most importantly is a sense of honor.  My father and I never really saw eye to eye and we had more than our share of father/son arguments, but the one thing that always held true between us was our love and respect for our flag and country.  My father passed last June and one of the greatest memories I will carry with me for the rest of my life was the 21-gun salute in his honor.  Not a dry eye there, and I can respectfully say, including mine!

"Regardless of what you believe in, support, agree, or disagree with what our men and women in the military are doing I ask you this:  When you pass a soldier or the family of a soldier do you stop and say 'thank you' or do you just keep on walking by?  Do you offer a smile or are you too busy with what you're doing?  Do you think to remember them in your prayers or do they just slip your mind?  As we approach Thanksgiving, will you bow your head and give thanks for what's in front of you or will you give thanks for each and every member of or military, past and present, who have given up so much, (some gave the ultimate sacrifice,) for us in order that we may sit down in a peaceful home and enjoy our day of eating and watching football."

This is just a small sample of RCC Western Stores employees who have served this country.  We are proud of all of them and are honored to be working with them. 

To celebrate this Veterans Day, I’m going to start a new personal tradition.  I am going to find a stranger who has served and shake his hand.  I’m going to do it again next year, and the year after that.  Who wants to join me?

45th CMA Awards Has Many Highlights

Well, it’s the day after Country Music’s Biggest Night, and fans were treated to a seemingly endless parade of talent, some expected, some not.

Blake Shelton opened the show with “Footloose,” the title track from the newly released remake of the 1984 hit movie.  He was joined onstage for the last verse by Kenny Loggins, who co-wrote and performed it for the original.

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood were delightful co-hosts in their fourth consecutive year.  Their opening dialogue was so hilarious my wife, a confirmed awards-show hater and Metallica fan, considered watching the show with me!  They poked fun at Hank Jr., then cut loose on Kim Kardashian with little mercy, borrowing from the Randy Travis hit and taking some liberty with the lyrics along with presenter Eric Stonestreet:  “I’m going to love you forever, or 72 days Amen, as long as Justin Bieber is not a conceiver, as long as Taylor Swift is with her current boyfriend.  I’m going to love you for 20 million dollars, for a hit TV series or pics in Us Weekly, for 72 Days, Amen.”

An elated Taylor Swift accepted the prestigious Entertainer of the Year statue, the second of her career, presented to her by Reba McEntire, a member of the most recent class of inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert continued their enchanted year winning Male Vocalist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year respectively, both for the second year in a row.  The couple was just married in May.

The Band Perry was the night’s big winner, going home with 3 trophies, one per member.  They won for New Artist of the Year and Single of the Year for their monster hit “If I Die Young,”  while writer Kimberly Perry won Song of the Year honors, also for "If I Die Young."  This group of twenty-somethings seems poised for a bright future. 

Jason Aldean took home his first two CMA awards:  Album of the Year for his hugely successful “My Kinda Party,” and for Musical Event of the Year for his duet with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay.”  He also provided one of the biggest surprises of the night during his performance of “Tattoos on This Town,”  when he ignored the apparent black-and-charcoal dress code and took the stage in his trademark Wrangler shirt, Resistol straw hat, and jeans!

Vocal Duo of the Year went to Sugarland for the fifth year in a row, and Jennifer Nettles dedicated it to their fans in Indiana.  Seven people died when the stage collapsed just before their August 13 concert in Indianapolis.  She told reporters backstage that they were looking forward to resting now that their two-year marathon "Incredible Machine" tour has concluded.

Lady Antebellum took their third consecutive Vocal Group of the Year award.  Director Shaun Silva took Music Video of the Year for “You and Tequila,” with Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter.  Guitarist Mac McAnally got his fourth consecutive Musician of the Year award, citing his work with Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett, among others.

There were too many performances to mention, but some standouts included:

·         Zac Brown with special guest Gregg Allman presented one of music’s all-time great compositions, “Georgia on My Mind.”  Written in 1930 and recorded by too many artists to list here, including Ray Charles and Willie Nelson, it is an ambitious undertaking, and this performance did not disappoint.  Brown displayed a remarkable soulfulness.

·         Martina McBride wowed the crowd, and me, with “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” her heartfelt ballad about a young woman with breast cancer and her husband’s unshakeable devotion.

·         Judging by the standing ovation from a country audience, Lionel Richie was a crowd favorite.  He performed duets with Little Big Town, Darius Rucker, and Rascal Flatts.  He has a country duet CD, “Tuskegee,” being released very soon with some of the biggest names in country music.

·         Vince Gill, Keith Urban, and Brad Paisley provided the highlight of the evening with a medley of iconic Glen Campbell hits.  It was the perfect tribute to the living legend who recently announced to the world that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and is currently on his farewell tour.  I doubt there were many dry eyes in the house.

And then there was the Red Carpet moment of all time:  Attendees all autographed a 2012 Chevy Camaro on their way into the event.  It will be sold at auction with proceeds going to support Keep the Music Playing.  Since 2006, CMA has donated 4.6 million dollars to the charity, whose mission is to keep music education alive in Nashville area public schools.

Never Give Up, Wishes Do Come True!

Cowgirl Tuff Company teams up in a big way with Western Wishes.  Times are TUFF and Cowgirl TUFF gives back simply by standing behind their core values and how they can help make a difference.   If you haven’t heard it before, their slogan “Even though you have been bucked, kicked, bit and stomped, Never Give Up,” applies to so many things in life that people can truly relate to.  Whether it be education, winning a competition, driving towards goals in life or pushing through the TUFFEST times in life; it encompasses it all.   Western Wishes is about making dreams come true for kids with life threatening illnesses who believe being TUFF and NEVER GIVING UP is what life is all about.   

Lisa Bollin, Founder and Designer, explains “The values of the company and what we stand for are very important to me.  The slogan came to me one night after traveling many miles to sell retail at yet another event trying to make ends meet.  I had left my husband and young daughter at home and was wondering how much longer I could keep this up.  While sitting on an old beaten up chair during the late hours of the evening, a feeling of relief and reassurance came over me telling me I am almost there and to Never Give Up.  That was almost seven years ago now.  Now looking back, it was such a huge stepping stone in my life.  I have my loving family by my side and never gave up on my dream.   These words are such a huge part of my life and what I believe in and now it is time for me to inspire others.” 

By teaming up with Western Wishes, Bollin and Cowgirl Tuff feel it is a definite way to pay it forward.  Messages are sent in almost daily from individuals stating how the Cowgirl Tuff name and what they stand for makes an impact in their life (check out their website for videos and other inspirational stories.) By teaming up, this is just another way to help make a difference for kids in need and to help brighten a TUFF day by having a wish come true.   

Cowgirl Tuff has helped and continues to help fundraise for Western Events by donating clothes and holding auctions to help raise money.  While contributing has helped make wishes come true in the past, they want to go above and beyond this year.  This Fall Cowgirl Tuff introduced a new jean, “Wing & A Prayer,” to help make a bigger impact.  For every “Wing & A Prayer” jean purchased, $5 will be donated to Western Wishes.  Yes, that’s right, by simply purchasing a jean you love at regular price, you are helping donate to a great cause. 

Cowgirl Tuff’s “Wing & A Prayer” jean are currentlly available in RCC Western Stores and at http://www.rccwesternstores.com/.   

Since 1994 Western Wishes has been making dreams come true.  To learn more about Western Wishes and how you can help make a difference, visit www.westernwishes.org.