Friday, January 30, 2009

Funny Friday

Commitment:

A young man was very excited because he just won a ticket to the Super Bowl.
His excitement lessened as he realized his seat was in the back of the stadium.
As he searched the rows ahead of him for a better seat, he found an empty one right next to the field.
He approached the man sitting next to the empty seat and asked if it was taken.
The man replied, "No."Amazed the young man asked, "How could someone pass up a seat like this?
"The older gentleman responded, "That's my wife's seat. We've been to every Super Bowl together since the day we were married but she has passed away.
""Oh, how sad," the man said. "I'm sorry to hear that, but couldn't you find a friend or relative to come with you?"
"No," the man said, "They're all at the funeral."

Super Bowl Sunday this weekend!!!

My office manager Randi is the biggest Pittsburgh Steeler fan in the world, no seriously she really is.

So for Randi's sake, Go Steeler's!!!

Danna

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Zen Horse

Training Tip of the Week Blanketing Your Horse for the Winter
By Clinton Anderson

In the winter, we all need to blanket our horses occasionally. For spooky horses or horses that have not been blanketed, this can be a challenge! In this week’s tip, I will cover basic blanketing techniques. One of the first things to do when blanketing your horse is to remember to use passive body language and do not act like a predator. Forcing the blanket on the horse is not a good idea! Rather, use the following steps:

Desensitize the air around the horse. If you can’t move the blanket around the horse without him spooking, then you definitely can’t touch him with it. Use the approach and retreat method on both sides until the horse will consistently stand still and relax.

Rub all over the horse’s back with your hands and then your blanket. If you need to, you can use a saddle pad first and then move to your winter blanket. It’s important that you act calm and don’t make a big deal of this. If your horse gets nervous, just keep rubbing him with the blanket until he stands still and relaxes.

Put blanket on the horse.

Happy Trails,
Danna

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Monday, January 26, 2009

On The Road Again

First Sundance Film Festival for Burns Cowboy Shop is in the history books.

Amazing memories that will last a lifetime were in each of the ten days.

This week I fly to Scottsdale Arizona for the Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show. Very excited this year , our friends Dirk and Krista from Belgium will be there.

We met Dirk and Krista three or four years ago in Scottsdale, they bought beautiful Lucchese boots and clothing. Instantly we became friends.

Two years ago Scott and I went to Europe for the Equitana horse show in Germany. We traveled to Belgium and stayed with Dirk and Krista for a couple of days. We toured 4 city's in two days. Brussels, Antwerp, Gent, and beautiful Brogue.

Words cannot express the absolute majestic beauty these 1000+year old cities hold. Dirk and Krista were gracious hosts, guiding us through these 4 beautiful cities with ease. Lifetime memories were made.

Tomorrow, I fly to Arizona to meet up with them for the first time in two years. How exciting it is to reconnect with friends from half way around the world.

My on the road again is in the air again this week, short trip to Scottsdale, down and back.

Happy Trails,

Danna

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Inspire Me




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Bcxwhzyh7c

Imagine there's no heaven.

No hell below us.

Above us only skies.

Imagine all the people living for today!

Imagine there's no country's.

Nothing to kill or die for.

And no religion too.

Imagine all the people living life in peace.

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I am not the only one, I hope some day you join us and the world will live as one.

Imagine---Inspiring Others!!!!

Namaste,

Danna

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Rave Reviews and Recipes

Review on Sundance Film Festival:

One word description WOW!!!

What a wonderful time I have had meeting the most incredible people. Showing and selling the cowboy way of life to people from all over the world.

Andie MacDowell buying two of my custom $400 shirts and a fan right behind her purchasing one so as to look like her. Five minutes before that a gentleman that wrote the best selling book Don't Squat with your spurs on purchased two more custom shirts at $500 a ticket.

Owners of fortune 500 companies, artisans from every genre, film makers, movie stars, and people of all walks of life joining together to celebrate film making.

Fun happy people like Rick from Minnesota singing (whaling) Johnny Cash's, Ring of Fire song while riding our cool saddle bar stool.

We hope we offered as wonderful of experience for the visitors as they offered us.

Thanks to all the organizers that pull off such a wonderful event, the largest economic impact event annually in Utah.

I knew the Sundance Film Festival would be fun, I was blown away by the energy of all the flavors of people that are part of this amazing industry.

Kudos,

Danna

Friday, January 23, 2009

Funny Friday

A Priest and a Nun...
A priest and a nun are on their way back home from a trip when their car breaks down. They are unable to get it fixed, so they decide to spend the night in a hotel. The only hotel in the town has only one room available.

Priest: Sister, I don't think the Lord would have a problem, under the circumstances, if we spent the night together in this one room. I'll sleep on the lounge and you have the bed.
Nun: I think that would be okay.

They prepare for bed and each one takes their agreed place in the room. Ten minutes later...

Nun: Father, I'm terribly cold.
Priest: Okay,I'll get you a blanket. (He does)

Ten minutes later...

Nun: Father, I'm still terribly cold.
Priest: Okay Sister, I'll get you another blanket. (He does)

Ten minutes later...

Nun: Father, I'm still terribly cold. I don't think theLord would mind if we acted as man and wife just for this one night.
Priest: You're probably right...get up and get your own damn blanket.

TGIF

Danna

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Zen Horse


We have all had a horse that wouldn't pay attention to us because he was distracted by his herd mates. When all your horse can think about is being with his buddies, it’s not a good situation for training. Rather than trying to work him when his mind is on the others horses, get him as close to his herd mates as possible and work him there. When you work a horse in an area that they want to be in, eventually they don’t want to be there anymore. Try to create a situation where he doesn't feel comfortable with his herd mates but feels comfortable with you. Work your horse in the pasture with his mates around just like you would work him in the arena. After about 20 minutes of exercises, when he starts to get tired, take him away from his herd mates by about 300 feet. Let him rest there, and when he has gotten his air back, walk him back to his mates in the pasture and work him again.

Do lots of circles, bending, canter in and around all of the other horses. I mean really make him work. When he gets tired again, canter him away about 600 feet or so and let him rest again. Pat him and show him it is nice and easy to be with you. After about 10 minutes of resting or until he is not breathing heavily, repeat the procedure. Each time you ride away from the horses to rest, go further and further out of site until you can’t see the other horses. By this stage you should be getting strong feelings from your horse that he really doesn't want to go over to the other horses, because this means he will have to work. The more he thinks being around the other horses isn't much fun, the more he won't mind being with you and away from his buddies.

You make the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult. It is just like us, we don't get excited to be near people that make us work really hard, do we? All you did was give him a choice: if you want to be with the other horses, life is difficult. If you want to be with me, life is easy. Get the point? Repeat this for 3-4 days or until you get it really solid in the horse’s mind that being near his friends isn't any fun and being with you is the better deal.



Clinton Anderson's tip of the week.

Happy Trails,

Danna

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Damn Good Stuff

Bio's about companies are damn good stuff. Here is a Bio on Lucchese Boots, another company that has family roots over one hundred years!

A BIT OF HISTORY...
It was 1880 when Sam Lucchese Sr. and his brothers came to America. Although he was just 17 years old, the young Lucchese had a vision for a career in bootmaking, and just three years later, the Lucchese Boot Company was established in San Antonio, Texas. The family's dedication to its craft and to its customers kept the business alive, but it wasn't until the early 1960s that the founder's grandson and namesake decided to rethink the art of bootmaking.

THE MAN BEHIND THE BOOT…
The world has never known a finer, more knowledgeable craftsman than Sam Lucchese Jr. His fascination with and comprehensive understanding of the human foot inspired him to create a boot design that fit like no other. And although Lucchese's one-of-a-kind boot last design required more skill and time, the result was a boot that quickly gained national recognition for its extraordinary comfort, quality and fit.

THE BEST TAKES TIME…
No other boot fits the human foot like a Lucchese boot, thanks to Lucchese's original design, which remains the only one of its kind in bootmaking today. And because of a continuing commitment to this rare art, the making of a Lucchese boot takes time. From the careful selection and cutting of the finest grade of leathers, to the hand-driven lemon wood pegs and meticulous finishing of a boot, each step is considered critical to our finished product. Our boot designs may demand more money, time and skill, but when you slip your foot into a Lucchese boot, you'll know why we insist on only the finest.

"The final truth is that throughout the whole boot factory, the quality chain is no stronger than its weakest link."
- Sam Lucchese Jr.


HANDS OUT PERFORM MACHINES…
There is no substitute for the experienced hands of a true bootmaker. Every pair of Lucchese boots is hand-inspected, not once, but twice. And although we skive our leather seams by machine, we repeat the process a second time by hand. In virtually every one of our procedures, we rely on human hands to complete the task to near-perfection.


"If you cut leather for your boots in the same way you would carve up a meat carcass for your dinner table, you will be in good shape."
- Sam Lucchese Jr.

CLOSE TO PERFECT…
Every inch of a Lucchese boot is made of the finest grade of leathers. These near-perfect skins are often more expensive, but you can't put a price on unprecedented fit and comfort.


Lucchese Boots, Damn Goood Stuff,

Burns Saddlery and Burns Cowboy Shop have the largest selection of Lucchese boots anywhere!!! Check them out online at www.burnssaddlery.com or at our Park City location.


Happy Trails,

Danna

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Tipsy Tuesday

My Tip this Tuesday is:

Do what you love and love what you do!!!

I love what I do. It wasn't always that way however. It took me years of processing who I am, and how fortunate I am, to truly appreciate the western lifestyle I have been blessed with.

People walk into Burns Cowboy Shop in Park City and they are blown away with how amazing Burns Cowboy Shop is. WOW! is the most common used adjective. Saying, I never knew boots and hats could look and be so cool.

To be a ambassador for the Cowboy way of life is a wonderful dream come true. I now have a setting to showcase our most outstanding product, allowing visitors from all over the world to experience the western lifestyle and the attitude the cowboy brings to it.

One man from New York came in the other day and stated man I wished I owned this cool shop and you had something better. I smiled and said what could be better.

Doing what I love and loving what I do, in Park City Utah!!!

Cheers,

Danna

Monday, January 19, 2009

On The Road Again

Four Burns Locations to serve you this week!

Burns Saddlery in Salina the 13,000 square foot retail store, also where all the internet orders are shipped and the famous saddle shop and seat cover factory.

Burns Cowboy Shop Park City Utah this week until January 25th Sundance Film Festival, come and catch a glimpse of several top movie stars!!!

Burns Mobile Unit #1 set and just finishing up today in Buckeye Arizona at the Greg Olsen Memorial Barrel Race.

Burns Mobile Unit #2 in Scottsdale Arizona set up at the Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show. Show runs through January 31st.

Burns Saddlery branded throughout the west. We have outstanding team members working hard to bring the best western retail to a location near you.

Burns Saddlery, On The Road Again!!

I am having fun in Park City at my first of many Sundance Film Festivals!!!

Happy Trails,

Danna

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Inspire Me

Attitude by: Rev. Charles Swindoll,

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say, or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.
We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.



Attitude is everything, pick a good one.

Danna

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Rave Reviews and Recipes

Easy Meatloaf

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 egg
1 onion, chopped
1 cup milk
1 cup dried bread crumbs
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1/3 cup ketchup




DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, onion, milk and bread OR cracker crumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste and place in a lightly greased 5x9 inch loaf pan, OR form into a loaf and place in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and ketchup. Mix well and pour over the meatloaf.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour.

I love meatloaf with scalloped potatoes and any vegtable, great comfort winter food. Also one of my favorite's with meatloaf is whole pickled beets.

Enjoy,

Danna

Friday, January 16, 2009

Funny Friday

Smartest Man in the World

A doctor, a lawyer, a little boy and a priest were out for a Sunday afternoon flight on a small private plane.

Suddenly, the plane developed engine trouble.In spite of the best efforts of the pilot, the plane started to go down.

Finally, the pilot grabbed a parachute, yelled to the passengers that they had better jump, and bailed out.

Unfortunately, there were only three parachutes remaining. The doctor grabbed one and said "I'm a doctor, I save lives, so I must live," and jumped out.

The lawyer then said, "I'm a lawyer and lawyers are the smartest people in the world. I deserve to live." He also grabbed a parachute and jumped.

The priest looked at the little boy and said, "My son, I've lived a long and full life. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. Take the last parachute and live in peace.

"The little boy handed the parachute back to the priest and said, "Not to worry, Father. The 'smartest man in the world' just took off with my back pack."

Have a wonderful weekend,

Danna

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Zen Horse


Opening and closing gates is an opportunity to improve your horse’s responsiveness and respect.


Opening and closing gates is a great training tool. If you are one of those people who gets off their horse to open a gate, I encourage you to instead use gates as an opportunity to improve your horse’s responsiveness and respect and your confidence as a rider.

To open or close a gate horseback, your horse must be able to side pass, back up, yield their hindquarters, be patient in a fairly claustrophobic situation, and be respectful and responsive to your cues. In fact, opening and closing a gate is a good test of how well-trained your horse is.

If you can’t open and close gates horseback, it is a big indication that you need to work on your horsemanship fundamentals.

This is not to say that you should just be able to hop on your horse and open or close any gate. Depending on the situation, most horses get nervous performing this activity, which is why you should first break it down into steps.

If you can successfully side pass, yield the hindquarters, and back up under saddle, then you’re ready to open and close gates horseback.

Remember, if you don’t feel confident opening or closing a gate horseback, don’t put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation.

However, once your horse is respectful and responsive to your cues, opening and closing gates is a good way to “check up on him” and a great gauge of his overall respect and training level.
Clinton Anderson's
Tip Of The Week
Clinton will be in Ogden Utah on Jan. 17-18th
Happy Trails,
Danna

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Damn Good Stuff/Sundance Film Festival

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL STARTS TOMMOROW!!!

Come see us and the movie stars this week during Sundance Film Festival!!

Like a Hollywood starlet, the Sundance Film Festival fudges about its age.
Sundance 2009 is being touted as the 25th annual edition. This is partly true -- it is the 25th festival since Robert Redford's Sundance Institute took over operations of what was then called the United States Film Festival. It's also true that this year's Sundance is the 31st event, going back to the inaugural Utah/U.S. Film Festival in September 1978.
But whether it's the 25th or the 31st festival, the glory of Sundance is not looking back, but looking ahead -- to new stories from the next generation of independent filmmakers.
As the festival has grown, so has the myth that it's inaccessible to regular folks.
Many of the parties and ancillary events in Park City are only for celebrities and the well-connected. But for those who want to see the films, there are ways to beat the crowds and enter movie heaven.

What's new
Party in the streets » Park City's Lower Main Street will have a new look this year. Vehicle traffic will be closed between Heber Avenue and the traffic circle at 9th Street to allow for a pedestrian-only area. Within that area will be the Sundance House hospitality center (in the Kimball Art Center), the festival's merchandise store and the Music Cafe (moved into a roomy tent from its old cramped quarters at the top of Main Street).
Also within the pedistrian path lies
the Sundance Lift, at the base of the Town Lift. This site has been a popular party and swag area for the past few years, and will still be one. But while in past years, the Lift was a location for so-called "ambush marketers" -- companies living parasitically off of the publicity Sundance generates -- this year the Lift is an official part of the festival and will represent the festival's sponsors.
"We think it will be a really nice festive atmosphere down there," said Jill Miller, the institute's general manager.

A movie Temple » There's a new theater in play at Sundance '09: The Temple Theatre, a 267-seat auditorium within Park City's Temple Har Shalom synagogue (3700 N. Brookside Court). Institute founder Robert Redford is excited about the new theater, because it's dedicated to documentary films. "Now we have a whole building dedicated to [documentaries], which says how important this is to us," Redford said.
But there is a trade-off: Now only two of the four micro-size theaters at the Holiday Village Cinemas will have public screenings (the other two will host press-and-industry screenings). .

Parking is tougher » This year, Park City's city council has ordered a complete parking ban on Old Main Street (last year, the ban was only on one side of the street). Also, there is no public parking at the many of the festival venues -- including the new Temple Theatre, the Eccles Theatre or the Park City Racquet Club -- so riding the shuttle buses and walking are the only ways to get to some screenings.

Survival tips
Buying tickets » Yes, it's still possible to buy tickets to festival screenings. Check the festival box offices -- Trolley Square, at 700 East and 600 South, Salt Lake City; and the Gateway Center, 138 Heber Ave., Park City -- for availability. Tickets are usually released on the day of a screening, so if it's sold out now, check back at the box offices at 8 a.m. the day of the show (or 8 a.m. the day before for early-morning screenings).

Get on the list » The wait list, that is. Get to the theater at least two hours before the screening you want (one hour for the early-morning shows) and get in line. About an hour before showtime, you will receive a wait-list number (sometimes called a Q number) -- one to a person, no saving spots for your friends. You're free to leave, take a walk, grab a snack -- just be back 30 minutes before show time, and line up according to your wait-list number. If there's room in the theater, you're in.

Timing is everything » The first weekend evenings are packed, but the celebrities and hangers-on usually leave by Monday. Traffic (and ticket demand) is lighter in the daytime and at midweek. Also, avoid driving around 5 p.m. -- the notorious "ski o'clock," when the skiers leave the slopes and cram the road back to I-80.

Get on the bus » Parking is extremely limited in Park City, and tow-truck drivers are poised to nab unwary drivers parking where they shouldn't (such as the Albertson's parking lot). There's a new park-and-ride lot at the Yard (on Kearns Boulevard, behind the Holiday Village Cinemas), as well as the old reliables (the lots at Prospector Square and the China Bridge garage behind Main Street). Once you find your parking space and pay your fee, leave the car and take advantage of the shuttle buses, which run from 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

Take a hike » Zip up the parka and start walking. Pedestrian paths between the major venues are marked and lighted. Besides, you've been itching to break in those new snow boots.

Get out of the theaters » The carnival atmosphere of Park City is worth the trip. Get up to Main Street -- from the New Frontier on Main exhibits to the Filmmaker Lodge to the Music Cafe -- and enjoy the freak show.

Found this information on Salt Lake Tribune's website:

Celebrity mixing time at Burns Cowboy Shop!

Cheers,

Danna

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Tipsy Tuesday/Sundance Film Festival

Tips for Sundance Film Festival

Nestled about an hour southeast of Salt Lake City, at around 11,000 ft above sea level, is Park City, Utah. For 50 weeks out of the year, it is your typical ski town with great skiing in the winter and fantastic biking and hiking in the summer.
But for 10 days in January each year, it turns into a showcase for independent filmmakers to display their work for Hollywood power players. And it's showtime for the public, which can see potentially ground-breaking films as well as rub elbows with stars and celebrities. It's the Sundance Film Festival.
The festival has been held in Park City since 1981. In 1985 it became part of the Sundance Institute, adding international films to the lineup. In 1991 it was renamed The Sundance Film Festival. Eating, drinking, partying, mingling, late-night bidding wars and deal making is the name of the game at Sundance.
Parking It In Park City
Getting to Sundance is as easy as flying into Salt Lake City (SLC) and catching a shuttle. This is a much better idea than renting a car, as parking during the festival is next to impossible. There are many choices so it's best to call ahead and make a reservation a few days in advance of arrival. Prices range from $30 to $60 each way. There are several companies, all of which are listed on the Salt Lake airport's web site.
Sundance Film Festival Top Tips
• Dress for the weather not for fashion, or combine the two.• To see films during the festival, buy tickets early in the festival or try to wait outside before a showing for possible no-shows.• During Sundance, all reservations are a half-hour late.• Get ski passes in Salt Lake City to save money.• Bring your own alcohol for the condo/hotel as Utah has "weak" beer .• Drinking at 11,000 ft is much different than drinking at sea level• Remember bar closing time is 1 a.m.• For PubClub's Park City Ski Resorts Guide, Click Here
Lodging during the festival is hectic but not impossible. Rather than looking for hotel rooms, the best way to stay is by renting a condo or townhome. Choose someplace close to Main Street, the center of all that is happening in Park City, and save the trouble of having to take a cab or catch the bus.
One thing about Park City is that its mass transit bus system is well run and FREE to the public. The buses are clean and it makes frequent stops around the city; the main transit center is just off Main Street. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. This is the way to go during inclement weather or coming or going to the slopes – or the bars.
For those looking to ski, the local mountains offer some of the best powder and runs in the inter-mountain West. Three resorts – The Canyons, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort – are all easily accessible by the aforementioned bus system. There is even a chairlift that comes right down to the middle of town that goes to the middle of the Park City Mountain Resort.
But during those 10 days of Sundance, there is movie watching and partying to be done.
Seeing Sundance
There are several ways to get tickets to many of the films. Festival passes to all of the screenings can be purchased on the Sundance website, but pricing can be steeper than the ski runs. Individual tickets can be found by phone with pre-registration or by going to the main information store just off Main Street (literally the main street), and checking the main board to see what screenings are available.
Or, in some cases, just showing up to a screening site can result in getting a ticket due to no-shows.
Those screening sites are everywhere – in theaters, even offices. Getting into the corporate parties – the sizzle of Sundance for many – is not quite as simple. These big parties are thrown by some of the biggest companies in the entertainment industry. They are packed with A-list celebrities, offer bagloads of swag and acts like Beastie Boys and Metallica played in 2006.
But these are by invitation only, and the average Sundance spectators are best advised to hit some of Park City's fantastic eateries, bars and pubs.

Found this great information on Pub Club's Website:

Sundance Week at Park City!!!! We are kiddy corner from the Egyptian Theater how many A list movie stars do you think I will be booting up this week?

Go ahead Clint make my day!

Cheers,

Danna

Monday, January 12, 2009

On The Road Again

Sundance Film Festival week here in Park City Utah. Sundance runs from January 15th-25th. The busiest 10 days of Park City's year!

We plan to be very busy as we are located right in the heart of things, kiddy corner from the Egyptian Theater.

Scott heads southbound this week also for the Scottsdale Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show. The dates on that show is Jan. 22nd through Jan. 31st.

Destiny and Wendy head southbound this Wednesday. Destination, Buckeye Arizona where Destiny will barrel race and her and Wendy will have one of our mobile units set up at the Greg Olson Memorial Barrel Race.

Four locations going this week for the Burns Bunch. Busy, busy, busy! I love It!

Stop by and visit us at any of our locations for the best in Lucchese Boots, custom cowboy hats, leather jackets, custom made shirts and the best selection of western lifestyle accessories anywhere.

On the Road Again,

Hell Yeah!!!

Danna

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Inspire Me

I recently downloaded the song Cowgirls Don't Cry from artists Brooks and Dunn. The first time I heard it I thought my God they wrote my story, then I realized it is probably half of the cowgirls story.

When I was young the first memory I recall was climbing under a fence wrapping my arms around the legs of a horse, when I heard my father say whoa boy, snatching me up, as I received my first lesson in discipline.

Shortly after that I got my first pony, Shorty. Shorty took my brother and I on a ride I still can see if it were yesterday. He ran away with us running us under a guide wire taking us to the ground and removing any wind we had in our tiny little bodies.

When my father got to us the wind had come back and I began to cry. He picked me up to be sure I was okay, dusted me off and said "Cowgirls Don't Cry". He got on the pony all 6 foot 3 of him and tuned up Shorty. That was the last time Shorty ran away with us. My Dad made sure I got right back on.

Growing up with a father that loved race horses we had to learn how to ride aggressive horses. Many times I was dumped off and was encouraged that Cowgirls Don't Cry and get right back on.

When I was 28 my father was diagnosed with cancer and only lived 2 months, he was a legend in my mind, I worked every day with my father in our business, I went to all the horse races and events with him, we were inseparable.

Suddenly my world was tipped upside down. With a business to run two small children, I lost not only my Dad, but my boss and best friend. I certainly cried, but always alone. I pulled up my boot straps, went right back to work determined to learn everything about a 5th generation cowboy business. Being the first female to take over the reins of this hundred plus year family business.

Our past makes us who we are, I am a pretty tough Cowgirl because of mine.

Thanks to Brooks and Dunn for recording a song that stirred up old memories both good and bad.

Brooks And Dunn, Cowgirls Don't Cry Lyrics



Her daddy gave her, her first pony
Then taught her to ride
She climbed high in that saddle
Fell I don't know how many times
Taught her a lesson that she learned
Maybe a little too well
Cowgirls don't cry
Ride, baby, ride
lessons in life are going to show you in time
soon enough your gonna know why
it's gonna hurt every now and then
if you fall get back on again
Cowgirls don't cry
She grew up
She got married
Never was quite right
She wanted a house, a home and babies
He started coming home late at night
She didn't let him see it break her heart
She didn't let him see her fall apart'cause Cowgirls don't cry
Ride, baby, ride lessons in life are goinna' show you in time
soon enough your gonna know why it's gonna hurt every now and then
if you fall get back on again
Cowgirls don't cry
Phone rang early one morning
Her momma's voice, she'd been crying
Said it's your daddy, you need to come home
This is it, I think he's dying
She laid the phone down by his head
The last words that he said
Cowgirl don't cry
Ride, baby, ride
Lessons in life show us all in time
Too soon God lets you know why
If you fall get right back on
Good Lord calls everybody home
Cowgirl don't cry

Song's inspire us, let me know your stories about a song that inspires you.

Don't cry when it's over laugh that it happened!

Ride, Baby , Ride!!!

Danna

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Rave Reviews and Recipes


The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.

You don't have to actually answer the questions.

Just read the e-mail straight through,

and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.



How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.

These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields.

But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten.

Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.



Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life

are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money,

or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

Rave Reviews for Charles Schulz philosophy.

Enjoy and share your weekend with someone who cares.

Cheers,

Danna

Friday, January 9, 2009

Building a Following

My Web Administrator Tonia Lewis tries to keep me up to date with ways to improve my blog and bring me into the 21st Century. Her latest attempt of that is “Building a following.” This new gadget is designed to link followers of my site up with me and other blog enthusiasts.

When you login to blogger you will be able to see my most recent posts, and connect with other Cowboy’s and Cowgirl’s sites.

You can stay anonymous or share your information and deepest secrets like I do. This will be fun to watch this grow. I tell you, you tell them, they tell him, she tells her, they tell, well you get my drift.

We can laugh together, share inspirational stories, great reads and recipes, as well as horse tips and suggestions on all topics we wish to share.

Sharing our thoughts with each other, as we string many into the matrix, by spreading the word the numbers will become outrageously fun!

Just click on the follow this blog on the left side of your screen.

Happy trails are best traveled together,

Danna Burns-Shaw

Funny Friday

Subject: Why do men die first?

Why do men die first?
This is a question that has gone unanswered for centuries, but, now we know. It requires a bit of explanation, first:

If you put a woman on a pedestal and try to protect her from the rat race ... you're a male chauvinist.. If you stay home and do the housework ... you're a pansy. If you work too hard ... there's never any time for her. If you don't work enough ... you're a good-for-nothing bum. If she has a boring repetitive job with low pay .... this is exploitation. If you have a boring repetitive job with low pay .... you should get off your lazy behind and find something better. If you get a promotion ahead of her ... that is favoritism. If she gets a job ahead of you ... its equal opportunity.

If you mention how nice she looks ... its sexual harassment. If you keep quiet . its male indifference. If you cry ... you're a wimp. If you don't ... you're an insensitive bastard. If you make a decision without consulting her ... you're a chauvinist. If she makes a decision without consulting you, she's a liberated woman.
If you ask her to do something she doesn't enjoy ... that's domination. If SHE asks you ... it's a favor. If you appreciate the female form and frilly underwear ... you're a pervert. If you don't ... you're gay.

If you like a woman to shave her legs and keep in shape ... you're sexist. If you don't ... you're unromantic. If you try to keep yourself in shape ..... you're vain. If you don't ... you're a slob. If you buy her flowers ..... you're after something. If you don't ... you're not thoughtful. If you're proud of your achievements ... you're full of yourself. If you don't ... you're not ambitious. If she has a headache ... she's tired. If you have a headache ....... you don't love her anymore. If you want it too often ... you're oversexed. If you don't . there must be someone else.

Why do men die first? Because they want to.


TGIF
(Thank God I'm Female)

Danna

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Zen Horse

If you’re going to catch a horse out of a herd, always catch the horse that is easiest to catch first.

If you try to catch the spookiest horse first, he may try and run away and will influence the rest of the horses to do the same. But if you catch the easiest horse first, his calm attitude sets a good example for the rest of the horses and they can see that being caught is nothing to run from.

Continue catching all the horses until the hardest one to catch is left. Once this horse is by himself, he will be easier to catch because he will want to be with the other horses that have already been caught. Also, when it is just you and the horse in the pen, he will be more inclined to pay attention to you because he won’t be distracted by the other horses.

Clinton Anderson's Tip of the Week.

All of us horse owners have stories of trying to catch our horses out of the herd. Many of mine should be written up and used for Funny Friday, I can think of several off hand, most include gate issues. Trying to take out just the one I am going to ride can be a real challenge especially since I brought grain in, my speed method turns out taking longer than Clinton's method. Of course I always need an adventure story for the campfire later.

Happy Trails,

Danna

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Damn Good Stuff

After Christmas Sales!

Welcome to the end of year clearance savings!!! Here at Burns Saddlery you will find the lowest prices of the year right now!

50% Off on many items including, ladies outerwear, mens outerwear, leather jackets, boots, jewelry, home furnishings, and more.

Check out our website in Sale Barn or call for updated sale merchandise.

Stop into the Salina Store for the best selection.

Don't miss out, great deals only last a few weeks. Before there all picked over, drive to Salina or shop us online.

Holidays are over, Sales begin.

Stock up for Birthdays, Anniversary's, and take advantage of the best products at the lowest prices of the year.

New Year Sales,

Damn Good Stuff!

Cheers,

Danna

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Tipsy Tuesday

My tip today is to take and write down 5 or 10 things you want for yourself in 2009.

Not a resolution but an intention.

What do you intend to have happen in 2009.

If you can't come up with what you want, write 5 or 10 things you don't want to have happen in 2009, then write the opposite of that on the other half of the paper.

Make sure you then discard the don't wants and only focus on the wants.

I wrote several things down I intended and want for 2009. My tip this Tuesday is that you do the same. Keep the list somewhere you can reference, go to it often and always send out in thought what you want instead of what you don't want.

Energy flows where attention goes.

Happy trails come to a mind that intends happy trails,

Danna

Monday, January 5, 2009

On The Road Again

Talk slowly, think quickly. I read this recently and thought, wow now that's a quote to live by.

Words can be weapons or peace pipes. Choosing words carefully and observing their meanings, and how they affect the situation is crucial in living a happy productive life.

Going on the road for as many years as I have gifted me with hours to think,
listen, observe and not talk.

In retail much of your day is spent in conversation. While traveling to and from shows pulling a rig down the road the windshield becomes a 3X5 masterpiece of thought.

We create our tomorrow's by what we choose to think today. Using our minds to create is a natural phenomenon. Observing and directing our thoughts in the direction of what we want is the key to success and happiness.

As I enter into 2009 one of my many goals is to use my mind to give me what I desire. Using it to serve me and all others I come in contact with.

Traveling the road and listening to many fine audio programs as I traveled across the west hauling merchandise to sell at equestrian events has given me focus and clarity on the purpose of my life.

I will be ever grateful for all the wisdom that came from all the previous miles traveled. I write my future with no eraser.

May your travels bring you clarity and focus,

Danna Burns-Shaw

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Inspire Me

A Year of Time. . . . . . . . . . . . Steven B. Cloud,

…Though even thinking on the subject of time may prove discomforting, it is not a bad idea—especially at the beginning of a new year.

As we look into we look at a block of time. We see 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, 31,536,000 seconds. And all is a gift from God. We have done nothing to deserve it, earn it, or purchased it. Like the air we breathe, time comes to us as a part of life.

The gift of time is not ours alone. It is given equally to each person. Rich and poor, educated and ignorant, strong and weak—every man, woman and child has the same twenty-four hours every day.

Another important thing about time is that you cannot stop it. There is no way to slow it down, turn it off, or adjust it. Time marches on.

And you cannot bring back time. Once it is gone, it is gone. Yesterday is lost forever. If yesterday is lost, tomorrow is uncertain. We may look ahead at a full year’s block of time, but we really have no guarantee that we will experience any of it.

Obviously, time is one of our most precious possessions. We can waste it. We can worry over it. We can spend it on ourselves. Or, as good stewards, we can invest it in the kingdom of God.

The new year is full of time. As the seconds tick away, will you be tossing time out the window, or will you make every minute count?

Have a Inspiring Day,

Danna

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Rave Reviews and Recipes

Asian Dumpling SoupYield
Makes about 8 cups; 4 servings

Ingredients
1 can (49 oz.) low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
2 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 pound frozen potstickers or won tons
1/2 cup sliced green onion
Asian (toasted) sesame oil
Preparation

In a 5- to 6-quart pan, add chicken broth, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add potstickers or won tons and simmer, uncovered, until hot in center (cut to test), 6 to 8 minutes. Add sliced green onion. Serve in bowls and add Asian (toasted) sesame oil to taste.


Nutritional Information
Calories:395 (9.4% from fat)
Protein:16g
Fat:4.1g (sat 1.5)
Carbohydrate:72g
Fiber:2.7g
Sodium:1221mg
Cholesterol:16mg

Chinese New Year

When is Chinese New Year 2009?

Chinese New Year falls on Monday, January 26th 2009.

The Chinese New Year that is celebrated for about fifteen days is one moment in the year when the whole nation feels united as they can imagine each other's enjoyment. The Chinese New Year gets determined by the chinese new year calendar and therefore it is sometimes called the Lunar New Year. In 2009, the Chinese Lunar Year Festival would start from 26 th of January. As every one is aware of its significance, the working people in china can take weeks of holidays so that they can join the company of their near and dear ones and a feast with their family members on the chinese new year eve or Lunar New Year's Eve. Although with the changing times and increasing mobility of the people the celebration of Chinese New Year Festival has undergone some changes, everybody still very fervently follow all the customs that their elders have taught them.

No Regrets,

Danna

Friday, January 2, 2009

Funny Friday

Instructions on Showering:

Warning may be offensive to some that like to get offended over things.

Remeber it's Funny Friday!!! Lighten Up!!!

HOW TO SHOWER LIKE A WOMAN:

Take off clothing and place it in sectioned
laundry hamper according to lights and darks.
Walk to bathroom wearing long robe.
If you see husband along the way,
cover up any exposed areas.
Look at your womanly physique in the mirror --
make mental note to do more sit-ups/leg-lifts, etc.
Get in the shower. Use wash cloth, long loofah,
wide loofah and pumice stone.
Wash your hair once with cucumber and sage shampoo
with 43 added vitamins.
Wash your hair again to make sure it's clean.
Condition your hair with grapefruit mint condition
Wash your face with crushed apricot facial scrub
10 minutes until red.
Wash entire rest of body with ginger nut
and jaffa cake body wash.
Rinse conditioner off hair.
Shave armpits and legs.
Rinse off.
Turn off shower.
Squeegee off all wet surfaces in shower.
Spray mold spots with Tilex..
Get out of shower.
Return to bedroom wearing long robe and towel on head.
If you see husband along the way, cover up any exposed areas.


HOW TO SHOWER LIKE A MAN:

Take off clothes while sitting on the edge of the bed,
and leave them in a pile.
Walk naked to the bathroom.
If you see wife along the way, shake wiener at her
making the woo-woo sound.
Look at your manly physique in the mirror.
Admire the size of your wiener and scratch your butt.
Get in the shower. Wash your face.
Wash your armpits.
Blow your nose in your hands and let the water.
rinse them off.
Fart and laugh at how loud it sounds in the shower.
Spend majority of time washing privates and surronding areas.
Wash your butt, leaving those coarse butt hairs on the bar of soap.
Wash your hair. Make a Shampoo Mohawk.
Pee.
Rinse off and get out of shower.
Partially dry off.
Fail to notice the water on floor because curtain was hanging out of tub the whole time.
Admire wiener size in mirror again.
Leave shower curtain open, wet mat on floor,
and light and fan on.
Return to bedroom with towel around waist.
If you pass wife, pull off towel, shake wiener at her,
and make the woo-woo sound again.
Throw wet towel on bed.
If there is anyone who did not laugh at the truth behind this, there is something SO very wrong with you.


Have a great day..... and woo woo!!!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Dalai Lama's Peace Prize Acceptance SpeechYour Majesty, Member of the Nobel Committee, Brothers and Sisters:

I am very happy to be here with you today to receive the Nobel Prize for peace. I feel honored, humbled, and deeply moved that you should give this important prize to a simple monk from Tibet. I am no one special. But I believe the prize is a recognition of the true value of altruism, love, compassion, and nonviolence which I try to practice, in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha and the sages of India and Tibet. I accept the prize with profound gratitude on behalf of all of the oppressed everywhere and for all those who struggle for freedom and work for world peace. I accept it as a tribute to the man who founded the modern tradition of nonviolent action for change- Mahatama Gandhi-whose life taught and inspired me. And, of course, I accept it on behalf of the six million Tibetan people, my brave countrymen and women inside Tibet, who have suffered and continue to suffer so much. They confront a calculated and systematic strategy aimed at the destruction of their national and cultural identities. The prize reaffirms our conviction that with truth, courage, and determination as our weapons, Tibet will be liberated.

No matter what part of the world we come from, we are all basically the same human beings. We all seek happiness and try to avoid suffering. We have basically the same human needs and concerns. All of us human beings want freedom and the right to determine our own destiny as individuals and as peoples. That is human nature. The great changes that are taking place in the world, from Eastern Europe to Africa, are a clear indication of this. ...

... As a Buddhist monk, my concern extends to all members of the human family and, indeed, to all the sentient beings who suffer. I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction.

Yet true happiness comes from a sense of peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion, and elimination of ignorance, selfishness, and greed.

The problems we face today, violent conflicts, destruction of nature, poverty, hunger, and so on, are human created problems which can be resolved through human effort, understanding, and a development of a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. We need to cultivate a universal responsibility for one another and the planet we share. Although I have found my own Buddhist religion helpful in generating love and compassion, even for those we consider our enemies, I am convinced that everyone can develop a good heart and a sense of universal responsibility with or without religion.

With the ever-growing impact of science in our lives, religion and spirituality have a greater role to play reminding us of our humanity. There is no contradiction between the two. Each gives us valuable insights into each other. Both science and the teaching of the Buddha tell us of the fundamental unity of all things. This understanding is crucial if we are to take positive and decisive action on the pressing global concern with the environment.

I believe all religions pursue the same goals, that of cultivating human goodness and bringing happiness to all human beings. Though the means may appear different, the ends are the same.

As we enter the final decade of this century, I am optimistic that the ancient values that have sustained mankind are today reaffirming themselves to prepare us for a kinder, happier twenty-first century.

I pray for all of us, oppressor and friend, that together we succeed in building a better world through human understanding and love, and that in doing so we may reduce the pain and suffering of all sentient beings.

Thank you.

Tenzin Gyatso

14th Dalai Lama of Tibet December 10, 1989, Oslo, Norway, Earth

HAPPINESS TO ALL HUMAN BEINGS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Danna