Liberty Lausterer: Hitch Your Wagon to the Stars

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Our guest blogger, Liberty Lausterer, is back with another introspective look at our square state. Liberty moved to Wyoming within this past year, and offers us her perspective at life in the Cowboy State from a new resident’s eyes.

 

HITCH YOUR WAGON TO THE STARS

Here’s a scary thought. According to Tyler Nordgren, author of Stars Above, Earth Below: Astronomy in the National Parks, 50% of children born this year will never see the Milky Way. I’m no astronomer, but I’d say that’s pretty tragic news.

At a recent talk Nordgren gave at UW, he shared how light pollution is quickly turning the night sky into a rare commodity. We have now entered the era in which families across the U.S. will have to pack their kiddos into a car and drive a lengthy distance to a national park (spending lots of money on gas and lodging and drive-through meals), all so their kids can see the stars. And in some cases (such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park) not even the parks are immune to the devastating effects of light pollution.

The good news is we in Wyoming don’t have many city lights. It’s one of the many things I love about living in a sparsely populated state! But what our children, and our children’s children, will see in the coming generations depends a lot on the choices we make today. From the lights we install in our yards to light up our walkways, to the street lights we approve as communities, the fate of Wyoming’s night sky rests in our hands.

image by Tyler Nordgren

John Muir, the naturalist, said “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” My husband and I have stopped turning the front porch light on when we leave for the evening. I guess you could say it’s our small act of gratitude for the gift of this incredible Wyoming sky we share. So hitch your wagon to the stars!

 

 

Black Dog Animal Rescue Wins a Car!

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We’re so excited for our friends at Black Dog Animal Rescue, located in Cheyenne & also serving Laramie and the region! They were awarded with a new Toyota Sienna Van for their good deeds as part of the Toyota Cars for Good program. Congrats to them – it is VERY well deserved! Pics follow of the award, plus a note on their upcoming event on April 10, AND info on how you can foster a dog – or adopt one & give it a loving Forever Home!

 

Click on the photo above for info on Thankful Thursday, April 10!

Info on BDAR from BDAR…

Black Dog Animal Rescue (BDAR) is Cheyenne’s only No-Kill animal shelter. We are a small organization run solely on a volunteer basis and funded entirely through donations. BDAR came into existence because of a strongly held belief by its founders. Namely, that no animals should be euthanized in shelters because of population restrictions or because of the length of time it may take to find a permanent home.

*Please Note: “Black Dog” is only part of our name – being a black dog is not a requirement to be rescued.

Donations are always graciously welcomed! If you have anything you would like to donate contact BDAR and arrangements can be made for drop-off or pick-up. Our phone number is: (307) 214-6600 and email address is: bdar@bdar.org. Visit our website http://bdar.org/ for more information on BDAR, volunteer and foster information, and take a look at the current dogs up for adoption!

Apply to foster a dog! We have lots, and you can even pick the one you really want to help after you’ve gone through training. We’ll give you all the supplies you need, pay for all of the vet bills, and even give you a buddy to help you out with any questions or issues that might come up!

Check out some of the adorable faces we currently have waiting….

Have more questions? Get them answered here:http://www.bdar.org/join-our-life-saving-foster-home-program/

MADE IN WYOMING: Calamity Ranch

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We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring Calamity Ranch of Guernsey, Wyoming

Cassie Wells, Calamity Ranch  PO Box 831  Guernsey, WY 82214  307-630-6301  calamityranch@ymail.com

www.calamityranchwyoming.com

Although Cassie has been crafting since 2000, officially Calamity Ranch began in 2011 making western leather headbands, flip flops and other accessory items. Cassie started off selling on crafters’ websites and Facebook. Now she travels to festivals, fairs, rodeos and holiday shows.  Customers can find out where she will be on the road either on the website or their Facebook page, Calamity Ranch.

Right now Cassie currently works out of her home but is looking forward to opening a store front in the future. Every year she tries to expand the business by offering more items and services.

Cassie started Calamity Ranch because she missed sales and was looking for an opportunity to use her creativity.  She had always seen herself as an entrepreneur and wanted to really give it a go, and it definitely keeps her going since she also works full time.  Calamity Ranch is evolving into a family business as well; her husband travels with Cassie to shows and has also been involved by making the paracord bracelets which are so popular.

Calamity Ranch takes special orders and Cassie enjoys working with customers to create that special calamity.  Prices range from $5-100 depending on the item. Products can be ordered via email, telephone or on the web site, www.calamityranchwyoming.com.

Many products feature the Wyoming Bucking Horse and are officially licensed. The Wyoming flip flops are really popular sellers and are more or less one of a kind.  Cassie doesn’t usually use the same design to create a pair and the leathers are purchased in limited quantities. They are available in brown, black, wedges or flats. Her western leather headbands are also great items for the cowgirl that likes a fun trendy look. Many different styles, colors and no two are a like! New products are made constantly to keep things fresh!

“Mama, Rock Me Like a Wagon Wheel…”

Thanks to our contributing blogger, Liberty Lausterer, for a look into square dancing! Thought of as country past times, square dancing and line dancing can be found throughout Wyoming. Liberty takes a look into the art of square dancing…

by Liberty Lausterer

Square Dancing Caller to Dancers:

“Bow to your partner. Corner too. Circle left. Heads up to the center and back. Sides, Grand Square. Turn a corner. California Twirl. Dosados and swing your partner!”

Old Crow Medicine Show

If this square dancing speak reads a little like a foreign language, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Up until two months ago I had no idea what most of these calls meant. But when we moved to Wyoming it seemed like the perfect way to embrace the west. Plus the Quadra Dangle in Laramie is just a really neat space, and piece of Union Pacific Railroad history in Wyoming. And when the caller played Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel,” Mumford and Sons, Stevie Wonder, and Zumba music during the open house I was all in.

Next month my husband and I will complete our three months of Mainstream Lessons. Mainstream means we can literally travel anywhere in the world and dance the same exact calls we dance in Wyoming. But that’s not even the best part. What is truly amazing about square dancing is that you get to embrace a piece of western culture, and you get to embrace your partner (not to mention lots of other people’s partners).

A fast-paced scene at Laramie’s Quadra Dangle, courtesy Liberty Lausterer

I happen to dance in Laramie, but there are clubs all over the state. The Quadra Dangle will offer another session of lessons in January. So rock me mama like a wagon wheel!

Laramie’s UW Women’s Club Features 2013 Holiday Home Tour

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The University of Wyoming Women’s Club Holiday Home Tour is scheduled from noon-4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15. Tickets cost $10 in advance and are available at Ace Hardware and Turtle Rock Coffee. Tickets also are available the day of the tour for $12 at the featured homes. Children 12 & under are by donation.
From a new custom-built home to a historic tree-area Hitchcock home, the public will have the opportunity to view a variety of housing styles, all decorated with holiday cheer.


“The Holiday Home Tour is our main fundraising event for the year with the proceeds providing for a scholarship to assist non-traditional female students to attend UW,” says Kristen Klaphake, the tour’s co-chairwoman.
Stops on this year’s tour include a contemporary-designed home featuring interesting pieces from Thailand. A 1980’s home on the tour was beautifully and creatively remodeled into an attractive, modern space. Also on the tour is a historic tree-area home designed by Laramie architect Wilbur Hitchcock that has been beautifully renovated.
“This year we have a selection of beautiful homes decorated for the holidays. Taking the tour is a great way to bring in the season and to appreciate the architectural home designs we have here in Laramie,” says Klaphake.
For more information, visit http://uwwomensclub.com/ or call Klaphake at (307) 399-1363.
Photo credit, University of Wyoming Women’s Club: This house at 2036 Nighthawk Drive will be among those featured during the 2013 Holiday Home Tour.

MADE IN WYOMING: Wyoming Silvers

visit our website & read the new Winter 13-14 issue of Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

These week we are featuring Wyoming Silvers of Upton, WY

Jill & Dennis Hendrix, Wyoming Silvers  PO Box 872  Upton, WY 82730  307-630-4166  wyomingsilvers@yahoo.com  www.wyomingsilvers.net

Jill & Dennis Hendrix began selling wholesale to gift shops and state parks across the country.  In 1997 they began direct sales and discontinued selling in the wholesale market.  Wyoming Silvers offers a diverse product line from jewelry to lariat baskets and clocks.  Jill and Dennis have received several fine art awards at art shows across the Midwest.

Wyoming Silvers creates art glass jewelry and some silver work.  Each piece is one-of-a-kind, blown, fused and torch-work glass.  Dennis creates lariat rope baskets and lariat clocks.  He also creates the custom name rings. Each one is made with the customer’s personalization on a comfort fit stainless steel band.  They are very reasonably priced, which includes the ring and all the personalization.

Normally, Wyoming Silvers’ products can be ordered via their website, however, this month they are in a kiosk in front of Christopher Banks and Kay Jewelers at Frontier Mall in Cheyenne.   Visit their web site or stop in at the mall, this is a great opportunity to own a handcrafted unique piece of art.

Wyoming Silvers recently received licensing to use the Bucking Horse and Rider logo on their line of personalized jewelry of rings, pendants or bracelets and happily will work with customer on custom pieces.  They are made to order, and if purchasing at their Frontier Mall kiosk in Cheyenne you can pick up your ring the same day.  Products ordered are generally shipped within 48 hours and the shipping is free to the customer.

This year they have added more sculptural glass work and gift items.  Blown glass ring holders and nifty purse holders are priced under $20.  In the jewelry line, Jill has added convertible necklaces that can be worn with or without the pendants.  These necklaces come with matching earrings.  All jewelry is gift boxed with the Wyoming first seal.

WY FOODIE: Yummy Recipes from WY Beef Council

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A new series of great holiday recipes from our friends at the Wyoming Beef Council! We greatly appreciate all the hard work they do promoting the advantages of beef – a Wyoming agricultural staple and the income for many of our friends & neighbors!

As we begin to think about having guests over for the holidays, we can’t help but imagine all the wonderful possibilities. When it comes time for friends and family to gather ‘round your table, our holiday recipes will delight their senses—from the smell of a roast in the oven and the taste of cranberries to the sight of a hearty breakfast after a brisk morning walk in the snow.

APPETIZERS

Appetizers like Bite-Sized Sweet & Spicy Beef Ribs and Mini Meatballs with Apricot Dipping Sauce will wow your guests and start the event off right! They’ll be the perfect pairing with fruity holiday wines.

Mini Meatballs with Apricot Dipping Sauce: are made with lean Ground Beef and can be kept warm in a slow cooker. http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=4005

Bite-Sized Sweet & Spicy Beef Ribs: http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=4532

Beef and Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms: These perfectly bite-sized mushrooms are stuffed with a savory blend of Ground Beef, blue cheese and chives. http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=4900

Beef and Couscous Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers: Tiny peppers are packed with Ground Beef, spinach and couscous for a colorful appetizer that’s easy on the waistline at only 35 calories each. http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=4921

 

MAIN COURSES

Main courses like an awe-inspiring Classic Tenderloin with Cranberry Drizzle or a comforting North Woods Hearty Pot Roast will fill the bellies around the dinner table.

Classic Tenderloin with Cranberry Drizzle: http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=4409

North Woods Hearty Pot Roast: http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=405

Crumb-Crusted Top Sirloin and Roasted Garlic Potatoes with Bourbon Sauce: Is just as glorious as a more expensive roast, but is easy to prepare and a breeze to carve. http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=197

Walnut-Crusted Roast with Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes only looks like it took you half a day to prepare. The simple walnut crust comes together quickly and the roast is placed in the oven for about two hours—the perfect amount of time to set the table. http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=1908

BREAKFAST

And finally if breakfast or brunch are more your style, serve a twist on a classic breakfast pastry with Beef Sticky Buns. For those busy mornings, a quick and easy Beef and cream cheese bagelwich will cross one more thing off your growing to-do list. Not to mention, adding protein to your morning meal will keep you satisfied longer.

Beef Sticky Buns: http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=391

Beef and cream cheese bagelwich: http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipe.aspx?id=3906

 

You can view the entire collection of holiday recipes, perfect for any dining occasion on BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com. While you’re there, don’t miss the newsroom for more story ideas.

Hot Power Yoga of Laramie

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Hot Power Yoga, 511 East Ivinson Avenue, Laramie Wyoming

307.703.9642

Hot Power Yoga of Laramie is what it sounds like – a yoga workout set in a very warm environment. Hot Power Yoga of Laramie sets their temperature in the mid-90s. The purpose is to sweat – and a lot. “{Heat benefits include} joint lubrication, increased muscle mobility, and an overall cleansing through sweat,” Hot Power Yoga of Laramie says. They highly recommend that women who are pregnant, have recently been pregnant or are soon-to-be pregnant not attend.

Besides the heat factor, Hot Power Yoga is “…fitness-based, making it a little more vigorous and good for building strength,” HPY of Laramie explains.

Hot Power Yoga of Laramie can be found online at www.hotpoweryogalaramie.com, by calling 307.703.YOGA, and is located at 511 E. Ivinson Street. This is a place that is on my ‘must try’ for fitness resolutions this year!

Thank you to Ardent Photography of Laramie for graciously supplying these fabulous images!

 

Handmade in WY

Thanks to Liberty Lausterer for a look into gift giving this holiday season. Liberty moved to Wyoming a few months ago, and in that time has been on a quest to learn more about herself and her new home. I appreciate the viewpoint that she brings to her writing that we can share here – learning about our state from a new resident’s perpsective!

HANDMADE IN WYOMING — by Liberty Lausterer

“But it is a cold, lifeless business when you go to the shops to buy something, which does not represent your life and talent, but a goldsmith’s.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, Gifts

What handmade gift might you make this holiday season that represents your life and talent? I’ve never made handmade gifts before, so this is new territory for me. In fact I just started knitting and hesitate to call what I’m doing a bonafide talent. But each knitted washcloth I give to family members will definitely be a small incarnation of my life in Wyoming. And in each one will be a handmade bar of soap created by some talented people from Wyoming. Giving a gift that I have made with my own two hands does seem to imbue it with a warm, life-giving spirit. And if not my hands then certainly the hands of someone else whose life in Wyoming has been woven into each creation.

The felting class I took at Works of Wyoming means I can now also create an e-reader cover, a table piece for candles, coaster, wall hanging, and more. From my lived experience comes a tangible gift that allows my family in Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Virginia to feel and see what my life in Wyoming is like.

This weekend after the Thanksgiving dust has settled and the Christmas shopping extravaganza begins perhaps instead of joining the masses we, each of us, can use our time to create something that represents our life and talent. And if not our life and talent then certainly that of an artisan from Wyoming.

Here are just some of the shops that carry handmade items in Wyoming, and please post other places you know of from around the state:

Wild Hands ~ Hoback Jct

Crafts-n-Collectibles ~ Cody

MADE ~ Jackson Hole

Works of Wyoming ~ Laramie

UW Women’s Leadership Conference features Dr. Erin Foley

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We’re very excited to introduce contributor Liberty Lausterer! Liberty moved to Wyoming with her husband and cats in July 2013. She is excited to explore the vast riches of this place, its people, and the cross-country skiing trails. Originally from eastern Nebraska, she studied history in college in Iowa, followed by graduate work in California. She spent the past nine years as a Lutheran pastor and is ready to see what new opportunities await her in Wyoming. Her hobbies include writing, swimming, herding cats, the adventure of high-altitude baking, trolling the web for interior design inspiration, and she is currently learning to knit her first hat. Welcome, Liberty!

 

by Liberty Lausterer

This weekend (November 8th-9th) I attended the UW Women’s Leadership Conference.  The conference was intended to empower women in Wyoming by teaching us to embrace our strengths, leave behind our weaknesses, and take hold of a life that brings us true happiness. The two day event featured a keynote speaker and three workshops, all intended to equip women with the tools necessary to live strong lives, embracing the very best of what we have to offer.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Erin Foley, teaches Communication Arts at State University of New York at Oneonta. In her keynote, entitled “The Fearless Female and the Freedom to be HAPPY,” Dr. Foley posed the following questions to women:

What if we were less obsessed with beauty?

What if we embraced confidence instead of modesty?

What if we got comfortable with confrontation?

What if we focused on abundance instead of scarcity?

What if we focused on our strengths and not our weaknesses?

Foley explained how cultural beliefs teach women to play down our strengths, creating a false sense of modesty and feeding into a mentality of scarcity. Rather than affirming ourselves and other women, we tell ourselves “I am not enough.” This hypercritical, “Mean Girls,” environment breeds desperation and jealousy. Women end up fixated on all that we are not, instead of engaging with the things that make us feel energized and strong.

The time we spend eradicating our weaknesses pulls us away from cultivating our strengths, says Foley. She defines a strength as the place where your skill meets an emotional state. When you are doing something well, and it leaves you energized, you have honed in on a strength. We may be good at many things, but if they don’t fill us up, we won’t be able to sustain the energy to excel at them. We can perform well in an area, and still end up feeling weak, tired, bored, and frustrated. Foley challenges women to look for the moments that feel good to us, lean into them, and we will lead more fulfilling, strong lives. “Excellence,” says Foley, “is fueled by passion.”

For a suggested donation of $10 this conference certainly delivered ten fold on content and encouragement. It feels especially meaningful when placed against the backdrop of Wyoming’s equality heritage. In a state with a long history of strong female leadership it is encouraging to discover ways women are coming together to support each other, find inspiration for our passions and purpose, and forge new pathways as leaders in Wyoming. 

MADE IN WYOMING: North Wind Fiber Arts

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring North Wind Fiber Arts of Lusk, WY

Lynne Boas, North Wind Fiber Arts  PO Box 206  Lusk, Wy 82225  307-340-0286  northwindfiberarts@yahoo.com

www.northwindfiberarts.com

Lynne Boas started as an art major in college and then became interested in microbiology. Her goal was to make a living creating art; however, the bills needed to be paid so she pursued a degree in bacteriology from the University of Idaho.  She has worked in research and development for about 16 years.  Lynne left the fast pace corporate world and moved to Wyoming to pursue a more relaxed lifestyle to explore and create fiber art.

Lynne started painting silk scarves after a friend sent her a beautiful scarf as a birthday gift.  It was not hand painted but stamped.  She started thinking about silk scarves and what could be done with them.  As luck would have it, scarves again became a popular clothing accessory.  Lynne learned about the art of silk painting and started dabbling.  She then took a silk painting class from an accomplished silk painter in the area and is still learning new techniques. There are so many things she would like to try, and she really enjoys the colors and the feel of the silk.

Lynne finds silk to be a fascinating fiber.  Not only are silk scarves a beautiful enhancement to an outfit; they are warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  The shimmering appearance of silk is due to its triangular prism-like structure of the fiber which refracts incoming light at different angles producing different colors on silk that is not dyed.  During the Roman Empire, silk was sold for its weight in gold.

Her inspiration comes from the colors she sees in the environment, which includes everything from rocks to what people mix together and wear.  She does like splashes of bright colors to brighten things up, especially in the winter.  Sunsets and rises, and the color variations in bodies of water, greens to dark blue, etc., are other great inspirations.

She is expanding her product line to include wool products, which she has been working with for over 20 years.  Working with the multiple mediums is why the company is called “fiber arts.”   Lynne also spins, dyes, weaves and knits different wools and other fibers when time allows.

At present, she does not have a catalog and her website is under construction.  She is also working on selling her scarves on Etsy.  For now, contact Lynne via email or phone.  Lynne’s scarves start at about $10.

You will be able to experience this beautiful wearable art form at this year’s Cowboy Christmas event in Douglas, November 23, 2013. 

 

 

 

MADE IN WYOMING: Horseshoes & Feathers

OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS:  Wyoming Weddingshttp://www.wyoweddings.com/ Wyovore  http://www.wyovore.com/ WYO  XYhttp://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html The Wyoming Woman http://www.thewyomingwoman.com/

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week our spotlight is on Horseshoes & Feathers of Douglas, WY

Terry Askin, Horseshoes and Feathers Douglas, WY  307-358-6658 Terry.askin@starband.net

Terry has always liked to draw and probably should have gone to art school — but with her agriculture background, the pull to ranch was stronger.  She found she loved to raise the sheep, but did not have the patience for weaving and felting spinning.  Terry started drawing in the evenings and into early morning, trying to get a picture to her satisfaction.  Lambing time was ideal for drawing because Terry was already up early in the morning!

Terry’s goal was to have another income for her family and began looking into ideas. She checked out tourist shops, western wear stores and gas stations to see what items were on the market and decided to gear her products toward tourists. Terry started out making t-shirts comprised of Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana “letters” made into western pictures.   Still wanting to push forward, Terry trusted in her faith to guide her.  She wanted an American made, plus Wyoming made, product; something usable that would represent her art well.  Terry’s dad said once, “A person only has so many walls to hang pictures.”   So, she thought…how about coasters?  She commissioned someone to laser her art on the coasters; these were well liked, but a bit pricey.  Then she thought cutting boards. She tried purchasing white plastic cutting boards, adding her artwork via laser. Terry was not impressed with the result. Terry liked working with wood and while in a wood workers’ supply store asked if anyone knew of someone that had experience.  This is when she was introduced to her cutting board maker, one of her popular items.  Terry is learning a lot about wood now and hopes to develop other usable products for interior decorating.

Terry loves animals and uses her art to connect with others, sharing how she was raised and the Wyoming ranching life.  She uses her gift to help others see what we are so honored to have here in Wyoming and in the U.S.A.  — including life and freedom to be able to do anything we set our minds to.  Terry feels honored to have the opportunity to share her art on usable handmade products that will hopefully last a lifetime.

Terry will begin taking custom orders starting this winter.  If it is a commissioned picture it may take longer, but she is learning how to take photos and apply them to objects.  She has done wedding gifts using her art and personalizing the boards.  She has also created a cutting board for children’s names and a prayer; one side to use and one to display.   She has used her laser to embellish a dresser, making is personal and usable.

Currently, Horseshoes and Feathers products are being sold from Terry’s home, as well at at the Wyoming Mercantile at the Wyoming State Fair.  This year her artful products will be sold during Cheyenne Frontier Days in the Old Frontier Town at the General Mercantile.  Terry is now exploring Etsy and Zibbet as a means to sell her products in the next year.

As of May, 2013, Horseshoes and Feathers’ prices on cutting boards start at $25.00 for an 8”x12-1/2” board, to $50 for a 16”x11 1-1/2” board.  The art on these boards is a simple display of the Wyoming way of life; the more detail higher the price.  Terry can be contacted at horseshoesandfeathers@gmail.com.  Please provide a phone number on subject line or it may be considered a spam.Contact Terry directly for pricing on custom orders. 

Terry feels the laser machine is an incredible art machine and the possibilities are endless! Horseshoes and Feathers, along with her art, is trademarked.

WYOMING FIRST: PerrBear Chocolates

VISIT OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS:  Wyoming Weddingshttp://www.wyoweddings.com/ Wyovore  http://www.wyovore.com/ WYO  XYhttp://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html The Wyoming Woman http://www.thewyomingwoman.com/

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!  

This week we are featuring PerrBear Chocolates  of Cheyenne, Wyoming

Lori & Perry Martin, PerrBear Chocolates   3151 Nathionway, Unit K-6  Cheyenne, WY 82001   307-638-5041

perry@perrbearchocolates.com   www.perrbearchocolates.com

About 15 years ago Lori Martin owned a candy store.  Perry and Lori met when he was searching for Mint Meltaways and found them and much more.  Eventually, when the opportunity presented itself, they opened a new store.  Perry loves to cook so it was an easy transition into making candies.

 

 

 

He practiced every holiday until they were able to open the store.  Lori & Perry have been in business for four years:  one year selling wholesale and three years with the retail store.

PerrBear Chocolates has an assortment of chocolates, truffles, fudge, toffee, caramels, nut brittles, candy bars, toffee popcorn and cheese popcorn.  They are also starting to make cupcakes again and other desserts.  PerrBear Chocolates can be found at their store and at Underwood Flowers in Cheyenne, also at Killian Florists in Laramie.  This weekend (February 2-3, 2013), however, you can also purchase PerrBear Chocolates at the Cheyenne Winter Farmers Market from 10 am to 2 pm inside the Depot in Downtown Cheyenne.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS:  Wyoming Weddingshttp://www.wyoweddings.com/ Wyovore  http://www.wyovore.com/ WYO  XYhttp://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html The Wyoming Woman http://www.thewyomingwoman.com/

WYOMING FIRST: Wyoming Pure Beef

VISIT OUR WEBSITE & READ THE CURRENT ISSUE:  www.wyolifestyle.com

OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS:  Wyoming Weddingshttp://www.wyoweddings.com/ Wyovore  http://www.wyovore.com/ WYO XYhttp://www.wyolifestyle.com/WYOXY/index.html The Wyoming Woman http://www.thewyomingwoman.com/

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits! 

This week we are featuring Wyoming Pure Natural Beef, LLC from Wheatland, Wyoming

Cynthia Goertz  307-331-1176  info@wyomingpure.com  www.wyomingpure.com

Wyoming Pure Natural Beef started in 2004 as a means of diversifying their ag operation to keep the next generation involved in the ranch, Lazy V Six, Inc.  Everyone in the family has a job to do, whether it’s going to shows, home deliveries, packaging, or working the cattle.  The goal of the Goertz family and Wyoming Pure Natural Beef is to keep growing without losing customer service.

Wyoming Pure sells all cuts of their USDA inspected beef frozen and vacuum packed.  They offer a wide variety of steaks and roast as well as ground beef, beef jerky, snack sticks and summer sausage.  All of the products sold come from beef raised on their Lazy V Six ranch.  The beef is raised without hormones or antibiotics and naturally dry aged to add great flavor and tenderness.

Customers can order any of the Wyoming Pure Natural Beef packages (starting at $45) that are offered or they can customize their own package to suit their needs.  Beef may be purchased by half beef, quarter and simply a package of steaks.  Orders may be placed by calling 307-331-1176 or by going online to www.wyomingpure.com.   Gift certificates are also available.

 

Wyoming Pure Natural Beef offers free delivery to Cheyenne, Casper and Wheatland.  The holidays are fast approaching and Wyoming Pure Natural Beef has several special Holiday packages available. These packages are now available to order.  Send a taste of Wyoming this year — they also ship nationwide!

click the link below to watch this special video…

ThatsWY.com presents Wheatland’s Wyoming Pure Natural Beef

Go to www.wyomingpure.com to see what some of their customers have to say about their experience with Wyoming Pure Natural Beef and the Goertz family.

 

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WYO ARTS: November 1, 2012

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The Gillette College Rodeo team, along with several other teams across the state are always looking for donations to help in their fundrasing to help keep rodeo alive and well in the Cowboy State. Bucking H Designs, Heidi Huggins, is striving to do her part in donating one of a kind hand painted items to several teams. To donate to the Gillette College team, please conatct Jessi Cates at jessicacates@sheridan.edu or 307-620-0034. Sheridan High School Rodeo donations can be made to Jody Koltiska at 307-763-2177 or by finding either team on Facebook!   click here for Gillette team and click here for the Sheridan HS team

Romance and Reality of the West in Images Spanning 125 Years

National Museum of Wildlife Art one of 10 museums simultaneously hosting show

Top: Monument Valley from the National Geographic exhibition (© Bruce Dale/National Geographic Stock); Below: cover of companion book (© William Albert Allard/National Geographic Stock)

Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Iconic images of the American West taken by more than 50 photographers spanning more than a century of real-time issues and conditions will be on display as “National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West” opens in 10 national venues, including the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, on October 27, 2012. The largest simultaneous U.S. museum opening of its kind, the exhibition includes 75 photographs that stand alone as both fine art and journalistic moments in the history and culture of the Western U.S. The National Museum of Wildlife Art is spearheading the unprecedented event along with nine of its associates in the Museums West consortium and the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C. The exhibition will be on display at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole from October 27, 2012, through April 28, 2013.

Selected from among thousands in the National Geographic Image Collection, the 75 images are the work of photographers ranging from such well-known names as William Henry Jackson and Ansel Adams to contemporary photographers William Albert Allard and Bruce Dale.

American Indian Beauty Pageant Winner, Oregon, (c) 1997 William Albert Allard/National Geographic Stock

Rodeo, Nebraska, 1998 © Joel Sartore/National Geographic Stock

“’National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West’ represents the first time a photography exhibition of this magnitude has opened at so many U.S. venues simultaneously,” says James McNutt, President and CEO of the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyo.; McNutt is one of the exhibition organizers and a contributor to the book accompanying the exhibition. “The exhibition presents a powerful and nuanced portrait of the West over more than a century, and it’s exciting that the medium of photography allows multiple openings across the country for greater impact in sharing the combined vision of such an important group of photographers.”

Tehachapi Wind Farm, California, 2008 © Jeff Kroeze/National Geogrpahic Stock

A dedicated website, featuring exhibition images, photographer interviews, interactive features and more will be available online at www.photographsofthewest.org as the exhibition opening date approaches. The following is a list of the 10 participating museums:

A companion book to the exhibition, National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West: Capturing 125 Years of Majesty, Spirit and Adventure (National Geographic Books, October 2012), features more than 180 photographs, including rarely published and never-before-seen images.

The exhibition is organized by the National Museum of Wildlife Art in collaboration with the National Geographic Society and Museums West. Presented by the Mays Family Foundation. 

Coming to the SAGE Exhibit Gallery in Sheridan…

Artist Escape II on Display at SAGE Gallery

Artists Gayle Barnett and Susan Beasley have teamed together once again, combining their creations to put together a holiday show.  This body of work will contain oil paintings by Beasley, and watercolors and oils by Barnett.

Susan Beasley

“Final Straw,” Gayle Barnett

Both women, raised on Montana ranches, have enjoyed creating art since their youth.  Beasley says that even when time does not allow her to paint, in her mind she is still creating, thinking color, composition, and how to share what she is feeling through art.  Beasley likes to work outdoors, gathering photos and documentation, then return to her studio where she creates her final product.  Barnett, who has created watercolors for many years, has more recently taken up oil painting, and cannot say enough about her enjoyment of plein air painting.  Painting on location has improved her powers of observation and how she interprets what she sees.  Her subjects are varied but are mostly of the landscapes, people, and animals of the rural life she loves so much.

plein air painting — Gayle Barnett

painting — Susan Beasley

The show will run from November 2 through the end of November at the SAGE Exhibit Gallery at the Sheridan College Main Street location.   The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An artist reception will be held Thursday, Nov. 8 from 5-7 p.m.  It is open to the public and refreshments will be served.  One of the artists will be at the gallery every Saturday during the month of November, working and greeting guests.  In addition, artists will be available during the Christmas Stroll with cards and prints for sale.

Read on for information about the silent auction benefiting SAGE, “Artly Altered Furniture,” will be held in conjunction with this show.  The silent auction closes at 4:00 pm on November 30th.

 

“Jabbersocky”, painted by SAGE members Kathy Sabine & Carina Wenckus.

In conjunction with the “Art Escape II” show, The SAGE Exhibit Gallery will also feature the annual “Artly-Altered Furniture” Silent Auction Fundraiser.  See and bid on fun furniture embellished by local artists.  Proceeds benefit SAGE.

Top:  Image by Larry Schwarm; Bottom: Photographer Larry Schwarm

Sagebrush Community Art Center’s Front Gallery presents “On Fire,” a collection of “sizzling” photographs by Larry Schwarm, a renowned photographer from Kansas.  The show runs from October 29th to November 30th in the Historic Train Depot at 201 E. 5th in Sheridan.  An Artist’s Reception will be held on November 29th from 5:30-7:30.  It is open to the public and refreshments will be served.

Schwarm says of his work:

  “Relationships between man and nature, with its inherent cycles of destruction and renewal, have been an enduring theme in my photographs.  Most of these images are from a longtime project of photographing controlled agricultural burning in the middle United States… In every culture fire is symbolic.  It is good and evil, soothing and terrifying, protection and threat, destruction and rebirth.  It heats our homes and it can destroy our homes.  It has a connection [to] our collective unconscious.”

The Sagebrush Community Art Center Galleries are currently operating on winter hours: Thursday through Saturday, 10:00am -4:00pm.  This schedule does not affect the classes, workshops, and Jentel presentations held in the classroom area of the depot.  Please contact the Sagebrush Community Art Center at 307-674-1970 to find out more about classes for all ages offered at the depot.

Small Things to Exhibit at Lander Art Center

The Lander Art Center announces Small Things juried exhibition to open Friday, November 2nd. Nineteen artists from around the country entered up to three pieces in the show centered on the theme small things. The theme was left up to the artists’ interpretation. Works could be small in size, small in importance, small in manner, etc. Of the 19 artists, 17 were accepted to exhibit one, two or all three of their entries.
“A Prayer for Small Things,” Tonya Pepper

This year’s juror is Jenny Dowd, a professional artist from Jackson, WY and 2011 Art Center solo exhibitor. Dowd selected the pieces from the intial entries and will choose a first, second and third place winners from the selected pieces to be announced next Friday at the exhibition’s opening.
“Miniature History,” Holly Ann Burns

“Flea,” Jack Harrington

Exhibition runs November 2nd – December 8th. Come and see these artists’ expression of small things.

Exhibiting artists:

Brian Stanford
Carolyn McIntyre
Dean Stayner
Debra Zelenak
Diantha States
Eleni Sakellar
Emily Scheer
Holly Ann Burns
Jack Harrington
James Atkinson
Lucas Watkins
Melissa Strickler
Robert Martinez
Rosie Ratigan
Sharon Grubbs
Tonya Pepper
Wendy Elias

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