And the Winners Are…

My virtual book tour is over and I have had so much fun! Finding hosts was pretty easy–thank you all for agreeing to be a stop on my tour! Creating the articles was quite a bit of work, but also fun and rewarding. And the best thing is all the new virtual friends I’ve met in the process. Time will tell whether the tour sold books or not!

I drew five name randomly from all the stops and I want to extend congratulations to:

Elizabeth Craig

Morgan Mandel

Maryann Miller

Charlotte Phillips

Bob Sanchez

Thanks for touring with me!

My Blog Tour Begins!

My Blog Tour

My virtual book tour begins May 17 and will run through May 28. Stop in and visit! Write a comment and qualify for give-aways!

May 17: “The Cowgirl Behind Cowgirl Dreams” Petticoats and Pistols

May 18: Author Interview L. Diane Wolfe, Spunk on a Stick

May 19:Book Review and Podcast Interview The Bluestocking Guide

L. Diane Wolfe, Circle of Friends

May 20: “Cowgirl Dreams: The Process“ Christina Rodriguez

May 21: “An Interview with Mama” Carol Buchanan

“Grandma and Her Horses” Oh Horsefeathers!

May 22:

”Rural Montana: Life in a High School Dorm”Mary E. Trimble

May 23: “Writing Connections” Women Writing the West

May 24: “Women Compete With Men” Equestrian Ink

May 25: “Writing a Montana Historical” A Western Happening, Jean Henry Mead

May 26: “Sense of Place” Susan Tweit

May 27: “Writing a Novel Based on Real Characters: Angela Wilson, Book Addict

May 28: “Lassoer in Lingerie” Pony Girl

If you leave a comment of substance, I will enter your name in one of several drawings throughout the two weeks. Some of the prizes include:

A Washington coffee cup and chocolate

A cup cozy and coffee sampler

Cowgirl Soap

A CD

A horse home/garden ornament

A journal and pen

A copy of Testimony by Anita Shreve, courtesy of Hachette Books

And a mystery gift on my last stop!

Spring Has Sprung!

The tulips are done and the rhodies, azaleas, and lilacs are in bloom!

Spring is probably the best time of year in the Pacific Northwest because it comes early. When I lived in Montana, winter seemed to last forever and spring was slow in making an appearance. I hear Montana and North Dakota have recently had more snow.

So here are some photos to give you hope! Spring is on the way, honest!

I love this peach-colored azalea. It literally glows on those cloudy, rainy days. I almost don’t need the sun with this bush outside my window. (Well, maybe that’s not quite accurate!)

Cowgirl Life Interview, Part II

Today I’m talking with Danielle Hayes, the other half of the Cowgirl Life Radio and TV duo. Her blog is Haute Cowgirl.

On becoming business partners:

Kadi and I worked on another project together and I was instantly drawn to her fabulous personality. We became instant friends and  I knew I could trust her. Trust is a HUGE thing with me and business. When the idea to further develop my company she was the first person I thought of to have on this adventure with me.

The idea for a radio and a TV show:

We had worked on another radio show together and knew we had really great chemistry on air together. So we talked long and hard about developing a show that was different from the typical “wahm mom” show and with how Haute Cowgirl was growing, we realized that we had the perfect niche that needed to be filled. With Cowgirl TV, we thought it would be fun to showcase a view into a cowgirl’s life and the fabulous events that occur within the western lifestyle.

Goals with the programs:

Just like Kadi stated, Connect, educate and inspire. I want people outside the western lifestyle to really develop an appreciation of our lifestyle. I want to help other cowgirls find an online community because there is strength in numbers. And I want to inspire women to really pursue their dreams and passions. Both Kadi and I believe with all our hearts in what we are doing (even though we can get a bit silly or wild) I have so much passion for the western lifestyle and ag community and I want our sites to be a place for like-minded people to speak about what they are passionate about.

Do you live on a ranch? Were you raised on a ranch?

I grew up on a farm in Great Falls, Montana where I swore I would leave the country life as soon as I could. I went away to college, traveled extensively around the USA, then found myself missing a simpler way of life.

When I met my husband who was very active in many areas of horses and agriculture I found myself brought back to my roots so to speak. Now we live on a ranch in Washington where my husband trains cutting horses.

Do you participate in rodeos or other equestrian events?

I grew up riding dressage and three day eventing. Now that I am married to a cutter, I am honing my skills atop cutting horses. I ride everyday and can’t imagine my life without our horses in it. It’s not just the horses that get you addicted, it’s the whole lifestyle. I love the people involved–they are truly our extended family. And of course the energy at events is amazing and inspiring. I love the fact that tradition remains at so many of these events.

Do you have a background in the fashion industry or just an avid interest?

I have always been a “fashionista” I worked for several smaller designers and photographers as a stylist before I was married. It was when we moved to Texas for my husband to apprentice with a bigger trainer that the idea of highlighting western fashion born. I started mostly just to give me something to do while my husband was on the road but its turned into something so much bigger and keeps growing what seems like daily.

What else would you like people to know about you?

I want people to first and foremost remember I am a mom. My son is my top priority and he is here with me every step of the way. So yeah, you may hear toddler moments at times on air. But if anyone can understand that family comes first, it’s those who appreciate the western lifestyle. Also we have an obligation to preserve this lifestyle, its something that should not be lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But all of us in the western lifestyle need to use all this new technology to get the word out that our community is strong.

Meet the Ladies Behind Cowgirl Life Radio and TV

Last week I was a guest on Cowgirl Life Radio. I wanted to reciprocate and to introduce my readers to the talented young women behind the radio and Cowgirl TV shows. Today I’m talking with Kadi Prescott, who blogs at Womb at the Innsane and Glam Sahm, from Apron Strings to Stillettos.

1. How did the two of you meet and become business partners?
Danielle and I met at an online mom community and ended up working on a project together. We hit it off really well and decided to start a few new projects on our own.

2. How did you get the idea for a radio and a TV show?
The first project that we worked on was a radio show for moms. We both felt that there were a million mom focused radio shows out there already and the greater need was for a different kind of show. We just were not sure what direction to go in. It took us awhile to find our niche. After Haute Cowgirl became so successful, we saw that potential for a multi media source of western related news and fashion. My extensive background in writing and social media, combined with Danielle’s brilliance in business and passion for the western lifestyle just seemed to fit well. We teamed up and decided to take Western Glamour Media into a new realm…the internet.

3. What are your goals with the programs?
We have three goals: Connect, educate and inspire. We have the common goal of building an online community where all cowgirls can go to share their lifestyle with the world. Danielle and I see the gross lack of exposure for a lifestyle that this country was built on. We think that it is high time to educated the masses on the fact that western living and agriculture are not dead. We would like to eventually get syndicated and be able to branch out into a television reality series on Cowgirl Living. We would also like to see Haute Cowgirl help western fashion meld with main stream fashion.

4. Do you live on a ranch? Were you raised on a ranch?
Ironically, no. In fact, I am about as un-cowgirl as you can get. My mom is heavily involved in the western lifestyle and it literally helped her come out of a mental breakdown during the divorce from my dad. She met wonderful people who took her in and introduced her to the cowgirl life, during a time when she felt like she had nothing left to live for. I saw the transformation and was fascinated by the effect that western and equestrian living had on her. When I met Danielle, it just boosted my desire to learn more about everything and I am loving the people I have met!

5.  Do you participate in rodeos or other equestrian events?
I have never even sat atop a horse. Go ahead and laugh. I have to overcome my fear. I am determined to. My kids have done mutton bustin’ (riding sheep like bulls) and we love going to watch rodeos, but that is as far as I’ve gotten in my equestrian ventures!

6. Do you have a background in the fashion industry or just an avid interest?
Both. Kind of. I am a self proclaimed shopaholic and lover of fashion. I studied it for awhile but ended up pregnant and spent all of my twenties having my babies. I am a Glambassador for Glamour Magazine this year and so excited about the opportunity to cover fashion related events. It will satiate my inner fashionista! I would love to be the first designer to ever take a western fashion line, tweak it, add some city girl touches and sell it to a major brand. In fact, I think that will be on our “To Do” list, right Danielle?

What else would you like people to know about you?
I think it is important to convey that Danielle and I are work-at-home moms who set our priorities on being our children’s only nurturers. In a generation that is so callused towards the importance of mothers who stay home, it is crucial that we show the world our ability to raise our own kids and accomplish great things outside of motherhood. It speaks volumes about fostering the same ideals that were held by our ancestors.

Join us tomorrow when I visit with Danielle Hayes, the other half of the Cowgirl Life duo.