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Prairie Karen: Celebrating 5 years of business Now donating a portion of all sales to Equine Lameness Prevention Organization

Kiowa, CO – In the fall of 2005, Karen Ross combined her love of the Western lifestyle with her experience in retail, and started Prairie Karen, an online collection of jewelry and accessories (www.prairiekaren.com). She has expanded her business to feature many different artists whose hand-made pieces and one-of-a-kind items give Prairie Karen its ‘Touch of Western Elegance’.

“From the company name to the person behind the name and the website in between, I find them all terrific,” reviewed one customer on her website. “The products I have chosen for myself or for my friends have been first class.” After building her business from the ground-up, Ross knows a good artist when she has found one. Her line includes work from numerous renowned craftsman: silversmith Susan Adams, whose work has appeared in Cowboys and Indians magazine; Gary Wiggins, another skilled silversmith who specializes in detailed engraving of bits and spurs, Conchos, belt buckles and more; and Karen Twombly, a metalworker and designer of gold and silver jewelry that is rugged and ‘everyday wearable’.

“To celebrate PK’s 5^th anniversary, I want to give back to the community of horse lovers that has supported us these last five years,” said Ross. “We are going to donate a portion of all sales to the Equine Lameness Prevention Organization (ELPO). “ The ELPO is a non-profit organization that educates horse owners and equine health care professionals on ways to better care for the health of our domestic equine friends. With the assistance of practicing veterinarians, farriers, and other equine professionals, the ELPO developed practical guidelines for managing horses in a variety of environments and living situations.

Prairie Karen started as a premier retailer of authentic and unique Western jewelry, accessories and gear, handcrafted by American artisans. Ross grew up in a ranching family in Texas where her love for wide-open spaces and horses began. From a young age, she worked in her family’s jewelry business, thereby developing an eye for quality and a talent for customer service. Prairie Karen proudly presents both established and emerging artists, craftsmen and designers.

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For more information, contact Karen Ross: 303.870.9966 or karen@prairiekaren.com.

A 'MUST READ'

My daughter, Jessica, has recently launched her website:jessicarounds.com. You must read one of her blogs: You are missed, my friend:

I lost you. I don’t know how it happened, and I am not sure how to get you back. My days are harder now that you are gone. Quieter – in that ‘empty quiet’ kind of way. This is the worst kind of ending, abrupt and unexpected, where everything reminds me of you… even the song on the radio…right…now. I have been through this before. Haven’t we all? That agonizing heartbreak period when you swear not to put yourself through such disappointment again. Yet, here we are. I never expected us to end up apart.

If you’re with someone else tonight and all of sudden miss my touch… please come home. This time, things will be different. I won’t demand that you entertain my every whim without appreciating how valuable you are. No more abandoning you when you feel rundown and need me most… you’ve never done that to me. Darling, you have been some of the best company I’ve had in years. This time around, I promise to give you only the best of what I have.

The thing is, I think anyone would agree that we have worked well together these last few years. We’ve traveled the world extensively without one moment of tension- that is so rare! Your willingness to back me up, no matter where we were or what the situation may have been, staggers me. I know you probably felt disregarded when I got busy, or when friends came around… please know that at the end of the night, it was always you.

Just because I couldn’t hold onto you forever doesn’t change how you have shaped me. I still remember that rainy night in Florida when I held you, tears spilling from my face onto yours, while you quietly sang me an acoustic version of Griffin House’s “Only Love Remains”. Only the two of us could hear, and in that private moment, I realized with unshakeable certainty that as long as you were around, I’d be okay.

I know that my blog is relatively new and my readership is painfully limited at this time, so you may never know how much I loved you. I suppose I write this more for me than for you.

Nevertheless, if somehow, in some way, my message finds you, please know that I would do great things to have you close to me now.

Moment of silence for you, my beloved iPod. Though I may find another down the road, you could never truly be replaced.

Now, wasn't it worth the read???

Happy Trails,

Karen

'Knot Handicapped'

Truly, after all of these years, I am still 'knot handicapped'. I think that is one of the reasons why I love selling scarf slides ( and wearing them). Just in case, anyone has the troubles that I do, here is an easy way to tie a wild rag. Of course, I prefer you buy a slide from Prairie Karen :-).

1)Fold your wild rag in half on the diagonal and then start at the pointed end and fold it into a long roll.
2)Get ready to tie.
3)Turn the left tail end around two fingers.
4)Slip the right tail end under the left tail end and OVER the loop.
5)Turn the right tail end behind the knot and over the left tail end, then under the loop.
6)Even and tighten the knot by pulling on the tail ends.

Hope this helps! If you are stuck, then just buy a slide!

Happy Trails,
Karen

It's a Mess!

Tried a new recipe for dinner... it's a mess. And, friends are coming over.. Oh well. We're going for a ride.

New Artists!

Several new artists are joining Prairie Karen. We are thrilled. Gene Shutz, a full time gun engraver, is making beautiful bracelets and scarf slides! Welcome, Gene! Will keep you posted.

We have had some great riding days! Yes, even in January. We are so fortunate.

Ellen, one of our California friends, visited us and wow...can she cook! We were spoiled. Come back soon, Ellen...please!

All for now.. Happy Trails,

Karen

Health and Prosperity

I grew up believing that if you eat black eyed peas on New Year's Day, you will be fortunate and prosperous in the upcoming year. My mom started cooking them early in the morning and there was a special smell permeating the kitchen ALL DAY LONG. The tradition apparently dates back to the Civil War, when THE NORTH destroyed crops and stored food in THE SOUTH. Black eyed peas were considered livestock feed and not fit to eat by the Northern soldiers, so were left alone. This is what helped the South survive during the major food shortages.

So... here ya go, enjoy your peas!

Happy Trails and Happy New Year,
Karen