My blog has been very, very quiet lately… well, there is good reason for this… there is A LOT going on in my life right now!! There are a lot of new and exciting changes that are occurring and I can’t wait to tell you all about them!! Unfortunately, I can’t tell you everything right now… but… one thing I can tell you is that I have finally created my own website!!!
MY NEW WEBSITE!!
Please go over to KristieMay.com and check it out!!! And, change your link to my blog because it is moving over there!!! All of the new and exciting things will be posted over there… so check in often or subscribe to my weekly newsletter once you get there.
This post could also be titled ‘Why I No Longer Run’ and it would work just the same.
There is so much talk about the Budweiser Super Bowl Commercial that I’m sure you’ve seen it, but if not, watch it now. Watch it before you read any further.
Now, I’ve talked about my workouts already and in that post I mentioned that I now carry a side arm during my workout. I didn’t explain the story.
One of my favorite places to walk is up the old ski area close to our house. Nate and my brother both used to live up there so I had been even before I moved here but I hadn’t done much exploring.
One of the views from the ski area.
Nate will shoe horses up there from time to time and if I’m free I always go with him. While he is shoeing, Yancy and I will walk, it’s very mountainous and its so quiet. One of the first walks I went on up there, I forgot my gun. No big deal, I thought, what is the likelihood I’ll need it.
I’ll never make that mistake again.
Yancy and I wandered all over the mountain. We walked past the old warming hut [where both guys had lived before], I found a cute little stream and a walking path but soon went back to the main road. We were walking straight up the mountain on the road when we heard a bark. I thought nothing of it for a second. Yancy got so excited he wanted to check it out.
Then it dawned on me, it has to be a coyote.
I started screaming at Yancy, who was almost half way between the coyote and myself. Luckily, Yancy listened to me [even though he thought the idea thru in his head first] and came back to my side.
I started cursing my thoughts and wished I had went back to the car to get the gun because now the coyote was heading towards us. I didn’t know what to do so I started screaming, as loud as I could, for Nate. I knew better than to run so I started walking down the mountain. It was so steep that it was hard to walk backwards, but I wanted to walk backwards so I could keep an eye on the coyote.
As we walked, the coyote followed us. When I would scream, the coyote would stop, so I screamed a lot. I had nothing in my hands to throw at him if he got to close and if he decided to charge us I had nothing to defend us with. So, I reached down and grabbed a rock. And then I prayed that if I had to use it I would be like David.
We continued to walk down the mountain, on the road, and the coyote continue to follow us. I continued screaming until we got to the warming hut.
I didn’t really know what to do. The coyote was about 20 yards from us and we were in the open. He was looking at us, we were looking at him, but I had a decision to make. Do we go into the warming hut or do we take the turn in the road and go into the wooded area of the walk. Up until now we were in a huge opening. I was nervous that the coyote would want to make his attack under the cover of the trees. But, even though I knew the warming hut was open but I didn’t think it was a good idea to go in there. At least, that is what I thought at the time. Now I wonder why I thought that, but hindsight is 20/20, right?
Then he did the coyote howl. Which made the hair on the back of my head stand up. Then I heard the sound of coyotes in the background howl. Which made my heart drop.
But, next the coyote turned 90 degrees and started walking away from us. I continued screaming and decided to take the road. I wanted to get back to Nate. As soon as we got into the bend with the trees I started running and didn’t quit until we were out of the trees and back into an opening.
Walking down the road.
Now I could see the barn. I knew we were close to safety but I was certain that the coyote was still on our trail. As I continued screaming and walking towards the barn, Nate finally heard me [when he is shoeing he has music playing and a forge going… its hard to hear almost anything] but instead of thinking it was me he thought it was a goat in the distance. So, he had just come out to see if he could find the goat on one of the rock cliffs.
As soon as I got close to Nate, I broke down and fell into him. Nate was thinking I saw a bear. The only thing I could say was coyote thru my hysterical crying and when Nate looked up he saw the coyote. Less than 20 yards away.
He yelled at Yancy to get into the truck and yelled at the other guy who was there [the guy who’s horses Nate was shoeing] to get the gun from the truck and go after the coyote. Nate would have done so but I wouldn’t let go of him.
Up here you better be carrying.
We never did get that coyote but I did learn a valuable lesson that day, always carry my gun. After the commercial, I know Nate and I need some Clydesdales.
One thing I failed to mention was that it was my first year attending. Last year was technically my first year living at 8,000 feet however last January Nate and I went to Cambodia so we missed out on the event. I’m very glad that we were able to go this year! I have heard nothing but amazing things regarding this event and it did not disappoint.
What happens when you get a bunch of cowboys together? A lot of leather, guns and whisky!!
So, leading up to the weekend we had our schedule all planned out, my clothes all laid out, and a car full of gas. One thing I know is that when you have eight people evolved with a plan, everything is subject to change. Schedule, out the window. Clothes that were packed were pushed aside for brand new clothes [oh how I miss living next to a mall]. But luckily, the car worked beautifully.
First change of plans… I was planning to take Monday off and leave on Friday. Instead, I took Friday off so Nate and I could leave on Thursday. Second change of plans, Nate and I figured we would relax Thursday night to prep for the weekend.
Yancy, apparently, is not a big fan of changed plans…
On the drive over to Denver, our friend [nicknamed] Gassy gave us a call to let us know he got us entrance to a VIP event. So, instead of resting up for the weekend, Nate and I found ourselves at an extra concert. I’m so glad we were able to go too… all the artists performing that weekend were there and each either did two songs or two poems! There were a lot of artists so it was a long concert but it was wonderful. And, when the artists were not performing they were mingling in the lobby so I got to meet a few of them. Two artist I got introduced to on Thursday night were Mikki Daniels and Eli Barsi. Both are wonderful artists and I was completely amazed at how friendly they were. And, I’m glad we were introduced to Mikki since that was the ONLY time we actually got to hear her sing on stage. We somehow missed out on her other concerts.
Quick side note: I am very amazed at the artist over the weekend. Every one of them were so inclusive to our group and genuinely as thankful that were were there as we were that they were. I guess I’m just so used to other music genres giving music artists a bad name. Most of the artist at this event are winners of the western music’s and poetry’s version of the grammys.
Dave Stamey singing on Thursday Night
During intermission, Gassy was cleaver enough to get an opportunity to say hi to Dave Stamey and we were all lucky enough to find out that he didn’t have dinner plans on Saturday. So, we got to have another change of plans.
After a late night on Thursday, I got up early Friday to do some shopping [I am a city girl at heart, after all]. Dan and Alyse came over to join us on Friday so Alyse got to get some big city shopping in too! It was great to have everyone all together.
Jam Session
Friday night was food, friends, and concerts. We went to one amazing concert followed by an equally amazing jam session.
If your like me before this weekend, you don’t know that jam session means that the artists get together after the concert. They sing, say poetry, and have a very good time.
Generally the jam session is only for the artists. But, somehow, our group was invited!!! Even though I had nothing to contribute, I was so happy to be a part of it. And it was fun watching everyone else participate!
There were a few from our group who did participate in the jam sessions. Gassy’s daughter can play the violin so she got in the mix [she’s got her back to the picture in the Jam Session photo]. Randy also did two of his poems. His Buckaroo in Baghdad poem is published here. Even though I’ve read the published version it was brought to a different level when hearing it read.
A little ‘Gassy’ in the backseat on the way to the rodeo.
Saturday I got to have another first. I went to my first real rodeo! I say real because I’ve been to our local rodeo but there is no comparison between the two. Nate was a proud husband taking me there! He is an ex-bull rider and has done a few other events in the rodeo. He had a great time introducing me to ‘his world’ and teaching me a thing or two about the rodeo. After the rodeo was the stock show. I learned that people actually blow dry a cow. Did you know this??? If you don’t believe me Google ‘Blow Dry Cow’ and your world will be changed. It was a lot of fun walking around the stock show and seeing all the different animals… unfortunately they wouldn’t let us touch them… not even the bow dried cows!!
Dinner with Dave Stamey and his wife and Bob Bovee
We didn’t have tickets to the concert on Saturday night but we did have our dinner with Dave and his wife. We were lucky enough to be joined by another artist, Bob Bovee too. It was great to get to know them all a little bit more. We have a pretty fun group to begin with but they all added a bit of something to our mix! Saturday night we went to another jam session. Alyse and I were so tired we had to bail early but Gassy and Randy had a great time staying out until sunrise.
Eli Barsi & Her Husband
Sunday afternoon we went to our final concert for the weekend and it was bittersweet. We were all exhausted and ready to go home to sleep but we also wanted the fun to continue. I think the highlight for the group was having Liz Masterson call out “Gassy, Randy and the crew” right before announcing Dave Stamey. Nate’s highlight was probably Dave singing ‘Mariah’ to start his show. Randy’s highlight was probably Dave calling him out from the stage to be the train whistle for Dave’s new song.
All in all it was a wonderful weekend spent with some amazing friends! Glad I was able to meet a few new people and learn a little bit more about Nate’s past in rodeo and getting to understand more his love for western music the lifestyle. I may still like to get my clothes from the city but I’m becoming more and more western every day!
One of the first things I crochet when I first learn was hearts. Hearts were an amazing item to make since they force you to use pretty much every crochet stitch available. And, since at 8,000 feet we don’t have good internet, I had to download a few YouTube videos to my computer so I could use them at home to learn from.
If/when you ever decide you want to learn how to crochet I highly recommend using videos. I tried to just use written directions at first and failed miserably! Once I used a video I was off and running!
So, I made a few different hearts to learn. One of them was with a very cute lime green color. And when I was done with it I wanted to put it on something! So, next I learned how to make a mug cozy.
Crochet tea cup cozy – Front
Crochet tea cup cozy back
It took a few tries to get it right [but hey, I was learning!] but once I got it I really loved the results!!
It’s been so long since I’ve made the cozy I couldn’t tell you which pattern I used to make it, however, I have a TON of patterns in my Crochet [Coffee] board. Check out the patterns if you want to make one of your own.
Or, if you prefer for me to make you something, just send me an email and I would be happy to help you out!
This past weekend a group of us headed to Denver for the Cowboy Poetry Gathering [as I just mentioned in my last post] and we had a blast! I’ll have to write up more of a summary soon but for right now I want to mention the first song Dave Stamey sang on Friday night, Come Ride With Me.
I have always really enjoyed this song but when he sang it Friday night it went to a different level or, you could say, I heard it differently. As he was singing all I could hear was Nate’s and my courtship written out in song form.
Since we spent our whole dating relationship apart [me in Cambodia and Nate here in the mountains] we couldn’t do much but we could talk about a ton. And Nate would talk about how much he couldn’t wait for me to be here so he could show me around and do all the things that, basically, Dave talks about in this song.
You could just listen to the song, but written out its so beautiful too…
Come ride with me Time to saddle up n’ ride away Is so much to see Don’t worry I know the trails I know the way
I can’t tell you the number of time Nate talked about all the different trails that he loves out here and where he wanted to take me. And, he always assured me he knows the way. In the past year I really got to see this and feel the security of riding a horse with someone who knows the way, even if I feel lost.
I caught a gentle horse His eyes are big and brown He’s ready to carry you the whole world round Come ride with me, let’s ride away
Come take a chance I’ll show you where the mountains touch the sky It’s a horse back dance And we can ride forever if we try
There are a few points on my favorite horseback ride that you can see where the mountains really do touch the sky. Its so beautiful to look at the mountains seemingly dance with the clouds or the sun peak thru the mountains. Or to watch the sun rise and set. Its absolutely amazing.
That dream in the distance There for you to chase Out in the sunrise with the wind on your face Come ride with me, let’s ride away
The smell of the leather, the sunlight on your skin They’ve got us achin’ to begin The rumble of hoof beats much stronger than wine The dust in your hair, the light in your eyes
I’m not going to say we haven’t had a little cocktail or two when we get to a lunch spot in our ride. And it is funny how the smell of leather while horseback [even though I smell it every day in the house — a ‘perk’ of having Nate’s shop in the house] is pretty amazing. And having the sun shine and wind on your face isn’t shabby either.
Come ride with me We’ll run the hills and watch the eagles soar It’s where you want to be So tell me just what you’re waitin’ for
When I was in Cambodia, Nate asked me more than once what I was waiting for. I had obligations there I had to finish up and I had a group of pretty amazing kids I didn’t want to just leave. But I’m so happy where God has taken me in my journey. Right now, we can see the eagles soar around our house almost daily. Its such a majestic sight.
We’ll camp near the meadow and we’ll love the night away And saddle up again when the dawn is turnin’ gray Come ride with me, let’s ride away
I can’t believe the ride I have been on in my life. I have been taken all over the world and met some pretty amazing people and have been blessed enough to do some pretty amazing things. And, its pretty amazing to look at my life and feel so content and know this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. And I’m riding with exactly who I’m supposed to be riding with.
This week has been a bit less hectic than last week and I’ve gotten to look thru Pinterest quite a bit trying to get ideas for upcoming projects. I’ve gotten so many great options that I can’t wait to try out and learn how to do, now I just need to find time to do them!
Isn’t this necklace collar absolutely beautiful!
Jewelry || I’ve been toying with the idea of getting into making crochet jewelry and now I want to learn even more!! I found this site, not in English, but gives diagrams on how to make this. I can’t wait to start!
Cross Stitch Coffee Mug. I want to make it now!
Cross Stitch || I haven’t talked about cross stitch much on this site yet however I am a semi-avid cross-stitch-er. By semi-avid I mean I’ve made some for gifts and I have a huge French/flower needlepoint project that I’ve been working on for years. I tend to like to do needlepoint when I’m tired of other projects I’m working on. But, wouldn’t this coffee cross-stitch be super cute by the coffee maker?!?!
Music || This weekend Nate, I and the gang are over in Denver for the Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Denver Stock Show. One of Nate’s [now you can say Nate/my] favorite singers is Dave Stamey. This past year I was able to watch him live for the first time and we are excited to be seeing him again this weekend. The YouTube video is one of Nate’s favorite songs.
So many people I know are having babies!!! I recently made the crochet baby hats and the crochet baby blanket but those were for two different orders. My neighbor’s daughter is also pregnant and I wanted to make her a little something for her baby.
In my Pinterest account, I have been saving different options for baby gifts or orders that I think are super adorable and when I was figuring out what I wanted to make I thought a moose would be way too cute.
I got the original pattern from Deviant Art and I made the bull moose following the pattern exactly [except I used a bigger crochet hook than what was called for]. On the cow moose I used the crochet hook that was called for but changed up a few things that I didn’t so much like on the bull moose. For example, I thought the black feet came up too high so I lowered the foot part on the cow. I also, of course, removed the antlers.
They look so cute together!
And this what what happened. Are they not absolutely adorable?? You can’t just get the front view, you need side views right??
Love the moose!!!
Here is the guy from a little bit of a side angle, you can see the back foot at least. I had so much fun trying to find a spot for the pictures.
Yancy photo bomb!
Even Yancy wanted to get into the action and see what I was doing. He also had a habit of coming up to smell the moose. Luckily he didn’t feel the need to try to take it from me. No moose were harmed in the photography!!
How cute are the moose!?!?
Apparently these are moose who like to get up in the saddle. They are just too adorable!!
I finally have the crochet blanket finished and ready to be sent out to the new owner. If you remember back to this post and this post, I showed you where I got the pattern from and a quick update on my progress. It took me way longer than I thought it would but it turned out so good!! I’m so proud to have my first crochet blanket accomplished!
When I was laying out the squares I realized that the blanket was going to be too small. I had a decision to make, I could either make more squares or I could make my current squares bigger. I elected on the second option and added one additional row around each square before putting them all together.
Do you like the blanket in the background??
I think I made the right choice, I like how there is a bit more room between each circle. The picture above is a bit of a sneak peek at my upcoming post but it was the only picture I liked of the blanket laid out.
Finally, I’ve finished the blanket!! I think it turned out wonderfully!
I’m so excited that I can send this off to the new owner. Hope their baby enjoys the blanket as much as I have enjoyed putting it together!
I have previously mentioned that I tend to make muffins fairly regularly. Well, those muffins are ones that I make for Nate. However, I am not a huge fan of carrot muffins. So, I take that recipe, remove the carrots and flax, and [sometimes] add peanut butter to make a muffin recipe for me.
I love my muffin recipe!!! I love it so much I pretty much have one for breakfast with a banana five days a week. Muffins are so easy to tote to work!! And, since I head out the door at 7am for my hour-ish commute every day, I’m generally not hungry before I go into work.
My morning glory muffins didn’t last long enough like this!
However, there is a little problem of shelf life with my delicious little muffins… as in they don’t stay yummy long enough for me to eat them all. I first tried putting them all in the fridge but that didn’t extend the shelf life long enough. So then I started to freeze them. Which worked perfectly but I couldn’t add butter to them before I left for work. And, why keep a stick of butter at my desk for my morning muffin?? That seemed just silly.
After a few months of thinking I finally came up with the most ingenious idea. So great that I couldn’t keep it to myself. An idea this fantastic I had to share with others!
To make my muffins last I decided to add butter to the muffins before I freeze them. So… here is what I did.
I took all the muffins out of the plastic bag that I have pictured above. I then cut each muffin in half and add butter to one of the halves…
Cut in half, butter added, closed back up
Then I closed each muffin back up so that I could individually wrap them.
I grabbed the cling wrap out of the cupboard and went to work wrapping them…
Muffins all wrapped up
Back into the large ziplock bag the individually wrapped muffins went and all of the made it into the freezer.
Now, I just have to grab the muffin out each morning and take it to work. Generally by the time I get to work its thawed and I warm it up in the microwave to melt the butter.
This week has been a bit different, a bit hectic, and a bit overwhelming [but more on that later]. That being said, I have a little bit different Favorites this week. Generally I love to scour the internet to find interesting blogs or things related to some of my favorite topics [food, fashion, crafting, etc] but since this week was so crazy most of my favorites actually came from the Today Show, since that is what I watch every morning while I’m getting ready.
Golden Globes || To be honest, I didn’t watch the Golden Globes but I did enjoy watching the highlights on the Today Show the next day. This ‘joke’ about George Clooney made me laugh out loud [which can be very difficult to do before 7am] so I thought it was worth sharing.
Music || As I watched the Today Show this morning, I thought DJ Earworm was brilliant with this mashup of pop music from 2014. I have listened to it several times this morning and can’t get enough of it! Enjoy!!
Kristie May 