Follow me, Christy Crowley as I travel the US in search of the stories and poetry of the American Cowboy. Our conversations focus on the nature of creating art, stewardship of the environment, and the discovery of meaning in things both great and small.
This is not good bye, but rather, until next time. As I say fare thee well, I look back at a journey on the road and the journey in my heart.
Don Edwards is a Cowboy music legend. Hear how he describes the genre as we discuss his life and work in art and the inter-play between making art and doing business.
I consider the lessons I've learned on the fine art of learning. My exposure to Cowboy Poets and their families brought education to the forefront and changed my opinion about the American school system.
The Quebe Sisters and I continue our conversation focusing on the balancing act that is motherhood, being a wife, and being a working artist. These bright young woman and I imagine what that life might be and how we might handle those challenges.
The Quebe Sisters bring Texas Swing to the 21st century with their bright and energetic sound. Sisters by birth, but band mates by choice, their lives are a lesson in collaboration and trust. I sit down to discuss with them the magic that is family and making music.
Adrian Buckaroo Girl opens up about her social media presence, being a woman in the limelight and the difference between make-up as an enhancement and make-up as a mask.
Adrian Buckaroo Girl brings youth and energy to cowboy music. In our conversation we discuss what shaped her and influences that keep propelling her forward.
Brenn Hill might be the hardest working man in music today. With lots of albums to his credit, he sits down with me to discuss his process and the whys of his work.
The Elko Gathering is over and I must be on my way. But first, a look back at what I'll take with me and the story that touched me most.
Brigid Reedy and I continue our conversation in this episode. However, this time we focus our attention on the artistic process and her unique relationship with her parents and teachers.
Brigid Reedy is a young woman of great talent. This bright and bubbly gal explains what a teenager does growing up on a modern day ranch and what it's like being schooled at home.
Joel Nelson is author of one of my all time favorite poems, but in this episode we uncover his writing process, his first memories, and what is was like growing up as the son to the town's Sherif.
A reflection on the small encounters that cause big feelings...
DW Groethe and Rodney Nelson give me double the "trouble" in this conversation. These two friends share their writing process and lots of laughs. Maybe TWO cowboys IS better than one.
Wallace McRae discuss the spoken word, the loudest sound, and even sing a favorite song.
We pay tribute to friend, poet, cowboy, rodeo star, artist and legend Pat Richardson. While he has left us, his poetry and humor have not.
Doris Daly is a kind of first lady of cowboy poetry. Hear her discuss the truths of living in art and nature.
I consider the connection between Poetry and revolution and we hear a politically charged poem by Rodeo Poet, Paul Zarzyski.
Paul Zarzyski describes the kind of life worthy of poetry in this second episode featuring his work.
Paul Zarzycki's wild and energetic style fills his poetry but also our conversation. Hear him describe what's harder than riding Rodeo and how he comes back to writing poetry after being away from the blank page.
Gail Steiger and I sit down at the Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering and I get a piece of wisdom to guid me through a lifetime.
Join me as I reflect on finding poetry as a little girl and finding a gathering of Poets in the sleepy town of Elko, Nevada.
Elizabeth Ebert, a graceful lady of 80, speaks with me about rhyme and meter, patriotism, and the beauty of seeing America on the back roads.
Linda Hasselstrom and I continue our conversation in this episode. Hear more of her story and wisdom and chat about life, art, nature and the pursuit of happiness- all while seated at her kitchen table.
Linda Hasselstrom and I sit down at her ranch in the beautiful landscape of South Dakota. Her wit, wisdom and womanly warmth would prove too much for just one episode.
Bonnie Krogman is newer to the Cowboy Poetry scene and we're sure she's a rising star. This smart, gracious and talented woman shares the joys of life ranching and politics of a ranching marriage.
Yvonne Hollenbeck is both a rancher- and a card. In this episode she keeps me in stitches as she shares the day to day of a working ranch wife life.
Jerry Brooks and I sit down and chat while both visiting the great state of Arizona. The foremost reciter of Cowboy Poetry shares the wisdom of the working woman and the working cowboy.
Amy Hale Auker and I sit down at her kitchen table to discuss what makes a cowboy in this episode and thus begins our travels through Arizona.