Soul of the West Bootique

01/23/2024

Sat Feb 10, our 12th Anniversary
Come celebrate
Follow us and Biban &Co. Our sister store👍❤️

01/14/2024

The Texas Quote of the Day:

"Some trail bosses wouldn't hire a cowboy who couldn't sing. We boys would consider it a dull's day drive if we didn't add at least one verse. On bad, dark nights the cowboy who could keep up the most racket was the pet of the bunch. We called him the bellwether, and he always brought up his side of the herd.

When a trail hand sang, it usually had a practical purpose. In threatening weather, when the cattle began to drift and show signs of stampeding, a hymn or a ballad might quiet them. Songs were the best antidote to rumbling in the sky or the howl of a lobo wolf on a distant hill. The cowboy puncher who could sing better than the average had an advantage. In his long days in the saddle, songs helped to speed the hours and to keep him from growing lonesome. In the evening around the campfire, they gave a bit of diversion before the men hit their bedrolls. The hands-on night guard used songs not only to keep the cattle quiet but to keep themselves awake."

----- Wayne Gard, "The Chisholm Trail," University of Oklahoma Press, 1954

01/14/2024

Kiowa boys, Fort Sill, 1890
Photo by H.P. Robinson

01/14/2024

A farmer and his son in Stanton, Texas back in January, 1937. They told photographer Dorothea Lange that they hadn't made a crop of cotton since 1932 --- four years of no crops due, I guess, to drought and the Dust Bowl. A sensational photo in every way. The farmer's face, his expression, his clothing and the clothing of his son ... wow. The folks at the Library of Congress may have been adding to their archive of Dorothea Lange, Russell Lee, John Vachon, and Arthur Rothstein Texas photos because I think I'm seeing photos I haven't seen before.

01/14/2024

Back in my studio!!!

Rough cellphone shot of today's adventure. Still lots to do, but I am so very grateful to be back in the studio.

12/14/2023

Get one of these when you buy $25 + at Biban, this little key gets you a discount.
Biban opens this Saturday at 11:00 and everyone will get a gold key. Come shop and Share our joy❤️❤️❤️❤️

08/31/2023

08/31/2023

Super Blue Moon and Monarchs in one day, love in a wonderful place👍❤️👍

03/04/2023