Nighthawk Ranch - Western Horse & Gun - June/July Issue

Nighthawk Ranch:
A Desire to Make a Difference
Escape to a place where children can cope
with cancer the cowboy way
By Amy C. Witt

Nestled in the luscious green meadows of Colorado's Pike National Forest, sits the Nighthawk Ranch where Tom and Dorothy Evans strive to enhance the lives of broken young spirits as they fight their battle with cancer. They strive to lift the broken souls and set them off trails toward peace and reconciliation with the help of majestic nature and the cowboy way of life.

In 2005, Tom, an oil field contractor was diagnosed with prostate cancer. As he began his treatment he was accompanied by many other children who fought the same battle. After 14 weeks of radiation and overcoming his illness, he was inspired by the strength and will of the children and a desire to make a difference fueled him. In 2012, Nighthawk Ranch was born on a 320-acre ranch in Guffey, Colorado.  The Nighthawk Ranch gives cancer patients the opportunity to explore and discover their true self through change, healing and hope. Out of the kindness of their hearts, the Colorado couple offers children between the ages of 10-18 the opportunity to feel like a kid again for no charge - there is never a cost to the camp attendees and their families. The four one-week long sessions are free to participants and are funded out of the Evans’ pockets with small fundraising efforts and donations, along with help from Angel Flight Central, who generously flies campers in from all over the country.

Well aware of the struggles and stresses of cancer, Tom and Dorothy founded the camp to provide a unique high mountain working ranch experience that encourages achievement through a variety of activities. They wanted to give children a safe new environment geared for success, connecting with nature and a unique view on life.  

Surrounded by beautiful nature, healthy pine and aspens, campers eat, sleep and have the time of their lives in 10,000 square foot luxurious mountain log home. Starting at the beginning of summer, alternating boys one week and girls the next, children are exposed to various activities ranging from horseback riding and cattle drives to archery, arts and crafts.  The camp is staffed with licensed and experienced doctors, nurses, counselors and on-call professionals that put everyone at ease.  Within 20 minutes, a helicopter can fly to the Nighthawk Ranch in case of an emergency.

As the sun rises, children are filled with joy as they wake early to greet the many horses, goats and cows that wait for them. With the help of a top-notch professional team, campers are exposed to many aspects of a cowboy and ranch life. At the ranch, each camper will be responsible for grooming and caring for their own horse and this will be the horse that they will learn to ride. This horse will also accompany them on one of the ranch’s many highlights, the cattle drive.

Justin Dunn from Justin Dunn Mustang Horsemanship is the cowboy and horseman responsible for providing a safe and educational equine program at Nighhawk Ranch. The horses and mustangs that create a unique, life-changing experience are owned and trained by Justin. His expertise with handling the horses helps to instill the confidence the kids need after being in such a fragile conditions. But horses and cows are not the only animals at Nighthawk Ranch. Campers will see elk, deer, rabbits, dogs and many other species of wildlife roaming around the ranch.

The animals stimulate connections and create a distraction from the children’s everyday struggles. To make sure the campers live their time at the ranch to their fullest, they are not allowed to have any media devices while at the ranch. Friendships, emotional support and encouragement are constantly pushed to evoke self-confidence.  They are able to leave all those hospital visits behind and be outdoors doing fun things with other kids who understand. It gives them a chance to both have fun and to open up and say what they really feel about being diagnosed with cancer. 

The Nighthawk Ranch experience is geared towards encouraging each child's unique and precious spirit to open up, spread their wings and soar. Through a new life changing experience, Tom, Dorothy and staff strive to create a connection with nature and the Source of Life by providing an escape that stays with each family as they travel on through life's countless journeys.

The Making of a Cowboy Hat - Western Horse & Gun - March issue

PC: http://shortyshattery.com

There’s just something about a cowboy hat. A cowboy hat that can instantly transform any outfit. Cowboy hats that can help compliment the style of any cowboy or cowgirl. The shape, the color, the texture, all plays an integral part of the defining item. And as the cowboy hat is the most defining staple of a cowboy’s iconic image, there’s something significant about a woman and a company that use their hard working hands to help mold and shape hats in decorating cowboys and cowgirls from all walks of life.

In 1968, Lavonna “Shorty” Kroger was partnering on a small western store in Moore, Oklahoma. She was challenged with not having the knowledge or experience in shaping hats. As she had a love for rodeo and competed riding bulls, she also had a passion and love in western wear
and cowboy hats. And when one of her brother’s sent her father’s hat to a manufacturer to be cleaned and they returned it ruined, Kroger decided to overcome a challenge and turn it
into success. As shaping cowboys was the small challenge, her idea of mastering the art of quality cowboy hats and starting her own business began to blossom.

“I didn’t have a clue how to shape hats. I taught myself how to shape hats using a hot tea kettle at rodeos.”

Coincidentally, she was introduced to a business owner who had the same name as her. After being introduced to Shorty Barnett, who owned a small shop in Oklahoma City, shaping
cowboy hats and owning a hattery was destiny. Receiving her nickname for being the youngest of the children in the family, with the help of her three siblings cleaning hats, Shorty purchased her new business in 1990, making her the only woman-owned and operated custom hattery in the United States.

As many hat companies use steam machines and molds to set creases in the crowns and brims of hundred of cowboy hats, Shorty’s Caboy Hattery always uses their craftsmens’ hands to help cowboys’ and cowgirls’ express themselves. From start to finish, each cowboy hat is touched by the hands of an employee, paying close attention to every detail and making sure to add the finishing touches to the brim and crown by hand only. Using only the highest quality materials and 100% beaver fur, the first stage begins with the “cone” shape of the hat.

As hands begin building the hat, the next step of the process starts with a complete “blank” as the hat is put into an antique machine called a “blocker,” that presses the crown. The crown ironing begins as ironing the crown sets the stiffness into the beaver fur creating a stiffness that it remembers and later becomes hand-shaped, allowing the steam to completely dry. These processes separate Shorty’s Hattery from others because most companies automate the process and mass produce what they consider “custom” hats. When the hat is completely dried, the crown is monitored as it is ironed using a machine that only the most accomplished hatter’s own. The creation of the brim begins when it is hand-ironed to set its stiffness, just like the crown. Once the brim remembers its stiffness, a hat flange is placed on the
brim over night.

The hat is removed from the crown and then using the stamping machine, that hat brand is stamped with the clients’ name, information and the stiffness of the hat (80X, name, etc.). The delicate processes begin as the hat transforms from a single piece of beaver fur into a lid that protects and adorns cowboys and cowgirls. A customized hat band and lining of the hat are sewn in. Once the construction of the hat is complete, one of the most important parts of custom hat making begins to bloom. The perfect amount of steam is added to the beaver fur to make sure it is flexible enough for the shaping process. Shorty’s Hattery artists began to work their magic as they apply the right amount of pressure and finesse to start giving the hat
life and character. And as quality and durability is of the upmost important to the company, a cowboy or cowgirl will never have to worry about using a “rain hat” to cover their hat. Because Shorty’s only uses the best beaver fur. If a hat has been exposed to the rain, placing it in a well-ventilated place to dry is all it that is needed to retain its original shape and stiffness. Rain will not damper, ruin or make the color of the custom hat run.

Because of the quality and craftsmanship of Shorty’s cowboy hats, her hats speak for themselves. Cowboys and cowgirls from all over sport Shorty’s Hatterys, in and out of the arena, and all over the winner’s circle. Kroger is a winner in the hattery industry; After only spending three years at the small shop she purchased in 1990, with the demand from cowboys
and cowgirls wanting more hats, she out grew the 1,900 square foot building. The company relocated to their current home in Historic Oklahoma City, Stockyards.

As color, style and cowboys and cowgirls differ, Shorty’s Hattery takes the time to get to know each customers’ needs, pay attention to facial features and determine which styles and colors will contribute and represent the customer best.

“My favorite part of my business is selling hats, seeing old friends and not only meeting new customers, but making friends for life. I also love supporting youth events.They are the next generation of horsemen and women.”

From beaded to crystal embellished, hides, laser cutting, engraving, specialty, custom and traditional, horsemen and women, cowboys and cowgirls, and lovers of western fashion
turn to Shorty and her staff for help in all of their hat needs. Singers like Joni Harms and Keith Burns rock the stage in Shorty’s lids. Professional horsemen and rodeo competitors from K.C. Jones and Tammy Fisher to Tanya Jenkin and Tracer Gilson can be seen winning championships and titles in their custom Shorty cowboy hat. But in the eyes of Shorty,
“Anyone who wears a Shorty Hat is famous!”

Visit, shortyshattery.com for Shorty’s Shop and further
information. Images courtesy of Oklahoma Farm and Ranch
(OKFR).
 

Her name is February

By Amy C. Witt

She was the woman. Style, grace, smarts and beauty that glittered and mesmerized everyone’s eyes…somewhat like the Vegas skies. She had the world in her palm and every man at her heels. Only leaving them to watch her red bottomed stilettos walk away, proudly in dismay.  She had finally proved to everyone that her hard work would someday pay off. And, even after signing that $150 million dollar contract, she felt nothing. She casually got in her G Wagon as she began to fly away.

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I know where I am going and I know where I’ve been but do I really know where I am going? What does “being insecure” really mean? I mean, I know what the literal and dictionary meaning is, but what are “insecurities” defined as? There’s so many different types – can you really label a person as “insecure?”

Antonio said, “Sounds like you have some insecurities.” Not only did it feel like a slap in the face, but it was hurtful. It cut deep. He’s been the first man I’ve truly cared, loved and saw a future with since Mike. Of course, I’m insecure. Of course, I have insecurities I need to work through…we ALL do! The word “insecure” thrown around so lightly is a problem to me. Not only did it make me snap out of thinking I can fully trust a man, even if intentions and motives were good shouldn’t there be more?

But, how do fully trust someone? I don’t know if I can ever trust fully. I don’t know if I am capable of giving my life and heart to any one individual ever again. But then, have I really? I thought nothing could get by me. I’ve played the game. I know the rules.

I mean how do you really define trust? Not checking your man’s messages, search history, social media accounts and messengers? “Knowing” that they’re not going to cheat emotionally or physically? But how do you really know? You know that you are whole heartedly putting forth the effort and love but…sometimes that may not be enough. What is enough in a relationship?

Sometimes I felt emotionally disconnected with Antonio. With Mike. And many more times I felt disconnected with myself, with reality. I hate reality. Is there really such thing as reality? Or is it just another label?

I never realize or know I’m insecure until I’m backed into a corner of negativity. Then, I don’t want to talk but rather, run. I question if I can fully be loved. Did God make someone specifically for me? Did he create a man so special for me? Sprinkled with an extra dose of love, an extra ounce of affection and a pound of more fuckedupness? Will I ever be meant for anyone?

I admit, I have become selfish in my needs, wants, thoughts and opinions. Sometimes their wants don’t phase me and sometimes, maybe I just truly don’t give a fuck because I’ve cared for too long.

For the first time in a long time I felt something. It was a mixture of butterflies, fear and hurt. Sometimes, people innocently drive irritation through my body, make my head fuzzy with anger or push me beyond disbelief. And perhaps, sometimes all I can respond is “okay” because I just don’t’ want to go to that negative place. Genuinely, I just do not want to deal with things or people.

Sure, I know I am in a healthy place to give someone/everyone everything, my ultimate all and best, starting this day forward. I have discovered a lot and I have worked so hard to be this woman. Free from pain, hatred and anger, insecurities, fear. I should be running free and happy, I mean I’ve made it this far. I can’t allow someone to change that regardless of the present or the future.

Do I want and ask for too much? Is it too much to have a hard core connection with someone? A bone chilling connection that goes further and deeper than that. That cuts through your skin like a razor and love so pure you become shameless. It’s being on a level of space, gravity, your own universe, floating together emotionally, physically, spiritually, mentally…unconditionally. This level of connection where energy frequencies are higher and you’re capable of feeling the other’s emotion without even being around them. Its love that when your eyes meet, you look through each other’s soul, creating emotions that could never be described. Crying together on the floor because the other is in pain. Or laying your flesh on the soil, as you both gaze at the galaxy of stars but only speaking of the moon and Neptune. Making each other feel like the only other person in the world and desirably your best friend. A person who swims in the bath with you as they help you wash away your scars and your mascara filled tears.  They believe your body is a temple and the creation of sex is sacred; his undeniable lust for you can be seen from planet Mars. From the outside, he equally puts in effort and work, but always returns with battered skin and callus hands from going the extra mile so you rest easy at night as he admires you in your sleep, knowing he’s the luckiest man alive. He holds you not behind him, but next, like you were born together as one.

Love isn’t good enough for me. I am in need of so much more.

I feel prettier in my world. Safe. I am okay with being alone, I like being alone. It’s easier – I’d much rather be alone…oppose to heartache. I long for that sense of belonging, for that sense of desire and obsession. But then, I don’t think I have the courage to give myself to someone.  I think a part of me will always be this insecure lost 15-year-old girl. I try never to go back to her, but sometimes she’s just there.

She’s helped me be this woman today. I don’t know if what I am doing or where I am going is right, but currently it’s okay. I know I am mentally strong and healthy, but I need to take risks. How do you do that? What’s taking a risk constitute? Jobs? Fashion? Business? Love?

I guess it’s all a risk. Life is a risk, a gamble… a game of Russian roulette – you just never know when that bullet is going to hit.

January in California - Ropers Sports News - January 2017

We can now kiss 2016 goodbye, the year filled with an abundance of happiness, sadness, up’s and downs, and welcome 2017 with open arms. As January starts the new year with some rain, snow, brandings, ropings and barrel races, traveling around California this time of year is something we all are fond of. From Chowchilla to Corona, there is an array of jackpots, roping and rodeos spread across our Golden State. And while you travel, don’t forget to take advantage of the beautiful marvels California has to offer.

If you are ready to trade in your cowboy boots for some skies or a snowboard, it is said that some of the best ski resorts in Cali are Mammoth Mountain, Squaw Valley and Kirkwood. And if you prefer to grab a cocktail and admire from within next to a warm fire, Mammoth and North Star are exceptional resorts for family and friends.

You may get tired of the rain and snow, so taking a road trip along our coast line is something to consider. Places like Santa Cruz, Morro Bay, Monterey and San Diego offer great dining and lodging. This is also the time of the year that the Monarch butterfly begins mating along the coast in eucalyptus trees which is a magical site. If you haven’t been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, you are missing out!

Maybe you’re a food connoisseur and enjoy fine wining and dining. Yosemite National Park offers special tastings and wine pairings prepared by some of America’s most renowned chefs.

Regardless of whatever you fancy, let your travels take you beyond the arena. Go live your dreams up and down Californ

PC: Jamie Changala