Wednesday, September 24, 2008

why i wear cowboy boots


There is a woman who lives in my community that is very highly respected. A few years ago I had occasion to be in contact with her on a daily basis. She was always extremely polite and professional. She had this way about her that was somehow condescending in a very backhanded way. When she said "Please come in" I heard "Shut up, sit down and if you get mud on my carpet I will stab you with the same knife that I used to cut the homemade brownies". So I was a little afraid of this woman and really very intimidated. I felt like a dog with a submissive urination problem. Every time I was around her I clinched every muscle and prayed I didn't soil her sofa.

And then, as these types of women tend to do, she pushed me just a little to far. She found my Achilles heel and she jabbed. She made me second guess my parenting. Even as the mother bear in me was rearing up, she knew just what to say to send me away with my tail between my legs. The whole thing was really quite pathetic.


One morning, as I was doing some shopping downtown and getting myself geared up to spend some time with this woman, a guy ten years my younger whistled at me. I had on old jeans and my cowboy boots. Now I'm all for women's lib and curbing sexual harassment, but I have to say, it felt pretty damn good. It reminded me who I am. I am not some spineless joke of a woman. My ancestors were pioneers, women of the Wild West. Women with guts and moxie. Tough gals. I went to that lady's house that day. I smiled nicely and spoke kind words. But I'm quite sure that what she heard was "Back off sister before I put these boots to good use." She has since subsided into the background of my life. I don't see her around a whole lot, but I am glad we tangled. It reminded me who I am.

I wear my boots all winter long. I wear them with jeans. I wear them with skirts. If you have never put on a pair of cowboy boots, give them a try. They may put a little hitch in your giddy up that will be just the thing you need.

Now, back to my regularly scheduled program of sweet words and nice thoughts.


15 comments:

The Stewart Stuff said...

Good for you! Way to stand up for yourself and get that confidence back! Love it!

Amyesq said...

Great post! I can't see you putting up with that woman for long.

Unknown said...

Great post- I have had those moments, and it is nice to remember who you are and rise to it! And when fashion plays a role it is somehow even sweeter!

Jill said...

I love you! You're blogs make me smile every day. Thanks for being my friend and inspiration. I think I'll go put on my cowboy boots now ...

::::Lula Boutique:::: said...

Hah! What a funny story! :)

Jennifer said...

I love it! My favorite childhood photo is one of me in a twirly dress with a holster and cowboys boot whic I selected myself on a trip to visit my grandparents in Wichita, Kansas. I agree wholeheartedly that we should wear them more often. Now I also really want to know who this woman could be!

Cathe Holden said...

Great blog. Your writing is really good. That Aha moment was inspirational.

Kim Caro said...

only as a child i liked boots, now a days i dont think i would do it...they are cute though

Darcie said...

YOU GO GIRL!
You are hilarious...I'm going to go buy me a pair of cowboy boots tonight and show people what the HELL is up...LOL

Unknown said...

Awesome story and attitude!

I have to have my favorite cowboy boots resoled this year!

Alyson and Ford said...

It is great being reminded that we are all so unique and can be kind to those who may not know what they are doing. Good for you!

Alyson

Mrs.Kwitty said...

Giddyup sister! LOL Good for you, I hate when people are like that.
Smiles, Karen

Anonymous said...

It's nice to have an undertone every now and then! Good for you for protecting yourself! It really does suck having someone treat you like that.

Anonymous said...

Good for you! This was just the story I needed to hear today... I'm off to put on my boots right now!

brooke said...

thank you for sharing this!! i like this story a lot...not only because uhh yeah i want a pair...but throughout my life i have seemed to form bonds with similar type folks and although it is typically a fleeting relationship it is a lasting and educational one...sometimes i think these are the best kinds.