According to the urban dictionary, Cowboy Up means…when things are getting tough you have to get back up, dust yourself off and keep on trying! I remember that Cowboy Up was the Boston Red Sox’s mantra that year that they made the improbable comeback against the Yankees to win the World Series that year…when was it? 2004?

Sometimes that is so appropriate in our stitching. When the stitching gets tough, we try and try again, it is necessary to get back up and keep trying till you get it just right.

This is a canvas by What’s the Point? and makes into these darling little bags for the holidays or anytime for that matter. I have made several of these with a few more to work on one of these days.

So you are thinking…and yes I can hear you. You are saying to yourself, what has she lost her mind or what? What’s the deal about Cowboy Up and cowboy boots? Yes she has really gone off the deep end now.

Well don’t you know? today is National Day of the Cowboy! A way to preserve the rich heritage and culture of the American cowboy. So of course I think about cowboy boots, John Wayne, cowboy coffee and all things cowboy.

A Linda Carter Holman for Melissa Shirley and speaking of Cowboy Coffee, this is called Chuck Wagon Coffee.

A cowboy boot stocking by Boots Bailey. I know someone who is working on this canvas! God rest your soul Boots, you were taken from us all too soon and you are missed.

or a cowboy boot by Kelly Clark!

So join in the spirit of the National Day of the American Cowboy…

Or if your like me, you just Cowboy Up! So that’s me these days as I stitch away and I am almost there and I can taste it. I will admit that I am a little burnt out on stitching… but nothing that breakfast at The Cottage and a little retail therapy won’t cure!

and so if you don’y hear from me daily, you know that I am buried in threads and stitching.

Sylvester is not a cowboy, but he is looking pretty cute as he is doing what cats do. Hanging out in the box as he waits for me to take his picture!

and until next time…keep on stitching