Welcome to the OutWest Scout. I'm eager to get going, bringing you stories I know you'll enjoy covering the "behind the scenes" of OutWest Shop! I've been given free reign and I'll be sharing interviews with the authors, musicians, and artists that the folks at OutWest partner with and I'll be picking "Mary Etta's Favorites" that you'll find in our "Purveyor's Picks" section AND my very own Pinterest Board.
Since I've got a ranching and farming family history I just love anything handcrafted and made of wood. Today, I'm writing about the whimsical and fun carvings of Navajo Folk Artists Edith Herbert John and her husband Guy. I'm pictured with XSmall Chickens in all 3 poses - Nesting, Pecking, and Standing. Aren't they cute? Each is handmade by Edith and signed on the bottom of the base. Tails of raffia, and their facial expressions are so simple yet unique. They just make me smile. Do you need a "pick me up" during the day? Just gather a brood of chickens for yourself, place in a sunny spot, and watch the smiles of your family grow!
Here's their story: Edith Herbert John and her husband Guy live in Sweetwater, Arizona with their children. Edith, daughter of contemporary folk artist, Woody Herbert, started carving cottonwood in 1990 for fun, working with her father to make toys for the children. The immense popularity of her work has made carving an important source of income for the Johns. Guy works with Edith to make stylized creatures in every imaginable color. Owls, turkeys and chickens are among the Johns' most sought after carvings.
Until I've got another story to share - do something Wild & Western! ----Mary Etta Morse (Etta to my friends)!
AUGUST 9 is a day for all those who love to read! National Book Lovers Day encourages you to find your favorite reading place, a good book, a favorite beverage, and read the day away. Looking for suggestions for your next read? Enjoy conversations between authors and readers? Want to know the book's backstory or author's writing process? Here at OutWest Shop, we enjoy writer/reader podcasts, do you? Who do you listen to?? Here are four of our favorites. Click each image for broadcast information. HAPPY LISTENING! HAPPY READING!
AUGUST 8 is Global Sleep Under the Stars Night and is a night to spend outdoors enjoying the sensational night sky. With summer coming to an end, take advantage of all the night has to offer by gazing upwards and see the wonder of stars across the sky. Whether it’s in the backcountry or your own backyard, one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the outdoors is to spend a night under the stars. Gazing up at the night sky gives us a sense of peace and, at the same time, an overwhelming sense of awe.
As the host of the weekly radio show, OUTWEST HOUR, I'm blessed to receive new music on a weekly basis. Some are in CD form and some are MP3 singles. This week's playlist, RIDE ALONG WITH ME, features recently received music and poetry I hand picked. This is a fun show I know you'll enjoy!
I'm Bobbi Jean Bell, an International Western Music Association (IWMA) award-winning DJ playing Western, Western Swing, Cowboy Country, Poetry and whatever "strikes my fancy." Since 2009 I've been promoting Western music and poetry on the radio and am honored to know, personally, many of the musicians and poets I play. I consider myself a storyteller using curated music and poetry tracks bring the story to life..
I invite you to ride along with me live every Saturday at 4pm (MT) streaming on www.KUPR.org OR follow OutWest Hour on Mixcloudand enjoy every broadcast on demand.