Book Excerpt
Cowgirl State of Mind
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
I’ve long considered myself a misplaced Southerner. The times when I’ve visited the South, I’ve always felt at home and that I would make a fine “Southern Belle.” I love the southern style of hospitality, charm and, of course, the accent. And, I’ve longed to live on a ranch or a farm with horses and lots of land.
While driving to the cabin this weekend, I took a detour and drove through some small towns in Minnesota. I love little towns; they are so inviting. I also love being able to drive for a long ways along farmland and undeveloped land. It breaks my heart when a for-sale sign goes up on undeveloped property just to build another housing development or another unnecessary shopping center!
I’ve told Jason that the day a fast-food restaurant opens up by our cabin, we are out of there. I would not be able to stand the idea of being able to run to McDonald’s or Subway while at the lake.
When I was going through chemotherapy in 2007, I decided not to work while undergoing treatment, for many reasons. During that time, I was fortunate enough to spend long weekends and full weeks at the lake with my family.
I recently looked through my cabin journal and found how much I commented on nature and how healing it was for me. We spent a lot of our time on the water canoeing, swimming, boating and pedaling our paddle boat. We also went for lots of walks and four-wheeler rides. Northwest Wisconsin has some wonderful forest land that is quite amazing to take in.
After visiting Colorado, I realized I’m not a misplaced Southerner. What I really am is a cowgirl at heart. And cowgirls can be found anywhere in this beautiful country.
I have always wanted to be able to call myself a cowgirl. Cowgirls are a tough breed. They may fall, but they always saddle up, hold their heads high and ride on. I thought you had to live on a ranch and own a horse to call yourself a cowgirl, but I’ve learned being a cowgirl isn’t about where you live, it’s a state of mind.
In the closing page of the book, Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips, Kris Carr told me that I’m a “Cancer Cowgirl.” I love the idea of being able to call myself a cowgirl. Here’s how she describes a canser* cowgirl:
“Cancer cowgirls are a divine order, a free-spirited bunch of powerful women who take charge as they gallop through life’s obstacle course. We don’t whisper, we ROAR. We are heavenly creatures full of sass and fireworks, dazzling warriors full of peace and fury. Cancer cowgirls past and present are survivors. Take the best and leave the rest.”
She ends her book by reminding me to “Feel the ground beneath me and notice the groovy scenes as I hitchhike down the highway of one day at a time.”
I don’t know that I encompass all of those descriptions, but I certainly would like to attain them and live my life by them.
I’m hoping for the best of news from my doctor this week. Until then, I will hold my head high and keep fighting like a “cowgirl!”
Love,
Sharyl
*Sharyl intentionally misspelled the word “cancer” to negate its power.