Cowboy Wooing Advice

Okay so we've established our love for the cowboy hero and heroine in romance novels. And the Cody men, Walker, Dexter, Dusty, Mark and Jesse are among my favorite all-time romance heroes, each unique in their own way—not to mention easy on the eyes. Elly, the lone Cody daughter is a strong, stubborn independent heroine whom all women can admire. Cowboys and cowgirls have a unique way of looking at life and love compared to the rest of us common folk.

Here's a bit of cowboy "wooing" advice from the book Just One Fool Thing After Another/A Cowfolks' Guide to Romance by Gladiola Montana and Texas Bix Bender.



Sometimes flowers don't say it very well. You need to explain yourself.

Attention without intention is flirtation.

To bring somebody into your life, take a step into theirs.

When you fall into somebody's arms you're fallin' into their hands as well.

A heart that ain't broke thinks it's okay to go around breakin' others.

Marry somebody with brains enough for two, and if you're lucky you'll come out even.

It may be more romantic to be the first love, but it's better to be the last.

A woman wanted by men but disliked by women is nothin' but trouble.

When you go to town, go together.

The only time a woman can easily change a man is when he's a baby.

Try not to make a ring around a finger feel akin to a rope around the neck.

It's a lot cheaper to borrow money than to marry for it.

Be quick to mend fences.

Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight it out.

Most marital graves are dug with a lot of little digs.

Stolen kisses require and accomplice.

A man in love is incomplete until he's married—then he's finished.

If women are foolish it's because the good Lord made 'em a match for men.

For better or for worse means for good.

Don't get involved with anyone whose wishbone is bigger than their backbone.

The ties of marriage are not slipknots.

Men react to specific needs. Women seldom have them.

Big problems will pull you together. It's the little things that tear you apart.

The best way to get married is with ignorance and confidence.

Never use a knife to cut a tender connection.

Man is straw; woman is fire. When the devil blows, it's hell.

If you're gonna leave, leave while you're still lookin' good.

Don't waste your time lovin' somebody you can't laugh with.

When the horse dies, get off.

Women don't make fools out of men; they just give 'em the opportunity.

Happy Trails!

Marin Thomas
Dexter: Honorable Cowboy (July 2010)
4 ½ Stars Top Pick RT Magazine!
Still available through online retailers
www.marinthomas.com

Western Decor

A few years ago, I spent an afternoon and night in Cody, Wyoming, while driving back from seeing my sister in Washington State. I'd spent the previous day driving around one of my favorite places, Yellowstone National Park. While in Cody, I was able to pop into a couple of shops and purchase a few comfy, fleecy items at the Sierra Outlet. But it was the western decor and art shops where I could have done some serious damage, making my credit card scream for mercy. It was this trip that helped inspire the Tangled Antlers Gallery in Elly: Cowgirl Bride, where Elly showcases her photographs.

I have always loved western and Native American-themed home decor. I have touches of it in my guest bedroom with some art I bought at the Red Earth Native American Festival in Oklahoma City a number of years ago. The wall is even painted a color called suede. But, wow, would I love to have one of those gorgeous western-style homes with a huge picture window looking out on the mountains. It'd be filled with big, comfortable furniture in browns and reds; large art pieces that captured the West; some antler chandeliers and cowboy lamps. Stuff like I found at a site called LoneStar Western Decor. The gorgeous chair and ottoman above are from their collection. Quick, someone give me a shopping spree! :) And remember, Christmas is just around the corner!

If I could have unlimited spending and a large truck (we're talking tractor-trailer rig here) to haul everything in, there would be three stops I'd definitely make -- one in Cody, one in Jackson, Wyoming, and one in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A few years ago, I was in Santa Fe for a work conference and had an afternoon to walk around the city. I loved it! I went to museums and shops filled with Native clothing, jewelry and home and lawn decor. And I have long loved the Southwestern, adobe homes, ones with an inner tiled courtyard with a fountain in the middle.

Why am I not rich again? :)

Well, until I am, I'll just have to window shop when I'm out West and peruse magazines like Cowboys & Indians.

Do you like western decor? If not, what is your favorite kind of home decor? What speaks to you and who you are?