When the author moved from Indiana to Arizona, she endeavored to meet her local ranch women neighbors. The first one, Kim McElroy, was so engaging to chat with that soon both women were laughing their heads off as they shared escapades with their aninals--and how they survived them. Realizing that this was a book just waiting to be written about wonderfully strong, funny and hard-working ranch women, Rose began asking for referrals. What the author ended up with was a group of eclectic and awesome women willing to share their stories. GIRLS CAN BE COWBOYS TOO! Volume I became a compilation of non-fiction biographical conversations with these amazing women. Several are real ranch cowboys as they work their own ranches or help on others. The word "Cowgirl," is frowned upon by these women as it conjures thoughts of frills and fancy boots, which does
not
describe these gals. While not every "cowboy" in this story works with cattle, all the women who share their life stories have a connection and strong love of the land, family and animals. Those who raise cattle for market take pride in caring for their animals humanely. There are stories about cats, dogs, chickens, grasshoppers, snakes--lots of snakes, horse, cows and wildfires. Several women rode the Tevis Endurance Race. Darice "almost a senior citizen" got kicked in the face and with her nose bleeding and an injured knee, took Ibuprofen and was off again. Eve Blumenfeld rode a mule in the 2016 Tevis and won an award from the American Mule Association for the highest endurance mileage in one season. Kim McElroy is the author's neighbor and was the inspiration the the book, Bonnie Ebsen Jackson, actor Buddy Ebsen's daughter, uses her horses and ranch to help people face drug addiction and emotional issues. Christi Silverberg-Rose helps military men and women adjust to civilian life again, Kimberly Henson
rides
her Longhorn steer, while Cynthia Rigden sculpts and paints her Longhorns. Shelly Godfrey takes her therapy dogs to nursing homes, had a near death experience following a heart attack, was three weeks on life support, felt God speak to her and send her back to this world, "to get the message of faith out." Mary Matli is an award-winning cowboy poet and a
real working cowboy.
Mary is the inspiration for the title. Bev Pettit is a fine art equine photographer known the world over and took the photo of "Jane, Arizona Cowgirl" on the cover. Jane's story is included. The author also includes stories of her own as she and ladies chat. These stories of facinating women are sure to inspire and entertain. Look for Volume II to continue with stories about these special women.
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