Petticoats on the Prairie

Shout It From The Roof Tops!

2012-02-22T12:04:00.000-08:00

Who would have ever thunk it, Mabel? When a group of talented women got together in May of 2010 there were certainly dreams of having a vintage show that made national news, but quite honestly I may have simply thought that it was a castle in the air beyond my reach. My other Rodeo Queen dear hearts may have had grander schemes, and for that I am extremely grateful. We have produced 3 very successful shows in West Texas and are now taking the whole Petticoats on the Prairie experience ON THE ROAD to beautiful Waxahachie, Texas on March 17th.

To be mentioned in the highly popular FLEA MARKET STYLE magazine produced by Ki Nassauer is simply amazing. We have been listed as one of the top small vintage markets in the United States and we are HONORED and HUMBLED and so extremely THANKFUL to be recognized for doing something that we absolutely love doing!

Thank you to Barbara Eaves for putting into words what we feel every day. We love our West Texas prairies where the skies are really and truly wide and high, and the stars at night are big and bright. And you know what else? We have coyotes, jack rabbits, real live honest-to-goodness cowboys and cowgirls, sage in bloom, and bluebonnets in spring. Where else in Texas would it actually snow at Easter and cover gorgeous fields of bluebonnets?

via Texas Hill Country on Facebook

So THANK YOU FLEA MARKET MAGAZINE for making us so very happy in the land we love... DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS!

SEE YOU IN WAXAHACHIE ON MARCH 17TH!

"Under the Big Top" Vintage Market in Waxahachie!

2012-02-13T10:54:00.000-08:00

Time is flying by too fast!! Just a little over a month from now, we will be in beautiful Waxahachie for our very first Roadshow!! The idea had been floating around for awhile, but then one day I recieved a Facebook message from Cindy Mayfield of the Paper Cowgirls. She was wanting to team up with us for a creative event!! We knew right then it was meant to be, and we got busy planning all the details. A quick roadtrip was made up to Waxahachie.....

We made plans with Cindy to meet up at the Dove's Nest...a magical store and fabulous restaurant in downtown Waxahachie....

And over a yummy lunch, plans were made for "Cowgirls and Petticoats" A Creative Round-up and Shopping Extravagaza!

We could not have done this without the help of Cindy Mayfield, her enthusiasm and networking skills are unrivaled! She made us feel right at home and it felt like we had known her for years. She has an incredible 2 days of classes lined up on March 15th and 16th. Please check out her website for all the details and to sign up at www.papercowgirl.blogspot.com. Here is just one of the classes, taught by Dawn Edmondson!

Cindy hooked us up with Anita Williamson also, who is the Director of Downtown Development. Thanks so much Anita for making time for us and helping with marketing and advertising options for the show! Then it was time to check out our venue...the Historical Chautauqua Auditorium in Getzendaner Park. John Smith, Director of Parks and Recreation took us on a tour of the beautiful building.

We are so blessed to have made these connections with these people, and are so excited to be a part of this incredible event! We do hope you will mark your calendar and come on out to see all of us at the show. Thank you to Lara Blair for taking our new official Rodeo Queens portrait!

So..come one, come all to "Under the Big Top" A Premier Vintage Market, coming up March 17th in Waxahachie!!

What are the connecting fibers between women?

2012-02-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

What are the connecting fibers between women?

In a study on friendships among women conducted a few years ago by UCLA, it was confirmed that the friendships between women are indeed special. Those friendships were described by Gale Berkowitz: “They shape who we are and who we are yet to be. They soothe our tumultuous inner world, fill the emotional gaps in our marriage, and help us remember who we really are.” The purpose of the study was to understand stress in women since decades of stress research was conducted on men. These researchers set out to better understand stress in women. And among their findings, was the discovery that women respond to stress with a release of oxytocin as part of the stress response that differs from men and “ it [oxytocin] buffers the fight or flight response and encourages her to tend children and gather with other women instead. When she actually engages in this tending or befriending, studies suggest that more oxytocin is released, which further counters stress and produces a calming effect.” Furthermore women’s estrogen enhances the effects of the oxytocin. (and I contend that our artistic indulgences in color, fabrics, paint, glitter, and bling even further enhance oxytocin)

How many of us find peace and rejuvenation when we connect with our “sisters”?

In my teen years, I was truly blessed to have a sisterhood with a close group of girlfriends. We giggled during all-night slumber parties, drove the “drag” in our cars, went to the movies together, and all around excelled in school and extra-curricular activities. We dated and often double-dated, but our girlfriends were the closest bond that helped us get through adolescence.

Then in college, I was privileged to have dorm-mates and room-mates that continued to fill a sisterhood of similar-minded values and goals. We studied together, played dorm-pranks, planned weddings, and cried through the drama of young adulthood.

Later, as a young mother living in suburbia, I again found a sisterhood of other young women, most of us stay-at-home-moms. We had a baby-sitting co-op, a book club, and our own neighborhood garden club. We went to craft classes together, shared favorite recipes, compared growth charts, and worked together to develop a neighborhood playground. Slowly, we returned to school or the workplace as our children entered school and our sisterhoods took a new form.

In my fifties, I became divorced through no design of my own (which was emotionally processed through deep conversations with my closest women friends). Later I moved 2000 miles back to my home state and to Dallas. I called up one of my dearest of friends from the high school group; we reconnected immediately and over the next few months we organized a Great Girlfriend Get-Together--- where 15 of those high school friends held annual girlfriend weekends.

Then just this year, I organized a mini-reunion of my old dorm-mates; we had not been together since 43 years ago! Yet, as in the high school group, we fell into that immediate “sisterhood”. Over three days, we talked non-stop (including one night until 5 a.m.) just trying to cover the years. It could be compared to four planets in a common orbit for a small period of time, then they spun into their own individual orbits for 4 decades before coming back into a fleeting alignment. What is the fiber that connects us after so many years?

What is the fiber that connects my sisterhood of junkin’ friends, my sister Rodeo Queens, those great students with kindred spirits who participated in Lara Blair’s Photography Retreat , my friendships with our vendors and our friends that come to our shows? Yes, we share similar values, tastes, hobbies or talents. But I think it is more: we need each other. We have our tumultuous inner AND outer world soothed by the time we spend together.

My goal for this month is to reach out and connect with some more of those important women in my life --- where time and distance have put us into individual orbits—but for whom I need to thank for being part of the fibers that have woven into the fabric of my life. I will reach out to my professor/mentor from my university days who literally helped me find my life's career, my administrative assistant from years ago who just lost an adult daughter to a tragic case of domestic violence, and my dear friend from the stay-home-mom days who has suffered debilitating health issues over the past seven years. And I will cherish my 94 year old mother that I have the honor of sharing my home with. I will make a special point of telling my adult daughter (and the mother of one of my granddaughters) just how proud I am of the woman that she has become.

I will take long pauses to remember those influential girls and women of my life who have passed away and with whom I long to spend just one more day: my best-friend from high school who died in a car wreck, my laughter-filled friend of 25 years of adulthood who lost a long battle to breast cancer, my beloved professor who is living in the world of the "long-goodbye" Alzheimer's", my precious aunt who died at 101, and my grandmother-- the hardy pioneer woman whose house I have the privilege of living in today (see Mulberry Hill on Facebook).

Women who have contributed to shaping me into who I was, who I am and who I am going to be.

Who is it that could benefit from your contact?

Friends

2012-01-18T07:51:00.000-08:00

I am constantly amazed at how small the love of junkin' world is. I know that I blogged about it in "The Six Degrees of Junkin' Separation", but I can spend endless hours reading others' blogs and look at Facebook pages that have lovely pictures that make me wish these women lived in my town. But the wonder of the internet is this: you can become friends by commenting on blogs and posts and then MAYBE, you meet this person face-to-face. And THEN, this person becomes an instant FRIEND because you share the love of vintage treasures, the thrill of the hunt and many of the same life experiences.

Yesterday I spent a fun day with a new friend whom I came to meet through two vintage shows. No, I didn't meet her at the shows but only afterwards. There are several others who have added so much joy to my life, that I can't imagine my life without them even though often our only contact is through the internet. You just can't bad mouth the internet and Facebook too much, can you?

Then, of course, there are the friends that you've known for 25, 30 or 40 years or MORE. These are your girlhood friends that you played with and spent countless nights with and walked to school with. Then perhaps you've been separated by a family's move and all of life's STUFF happens. You go to high school, college, you graduate, get married, have children and careers, parents die, you struggle in marriage, children break your heart, they love you again, you survive cancer, you retire and then you reconnect with your childhood friend and you realize that you've never stopped being friends. That becomes an entirely DIFFERENT blog.

Bette Midler sang, "You've got to have friends." Simon and Garfunkel sang, "Old friends sat on their park bench like bookends."John Denver said, "Friends, I will remember you, think of you, pray for you. And when another day is through, I'll still be friends with you." I like the thought of being a bookend.

Why Waxahachie?

2012-01-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

1. The Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie which was built in 1895 is one of the most photographed structures in the state of Texas.

2. Waxahachie was designated as Queen of the Cotton Belt. Many of those wealthy cotton farmers built beautiful homes with ornate woodwork known as "gingerbread". Today Waxahachie has an annual Gingerbread Trail each June.

3. Waxahachie also claims the title of Movie Capital of Texas. Sally Field won an Academy award for her role in Places in the Heart. Remember "You like me...right now...you like me"?

4. Haunted restaurants and gingerbread houses. Plates flying off the wall. Nuff said.

5. The Chautauqua, built in 1902, was based on the ideals of non-denominational and blended study and recreation in a pastoral setting. The Chautauqua platform included open discussion of public issues, international relations, literature, and science. Besides that it's a really cool building. It has the most beautiful wood and has eight sides. Can you pronounce octagonal?

5. Cindy Mayfield of Paper Cowgirls invited the Rodeo Queens of Petticoats on the Prairie to produce a premier vintage market in conjunction with her paper workshops at the Crafty Scrapper in Waxahachie. Isn't Cindy cute?

So in answer to the question "Why Waxahchie?" Well, why not have the very best premier vintage market from West Texas go to one of the coolest and prettiest towns in central Texas for Petticoats on the Prairie's Under the Big Top in Waxahachie, Texas March 17, 2012. Paper Cowgirls' workshops at the Crafty Scrapper will be March 15th and 16th. For vendor applications, see the left side of this page. Come one; come all!

Merry Christmas from the Rodeo Queens

2011-12-24T15:36:00.000-08:00

Here it is Christmas Eve day and we're looking at snow for the second time this month in West Texas. Ever since Bing Crosby crooned his famous song, it's always been a bit of a disappointment if a White Christmas doesn't happen and a bit magical if it does. So this year we're thankful for Christmas magic and perfect weather conditions.

I used to think that the saying "Eat, drink and be merry" was only a slogan for Dairy Queen. But did you know that Ecclesiastes 8:15 says, "So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun."? I am so very thankful that there is abundant food in this home for my family. And I have two confessions to make: I ate fudge for breakfast. I have also successfully picked out all of the Chex cereal from the Chex mix because that's the best part!

I so love the season of Advent. It is the season of expectant waiting and anticipating the miraculous birth of a baby who was the Son of God. I've attempted to slow down. I've tried to not be consumed with the purchase of unnecessary Christmas gifts and even stayed out of stores so I wouldn't be tempted to buy things that I didn't need. I've prayed for my family and friends. I've prayed for strangers and families in need or grieving. I've asked for forgiveness for not praying enough or helping others enough. Tomorrow I will celebrate the birth of that baby, Jesus Christ, who was born so that He might die for my sins. Gloria in Excelsis Deo.

As this year comes to an end, the Rodeo Queens look back and are thankful for three successful Petticoats on the Prairie shows. The show outgrew one space and moved to a larger space. A trip to Portland, Oregon opened the doors to women who have become our friends and junkin' soul mates. We skidded through some rough spots and learned to forgive and let go of personal grievances and to learn that the sum was greater than the parts. We look forward to 2012 with much excitement. In March, we are taking the show on the road to Waxahachie, Texas and will team up with a wonderful paper artist, The Paper Cowgirl. The Rodeo Queens produced a cookbook that is now in its second printing. We've had some wonderful publicity thanks to articles in the Colorado City and Big Spring papers. There was a book signing at the Heritage Museum in Big Spring, and we are very grateful to Tammy Schrecengost and Nancy Raney.

The Rodeo Queens wish you all a blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Thank you for your tremendous support. We couldn't have done a thing without great vendors and people who love vintage junktiques, antiques, and unique treasures.

Top Secret in Texas

2011-12-11T13:50:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Rodeo Queen Cecilia Scott, we had the good fortune to meet and host photographer Lara Blair as our special guest back at the Spring Show in Ira. We are thrilled to welcome Lara back to Texas for an incredible Photography Retreat, entitled "Top Secret in Texas!" It's coming up January 26-28 2012 at the Windmill Ranch Preserve in Snyder, Texas. We invite you to check out Lara's blog for all the details! http://modernprairiegirl.com/?p=11145

Thank you all!

2011-12-07T09:41:00.001-08:00

Well..we survived and had an incredible show! We have been bad bloggers though...lol. Stay tuned for more updates and photos!

Counting the Days!

2011-10-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

It's kind of like Santa's workshop at the Mitchell County Fairbarns this week. Everyone has her work space and now the decorating begins. All of the Rodeo Queens and vendors will be bringing in every kind of pretty with sparkly, glittery, vintage-y, retro-y, antique-y, cowgirly, scenty, fashion-y, holiday goodness. We hope you walk out with a full tummy and loaded down with all the treasures you've been looking for. This is a great time to think ahead to Halloween and Christmas. Don't forget your boots or most comfortable pair of shoes. Fill the car with your friends and loved ones. Make your list, check it twice and come to Petticoats on the Prairie.

Friday October 21, 2011 12:00 pm till 5:00 pm
Saturday October 22, 2011 9:00 am till 5:00 pm
Mitchell County Fairbarns in Colorado City, TX
Admission is $5.00 at the gate/good for both days
Children 12 and under are free

Rain, Baseball, Football, and Petticoats on the Prairie

2011-10-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

In Texas, there are some things that we take very seriously. First of all, we awoke this morning to a most glorious rain unlike any we have seen in about 13 months. The rain gauge in my back yard says we have received 2 inches of much needed moisture. We have been on water rationing all summer. This drought has definitely changed this state. Trees, shrubs, lawns, cotton fields, cattle and of course, access to drinking water have truly suffered. Many have been devastated by horrible fires. This rain certainly isn't enough, but we are more than grateful for every drop we receive. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Baseball....Texas Rangers. Enough said? Whatever team you may be cheering on, just remember,"The one constant through all the years has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It's been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game, is part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and what could be again." W.P. Kinsella as in Field of Dreams. Enough said. Period.

Friday Night Lights...College football on a Saturday...NFL on Sunday or Monday. Guns Up, Gig 'Em, Hook 'Em Horns, Geaux LSU. Vince Lombardi said, "Football is like life, it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority." I asked my husband the football lover if he agreed with this, and he said, "Yes." You certainly have to admire all the young men who play for the love of the game.

In many ways, getting organized for Petticoats on the Prairie is very much like all of the above. Even though we love our rain, we have to be prepared for inclement weather and like any true-blue junker, we don't let the weather get us down. Great antiques' shows like Round Top, Warrenton, Brimfield, The Farms Chicks', and Junk Salvation have become a part of our past and our future. Petticoats on the Prairie strives to fill that love for a premier shopping market in West Texas. The Rodeo Queens have persevered, worked hard, and dedicated themselves to bringing you a truly unique shopping experience.

Checklist for October

2011-10-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

"October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distant hills once more in sight, and the endearing constellations above them."....Hal Borland

October 1st has turned out to be a beautiful day. Not too hot, a little chilly this morning and the promise of cooler days to come. So, what do you plan for this month? Here are some suggestions:

1.) Grab a friend and go junkin'. I grabbed Lucy; we made 4 thrift shop stops and 2 Sonic stops.

2.) Look up. The Monarch butterflies are gracing us with their lovely presence. How they migrate to Mexico is such a "God" thing. I know it's all about inborn instincts. But you know what? God had a hand in that.

3.) Shop for pumpkins. Notice that I said PUMPKINS - plural - more than one. One can never have too many pumpkins, especially in a nice range of colors and sizes. I love the white, green and pale orange ones. They have fancy names, but I can't remember them.

4.) Wear a homecoming mum. Actually the last one I wore covered my entire chest and was made of REAL mums.

5.) Watch college football and the baseball play-offs. At my house, we say "GO Rangers", "Wreck 'em Tech", and "Gig 'em Aggies." And don't forget pro football on Sunday afternoons.

6.) Look for the leaves to change. Unfortunately, we don't see a big change in colors in West Texas. However, 2 weeks ago in northern New Mexico, the Aspens were just beginning to turn. Quaking Aspens definitely cause me to shiver in delight.

7.) Look up again. This time go outside on a cloudless night. Orion in all his glory has been in the night sky for a while. He's followed by his faithful dog star Sirius. He points the way to Aldebaran and the Seven Sisters of Pleiades. Castor and Pollux, the Gemini Twins are looking over his shoulder.

8.) Shop for Halloween candy. I know it may be early and if you're like me, you'll probably eat it before Halloween. But there's something fun about M & M's in fall colors or those little pumpkins that taste like candy corn.

9.) Hug your kids or your dog or your husband or you mother or your father or someone special everyday. I forgot the cat. Hug your cat, too.

10.) Make plans to attend the fall show for Petticoats on the Prairie. It will be here before you know it! Bigger, better, easier to get to, protected from the elements. Grab your friends, put on your favorite pair of cowboy boots, stop at Sonic in Colorado City and head out to the Mitchell County Fair grounds on Oct. 21 and 22. We will be waiting for you!!

The Rusty Rose....

2011-09-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

We are very proud to have The Rusty Rose coming back to the Fall Show!The Rusty Rose is ready to help you accessorize your life! Owner and designer Andrea Glenn began making her own jewelry several years ago because of a passion and interest in the latest trends. Several unique pieces and compliments later led to much attention from friends who wanted to purchase her creations, and the rest is history. Andrea grew up showing livestock and horses and was always on the hunt to find unique outfits that were different and helped her stand out from the pack in the show ring. That outlook has carried over into adulthood, and she always wants to find an outfit or accessory that makes heads turn. Andrea can be spotted wearing things a little different to make people take notice and look twice! Aside from running The Rusty Rose, Andrea is employed as a sales rep for Plainview Farm Chemical where she sells seed, chemical, and fertilizer. Making jewelry and selling clothes allows her to still be girly when she isn’t busy out in the fields with her full time job. Andrea graduated from Texas Tech University in 2007 with a degree in ag communications. Specializing in one of a kind jewelry, clothes, purses, belts and other great items and constantly on the hunt for new and different items to provide for our customers!!

Be sure you check out their beautiful website and also become a fan on their Facebook page!

It's crunch time ladies!

2011-09-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

Um...where did all of the time go? Just one month till the Holiday edition of Petticoats on the Prairie! And you know what that means...it's "get busy" time for all of us ladies!! But it's also a very fun time, because we get to start sharing our vendors with the rest of the world! We would not have a show without our incredible vendors, and we are constantly trying to figure out ways to make them feel welcome and appreciated. Mary has already got the vendor gifts all wrapped up and waiting to go for the Fall Show! We will be sharing vendors here on our blog and also on our Facebook page. First, we want to thank Fancy T. Smith, owner of Cactus Creek Daily, for sending this first vendor, Redhouse Ranch, our way! Cecilia was lucky enough to meet Fancy at her store on a recent trip to Missouri.

Rodeo Queen Cecilia Scott visits with Fancy T. Smith at her Cactus Creek store in Weston, MO.Not long after that, we got an email from Mary Jo Vick, saying that Fancy had told her about our show and she wanted to be a part of it!! So we are very excited to welcome RedHouse Ranch Jewelry to the party in October!

Mary Jo Hand carves each piece in wax, then it is cast in pewter! Her designs are incredible and we are thrilled to have her at our show!

Head on over to her website...http://www.redhouseranch.com and also check her out over on Facebook. And of course, we hope you will come visit her booth at Petticoats on the Prairie, October 21st and 22nd!

Six Degrees of Separation OR It's a Small Junkin' World After All

2011-09-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

This is a very comprehensive blog. Read carefully, because I'm not repeating myself. Be prepared for a pop quiz at the end.

1.) In February 2011, 4 Rodeo Queens and 1 Rodeo Princess flew to Portland, Oregon to visit The Funky Junk Sisters' Junk Salvation show. We met Dixie DeRocher and Linda Albers. We also met Isabel Lang, Lara Blair, Diane Kaser, and Lisa Love Harris of The Garden Cat- all great Northwest bloggers and antique lovers.

Rodeo Queen Leeann is visiting with Isabel Lang of Maison Douce.

Lara Blair is The Modern Prairie Girl.

This is Diane Kaser of Molly Mo's.

2.)Round Top Spring 2011. Janie's Prairie Picnic at her sister Linda's Six Acres. Lisa Love Harris gets us to go to the Bloggers' Party at Theresa Cano's booth in Warrenton. We meet Theresa, Malisa Hargrove of Pent-Up Photos, Tracy Smith and Suzanne Sexton of the Girls of Rusted Gingham. Kristi Knox Day was there but we didn't meet her at the time. These ladies all love antiques.

Here are Lisa Harris, her daughter Emy, Janie and Suzanne.

This is Lisa, Emy, Suzanne and Tracy.

Here is Malisa Hargrove of Pent-Up Photos.

3.) Petticoats on the Prairie in April at Black Locust Farm. We get to meet Kristi Knox Day. Her blog is called Junkology 101. Through Kristi, we meet photographer Amy Boland on Facebook.

Malisa and Larry Hargrove of Pent-Up Photos were vendors at POTP. Here's Malisa with Rodeo Queen Cecilia.

Lara Blair - The Modern Prairie Girl, on the far right, was our special guest at the spring show.

Here are Rodeo Queens Cecilia and Dana with Ann-Denise Anderson of Whim and Fancy Designs. Ann-Denise does wonderfully whimsical things with paper. Did I mention that all of these women love antiques?

4.) Paper Cowgirls. The Rodeo Queens connect with Cindy Mayfield and her incredible workshops. Ann-Denise is a presentor and Kristi is a happy participant. There is talk of a spring show in Waxahachie with Cindy and the Rodeo Queens. Cindy's blog is called Yapping Cat Studio. Can you spell a-n-t-i-q-u-e lovers?

5.) Summer of 2011. Lisa Love Harris spends the summer in Texas! She packs her trailer with so many antiques that daughter Emy and family dog were pretty squishy in the back seat. In San Antonio, she meets up with Suzanne Sexton of The Rusted Gingham Girls, Kristi Knox Day, and Amy Boland. BTW, Amy's blog is amybolandphotoblog.

On her way back to Seattle, Lisa stopped to see Rodeo Queen Janie in Big Spring.

Kristi stopped off in Colorado City to see the great ANTIQUES and goodies at The Dragonfly, Good Ol' Days, and The Memory Box. Here is Kristi with Rodeo Queen Leeann, Nancy Moore, and RQ Janie.

6.) In November, Rodeo Queens Leeann and Janie will be vendors at The Rusted Gingham Girls' show in Gonzales, TX. Guess who we will see there? Kristi Knox Day, Suzanne and Tracy and hopefully Amy and Malisa. And maybe some other great bloggers and ANTIQUE lovers.

OKAY, here is the POP QUIZ...what do all of these antique lovers and bloggers have in common with Kevin Bacon?

Just wanted to see if you were paying attention!

Answer to the pop quiz: Kevin Bacon loves Antiques Roadshow and all the little old ladies who love their tchotchkes.

Don't forget to come to Petticoats on the Prairie on Oct. 21 and 22. You will find more than tchotchkes. And some of the Rodeo Queens' husbands definitely look JUST like Kevin Bacon.

Bragging Rights

2011-09-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

What's not to love about a 9 year old boy named Will? 4th grade is a new adventure; Girls are still yucky. And when you ask him if he wants to buy a homecoming mum for a girl, he says, "Why would I want to do that?"

What's not to admire about a LSU graduate named Wendy in her first teaching job? Beautiful and full of excitement and energy. Ready to make an impact on young students and making her parents proud. Mom Dana said she got a raise when Wendy got her first paycheck!

How can a mom and dad not be proud of a young man named Will who just got a job as an assistant golf professional in Richmond, Texas? This guy was swinging a golf club by the time he was three years old. Moral to the story - do what you love.

Who wouldn't be the proud parent of a creative and talented display designer named Andrea? Andrea designs for Macy's Department Stores and her young and hip display was recently selected to appear in all Macy's stores. When Andrea comes to town to help her mama stage windows and set up at Petticoats, it is nothing less than awesome.

Rodeo Queen Leeann came up with the idea of creating a Petticoats on the Prairie cookbook. In the process of finding recipes, it was discovered that the Rodeo Queens descend from a rich heritage of pioneer prairie women. The cookbook was a work of sheer dedication and determination. It will premier at the show in October.

The cookbooks graphics are incredibly beautiful, and that is all a result of the unique talents of Rodeo Queen Cat. It is sincerely believed that the book will be a stellar cookbook with gorgeous graphics. Cat was definitely sleep-deprived, but the deadline was met!

Rodeo Queen Cherry's Colorado City store The Dragonfly was recently named a finalist in the Texas Downtown Association's Best Downtown Business Award. The winner will be announced in Nacogdoches in November. The Dragonfly is certainly deserving of this honor and we wish Cherry the very best.

Rodeo Queen Mary was affectionately known as Nurse Mary to hundreds of schoolchildren in Colorado City for 30 years. Now that she is retired, she is spending more time minding her shop "What's in Store" in downtown Colorado City. Mary is known for her quirky and unique store window displays.

Rodeo Queen Janie completed 33 days of radiation therapy this summer for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. Rodeo Queen Dana (the one in red) was one of her radiation buddies for the trip to Midland everyday. Dana very obligingly took Janie to estate sales nearly every Thursday for a month. Junkin' queens don't get the blues.

Rodeo Queen Cecilia is excited about the house hunting she and her husband have been doing in Eastland which will take them closer to that special grandson. She's hoping to find a house large enough to accommodate all of her Rodeo Queen artifacts.

Rodeo Queen Marsha is keeping herself busy with mums and flowers at her floral business, Colorado Floral and Gifts. She's one of the creative minds behind the decor at Petticoats on the Prairie!

Please make plans to attend Petticoats on the Prairie Oct. 21 and 22. We are thrilled about our new location in Colorado City at the Mitchell County Fair Barns. See you there!

Time is sure flying by!

2011-09-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's already September?? Time has flown and it's getting closer and closer to our Fall Show. We have moved locations, and it was a tough decision to leave Black Locust Farm in Ira. BUT....the good news is that the new barn in Colorado City really allows us to have all of our vendors inside and gives us some much needed growing room! That being said...we do have some spots that need filling up!! We are looking for unique and handmade items specifically. We need more funky junk..more vintage, recycled, upcycled, eclectic and fab goodies! If you know of any vendors that fit that bill...send them our way!

The Rodeo Queens Visit the Farm

2011-08-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

Mulberry Hill Farm in Mitchell County is where the Rodeo Queens spent a fantastic evening recently. It's the home of Leeann and Gene, and it's been in Leeann's family for a very long time. Each room has a story, and you should be sure to ask Leeann to tell it to you sometime.

Here's Gene trying to get the goats to agree to be photogenic. They just wanted to be fed. This city girl thinks they look really cute on the other side of the fence.

This is the original outhouse. Have I mentioned how much I love indoor plumbing and A/C? Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have been a pioneer on the prairie. Hard, hard, hard is all I can come up with.

This is one of two big red barns on the farm. Leeann says that there are lots of vintage finds and furniture tucked inside. I guess we'll all have to be at Petticoats on the Prairie to see the finished projects. Be prepared to drool.

Don't you just love arbors? Mulberry Hill Farm has at least three. Leeann even had one in her booth at Petticoats on the Prairie last spring.

Leeann and Gene found this cutie camper in Colorado. Leeann even has an official Sisters on the Fly membership number. The camper will be lovingly restored. Have you named her yet, Leeann?

Thank you, Leeann and Gene, for a perfect evening on the prairie. There was lots of friends, fellowship and food. Our resident red-headed photographer, Cat, took some great photos of the Rodeo Queens for our show in October. Stay tuned for those pictures. I'm sure they will be absolutely angelic!

The Endless Summer with Thoughts of Fall

2011-07-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

I overheard one of the Rodeo Queens say the other day that she is ready for school to start because her son is bored. When I was teaching, I began to dread July because I knew that school would start "next month." Now that I'm going through radiation for breast cancer, the six weeks of therapy seem like they will never end. Whatever your thoughts of summer are, the Rodeo Queens have already begun to work on the preparations for the October Petticoats on the Prairie show, and we are thrilled that the applications are quickly coming in.

So amidst the preparations and the countdown, we still plan to enjoy the rest of the summer. One of us has skipped across the United States to NYC, LA, and Louisville, KY for work-related trips. One has journeyed to Oregon and cruised Alaska. Others have kept busy minding the stores and the kids and grandkids. Summer has been a time to celebrate families, reunions, birthdays, 4th of July parades and air-conditioning!

And before we know it, Petticoats on the Prairie will be here. We know that our new location at the Mitchell County Fair barns will enable us to bring you a bigger and better show. So while you're eating watermelon or dipping your toes in the pool, think cool thoughts of crisp autumn mornings, pumpkins and all the great treasures that you will find at Petticoats on the Prairie. AND don't forget to pray for rain in our corner of West Texas!!

Bet ya think we forgot about the blog.......

2011-07-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

We have been busy! Plans are underway for our Fall Show..so much to decide on and get organized! We really hated to leave Black Locus Farms and that was a tough decision..but we wanted to be able to provide more room for our vendors. Now we have a huge barn and that is already starting to fill up!! We have a fun photo shoot planned for next week out at Mulberry Hill...can't wait to share it with yall!

Scenes from our Spring Show!

2011-06-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

We're on the Move!!

2011-06-06T22:37:00.000-07:00

Did ya hear the news? POTP is moving! We will be having our Fall Show at the Mitchell County Fairgrounds in Colorado City!! We sure hated to leave the farm, but the truth of the matter is we just outgrew the venue! So the Fall show will take place in and around the Show Barn and that means so much more room for our vendors! The show is set for Friday, October 21st and Saturday, October 22nd and all vendor spaces will be inside the barn, shielded from any inclement weather! More details to come..plus pictures from the Spring show will be coming soon!!

Taking a Break

2011-05-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

We now have two Petticoats' show under our belts and while the fall show is in the planning stages, it's time for resting, rejuvenating, relaxing, and refocusing.

Time to retire.

Time to sit and reflect.

Time to celebrate a graduation.

Time to take the road less-travelled.

Time to put your feet up.

Time to nurture a garden.

Time to smell the flowers.

Time to slow down.

Time to be with family.

We'll see you at Petticoats on the Prairie in October!

Two Days Till Petticoats on Prairie and Picnic on the Prairie

2011-04-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

This Rodeo Queen, when she's not dreaming of finding treasures and precious junk, will usually have her nose in a book. I came across this wonderful line in Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese - "Wasn't that the definition of home? Not where you are from, but where you are wanted?" It is an honor and a true privilege to be friends with a group of women who make one feel wanted. And not only that, we really WANT you to come see us at Petticoats on the Prairie. We hope it will feel a little bit like home to you. Plus, you might find a treasure just like your grandma used to have! Or if your grandma was into bling, you'll probably find that, too!

We love Junk Mafia!!!

2011-04-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Big thanks to everyone over at Junk Mafia for inviting us to be on your radio show and for featuring us on your blog too! Ya'll need to make plans to come to our Fall Show-we would love to have you!

Moving-in Day

2011-04-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

Today the Rodeo Queens begin moving into the barn at Black Locust Farms. Mulberry Hill promises to bring a ton of furniture. Leeann says she is covered in paint, and we can't wait to see what she is bringing.

Flutter's husband is loading a pick-up as soon as he can tear himself away from the tv and has digested that wonderful breakfast that Janie cooked for him this morning.

What's in Store has been working on a DUCK! We understand that it is an unbelievably amazing creation. Can't wait to see what else Mary and Alan bring to the farm.

The Sentimental Swan has been creating the most incredible roller skates that you will ever see. The first pair was so dirty they had to be sand blasted to get clean. I actually saw the skates in their original state of dirtiness. Cecilia has turned them into something beautiful and funky.

The Dragonfly is just waiting to amaze us with their creativity and gorgeous bling. Cherry says she is covered in glitter and we all know that there's no such thing as too much glitter. Cherry and her amazing daughter Andrea will blow our minds with their wonderful displays and great items.

Then our infamous Rodeo Queen with her wonderful mane of red hair has been and will continue to be our little engine that could. Cat gets things done! Plus she is a superb photographer. She is the wind beneath our wings.

Every group of Rodeo queens needs a Dana. She finds time in her busy schedule to lend her advice. She is ready to work the crowds on the opening day of Petticoats.

Connie and Marsha are our behind the scenes Queens. They help with decorations and buttons and all-around moral support. We are forever grateful to them.

Six days till Petticoats on the Prairie officially opens. We'll see you at the farm in Ira!

Grateful to be a Rodeo Queen

2011-04-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some little known facts about the rodeo queens:

We are full-time wives and mothers. Some are blessed to be grandmothers. We love our pets.

We are among the following: nurses, business owners, ministers, retired teachers and college professors, full-time employees of radio stations and city governments, substitutes, retired main street organizers.

We multi-task with the best of them.

We even multi-task in our sleep. That is, if we get enough sleep.

We work hard to bring you the best Petticoats on the Prairie that we possibly can. Sometimes it feels like we have to move heaven and earth to get it done. We pray about it. Phillipians 4:13 is always in our minds. We thank the Lord for the opportunity to be able to do what we love.

Most importantly, we love and support each other. This is truly a fellowhip of kindred minds and spirits and friendships. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Picnic on the Prairie!!

2011-04-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

What do we have in our hand-Tickets for Picnic on the Prairie! We are ecstatic about this event...it will be on Friday, April 29th from 11:00am till 1:00pm prior to the POTP event! You will be treated to a delicious picnic lunch on the grounds of Black Locust Farm, catered by Bama's House of Colorado City. Our special guest, Lara Blair, will be visiting with us about her career as a photographer..you will recieve a very special VIP trinket and also a POTP tote bag!! Then it's off to explore the
barn for an hour of early-bird shopping! You can get tickets at The Dragonfly, 1st National Bank and City National Banks in Colorado City, or email us at petticoatsontheprairie@hotmail.com.

A Day in the Life of a Rodeo Queen

2011-04-02T13:07:00.000-07:00

First of all, this is not about me barrel racing or coming anywhere near a wild bronc. So, if that's what you're expecting please keep reading anyway.

While my husband was watching a Lifetime movie this morning, he asked me what my plans were for this Saturday. I said I had painting to do to get ready for the upcoming Petticoats on the Prairie show.

I finished painting 3 doors the loveliest shade of aqua. Lugged them to a different spot to get them out of the way. Then I dragged a baker's rack out onto the patio to prime it. In the process of doing that, I had to ask husband to pull himself away from the movie to PLEASE blow off all the dirt and leaves that had accumulated under the baker's rack.

This is where the adult attention deficit disorder kicks in. I realized that the firewood along the fence needed rearranging. Wearing gloves to my armpits, I moved wood. Sensing something on my neck, I then did the "OMG, there's a lizard on me dance." I hope the neighbors didn't see that.

I have also washed the patio off because of the bird poop. I know that doves symbolize peace and all, but all that coo, coo, coo rhymes with poo, poo, poo.

Finally, I washed off the baker's rack. 4 cans of primer later, I have covered it, a metal cabinet and a garden table. Husband wants to know why I spray paint when the wind blows. This is West Texas; the wind blows. However, I did put the dog in the house.

I also had to come inside to take a break. I realized that hey, it's five o'clock somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean! After my break, I'll go out and move things around again. It has been a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Then who knows, I have a new staple gun to play with!

The moral of the story: The Rodeo Queens are working very hard to bring you the best ever Petticoats on the Prairie show in less than 4 weeks. We can't wait to see you!

Round Top

2011-03-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

"Moments like this act as magical interludes, placing our hearts at the edge of our souls; fleetingly yet intensely, a fragment of eternity has come to enrich time." Okay, so I just finished reading The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery, but in some slightly less significant way this is how we feel when we catch a glimpse of the Round Top experience. If you are a lover of collecting, treasure hunting, junking, then you understand this. So we arrive, we inhale, we see, we touch, we bargain, we conquer, we go home happy.

The Spring Show is fast approaching!!

2011-03-23T06:21:00.000-07:00

Scenes from our very first show in October 2010!

2011-03-23T05:40:00.003-07:00

In the beginning...

2011-03-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Petticoats on the Prairie! This is the story of how a group of women in two neighboring towns in West Texas came to be friends and launched Petticoats on the Prairie. Colorado City is the home of some special women who love to antique and share their vintage finds with others. Two women from Big Spring loved to shop in Colorado City and discovered that they had much in common with these ladies. Friendships quickly formed over meals and much socializing. The talk would often turn to Antiques Week in Round Top and how we desired to have our own show in West Texas.

Last June when we began to play with the thought of creating a premier vintage market for West Texas, we never dreamed that it would take off with such huge success and be so warmly received by the people in this area. Black Locust Farm in Ira became the perfect spot on the Texas prairie for this show. Word soon got out about this event. I honestly believe that there has never been a better time for people (and especially women) who love to be creative to also become business people. We have followed so many creative women for inspiration - Jo Packham of Where Women Create, the fabulous Funky Junk Sisters of Junk Salvation, Lara Blair the Modern Prairie Girl, Lisa Harris of The Garden Cat, and Serena Thompson of The Farm Chicks. The list is endless and their websites and blogs are joys to read and follow.

The first show last October exceeded our expectations. Our shoppers were happy; they loved visiting with friends and seeing a wide variety of vintage items, antiques, junktiques, jewelry and clothes. The weather was crisp and cool, and the smiling faces were so much fun to see.

We didn't have much time to rest on our laurels. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's were upon us. Soon it became time to start planning the April show. In the midst of this, some of the Rodeo Queens flew to Portland, Oregon to attend the Funky Junk Sisters' Junk Salvation in February. We were like star-struck adoring fans when we met the incredible women of the Great Northwest. Dixie DeRocher and Linda Albers were so gracious in answering questions and treating us like honored guests. We met Lara Blair, Isabel Lang, Lisa Love Harris, Diane Kaser and other incredibly talented women. Rejuvenated, we returned home ready to make the next show even bigger and better.

On April 29 and 30, we will have our first Spring show. Lara Blair is flying in from Seattle to be our special guest. We're hoping she'll have lots of opportunities to use her photography skills to capture West Texas ranches, real cowboys, sunsets, and Rodeo Queens. She'll speak at our Picnic on the Prairie Friday morning. Guests will receive a catered picnic lunch, free gifts and early shopping. Ann-Denise Anderson of Whim and Fancy Designs will be conducting make and take workshops throughout the show. The show has doubled in the number of vendors from the Fall show and excitement is building. We have amazing and generous sponsors who have helped to make this show so incredible.

Please join us on April 29th and 30th at Black Locust Farm in Ira, Texas. We can't predict the weather because, after all, this is Texas! But we can guarantee that you will have a wonderful experience shopping for unique items. It will be even better if you bring your friends. The merchants in Snyder - Pam Robertson's The Mason Jar Mercantile is one of our favorites and Cherry Hoback's The Dragonfly, Mary and Alan Smith's What's in Store, Leeann Moore's Mulberry Hill and More Books inside Good Ole Days Antique Mall and Marsha Jordan's Colorado Floral in Colorado City will all be open to add to your shopping delight.

Mark your calendars now; we can't wait to see you! Find us on Facebook!