All my rowdy freinds are coming over tonight

I'm still crazy

Vern Gosdin
Well, I woke up one morning with a note up on my chest
It said I’m gone for good you’re no longer with the best
I never dreamed there’d ever be another made for you
So I just went crazy there was nothing left to do.

I used to be crazy over you
Nobody else could move me like you used to
I had to be out of my mind thinking I’d soon be over you
But I’m still crazy and I’m not over you.

When the bad news finally hit me lord it hurt me to the bone
I was just a fool to think you could be just a little bit gone
But it would be easy it wouldn’t be hard to forget
Little did I know that I hadn’t seen nothing yet.

I used to be crazy over you Nobody else could move me like you used to I had to be out of my mind thinking I’d soon be over you But I’m still crazy and I’m not over you. Oh, I’m still crazy and I’m not over you. Oh, I’m still crazy and I’m not over you. Oh, I’m still crazy and I’m not over you..

Irony

Talk about irony yesterday I got lost in Poe Valley while trying to find Penn's Creek and I drove around for about 45 min. trying to find some place familiar I pulled over in complete frustration and worry and then I saw a cloud of dust and a truck coming towards me. I took a second look and Dagum that truck looked familiar. It was my ex-boyfriend, ironically; I am in stranded in the middle of nowhere and my knight in shining armor arrives and I followed him out of my distress. I guess them former boys are good for something. He always has been my knight in shining or armor. Or just a cowboy in boots.

"What color is the mud?"

Feelin Better

Hank Jr.
Moved on down to sweet home alabama in 1974
I had to get out of music city and I had to get off the road
Woman she left and the people wouldnt let me sing nothing but them old sad songs
Had to get high so I wouldnt cry you know they hit pretty close to home
I'm feelin' better

Now that I'm back on the road
Getting it together
Between Macon and Mussel Shoals

I started turinging up loud
and looking at the crowd and bending them gutiar strings
Knew all the while though it was my style
could they ever forget my name
I rocked them in Raleigh and knocked them out of Knoxville
just couldnt do no wrong
People went wild and the band said child better keep on playing them songs

I'm feelin better
Now that I'm back on the road
Gettin it together
Between Macon and Mussels Shoals

Now my life aint the same and I had to change
and I hope this music will show
A little bit less of crying in the beer and little of my own soul
Waylon and Toy and all them boys
I wanna say thanks to you your fiddle and your steele make me play what I feel
and I dont feel love sick blues
and I'm feelin better
I got hurt but I'm back on the road
Gettin it together between Macon and Mussel Shoals

All came together in my sweet alabama home
and I'm through forever of trying to put everybody on
I'm feelin better
Now that I'm back on the road
Getting it together
had to eat little cornbread
Yea been eatin that cornbread
sleeping on a feather bed
drinking that home grown
writing some new songs
Feelin better

Just when I thought I was alright

Its funny how you think that you've finally gotten over someone and then it all floods back.
Its funny how you think your parents finally know you and then they break what little heart you have left.
Its funny how the more you seek for happiness the more trouble you find.
Its funny how you realize on this earth there is no such thing as a peace of mind.

I've been struggling with alot of things since my jr. year in High School and no one has ever been there for me. Maybe One Friend but even that one friend has let me down in my life. I don't know what to do, where to go or how to change it but I do know I can live long like this. People seem to think I have no feelings and that I have "welcome" written on my forehead. I put on an act to everyone and only a few people have ever seen the real me. If I don't put on an act I would have my heart broken all the time because underneath I'm actually very sensitive. But what does it matter the act isn't working I still have a broken heart.

Maybe I'm the ones whos crazy

Hank Jr.
Any more it ain't no big deal
to being used just to get what you want
try to get ahead and then you stab em in the back
people getting used like a stepping stone

Maybe I'm the one who's crazy
but my heart still knows right from wrong
If playing by the rules doesn't matter anymore
then I've completely lost my mind
The way the world is going lately
Maybe I'm the one who's crazy

Seems these days they don't need a reason
to walk away and just give up on love
when times get hard that's the easy way out
if someone else gets hurt that's tough
But I'm still a believer in whats meant to last forever

Maybe I'm the ones who's crazy
but my heart still knows right from wrong
if playing by the rules doesn't matter anymore
then I've completely lost my mind
the way the world is going lately maybe
yea the way the world is going lately
Maybe I'm the one who's crazy

Up on the Ridge

Last night State College had the privilege of hosting what was in my book, one of the greatest
bluegrass concerts I have ever been to, and believe me I have been to many concerts in my life. Dierks Bently and the Traveling McCourys played at the State Theatre. Del McCoury, a legend in bluegrass music, has done at least one bluegrass song on every album that Dierks has released, that is what inspired his "Up on the Ridge Tour." Different from Dierks regular touring set list, he did his classic hits like "Free and Easy down the road I go," "What was I thinkin," and "Come a little Closer" but all bluegrass and acoustic style. He also performed the bluegrass version of George Strait's "All my exs live in Texas" and the theme song from "Smokey and the bandit," "East bound and Down." The band consisted of drums, up-right base, Steele guitar, acoustic guitar, fiddle, Dobro, mandolin and of course banjo. I couldn't keep my boots from stomping. Between the boot tapping beat and the lethal pickin' it was the greatest show I have ever seen. His vocal was dead on and the sound was perfect for an acoustic bluegrass show. If you missed this Ladies and Gentleman I am truly sorry.

So maybe you think the same I do but as you go through your life you seem to have a desire to find somone to make you "complete", I 've never needed anyone, I've always been a very independant person and I almost feel awkward and scared when somone comes on strong to me but latley I've been wandering if I wont spend my life alone because of the strong personality I have. I guess you reap what you sow.

Dum dum da dum

Miranda Lambert, the great country artist that brought us hits like "White Liar" "Gunpowder and Lead" and "Famous in a small town" is engaged to marry Blake Shelton a fellow country singer. Its kind of like a Johnny Cash and June Carter thing. I just hope her new path increases the quality of her music and not hinder. There seems to be a reoccurring pattern through country music that when an artist begins their career single and through their career finds a soul mate their music usually suffers, however I have faith her next album will be as good as the past three.

Road Trip!!!!!!!!!

I'm planning on going on several trips this summer so I can stay far away from this place as much as possible

June 12-19- SENIOR WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 20-28-Hunting camp in New York
July 5-19- Montana and Wyoming
July ?-?- Tennessee

And then come August I am moving to Tennessee so I can be as far away from here as possible, permanently.

Dumb rabbit

So last year I got a small Californian rabbit in hopes to show it at the 4-H fair along with my dairy beef. But one day during feeding it jumped out of the cage. My dad chased it up behind the barn and through the yard and down the lane with a cloths basket trying to catch the ornery thing. But with no luck, we never caught it.

Sunday I came home from work and low and behold the stupid animal was casually laying in my yard, now the size of a small dog because of the wild vegetation it had been munching on for the past year. I ran around my house and charged up the hill determined to catch it. Of course it out ran me. Tame rabbits go wild in three days. Its like a slap in the face. Seeing it sit there chubby cheeks full of grass. Its coat whiter then snow and its black nose wiggling. It still sits in my yard, mocking me. Laughing at its escape and the fact that I will never catch it.
Its a reminder of the one that got away.

My revelation

So I've been doing some thinking, and I've come to the much anticipated conclusion that I am going to Tennessee. I have not been accepted there yet, I am still waiting on the news but I am going down there in the fall. If I don't get accepted then I am still planning to move there and try to apply again for the spring semester. I will probably get a job and work until I start school. I was driving home from Wal-Mart the other night and it hit me like a freight train. (I have tendencies to have revelations driving on back roads(back roads column) I was listening to a solid country song and a little voice came into my head and said "Hello Valerie! Why wouldn't you go to Tennessee?" And just like that all pros and cons of Wyoming and Tennessee went away and the obvious answer was Tennessee. So, confidently and firm in my decision, I am going to Tennessee, because its simply right where I need to be.

Ladies and Gentleman

I have got some news...

I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING!

Don't ask me what my plans are because I am not sure what I am going to do yet but being accepted is the first step in the process

Attention America

We are facing another critical time in our country. Country Music. The real sound, the meaning, is at stake. The CMT Music Award are coming up, planned to be aired June 9th. We need your help go to CMT.com to cast your vote. We must over power Taylor Swift and all other artist who screw over the music. They do not deserve to win, and I wont allow them to. Register to vote and vote wisely. If Taylor swift wins Video of The Year with "You belong with me," over Miranda Lambert's kicking "White Liar" Video I will hold a memorial ceremony at my house in the memory of good country music.

Tennessee or Wyoming?

So once again, I am at a cross roads in my life on what to do with it. I thought I was all set to go to Wyoming but I got a text from some old friends in Tennessee, and now I'm thinking that's where I need to be. Tara said something in one of her comments on her blog. "Val I don't see how your going to be a country singer in Montana." Thanks Tara, that really made me think. If singing is what I want to do why would I go all the way out west? I'm stuck between two dreams, Singing and wanting to be in the agriculture business. A very wise teacher at IVHS once asked me "Do you believe in God, kiddo?" I replied "Yes." "Then don't worry he'll take care of ya, trust me, he'll take care of ya."
Some very simple but inspiring words. So I guess that's all I can do now, pray and trust hes gonna take me down the road I'm suppose to be on.

Yea Tara your right I am a hick, but I am anything but stupid.

Taking the Country Back

Last night on the ACM awards Joey and Rory took home Vocal duo. I was thrilled. Their great singers and their country through and through. Rory had written on the top of his guitar "We miss Country Music." It gave me a chill listening to them perform and looking at this phrase. I agree. I just want them to know, their keeping it alive, real country music. Heck, I might write that on my guitar. These people are great. They got my stamp approval.

Good News America

TAYLOR SWIFT DID NOT WIN ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR!!!
There is still a glimmer of hope for Country Music. Carrie Underwood took home Entertainer of The Year, which is still disgusting but at least she isn't tone deaf like Taylor.

Miranda Lambert, who is by far the most talented writer and singer in modern day Country music cleaned house last night at the ACM awards. YEE-HAW!

She took home:
--Top female Vocalist
--Album of the Year (Revolution)
--Video of the year ("White Liar")

I have never been prouder of the Industry. Finally, someone wins an award they actually deserve.

Joey and Rory took New Vocal Duo which I approve.

Top New Vocalist Solo went to Luke Bryan. I like him but I wish that Jamey Johnson would have won this award, he is my favorite male vocal in country music now.

Over all the night was very good. I didn't throw anything at my TV as a result of undeserving recognition and my favorite female singer, Miranda Lambert won three awards, surpassing Taylor Swift and Reba! Thatta Girl! ACM's have always been a classier award than CMA's and its proof that the awards were giving to those who are classy.

So called Cal

I went into Hollister for the first time ever on Tuesday.

1. It smelled weird
2. It was too dark, I couldn't even tell the color of the clothes I was looking at.
3. Cocky teenagers work there.
4. Way over priced.
5. There is surfboards and a big screen TV of a beach. HELLO! We live in Pennsylvania.
6. They only carry up to size anorexic.

Over all it was a traumatic experience. That store is over rated.

Talking in song

At family gatherings my brother tends to talk in song titles and lyrics. Being a musical family it gets pretty competitive. We were all sitting around the table. I was discussing how long it took me to stir the gravy and how you just needed a Slow hand (Conway Twitty) to make it just right. Then my dad commented that he was a Meat and Potato Man (Alan Jackson). After tasting the lumpy liquid fat my brother and me insulted my mama's Good brown gravy (Joe Diffie song). She replied with Your no good, your no good, baby your no good (Linda Ronstadt). I then said Your a jerk (Newz Boys). It was then the family paused and looked at me in a peculiar glare. I explained it was a rap song. My brother turned beside me, shook his head and said Come on Val, I thought you were A little more country than that." (Easton Corbin)

I'm a little more country than that

Easton Corbin is a new country artist that just came into the scene a couple months ago. Now, normally it takes a long period of time of studying the background of a new singer, and their voice and songs in order for me to accept them as being ligit or even likable. But this song is not only an amazing song but the writers are Don Poythress and Wynn Varble who wrote several hits, Brad Paisley's "Waiting on a Woman" being one of them and Rory Lee Feek, from the duo group Joey and Rory as well as writing hits for Blake Shelton such as "Some Beach." With powerhouse writers like that this new kid in town knows what hes doing. I give him my stamp of approval.

If Taylor Swift wins Entertainer of The Year at the ACM's it will confirm my theory that the Music industry is corrupted as well as the human race.

Hey I'm just happy to be alive

There comes a point in a person's life when they realize that life is not perfect and it never will be. You get dumped, you make mistakes, you regret much and remember even more, you wreck your parents car, you make yourself look like an idiot in a crowd of people, or put yourself in an uncomfortable situation and you conquer. But through all that hurt there is hope. Hope that you can still turn it all around and in the end be happy. I've hit that point in my life. I have done stupid things but those things don't define my life or who I am. I'm just happy to be alive. There is hope past all of it. I've found that hope and I'm hanging on for dear life. This is just the beginning of my story and there is alot more to come.

Tat on the boardwalk

So I recently turned 18 and now that I feel I am a free living adult, I am going to get a tattoo. My mother of course raised 7 different kinds of Cain about it but she cant stop me because I am getting it during senior week. However I am having some difficult picking what will be on my body for the rest of my life. I have chosen to put it on my right foot. So I am limited with space. I don't want to get a butterfly or flower because that's not me. I am a tom-boy and not very girly so it would superfluous to get such an engraving.

My first choice is the Wyoming symbol, mostly because I love rodeo and I want to attend the college. However I fear that I will not get this tattoo if I don't get accepted to the college and I have yet to hear from Admissions. Example:

My next choice may seem silly to some but the sentimental value cannot be described. Singing country music and also being a fan leads me to the obsession I have with Hank Jr. I love all of his music and he is just my all time favorite and he always will be even after he dies. So I am considering the Hank symbol being placed on my foot. Example:

If I choose this, everything in white will obviously be black and I am debating on whether to put the actual name Hank in the symbol or just let it speak for itself.

My next is my favorite saying Cowgirl Up. Which simply means toughen up. I believe in this motto and also compliments my life and riding interests. Example:

The first one is just a cursive, classy version of the phrase. The second is the actual logo of the official cowgirl up company. Just as the Hank symbol the white will be colored black.

The next choice is the sponsor of rodeo and country music. The wrangler patch. They make jeans and cowboy apparel as well as supporting big rodeos and country stars such as George Strait. I will not have the patch as shown below, but rather the writing of Wrangler in the rope cursive by itself. Example:

The next choice I could not find a suitable picture for but imagine 4 or so tiny horse shoes going up the top of my foot to create the illusion that a horse has walked there. A very cute and versatile tattoo, I think.

The last one is a symbol of hunting and the outdoors. Also a rather redneck sign might I add. Browning is a hunting company. They make archery bows and attire. Example:

All of these fit my personality but choosing the best one to represent me is what I need your help on. Please comment this blog and tell me what you think and which one is your favorite. I would appreciate the input!

Why are things so dramatic and weird? People do crazy things I know, I myself have done crazy things but lately people are going nuts. They are hanging out with people who you never even thought they knew and its insane that this really is a small world. Or just a small town. It seems the older we get it the crazier things get. I am in a state of confusion right now.

Garage Band

I am now sitting in a garage in Carlise, that belongs to the drummer in my Dad's band. We are going over material for this summer. All the neighbors around his house looked out to see what was going on. I almost stood at the end of the driveway and charged $5 for people to set up a chair and listen. Its like a family; I laugh, I cry, its a bipolar experience hanging out with the band. But my favorite part is when we share new songs. We all end up taking our ipods out and we gather around like homeless people around a trash can fire while we all listen to the latest tunes that one of us discovered. Its a good time. Its a show preparing for the show.

Post Birthday summary

I got tickets to see Dierks Bently on May 17th. A bunch of cash and my ultimate favorite: Hank jr. bottle opener key chain, Heck yes! I hate to report, not only is my brother not getting me Hank tickets but he declined my offer to go to the Dierks concert, so looks like my birthday does not really matter to him. My best freind got me a pair of montana silvermith brown cross earrings which I love. I got a new headstall and roping breast collar so appropriately punched and painted with the word "Southern Thunder." I love how everyone I showed it to said that I had to get a horse first. Not only does this highly anger me but it also took their attention off the crafted leather pieces. There are lots of people who let me ride their horse and its expected to have your own tack. Now I just have to decide what I'm going to do with all the cash I got. There is just too many things that I want. I'm thinking clothes though because mine are either worn out, outdated, or are too big. Either way, rest good knowing it will be spent well.

The way I see it

Miley Cyrus on American Idol:

You can pound a $3,000 grand piano, with smoke all around your feet, and your fake eyelashes batting with the beat. You can make movies and try to be what your one -hit wonder Daddy never was. You can send nudes to every guy in the world and get as many as rewards that suit ya. You can act country or try to be whatever it is you think you are. You can try to be role model to youngens who watch "Hannah Montana." You can be on the cover of every magazine in the rack in the grocery store or write a dagum book. You can try to act like your just a normal person and you relate to the rest of us, but at the end of the day.....you still suck.

All my rowdy friends are coming over tonight

I don't know where I would be without those rowdy friends of mine. I could sit here and act like the whole world lets me down because sometimes that's how I feel sometimes but the truth is I got good friends who understand me and don't make fun of my twang. They know where I am from and why I do what I do. It just hit me today that life does really suck sometimes but the good times are yet to come I just got to get out of this hole I'm in, at any rate, I ain't got it all that bad. We can herd cows on our horses and sit around picking guitars or rock out at concert or cry on each others shoulders. Without judgement. They know my weaknesses, my flaws, and they know why I do. I just hope one day your lucky enough to find strong people, strong people like those rowdy friends of mine.

Life Plan

1. Enjoy the last summer with my Friends in Pa.
2. Go to college in Wyoming for 4 years and explore rodeo career.
3. Work on a ranch for 2 years after college
4. Move down south and pursue music career.
5. Marry a cowboy or a sweet southern man (which ever comes first)
6. Live on farm or ranch either across the Mississippi or beneath the Mason-Dixon line.

Its hard to tell what life is going to throw at me but I aspire to achieve most of these highlights in my life.

Dear American Idol

I want to thank you for showing me in a most precise manner that America has no talent at all.
thank you bunches!

Are the good times really over for good?

Things just aint what they use to be. It use to be that everybody hung out without alcohol or drugs. We use to sit around at the barn or at someones garage and shoot the breeze and do stupid things like set our arms on fire with hairspray. Before everybody could drive and we would walk everywhere. Before everybody got boyfriends and girlfriends and didn't have time to hang out with you. Before everybody grew up and got jobs or were worrying about college applications. What happened to those times? What happened to everybody? Its a very sad and depressing thing to say but those times are gone and I wonder if they will ever be back. Will anything ever be the same? If your one of those people who miss the old days when people had time for you and when they said something they meant it, comment this post. It would be nice to know I'm not the only one who feels this way. So much for growing up...
This feeling reminds me of the Merle Haggard song "Are the good times really over for good." Performed and written by Merle Haggard:

Wish a buck was still silver.

It was back when the country was strong.

Back before Elvis; before the Vietnam war came along.

Before The Beatles and "Yesterday",When a man could still work, and still would.

Is the best of the free life behind us now?

Are the good times really over for good?

Are we rolling down hill like a snowball headed for hell?

With no kind of chance for the Flag or the Liberty bell.

Wish a Ford and a Chevy,Could still last ten years, like they should.

Is the best of the free life behind us now?

Are the good times really over for good?

I wish coke was still cola, And a joint was a bad place to be.

And it was back before Nixon lied to us all on TV.

Before microwave ovens, When a girl still cooked and still would.

Is the best of the free life behind us now?

Are the good times really over for good?

I think that sums up the shape the country and my life is in.

http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/crime/Animals-removed-from-filthy-conditions

Over 70 horses seized from Farm.

What I want to know is how this lady fit 73 horses in one tiny barn.

Who do you think you are?

There seems to be a reoccurring appearance of people in my life who think that they can tell me what to do and how to do it. I've learned over the years to act stupid around certain people because it gets you farther in that relationship. But let me give those people a wake up call: I aint the least bit stupid and if you think your teaching me something, you got another thing coming. Who do you think you are, that you have a place in my life to put me down or try to control me? Unless your my mother or my Dad you have no right to do so. I find it incredibly ironic that these same people who say that they act this way because they care about me and are so much wiser, are the exact people who would stab me in the back in a blink of an eye. They protest that my age being soooo young they assume I don't know anything. If I ever unleashed all the things I do know on them their head would be spinning. I find it humerous they believe my stupidty act and try to "help" me. But I dont need them or their so-called advice. And if by taking their advice means that they think I should live like them, I'll give them a clue on where to stick that advice.

Dear Brother

All I want for my birthday is for my brother to take me to a Hank Jr. concert. Is that so much to ask for? Your 10 years older than me and the only thing we have in common besides a few chromosomes is our love for Bocephus. I just want to stand next to ya and sway to Whiskey bent and Hell bound. It wont kill ya for one night to hangout with your little sister, one night for you would mean the world to me and give me an experience that I will never forget. I'm going off to college in a matter of couple of months please, just swallow your pride and get me a dagum ticket!!

Dear Mrs. Love,
Do you have any horse tack you could sell me. Better yet, I will let you ride my pony and throw in a free Joe Bonson and Coffee Run tee-shirt if you give me a breast collar. Take it or leave it.

18th Resolution

I'm making a birthday resolution. The past two years I have been digging a hole of regret, despair and depression. But with my upcoming 18th birthday I have decided to face the world head on and get back to basics. No matter what I decide to do after graduation I will, without a doubt, succeed and be happy. I am pushing the people who put me down and cause me to question myself out of my life, and letting the people who understand where I come from in. I'm going to relax more, push less, enjoy my young years. I'm going to worry less about what people think and more about what I think. After all, in the end I am the only who has to live with what I have done (or haven't done) with my life. I'm going to sing more, go fishing with my friends, and enjoy the outdoors and simple things in life. The Dr. prescribed several ocassions of these activities will get me back to my old self before I know it.

Out of town

I was driving through Lewistown tonight and I saw these people walking down the street with baby strollers and smoking cigarettes with so many tattoos on their body I couldn't tell if they were human or if I was looking at graffiti on the a wall. I thought to myself I got to get out of this town.

I got to get out of this town
Before it brings me down
I got to run away from all the trouble I found
I wanna see the sunrise without seeing a house
Before I die I got to get out of this town.

So I wrote that little number, in a real country style ballad hoping it would just explain the need I feel to get out before I go insane. The longer I stay the deeper I sink into all the losers and people who roam around and I will be shot before I ever stay around here.

By George

Dear George Jones,
I'd like to start out by saying I'm a huge fan. And I am sure glad to hear you got cleaned up after the lawn mower incident and all the wife's you went through. But can I just tell the honest truth? You were better when you were drinking. Your honky-tonk ballads hit me square in the heart and it just seems the more sobered up you got the worse the songs got. Don't take offense I beg ya, but maybe it wouldn't hurt ya to throw one back every now and then. Your still number one in my book, don't get me wrong, but maybe a a shot of the good stuff could launch your career into a second faze of stardom. Thank ya much.

P.S.-- Ya need any songs give me a call

Two voices equals one

Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash and June Carter, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagner. Now that was chemistry. That was something to get wound up about. The strength in their songs and heart can not be recreated. Why cant I find me self some chemistry like that? Add two voices and create on great sound? Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter or George Jones and Tammy Wynettee, they had that sound and comforting songs and I just cant help but be jealous. If I ever find that someone that does something for my heart as well as music, I'll be doing alright.

Dip of the Day

"Excuse me, ma'am, how long have you been working here?"
"Well I asked for Barb-b-Que sauce with my nuggets."
What don't look at me like that. Just because I cant have my chicken bits going down without an accompanist doesn't mean you have to look down on me. So what if I love every kind of sauce you have? Or I have a type of dip with every food I eat. Is that a crime? Life is like a meal with several different kinds of dips. You have your meat or main course of your meal and whether the sauce be sweet or sour it goes along in either helping or hindering your digestion of the day. You could be having a terrible day everything goes wrong but maybe someone gives you a compliment or you make a smart choice that results in you being proud of yourself, that's your little dip that truly makes the "meal". So next time you have a choice, or if someone asks "Do you want any sauce with that?" Embrace the flavor and add a dip to your day.

A man who I have had one of the greatest, worst and peculiar relationships with once said

"Its hard to exactly call you a cowgirl, but you are definitely a country girl and that's close enough."

What Buckle are you?

The unique style and personality is displayed various ways. However most of the people I come encounter with are wearing their personality on their belt. Either in the form of silver, gold or pewter. This symbol is the Belt Buckle. You can learn a great deal about someone by looking at their buckle. For instance some have their name

Or maybe what someone does for a living:

Or what Country their from:

Along with personal pride and interest being displayed on one's mid section my personal favorite part about the judgment passed upon those who wear them, is the simple fact that I can tell by someones belt buckle if they are really what they display to be or posing. For example I might see a "cowboy" walking on just any ol' day and if I see a buckle like this:

I know without a doubt they have never rode a horse or a bull for that matter in their entire life. How can I make such an assumption? The buckle is made to look like a genuine Montana Silversmith Buckle, but however is of cheap quality and rather unattractive arrangement. But I I see a buckle of this caliber:

I know that the so called cowboy is indeed a cowboy not only is this $200 Custom Montana Silversmith buckle have a lifetime guarantee, its also has a brand of ranch and location. This boy knows what hes doing! Same goes for a trophy buckles. If someone displays a trophy buckle with their name and title and perhaps location anyone can see that it is the proof they are legit.
So what kind of buckle are you? Are you cheap but proud of it? Or do you work to earn your trophy around you waist? Comment and tell me!

Go Goat Go!

Watching Rodeo with Mac Davis. Goat tying comes on, the cowgirl gets off her horse and ties the goat with a amazing 15 second run and Mac says "AWWWW.....let the little cute goat go!" Consequently, I turn the channel.

Running of the Bulls in Houston

For news story:
http://www.click2houston.com/news/22777613/detail.html

People are going crazy with this story. As for the visitors that were there and witnessed the stray bull running through the parking lot of the Houston Rodeo they were quick to be scared but even quicker to criticize rodeo officials and those involved. Attending a rodeo as a spectator is different then attending a football or basketball game. This is a real life and death sport. I understand that these people were terrified when they saw a loose 2,000 pounds of muscle and hate running towards them, but maybe y'all got a little taste of what real cowboys and cowgirls go through. That's their life and even more they risked theirs to save yours. One of the cowboys caught the bull on horseback with a lariat and lassoed the bull. This in itself is highly dangerous. A horse that weighs maybe 1,200 pounds dragging a 2,000 pound animal by rope. That bull could have shook his head and brought that horses on his ribs within a quick moment. I tip my hat to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cowboys and cowgirl. Y'all know what your doing and you showed the wisdom and courage inside the arena as well as outside. To guests this might have seemed like the amazing race in Pamplona. As for the people disgusted at such a mistake, that could happen at anytime, show some appreciation. If you could do rodeo you'd be out there doing it, as such don't run down the mishaps and efforts of those who participate until you've walked a mile in their boots.

Wild Horses

For news story
http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=134170&catid=339

Its ironic that people will spend anywhere from $300-$20,000 on horses, depending on discipline and blood lines yet there are thousands of wild horses roaming in Wyoming and Colorado territory. It reminds me of the Garth Brooks song perfectly titled "Wild Horses." Although that song is about a cowboy who cant stop rodeoing and makes a promise to his wife he would quit but wild horses keeps dragging him away, its the theme song for this story. If only I could catch one and break it. But wild horses are never fully broke. They always have a streak of freedom. But now the Land Management Staff wants to remove the horses because they are becoming a problem around small western towns. I strongly disagree with this proposal. The horses belong there, that's their territory not ours. Its no different when the settlers took over the Indian Territory in the 1800's. It belonged to them but yet we were the ones inconvenienced when they lived upon on it. However it is a comfort to know that the west is still wild and owner less horses roam the plains and mountains just like they did a hundred years ago.

Pride and Prejudice:

Whats with all this propriety? Between Elizabeth's wild sister Lydia and Mr. Darcy being backward I cant stand it, we all know they get together in the end. Lets look at the situation from this point of view. Lizzy is just a down home country girl who ain't afraid to speak her mind and Darcy is a shy down -homeboy that's smarter than he looks. Yeah hes got a better double wide than Lizzy's family but she don't care, she wants a man whose gonna treat her right. So they see each other a couple times at the local gas station and barn parties but every time they talk they get mad at each other and nothing ever happens. Not to mention the trashy biker dude, Wickham, who keeps trying to pick up Lizzy. Well of course, hes got a nice Harley and jet-black Elvis -like hair but all that glitter don't mean nothing, underneath, hes using her. She needs that bare-foot country boy, Mr. Darcy. She gets hit on by her cousin and the biker dude takes off with her wild sister. Then one day Lizzy is walking through Darcy's back yard and finally they meet up and get hitched. Why cant the book be like that? It would be alot shorter. Happy ending. Southern Pride, No Prejudice.

Bug Blues

I lived in a tipi for two weeks with a bunch of Cheyenne indian kids in Montana. I did that two years in row. The first night of my first year I couldnt sleep because of all the ticks and creepie crawlies --now I'm country but even that "bugged" me. So I wrote this little thing while I was laying in the dark.
I cant close my eyes
Even though its late
Because of the fear of being ate
by that big brown spider crawling on Tonya's cheek
It keeps crawling on my face and I cant help but squeak.

I wish I could live a bugless life
Without all the worries, troubles and strife.
But I'll keep on itching though its hard to bare
Feeling like theres spiders in my underwear.
And the black chiggers get lonesome at night
So they come to the tent to make themselves feel alright.
You would think because its 30 degrees
All the bugs would stay nestled up in the trees.

But no they keep crawling without any rest
and scurry to make their buggy nests.
I can hear them now as they gather along
To scream and yell a battle cry song
They gather in stations and make straight lines
and march all together keeping the time
And one yells "Charge!" they begin to attack
And that's whats crawling all over my back.

Heres your sign

I just hate stupid people.
They should have to wear signs that just say I'm stupid.
That way you wouldn't rely on them, would you?
You wouldn't ask them anything. It would be like, "Excuse me...oops,
never mind"
"I didn't see your sign."

A couple of months ago I went fishing with a buddy of mine, we pulled
his boat
into the dock, I lifted up this big 'ol stringer of bass this idiot on
the dock
goes, "Hey, yall catch all them fish?"
Nope.
"Talked 'em into giving up."
"Here's your sign."

I was watching one of those animal shows on the Discovery Channel,
there was a guy inventing a shark bite suit. There's only one way to test that.
"Alright Jimmy, you got that shark suit on, it looks good... They want
you to jump into this pool of sharks, and you tell us if it hurts when they bite
you."

"Well allright....hold my sign, I don't wanna loose it"
See...
If he'd been wearing his sign, I could have stopped him.

I love this comic routine by Bill Engvall because its so true:
I was in the barn milking. This amish guy I work with, walks into the barn, and says
"Hey dont forget to treat that black and white one."
"THEY'RE COWS!"
Heres your sign...

The Best drug

I aint smoking anything. No needles or substance but I am high as I could be. I'm listening to good ol country music and I could not feel better. Call me crazy, and maybe there are people out there that feel the same, but I get a buzz off a hard core country ballad. It sends chills up and down my spine and takes me to a world above the world we know. I cant explain it but ever since I was old enough to be able to hear and understand a good country song I have had this feeling. I imagine singing it myself an touching peoples soul. Wether I'm playing it on guitar or just hearing it on the radio I get this way. It does something for my inner being that takes all troubles away and heals all hurt. Maybe that's why its always been more to me than just music. Its my life; its my drug. I will never forget, my Dad said one time at one of his shows "I believe God has a corner in heaven for country singers like me." I remember thinking I hope so because because I cant live without it. Who I am and what I do is a product of how I was raised and the fact the country is in my blood. I understand there's people out there who think what I am is stupid but that's because they don't understand. Its in my veins its running through. My grandfather writes country songs and my Dad taught himself how to play guitar when he was 15. I write songs and play guitar; its a family tradition. My Dad knew since he was my age and even younger singing was what he was born to do. If he don't get the chance I sure will. After High School, I planned on going to college in Wyoming or Montana but at the same time I know I belong in Tennessee. Either way I am leaving this town, and I ain't coming back until I become what I was born to be. A country singer. If that means I might not ever see Mifflin County again then so be it but my life will be poured into what I love and what I have to do to. That is the best drug there is.

To Mr. Worthless:

Its kind of funny how there came a time in my life when I would bend over backwards for people, a particular person specifically, and then before you know it that person you spent the most time with and became your best Friend now wont even take the time to have a decent conversation with you. You could feel sad, maybe a little bittersweet, but then you come to the realization, they never really were what you thought they were so you grieve over what you thought it was or what you wish it was. You get off your knees, crawl out of bed and a light bulb goes on; why am I feeling like this? my self worth rested in that persons hands? Not Hardly. This post is for a not so special someone who will never read this but sending it out to the void takes a tremendous weight off my shoulders. I just want to say-- You never did and never will know the real me and that's just too bad for you. I got my whole life to be whatever the heck I please but being nice to you or even being your Friend is not one of those things and I am so glad I have no obligation to be anything close to civil around you. Ahhhhh.... I feel better.

To Gibson:

I love your instruments especially your signature Dove Guitars but $12,000 for a banjo? Really, thats more than my car. Is every note plucked really worth it? If I'm going to pay $12,000 for a banjo it better be signed by Stringbean himself. (Stringbean- Comedian and amazing banjo player, toured with Bill Monroe before tragically being murdered) I love a good banjo tune but the neck, bridge and strings would have to be made of gold for it to be that expensive. Dagum, no wonder its a dying instrument that no one plays, they cant afford it!

Update for the day

I wrote a song last night, did a rough recording and sent it to Nashville. Hopefully Mr. Producer will like it. Got my new car today and I feel like I'm handling glass vases wonder how long it will be until I wreck this one ;Story of my life.

Why is it all the nail salons are owned by Asians? I cant understand what they are saying, but for some reason when I walk in, I feel like the foreigner.

What do you expect?

An extraordinary woman who labored several hours to give birth to me once said that the songs I write are "Trailer trash." Well let me tell you something, the woman I have the highest respect for, that's country music. It ain't trashy but its been known to talk about trailers, and drinking beer and hurting, crying, cheating. Country singers don't sing about nonsense and lifestyles that no one really lives and chances of occurring are about the same as seeing a solar eclipse. Its everyday life;real life. I cant sing a lie so I ain't even going to try. Oh wait, that could be a song! Oh but then again maybe its a little too truthful for today's audience. At any rate when it comes to getting through the day I want to listen to someone who knows how I feel. Most people feel the same about their favorite genre of music. They want to relate. It is no secret if you don't know how it feels to ride in a truck or cry your eyes out over someone that did you wrong, or shooting bull and guns with good friends, then good chances are you wont like country music. But make no mistake there are people out there that do those things. But really, me listening to rap, its a bit odd and hypocritical, don't ya think. And to those people who hate me or complain because "I'm too country," what the heck did you expect?

To all you Taylor Swift fans and Country Music Radio:

To all you Taylor Swift fans and Country Music Radio:

Let me just tell ya, you cant call yourself a true Country MuSIC fan and a Taylor Swift fan. Its like mixing oil and water. I'm all for the songwriter, I am one myself, but the content in my songs don't consist of me squealing about High school crushes and crying on my guitar. That ain't me. Her music doesn't relate to my life in the slightest. I was in the barn the other evening, I was finishing milking the last group of twelve pure bred Holsteins. I was covered in shhh--- and listening to my Wal-mart radio and there she was in all her disgusting, uncalled for glory. Some dagum song about fairy tales and Romeo. Let me give ya a reality check; LIFE AIN'T A FAIRY TALE. I'm in a barn working my behind off and I have to listen to her sing about white horses and loves stories; on country music radio of all places! Meanwhile there is people getting killed in the middle east. Children are starving in Africa. Americans cant afford to put food on their table for their families, and I have to listen to her whine about her perfect world. Listening to her is like listening to a blonde, air headed cheerleader chat with her girlfriends in the lunch line. Sing me something that is real and important.
That is just my opinion on the material of her songs.
Her singing, on the on the other hand, is barley tolerable, it is not only not country but uncontrolled 90% of the time, and annoying the other 10%. She takes breaths right in the microphone and she goes flat more times than I breath in a day. America is blinded by the marketing scheme and her so called good looks which is a whole other blog, but talent is just one of the things she does not have going for her.

Numb

Well my original post I had planned to write tonight is nothing like what I am about to type. The mood I was in at 10 o'clock this morning has changed dramatically and along with that my thesis statement of the day. Have you ever looked back on your life and say to yourself "How did I ever get here from there?" I'm feeling that way now. I just look back on events in my life and I have no idea how I turned out to be this way. To be honest its quite depressing. You grow up playing with barbies and watching Disney movies and BOOM!!! Your almost and adult and you've wrecked two vehicles, failing a class and applying to college. What happened to me? I could have turned out to be a pretty good person but somewhere, along the way, I got lost and now I'm stuck in a world that is foreign to me. Most of the time I feel I am just a body walking around. No feelings, no thoughts just ---there. I push others away without the intention of doing so and the people I do allow to get close to me are the worst kind and character. I'm feeling a whole new level of low. I don't understand what went wrong but something for sure is wrong. I'm fighting a battle with the two halves of me. One wants to do good and knows what is right and the other just wants to rip off in the opposite direction and go wild. I am afraid the older I get the more it is inevitable I will never change, I cant change, I want to but would I change to? This cant really be the real me can it? How do I keep on going everyday completely alone and numb? Numb- a cold word for a cold feeling when your feeling nothing at all.

Back Road

I've seen the desert in Wyoming. I've walked the concrete roads through cities I don't care to ever visit again. I've been homesick and sick of home but the middle ground, the medicine to cure all types of hurt and sickness is the back roads leading home. Most drivers never give the roads they travel a second thought but to me the back roads are more than an asphalt slab, they are the solution to every problem, the reason to pay the high price of gas. There is no better place to listen to a new c.d. or talk with a friend. One could go crazy fretting over the complications in life, the trouble in the Middle East, the people dying in third world countries, the economy failing, but the best remedy is simplicity and for me that is where the connection to the country is linked. It is the answer to every question. "Where to go on a Saturday Night?" How to get to your destination the quickest? Where to get away?" The worst and best moments of my life happened on a back road; My first wreck, my first kiss, the first time I heard my song on the radio and the moment that lead me to this revelation. It might seem crazy to some, but we are all on some road of life, some are flying down the highway with no regard for the consequence of living in the fast lane, whether the path be narrow or wide. I choose to live my life, easy, slow and enjoy the ride on the back road.

History Nut

The greatest movie I have discovered in all my time of criticizing movies is The National Treasure Movies 1 and 2. I sit here, in my 18 century log house with a booming fire and watching the movies I am completely immersed in history. I would be the first to tell you conspiracy theories and analyzing history intrigues and entertains me. I proudly admit I have an addiction to history books and movies. I own (and every winter) watch the North and South series which includes 12 tapes all at 90 minutes long and an exclusive look at war, love and conspiracy. Its times like this I would love to have a time machine to take me back to the best times in American History. I would sip a cup of tea with Benjamin Franklin and contemplate life, invention and current state of the Country. Or hide fugitive slaves in my basement and hear the horror stories of plantation life. I strongly believe if you are bored with history then you don't understand it, because if you understood the bravery, the struggle and the triumph you would be entertained beyond your imagination. History is not just dates you memorize in school, it was real life and it belongs to everyone.