Hello America !

It's August 12 2025 in SC, USA.  We've been over 100 degrees, then a few storms off the Atlantic coast reduced temps toward Fall season, but tons of rain & high humidity. 67 - 80 degrees with "drenching" humidity.  

Thank you for our Spring & Summer sales thus far.  Beyonce's Cowboy Carter Music Tour has introduced another whole segment of Americans to the delight of Western Lifestyle. Cultured Cowboy has made more new friends, shaped a lot of hats to match faces & personalities, fitted leather sole boots like crazy, and it's been great to help "newbies" become introduced into our lifestyle.

Whether called "Trail Rides", "Line Dance Parties" or backyard BBQ's, the intro to & realization of the comfort as well as utility of Western Wear is driving happiness.  Been cool to have a couple come in to get ready for their "event". Then next week, bring their children into Cultured Cowboy to be fitted because they too want to be a part of the fun that family is enjoying.

Western has always been a family lifestyle. An invitation to personally grow with God, family & friends.  I get more "preaching" done behind the hat counter  than I do in pulpits!    ( Legal term is Captive Audience.  They gotta listen to this ole man "suggest" while their hats are being fitted, or rebuilt for next rounds of rodeo and/or line dancing.)

Shifting gears:
Life is full of "ups & downs".  I am somewhat tired. As early as my body & weather allow, I'm on the tractor, or with chain saw, or on a barn/shed roof tearing out & repairing from Hurricane Helene. Take a shower, come to "work" at CC. About 7pm - 11pm depending on the requirements of that day, I'm headed back to the barns & kennels. Mucking, feeding, grass control, etc.  - I sleep well!  Thank God that "work" at CC is so rewarding. Thank God that I enjoy farm life.  In my other life, I help others, as busy as I, to overcome burnout & overwhelm.

Most of the "emergency repair" is under control.  I figure 2 more years to make the stables & farm as nice as it was. And I'm now using my Coaching education/tools/support on my Self. Every day I can choose to see progress towards, or the seemingly endless battle of weakened trees falling onto what was already repaired.

I can look at the completely obliterated structures as what they used to be, or what this opportunity presents to make them even better than before. I can feel as if I will never be able to relax again, or seize the gratitude of being able to be physically able to climb those ladders, cut those trees, and throw that brush.

Mindset.  It drives the emotions which influence the "feelings" we have.  

Gratitude.  I'm grateful that a shift in cultural music drove sales such that materials could be bought to repair the farm & warehouse. (Insurance is not supposed to suck & look for ways NOT to cover.) Lately, these trees falling onto the barn & fences, weakened from the hurricane are a separate $2500.00 deductible each, Not part of the original claim - Thanks Nationwide.   I am grateful that they covered some of the destruction.  ( Oh, Hire a contractor instead of doing it yourself & we'll find another $9000.00 for the claim. The contractor adds labor Nationwide didn't cover, and another 15% of their fees on top of it all. This would cost another $40G to have another 9.  I have the skills to do it myself. Just gonna take a while.) 

You know, even a boot has to get re-soled or replaced after time. Yet to tell a client that the standing seam Butler Building roof of their showroom store is no longer covered on your structure because it has not needed replacing yet ?!?  No leaks. No problems. No claims thus far.  Oh tear it off and put another back & we'll cover it in case of fire. Whose reasoning is this?  Or is it because they acknowledge damage showing up after the hurricane, like those tree tops falling on our barn, and want to eliminate their financial "risk"? Insurance is supposed to be shared risk among neighbors with the insurance company investing & profiting off the investments from the premiums paid by trusting insured. (There are no trees over the store.) 

Mom turned 90 yrs young today. Yes, surprise party this weekend. Wonderful chance to reunite with family. 

Got a little contract help with the store website, so I can free time for some other strategic needs. 

Got the embroidery machine functioning and we're having a lot of fun with patches, caps & t-shirts.
  Need any embroidery for your barn or business? We can help!

Our hat inventory is gaining ground! And we found a source for bodies so we can totally build your hat from a felt blank.  (Been buying open crown for years. Just want to see if we can go the next step too.)

Placed some advertising in Western Horseman, AQHA Journal & Rodeo Life mags.  Trying to reach & teach new cowboys & cowgirls.

Don'tcha know? They made wide square toe boots a rage. (Hope some continue because they are great for safety boots & shoes.) Discovered they were a challenge to catch a stirrup, so - the "Cutter toe" evolved - square but more narrow at the front.  SO after all this, the Western fashion mags are now showing sharper, J Toe and snip toe boots as ladies fashion for this Fall. 

We might as well wear our boots whenever, to whatever we want. Fashions change, but the comfort, durability, support, is almost impossible to find in any other footwear. Be proud of which ever toe style you prefer!

Question, ladies?  Do ya like fancy belts with more plain rear pocket jeans, or more plain belts with fancy jean pockets?  We're trying to stock what you want and have some of all of it. Rock & Roll Denim leading the pack in Jeans; and belts both Amish made (Heritage, Brushy Creek, Gingrich) & imported (Nocona Belt, Ariat, 3D). 

Seems the only thing that stays the same is that change is always with us.  I like to say, "If ya don't like the weather, hang around a while. It'll change!"

Praise the Lord, He doesn't.  Got preached in church.  What are we doing with our God given gifts & talents? Are we using them to bring more people closer to relationship with their Lord?  Are we just happy to attend church & get fed without feeding? 

Never underestimate the power of prayer, of conversation with God. Never underestimate the power YOU can have through Him.  Living for a cause larger than yourself is the best way to get out of a "funk", a depression, a fear that you are not "worthy".  Grace saves. Works involve us in the salvation of others. (Love God. Love others. - Jesus' recommendation.)

So, writers write to release their souls. And sometimes. I do too. Kinda been all over the place here, would you say?

Hope your horses are all doing well.  Work toward your deepest possibilities, And never let anyone steal your dreams!

God be with you,    Chuck