Barn chicks, Texas barns, genuine cowgirls, and my pioneer heritage~

I am a "barn chick" and a cowgirl at heart. . .must be my Texas/New Mexico roots. . .

I have noticed we Texans love to paint our state flag on our barns. . .

Yes, we are a pretty proud bunch when it comes to our state. We were, after all, our own country at one time. We sometimes still think we are!!!

Can you imagine the memories this old Texas barn holds inside?

Meet Ms. Mabel Strickland. . .Always a lady, Always a cowgirl. . ."The Lovely Lady of Rodeo" ~ I have always admired our country's cowgirls for their charm, their courage, and their "true grit".

Ms. Prairie Rose Henderson, bronc rider, competitive relay race rider, Hall of Fame Cowgirl

I love her "bloomers", don't you? They were considered very "racy" at the time for showing too much leg!!!

"Sunday Flowers", a favorite painting done by one of my favorite artists, Gary Niblett. I grew up with Gary in Carlsbad, New Mexico. He is a member of the "Cowboy Artists of America" and the "Santa Fe Watercolor Society"

The thing that I love so much about this painting is that even in the days of our pioneers, these sweet ladies loved to gather up wildflowers and enjoy the beautiful world God has given us. I have pioneer roots. My great great grandfathers were part of the "Old 300", the first 300 pioneer settlers who came to Texas in the 1800's with Stephen F. Austin. I like to think that I have that same "pioneer spirit" in my heart. Thank you, sweet and dear friends, for joining me today. I am participating in the "Barn Chicks" party hosted by Karen of Brayton Homestead Interiors. I am posting a little early, the party actually starts Friday, August 6. Please visit my friend Karen @ http://braytonhomesteadinteriors.blogspot.com/ to see all of the other participants. May God enfold each and every one of us in the shelter of His wings.