Thursday, January 10, 2008

Try some Cowboy Poetry and Music

Never imagined... Five years ago I would have never imagined that today I would even own a motor home, much less be living in it full time. But, I am. God leads us in unexpected ways sometimes. Hubby and I are "flying" with the snowbirds who flock to the southwest in the winter. We’re visiting various RV resorts and exploring the points of interest. The resorts offer a variety of activities that give opportunities to meet others who are visiting the area. Last night we enjoyed a potluck dinner in the clubhouse followed by a great program of western music presented by Johnny Bencomo. What fun we had as he played his 18-string guitar and sang the old cowboy songs! Yes, I did say 18-strings. Johnny had it custom built. He said he is the only one he knows of who plays an 18-string guitar in the U.S. If you’d like to hear a sample of Johnny’s Music of the West, check his website. (Johnny Bencomo) Listening to Johnny brought back memories of the years Hubby and I attended the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko. We’d heard about it for several years and one day Hubby said he thought we should go and find out what it was all about. So, we got tickets and hotel reservations and off we drove to Elko in late January for a weekend of adventure. "You went where?" When the word got around that we had gone to the Gathering, people dropped their jaws. “You went where?” they asked in disbelief. They just couldn’t imagine we’d want to go to anything like a cowboy poetry program. You see, Hubby loves classical music and has voice training in classical music. He has sung with some wonderful choral groups as well as sung many pieces in church. The idea that we might even think about cowboy music and poetry was foreign to our acquaintances; however, we had a wonderful time in Elko and decided to go back again. Since we first ventured int the world of cowboy poetry world, I’ve learned that there are numerous events around the country as well as the national meeting in Elko. If it sounds like something you want to explore, you can find more information on Cowboypoetry.com, There you’ll find an events calendar of Gatherings and Festivals around the country. You’ll likely find one not too far from where you live. Break out! Do you ever break out of your mold and try something different? Something that would surprise people who think they know you? If not, I would encourage you to stretch your wings a little. Sometimes we get so stuck in our narrow little ruts of living and we fail to open ourselves to learning about something new. I’m glad Hubby and I stretched our limits a little and ventured into cowboy poetry. We now have an added dimension of life to enjoy. Blessings, Sclew

2 comments:

Ridgewoman said...

Well, my gravy! A sister blogger - lol
You know what a rut is, right? A grave kicked out in both ends.
Enjoyed reading your blog, one of those who would not imagine you'ld have an interest in Cowboy Poetry. DH nephew, in MO, has become quite well known as a storyteller at the Cowboy Poet gatherings.
I'll keep checking back for new news of your journeys!

In Sunny Silver

Sclew said...

Thanks for stopping by and saying "Hi."

Do you live right in Silver City or out of town? Have you lived there long?

We have a house not far off Swan and moved there about 2 years ago. Hubby's brother lives a few miles out of Silver City. We haven't been there for about 16 months due our participation in the building projects and a family from our church is living in our house, so we're flying with the snowbirds.

Blessings on your day,
Sclew