I learned a very important lesson yesterday, one that I seem to have to relearn quite often. PICKING YOUR BATTLES
One would think it's a simple lesson to learn and to remember. Yet I seem to lose track of past experiences and let my emotions take the reins. I have the ability to let little things roll off my back but its big things such as seeing someone scam people or carry on a facade and profiting from their deceit, that fires me up! I just can't stand seeing someone receive credit they have not earned. Anyone who works with me knows this fact and they also know I am a firm believer in ethics and hard work. But that's a whole other post. Back on track now.....
Knowing that I cannot keep my mouth shut when I witness the rise of a scammer, I need to learn to walk away if any attempts to point out the facts end up just adding more power to the person's game. See these types are successful with their scam because simply they talk a good game, place fault on all those who question it, and have loyal followers who have been brainwashed by their "knowledge"
The sad fact is people don't want to believe they are being scammed and they won't believe anyone who tries to help them before its too late. Those doing the warning just end up look like well a hateful bitch. Its almost like an addict, you can't really help them till they admitt they need help.
So all you can do is, if anyone asks, you tell them your opinion and you wait. You wait till it all comes out because in the end it WILL come out.
I learned yesterday, I couldn't fix anything outside my own little world and even there I can only control and fix so much. Picking a battle against an opponent who knows NO boundaries is pointless and dangerous. There is no way to win when the other will stop at nothing to make sure they aren't found out or defeated.
Learning this, I can now step away from the situation knowing I tried, no one listened, but least I am not the one falling victim. And I can say the people I surround myself with are the REAL THING no deceit needed.
Stay Pretty
Danielle
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Last weekend I took some time off from everything. No blogging, no work, and no stress. The week before was an incredibly trying one. We had some things happen that forced us to take a long hard look at our plans and the direction in which we were traveling. Nothing tragic but the issues were disappointing and a tad unsettling. I am one who is a believer in Fate and had just had a talk with Missy about how fate had played a major part in both our lives. So when events started transpiring, I had to comfort myself with the whole "things happen for a reason" cliche.
But now with a little time, I realize that this all has been a good thing and really has forced us to look at what we REALLY want for our lives and what we need to do to get there. Contrary to what most might think, the thing I crave most is simplicity. After years of living a hectic lifestyle, I now more than anything cherish peace and quiet.
There was a lesson I learned a few years ago, during a really tough time in our lives, we were living in our horse trailer, making just enough to feed ourselves and keep our cell phones on, but we were honestly the happiest we had ever been. Because it was simple. We were working towards a greater goal, our dreams. As things got better financially, I think we lost sight of what we REALLY wanted and went with what everyone said was the best for us.
Well after some time of feeling like our choices were bordering on bi-polar, we finally had that light bulb moment that we need to get back to the initial simple goal. Luckily along this road, fate has put us in a position to really make these things happen.
So
that's where we are, getting back to the root of this all. Thinking and dreaming of simplicity and taking the steps to get there. I will fill you all in as things become concrete and will even cover a lot of it on
Cowgirl TV.
So here we are at a crossroads and it feels right because fate will step in and lead me where we need to go. It always has before
Stay Pretty
Danielle
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In all business especially horses, you see two sorts of people. Those who are gracious and humble. You know the ones who are successful from hard work and have stuck to their principles even when temptation flaunted some lovely perks in their face. Then you have the ones, who are so successful in their own minds that they are willing to slit the throats of any person who may question their motives or actual worth. Recently I have been seeing more of the latter type than I would like. And frankly it really pisses me off. In fact its something I am feeling really passionate about these days.
See I am all for being proud of your success. I am proud of mine and will openly share the fact but I never want to come off pompous. I am proud of my husband's success but don't feel the need to downplay others equally as fabulous success just to make his seem more deserving. I am proud of all the knowledge my mother has given me about life and the horse business. But would I look at someone who has any knowledge to share even though it may not be my exact thinking and "say well that's all well and good but because you don't think the same EXACT way as me, your wrong and I am going to degrade you now."
See it all comes down to the big fish in the little pond adage. Its very easy to convince a small population of newcomers to believe anything whether it be business or horses that your way is the only way. Its because they are so open and excited to learn. But what happens when they leave that little pond thinking they have the knowledge and direction to survive in the big ocean? Only to find out they are like a goldfish in the shark tank. Well they find themselves a sharks prey. Being the big fish in a little pond only works if you have survived in the ocean and can bring your little pond some useful survival skills.
But "big fish" don's always think like this, instead they become sharks eating up all the goldfish who may question their "motives". They degrade and defame all those who may unseat them from their throne of power and they herd all their little fish into a corner and vilify the fish who had the NERVE to question. These big fish are also the first ones to criticize anyone given an opportunity even if it is for something they have never attempted to do themselves. Of course they don't do it in a way that is supportive or helpful. But instead in a public forum so they can further convince the other fish that their way is truly the only way. One thing you will never see a little fish who became the shark do is step outside their little pond. Why? Because they have easy prey in their small pond and the sharks in the ocean are much more cunning than those in the pond.
In these uncertain times, I think its important that no matter the size of pond you may be swimming in, that you keep in mind that for us all to succeed we need to educate ourselves, see all sides of situations, and prepare ourselves for the sharks swimming amongst us.
Stay Pretty
Danielle
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There was a girl who met a boy. She and this boy had crazy adventures living the life of gypsies traveling to far of arenas. This girl started a blog and the blog grew. As life changed so did the little blog. It covered fashion, beauty then a BABY. This blog gave birth to a business that like the baby grew and grew. Soon it seems the little blog no longer was needed. Because see the girl now had a baby, horses, her cowboy, a ranch, and business. But the girl thought and thought about the little blog who was her place of comfort through all the crazy times and how THIS little blog changed her life in so many ways. What was the girl to do with this poor ignored little blog?
Bring it back to life!!!!!!
Yes my lovelies, I am bringing back Cowgirl Chic. I know I have been ignoring it a tad. But I know you understand with Haute Cowgirl, Cowgirl TV, and Cowgirl Life Radio growing so quickly. But amongst it all I realized I need my own place. A place to share what's happening on the home front. So I may not post daily but I promise weekly. But I can promise this blog is back and not going anywhere. Why? Because Cowgirl Chic started it all.
So what has been going on you ask? TONS!!!!
Let's start with house stuff.
Well our house has had issues and the purchase of the house has been aggravating. And not because of any fault of ours. But with the vast amounts of rain we have had some problems arose (actually lots of water rose) and we were forced to make a choice. So that brings us too.............
WE ARE MOVING THE 2nd week of July into a place that can only be described as PERFECT for us. Yes, more money than we planned to spend but it has a covered arena, 15 stalls, more acreage, lovely pastures, comfy house, and NO STANDING WATER.
With that comes my husband's business expanding, more on that coming soon along with his website.
Other news..
Taylor is huge and 18 months old tomorrow. He is in full toddler mode and keeping us on our toes and stocked with wine. Being a mom to a toddler is much like being a leader of a small village that has a rebel militia attempting to overthrow you. I have no clue where he inherited the hard head from? (snicker)
Business-
Business is Fabulous. The addition of Kadi as my business partner has been a blessing. That's all I can say. She ROCKS.
Horses-
We have plenty and they are doing well. I am riding more my new gelding Deuce and I LOVE him! Cutting shows here I come.
Life-
Is good, busy, crazy, fabulous, frustrating, and rewarding. I am blessed in so many ways.
So no fear my fab readers the blog is back and we aint goin anywhere
Stay Pretty
D
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I am blessed. I mean VERY blessed. I have an amazing son, a loving husband, a comfortable life, and my dreams seem to be coming true very quickly lately. I won't lie though it scares the crap out of me. I tend to be rather pessimistic at times. For good reason, I have experienced a some craptastic stuff in my past. So when things get really good, I start to freak out. Its as I am waiting for the floor to give out and take it all away. I hate to sound like a glass half empty type of person because really I am not that way. Its just a deep fear that I carry. A fear that I will lose what I cherish most. I wasn't like this in my flippant youth. In fact I didn't worry bout much until I became a mom. Not only did I gain a few extra pounds, I gained a whole bunch of worry. If I had my way everything and everyone I love would live in a big huge air purified, bullet proof, luxurious bubble. With armed guards. And a cannon. Oh and a direct line to Louis Vuitton and Sephora (ok that's for me but come on I am living in a bubble I deserve luxury) But obviously no such bubble exists. And all I am left with is faith. I don't care who you have faith in. Its not about your religion or what god you believe in. Its about that thing deep down that keeps you going through really scary times. Faith in the fact you to will make it through the storm. It may be with a few scars, lots of tears, and some regrets but you make it through. And usually you come out of it all a better person or at least a stronger one.
But your faith shouldn't reserved only for your tough times but it should be shared daily with others who are struggling. The funny thing about faith is the more you share it, the more it grows. No matter how much you bestow on another it always seems you have more than you first thought. Tonight there is a family that could use a lot of faith, prayers, and happy thoughts.
They have a sick but strong little boy with an amazing mom who has enough faith and spirit to share with a bunch of strangers the scary journey they are on. So tonight have faith and share some with someone who needs it. I know I will! And I may see if ebay has a bubble.
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Quick post to update you all. We moved, it glorious, big, unfinished, and needs work. But it feels like home already. More later
Its very very blue!!
vinyl fencing and plenty of pasture = heaven. (This is the driveway)
And here are a few from inside
More to come!!!
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Blogging has added many things to my life, a creative outlet, a business, and FRIENDS. Blogging has connected me with people that I never wise would have connected with. These are people who without any plan have become part of my daily life. They understand my journey, my passion, and my drive. They work like me which is so unusual from my pre-blogging life friends. I have made many friends but TWO stand out. They are my pillars of strength, my go-to girls, and my confidants. I may not know them in the face to face sense but I know them. I connect with them daily and I show them a part of me most don't see.
First off my gal Missy, you were my first advertiser on HC, you believed in ME and my vision, and you have become such a a great friend. You accept my blonde days, my anal days, and my chill days. You started out as a business contact but ended up being an cherished friend. I adore your creativity, your patience and your drive. I feel it was destined for us to connect. You understand the challenges the ranch life vs. the couture life brings. We brainstorm together,laugh together, and bitch together. I am so honored to have you on this journey with me.
Then comes my gal Kadi, oh my oh my. Kadi has been my PIC (Partner In Crime) for awhile now. You let me channel my wild child, speak about my opinions on blogging, and been there for all the parenting questions I have. I trust you as a business partner and as a friend, my day is lost without speaking to you. You, my friend, motivate and inspire me. Thankyou for being my friend, my partner and my muse. You are a cowgirl without even knowing it.
My sweet cowgirls, please remember that friendship goes the distance, whether it be the internet or state lines. Friends don't have to be local to be loyal. There are many more people I didn't mention who mean so much to me and I love you all. Please remember that to be successful it takes a team, one of support, one of love, and one of accepetance.
Stay Pretty
Danielle
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