I hope & trust this post finds you having a great day as a beautiful new day begins to dawn on the Texas Gulf Coast.
It's March which in Houston means it is time for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. For 3 years now this means the Haslam's put on their jeans, boots & cowboy hats - yes, I have one of those...actually two! :) - pile into our truck and head to the rodeo. We love to walk around and look at the livestock, the different vendor booths and then we grab a bite to eat before we head into the rodeo which is followed by a concert. That was something new to me; in Houston, for many people, it would be more appropriately called "The Concert" with a rodeo going on around it! Way more people show up for the concert than show up for the rodeo.
I absolutely love the rodeo, all of it. From the Grand Entrance to the prayer to the national anthem and then finally the rodeo. As I sit here this morning I can't name one cowboy or cowgirl off the top of my head but one time a year I show up and cheer my heart out for them as they ride bulls, wrestle steers, race around barrels, rope calfs, etc. I absolutely love the time with my family, creating cherished memories that will forever be tucked away in our hearts, and I stand amazed at the men, women & animals that perform.
So we went to the rodeo on Monday, followed by a concert by the Zac Brown Band...whom the Haslam's absolutely loved. The next morning I received an email from a fundraising consultant who shares a weekly message. This weeks messages was, appropriately for me, titled, "The Cowboy Code." I thought the code was absolutely awesome - cowboy/cowgirl or not - and so I thought I would share some cowboy stuff with this Happy Friday.
First for "The Cowboy Code." You can also find it referred to as "The Code of the West" or "Cowboy Ethics." I am not sure who exactly said/wrote it however you can find it on the website for the Center for Cowboy Ethics and Leadership at cowboyethics.org. Anyways, here is the Cowboy Code:
1. Live each day with courage.
2. Take pride in your work.
3. Always finish what you start.
4. Do what has to be done.
5. Be tough, but fair.
6. When you make a promise, keep it.
7. Ride for the brand.
8. Talk less and say more.
9. Remember that some things aren't for sale.
10. Know where to draw the line.
Pretty good stuff, don't ya think?! And it begs to question, what code are you & I living? The reality is we are all living some code...interesting point to ponder.
I also wanted to share some random cowboy quotes, sayings and wisdom. I am not sharing an exhaustive list with you, just the one's that stick out to me. You can find the entire list at cowboyway.com.
- When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
- Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.
- Don't interfere with something that ain't botherin' you none.
- If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.
- If it don't seem like it's worth the effort, it probably ain't.
- The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with watches you shave his face in the mirror every morning.
- Generally, you ain't learnin' nothing when your mouth's a-jawin'.
- If you're ridin ahead of the heard, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's till there with ya.
- Good judgement comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgement.
- You can't tell how good a man or a watermelon is 'til they get thumped. (Character shows up best when tested.)
- Never miss a chance to shut up
Some are humorous, all contain wisdom.
Finally, I want to share with you the "Cowboy's Ten Commandments." Again, I am not sure who originally said/wrote them however you can find them at beliefnet.com.
1. Just one God.
2. Honor yer Ma & Pa.
3. No telling tales or gossipin'.
4. Git yourself to Sunday meetin'.
5. Put nothin' before God.
6. No foolin' around with another fellow's gal.
7. No killin'.
8. Watch yer mouth.
9. Don't take what ain't yers.
10. Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff.
Oh yeah, and "Cowboy Up?" According to urbandictionary.com it means, "when things are getting tough you have to get back up, dust yourself off and keep trying." A pretty good way to live...
Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you or your families. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.
Have a great day, a wonderful weekend and please cherish your precious families!
Kev
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