Just a normal day with Twitch

As you all are aware Twitch is well pretty flippen sweet, and quite frankly a true fixture in our store and lives. He gets asked for more than me or Miss Ryan, and pretty much thinks he runs the show. It is pretty bad when I am so excited to go to work and instead of "Oh Yay your here!" Its so where is Twitch?, or my favorite is the well we just came to see Twitch!

So due to his extreme popularity I have done what was needed and sat with our furry Lil friend and got the low down on the day in the life of Twitch. (your welcome)

MA: So how does your day normally start?

T: Well often I need to prep myself for a busy day, and since I have been blessed with natural good looks I don't have to do really anything. (must be nice!)

MA: Now when you are with me and the kiddos we normally get the kids, breakfast , and a talk to the President out of the way before 8. How does this go with Miss Ryan?

T: Well she is always doing something and I am constantly trying to brainstorm on new products, and displays for the store, not to mention we are always on the go so I do alot my thinking in the car and at the ranch.

MA: I see. So when it comes to the ranch how do you  do all you do?

T: Well beings how I am kind of a BIG DEAL at the ranch there is just no end of things that need to be done! From trying to train my cat, to debriefing the new colts, and even having to show the steers how to play the game of life! I am basically moving the entire time, and you know I am a perfectionist!

MA: You mentioned you have a cat? How does a dog obtain a pet cat? Is that even legal?

T: Oh yes, it is definitely legal. (pauses and yawns.) I basically just got him because no one else wanted him. He has been a bit tough to train but I find he makes a good effort, and I very seldom have any problems with him.

MA: As you know you have become quite famous here in the store , has fame gone to your head? How do you remain so grounded?

T: Oh you know me I like the simpler things in life, a good chew toy, lots of running space, and extravagant trips to coffee with Miss Amber, and car trips with Miss Ryan.

MA: Well Twitch it has been a pleasure!

Now Twitch after the interview not only did a photo shoot in the store with Miss Amber, but he then was off and running with Miss Ryan to the ranch. To say he is a multi talented for a canine is well just the tip of the iceberg when you get to know this cow dog.

Always a multi tasker Twitch during the interview checking the street traffic.

Twitch and his good friend Charlie

He not only is good at retrieving but also picking out boots!

Hello God It's Me Miss Amber

So here is the thing I pride myself on being a pretty sweet gal, nice, respectful, and genuine. Now saying this I must bring to you blog readers a rough lil situation in which either God is trying to tell me something, or Miss Ryan needs to hang things on the wall a little better.
You see here I was just minding my own lil business, filing the Boulet file (which means trying to match this with that) and enjoying the great song by Zac Brown and Alan Jackson "She's Walking Away"(feel free to send tickets for Miss Ryan and Miss Amber ;)

exhibit A : cross jumps!

What in the Ficus just happened?

And all of a sudden I am attacked by the cross hanging on the wall by the Boulet Boot Display! I kid you not, the cross jumped off the wall and landed on Ferdinand! Right by my desk I might add! What in the holy manolo blahniks is a girl to think! I mean come on people though I may be a little much for some (I am a lot like Chinese food either you love me, or you like fries, for those who like fries I kindly offer packs of ketchup) So for the unwarranted assault on Ferdinand and my nerves I was really wondering what in the world this was suppose to mean?

wall where it was hanging.(very suspicious I agree)

I mean really how many of you have been accosted by a cross? What? What did you say ? None of you? See what I mean this is either the work of our God from above, or Miss Ryan is not hanging things on the wall with sturdy enough nails. Now due to the fact that I have been in the Cowgirl School of Miss Ryan I really must say normally when that girl hangs something it doesn't budge!
I worked an entire year with 3 crosses hanging on the wall behind me and not once was I attacked! So you can imagine the shock when this cross just up and relocated itself! And you know i so would have been totally helpful if it had just said "Miss Amber here is the deal-i-oso, I would rather be on the other wall" I mean ladies and gents I would have been all over that idea like a group of Jenny Craig dieters in a Lil Debbie aisle!

You can buy this now available cross for your home $50.00!!!

After the initial shock of this situation had time to resonate in my little mind, and my heart was placed back in my chest I got the cross and kindly explained that it would love more than anything to live resting on the floor in the back til it was bought or til Miss Ryan came back.
I must say though the jokes that have been going through my head have been pretty great! Like "Ya God wanted my attention so he gave me a little sign!" or "I thought I was doing good but God thinks I need to carry the cross!" You see I am even positive when I get jumped by crosses! And once again this just totally re-iterates the fact that working retail is dangerous!
Seriously you name one job that you can have the following incidents: ladder failures, cowhide attacks, angry dress form attacks, and last and certainly not the least Cross attacks! Now I know some of you are having that thought of "Was this foul play?" Could Miss Amber be getting attacked by someone in the store? Now, now you crazy kids Twitch loves me. No really we totally get along!

He does like the spotlight....

And even through all of this I am still the sweet, coffee addicted, heel loving , girl that you all know! I mean come on people I am so worried that this was a sign that I actually did a mental tally on whether or not I have been sending up my thanks, and praise for all that the Lord has blessed me with. This brought me to the bucket list of thanks. I recommend that you all take a moment each day to send up one blessing that he has given to you. And leave a comment on your blessing from today for us all to see!
I will start: I was blessed with my wonderful family.
disclaimer: no crosses, or miss amber's were injured in this incident.

Rack's and Pacer's

Anyone who works with the public is bound to have those day's where you really start to wonder why there is not a camera taping this for YouTube! Cereal Shoes!

Now Twitch was not here in the store today to help me and believe me I sooooo needed that little happy distraction to aid in the taming of the craziest Pacer EVER!!! What is a Pacer Miss Amber? Gather around and let Miss Amber explain.

 All woman will tell you there are two types of husbands when shopping : The Rack's and the Pacer's. The Rack's are like handy little helpers that hold your coat, purse, and any item that you may need to re-try on just to make sure it looks good. The Racks are sweet , quiet , and very very supportive. (No lie ladies one special Rack is one of the biggest cheerleader's for his wife I have ever seen!).

Then there are the Pacer's oh the Pacer's these poor tortured souls that display such pain and agony while their wife is  shopping that one almost feels the need to keep the phone handy in case this poor Pacer goes postal! Unlike the Racks, the Pacer's are not sweet, supportive, or even willing to aid in the holding of anything!

 Girl's you know, you have seen them by the dressing rooms, pacing back and forth like a lion in a zoo, making such observations as the dislike of EVERY item that they see on their significant other. They gasp at the idea of trying things on, and will nearly pass out when the gal wants to try on boots too.

But ladies the entertainment factor of watching a Pacer in action is that of watching the finally of your favorite t.v. show with out commercials! I swear to you every time I get a Pacer in the store I try my dangest not to stare! Oh, but it is far to interesting to take your eye's off of the situation!

Today was a SUPREME Pacer day!!! Oh ladies the Pacer of all time came in today and I have given him the title of Supreme Pacer Ala King!!!! Girls I couldn't take my eyes off of this guy. From the gasping over the idea of her trying on clothes, to the full on tantrum that is only comparable to a 2 year old with out a nap and on an iv of Mountain Dew! This was the moment in which I swear to you if I didn't think that he would pounce me like a Mountain Lion at the suggestion of me taping him for YouTube I soooo would of asked!

No lie he almost fell to the floor when she went to get a different size of shirt! It got to be almost a sport for me to see what next would set off the Supreme Pacer Ala King! Now of course I was humane to him I even offered him a chair to which I might add he replied " If I sit we will be here FOREVER!" the best part of his reaction was the whine in his tone and the way he placed his hand on his forehead like he was acting out a scene from Gone With the Wind! 

The wife was a gem of a girl and you could see that by the fourth shirt and second pair of jeans she too was my comrade in the game of Don't Break the Ice but in the Pacer form! He would whine, she would grab a dress, he would gasp and I would hand her a pair of jeans, he would stalk back and forth on Ferdinand and she would ask for a pair of size 8 boots!

By the end I believe she was the victor due to the fact that when she finally settled on a wrap he almost went through the door he was so excited! She smiled thanked me for the help, I smiled and thanked her for the purchase ( and thanked her in my head for the entertainment!)

This has got to become a reality show somewhere! I mean you can almost see the previews for it on TLC now! The material for this show would never be boring, or the same and you can guarantee that it would be a hit!  I kid you not once you have seen a Pacer in action you are going to always appreciate the Racks, but crave the entertainment of the Pacer's that walk in the store!

(disclaimer : No Pacer's were harmed during this shopping experience)

Cowhide Hanging Situation

Oh it is so cute when I think that I can do things! I mean like today for some reason I was like hells ya I can hang that cowhide! I mean really how hard could it be? I already know how to wield a hammer and nails, and I have dang near mastered the ladder!
So after vacuuming and shaking out my furry little friend who resides on the floor I thought poor Lil guy he is always getting stepped on and I mean can you imagine the damage that is doing to his hair? The split ends must be out of control!
It was with this brilliant revelation that I Miss Amber got all sorts of Handy Manny! I mean you guys should of see my mad skills! I grabbed the hammer and the nails (oh ya I knew right were they where too! ) And I was like hold the phone I will get the ladder too, I mean I was on a roll! It was like watching a master carpenter at work! The ninja skills were all being shown, (wax on wax off) and for a minute there I forgot who I was and actually thought this was going to go just as planned in my head! (first mistake)
Now all went smooth as butter I put the ladder up, set the hammer and nails on the Lil shelf thingy, and proceeded to grab my Lil cow hide buddy Ferdinand. Here is were things turn really , really bad. So I am a little person and well the hide is bigger in size and arguably in weight too. Now when I had shook him out I realized that this was done by me pulling the hide out to the front down the steps and then standing and shaking (it was exhausting! which should have been a BIG sign).
Well I pulled Ferdinand over to the ladder, and then like it would help I put the hide on the clothes rack, in theory I was going to gain leverage with the ladder and easily pull the hide up. Here is the thing the ladder is not all that stable when you try to use it in this manner! I kid you not I had one hand on the ladder, one on the hide and well I took a total digger ladder, hide, me all into the clothes racks on the wall!
Now it is at moments like this that you either laugh or cry, I busted out laughing at the idea of someone walking in and finding me with the hide , and ladder on me impaled by the waterfall clothes racks full of Double D!!!! It was at this moment when I got out from under the hide, ladder, and Double D that I had to shake my head and say "I couldn't make this kind of material up!"
After regrouping, and putting away the death ladder, hammer, nails, and re-situating the hide of Ferdinand back on the floor I realized he must get sold! He is very comfy to lay on, has fabulous coloring and coat, and well you would be saving Miss Amber from a death by cowhide!

Look I was prepared!

That's right I even knew where everything was!

Notice Double D Jackets, and a innocent looking ladder! (EVIL Ladder!)

Arm Injury from tumble! (Retail is Dangerous People!)

Miss Amber being comforted by Ferdinand (he is everly so soft!)

You can have Ferdinand for only $250.00

You Want Me to What?

Oh folks here is a tale of the most intriguing situation that I have experienced since the painted lady of the summer. You see if you are in retail you are going to Totally understand this situation and if not you are going to be shocked and amazed at the insanity that is running among you in society!
I must tell you it has been quite a surprise to me that in working retail you actually have individuals that will come into your store and wait for it try to sell stuff to you!
Oh you say that just doesn't happen! Well than you are totally missing the latest trending topic on Twitter! You see I have been asked to buy gold coins(not really gold just coins but the whiskey schlepping leprechaun swore they were gold), beaded hat bands made out of wait for it ORIGINAL Indian beads (not sure if these are true beads from Indians because they strangely resembled the ones from Wal-Crazy), paintings that were by an original artist even tho the artist was not the one selling the paintings (what is a non original artist?), or my new favorite the situation that walked in the store on Sunday.
So I was peacefully working at the desk and enjoying the productivity of the day when in enters a gal with more sequins than Cher in Vegas on EVERY piece of clothing!(picture Cher in bob mackie 1985 with not as much class) Innocent enough, I grabbed my sunglasses to help with the glare and welcomed her in (OK so no I didn't put my sunglasses on but I so could have!) But what was to follow her grand entrance is still mind boggling! Out of her over sized, over bedazzled purse she whips out a jacked up over dressed poodle! Wait it gets better "Do you like my little dogs outfit?" It is at this moment in my head I was like not so much crazy lady. I smile and say sweetly "Its original"
The whole time ladies and gents I was praying that there was a recovery ward in the hospital for the be dazzler that was used to make this little dog resemble a disco ball!
She than proceeds to put the sad little dog down, and you guessed it bust's out of her purse Dog Clothes!!! Oh ya folks she not only makes these little torture suits for her little dog but other's too! I ask you where is PETA when this kind of abuse is happening? Now it was at this moment while she was rattling on about the little bedazzled straight jackets for dogs that I thought "I must be getting punked! So of course I was looking all over for cameras and Ashton Kucher to jump out from behind the Vogt cabinent. Sad part of this, he never popped out!
So while faced with the moral dilemma of how to save the little disco ball who was avidly trying to escape his own little straight jacket from the Bee Gee era (no lie folks he was covered in red, gold, and wait bright blue rhinestones! on a gold lamay fabric oh the horror!) I say nicely "mam we are not in the pet business, but thank you". Now when faced with crazy you have got to use all of your Ninja skills and be ready for the pounce! You see apparently this was the worst thing that I could have ever said to her! She proceeds to give me a speech on how the dogs of Red Lodge need to be warm during this terrible weather and how there are all of these freezing dogs due to their lack of having her bedazzled torture suits! I swear to you this was a speech that I had to wonder if it was being dictated to her from PETA themselves! I again nicely say "Sorry we are just not in the pet business"
 To which she grabs the poor unlucky poodle  holds him up to me and says "You know you can't say no to his Lil face!" So it was at this moment that I being the meat eating, non-bedazzle wielding torture suit advocate for small animals stated like I would to my little dragon when he asks for something as ludicrous as this used my mean mommy voice (it can bring everyone back to earth). "Yes I can say no to him, and you as well because we are just not in the pet business."
It was at this comment and her understanding my no nonsense demeanor that she grabbed her 1970's clothing line of torture straight jackets shoved them and the little disco ball of a poodle in her purse and stomped out.
Here is the deal-i-oso, I am a pet lover hello I adore Twitch and all four of my children! But when you are willing to create fashion faux pauxs on little dogs that is wear I draw the line! I mean seriously! Why in the world would she A.) think we carry torture devices for dogs? B.) Think that our store is obsessed with bedazzle craziness? C.) That I was the type of girl who would aid in her demonic plan to turn animals into disco balls or worse Liberace!
I can not even tell you how hard I laughed at the time that it would have taken to wield that be dazzler the way this gal did! I mean I will totally give her props for going all sorts of Martha Stuart with her vision of torture straight jackets. Heck I will even give her props for having the patience to put these little torture devices together to match her own scary over rhinestoned ensembles! I mean ladies you have to give her major props for standing by her true adoration for Liberace the rhinestone king!
In short I must say it is chance encounters such as these that I am positive God has a sense of humor! And please say a little prayer for the little disco ball of a poodle that is being tortured daily by these bedazzled straight jackets!

Not the dog, but here is the general idea of the situation I was faced with!

Modest is Hottest! Guest Writer Ryan Sankey

While Red Lodge’s glacial location tends to be a policing force in the area of skin exposure, summer is on its way and your own good sense is going to have to take over where Mother Nature and her arctic conditions left off.
Now, I know none of you dress in a way that makes people whisper, giggle or wince when you walk by. You simply wouldn’t do that; you have too much class to sacrifice your style and self-worth in the name of sex appeal. So, since none of you need this column, let’s talk about all those people who do!

What we say as she walks by:  “Wow honey! The invitation was for you and a guest. Not you and “the girls” out for a night.”
What we wish we could tell her: Unless you are going for a job interview in Wells Nevada, cleavage should not be the center of your show. If you are looking to be a stylish woman, having all the merchandise out on display is a clear, no. No matter how brilliant, serious and forthright you are, the general population is going to have a really hard time taking you seriously.
What we say: “Did you see her? That dress must have been painted on! I mean there is fitted and there is Jello bound in saran wrap!”
What we wish we could tell her: Well, honestly we want to tell her about the Jello and saran wrap comment. Honestly, if that won’t give someone cause for reflection, nothing will.
What we say as she walks by:  “Has she never heard of leaving something to the imagination?”
What we wish we could tell her: Skin is to an outfit what wine is to a good meal; a little enhances and a lot ruins (and leaves you in regret afterwards). Not all skin is created equal. Its location on the body and the body on which it is located makes all the difference. What I am going to say next is going to sting, so if you are thin skinned (no pun intended) skip to the *.

If you got it, flaunt it (tastefully), if you don’t, PUT IT AWAY! Not everyone is meant to wear ultra low rise jeans, cropped shirts, mini skirts and snuggly little cashmere sweaters. There is nothing sexy about doing a plumbers impression every time you even slightly bend over. Nothing sexy about a midsection that jiggles when you move. Nothing sexy about legs that look like cottage cheese. Nothing sexy about arms that swing. Nothing sexy about things rolling around under a thin fabric. This is not bashing, it is simply a statement of fact. If you are, in truth, concerned with how you look, you need to admit to yourself where you are in life and what looks good and what does not. Here is the biggest thing – You are not merely how you look! Your worth comes from a far broader spectrum. Having breasts does not make you a woman and having them running the show does not make you sexy.

*For a guy’s perspective, I conducted an informal survey of my male friends via text message (very scientific). Below are their comments which have only been edited for spelling. Names have been withheld to protect the innocent (such as they are).

Skin is great… for the first 10 seconds
Well, like most guys, a scantily clad good looking girl will catch my eye. But that’s about all they do.

Looks will only get you so far…and eventually they change

… I wouldn’t want to run around with a girl that’s dressed like a semi professional prostitute. I briefly dated a stripper once a long time ago so I’ve been down that road.

After that…
One of the most important things is confidence. That makes or breaks sex appeal. The woman doesn’t have to be the supermodel type, but with confidence can sell herself as such.

Self sustainable/ independent, open minded, glass half full

I think we want a woman who looks good when she’s dressed up to go to town, we want to be proud of our sweetheart and show her off and I am sure women want to feel that way about themselves as well. Clothing certainly can affect self esteem in that regard. A recent girlfriend type person I ran around with had some scars from skin cancer surgery on her chest and back and she was very self conscious about what she wore. To me she was beautiful and I didn’t even notice them but she was aware, had great fashion sense, dressed very conservatively to cover them and always looked great.

So, how do you get sexy without crossing the line into trashy?  A little common sense is a good place to start. Take your surroundings into account before you leave the house. Consider not only if you are going to be comfortable in what you are wearing, but if the people around you are going to be comfortable. If the V-neck sweater you are wearing is going to make your grandma cringe at dinner, have enough respect and courtesy to wear something else.  Finally, pick a classy friend and enlist them to help you make decisions on outfits in question.
Keep in mind sexiness for every body type can be found in some very interesting places:

• A starched white shirt – a crisp white shirt can be a magic bullet when you are looking for effortless sex appeal.
• Good posture – Head up, shoulders back and a fearless stride will make any outfit fade into the background as you become the feature.
• Soft fabrics-there is just something inviting about a fabric that begs to be touched.
• Heels- with jeans, dresses or skirts, heels instantly add a feminine spice that is hard to ignore.

Give your All and Get 110 % Back!!!

There have been many complaints lately that have come across my path with jobs, life, economy and just that how do you love your job Miss Amber? Isn't it hard to always be upbeat, even when its snowing and you see no one? Ah this is so funny to me you see there are many things in my life that I love and my job is totally one of them why? Well read this and maybe you will be able to understand how I am able to do what I do and heck it may help keep you be up beat in your job too!
I for one well I like to sell um EVERYTHING!!! I love making personal goals for the month and then seeing if I can top them. Often I like to pick a certain line and well run with it! This is the month of Rocki Gorman and I have chosen her do to the fact that I love love love selling jewelry and well her items are uber unique and fun to promote! They start from a lower end on price and range right on up there with the more pieces that you want, plus you can make Set's out of her items and that makes me happy. You see its more bang for your buck and why not pass on a savings to those you sell to?
I am a bit of a sales high junky. You see I get more enjoyment from selling a great item to a person than they do obtaining it! Its a bit of an obsession, you see I am a goal oriented type of a gal and it is so fun to reach those goals and see the excitement and happiness on the faces of my customers!  I think that when in sales you need to LOVE your products, KNOW your products, and ADORE your customers!!! You see anyone can sell things but can you sell with a good clean conscience? I can and that is because I love, know and adore. These are the top secrets of the trade ladies and gents I mean Hello this is sweet info and tips for any of you in retail or life!!!
You may say "But I just can't get into the items that the store I work at sells" . OK not to be mean but that sounds like an excuse to me. You see I am as far from cowgirl as you can get, but I came into the store and picked the lines I loved and the clothes that I could definitely sport cowgirl or not. You see you need to understand that the line of clothes, jewelry, etc are about the people that are making, selling, and working with you for these lines. I adore the sales reps that we have, and know and love them by first name, and we work together constantly to get in special orders,  fun pieces that we can't live with out, and more. You see when you know the product and the people behind the product you are bound to be able to back it, support, and sell it with satisfaction and knowledge!
"But Miss Amber I am bored with the same ol same ol routine". This is such a cop out! Listen when you enter into any position be it in sales, accounting, teaching, you have to constantly want to bring more to the job. If you have a good relationship with your boss like I do and a true passion for your job and the business you are in you can ALWAYS add to it! For example as many of you know we have a website http://www.sagebrushsirens.com/. This is a HUGE part of our company! Now if I were to just be like eh I don't do web site's and show no interest in learning the In's and out's  of this part of our company you can only imagine how much of a disadvantage I would be at in sales! If you work for a company it is your RESPONSIBILITY to learn all aspects of that business! Also so much of becoming a name as a store is being out there! I shamelessly promote Sagebrush Sirens to EVERYONE!!! I work on the blog as a way to give us a face in the public minds, and we both work on Face book and Twitter to promote sales, products, and events.  If you are willing to give your all believe me your boss will notice and you are going to feel excited to work everyday!
"What do I do if I have an idea and am afraid to bring it my boss?" NEVER EVER BE AFRAID!!! Listen your boss is wanting to make their business a success and any ideas that you can bring to the table is a help! It is nothing for me or Miss Ryan to send links via text for new products, ideas for ad's or just fun little things that we find to each other! You have to become fully engulfed in your position!  I love what I do and this is a great advantage I know, but you can love ANY job if you take the right attitude!
Also look at every customer as a contact! The people that I sell to are fast friends! I adore the customer's that I sell too, and almost all of them are friends outside of the store! This is the key don't treat those that you sell to as anything less than a good friend! The key to any successful career is to make good connections, and life long friendships from your meetings!
"I am constantly hitting a rut in my job" So we have all been there were there are just those days  that you feel like you have the case of the Monday's! Push through it! If you have to re-arrange, file, or whatever just give thanks for the job you have and feel blessed for this job! I can't tell you how important it is to name and even list the blessings that you have because of the job you work at! This is a great tip for those days that you have a case of the Monday's that you just can't shake! Often the pros will out weigh any of the con's on one of these days!
So really just love your job, love what you do, and throw your whole heart and soul into any position that you are in and you and your boss are bound to see and appreciate your effort! Plus (shameless plug) Check out my Rocki Gorman Month Select Favorite Items!!!! These are my top picks for the month and all qualify for FREE SHIPPING!!!! Either come see me at the store, or check us out online http://www.sagebrushsirens.com/

3D Cross Path Pendant $182.00

Cloud Earrings Retired Stones and Design $282.00

Ojo de Dios Bracelet Retired $399.00

Vintage Square Earrings $132.00

Vintage 3D Cross Path Pendant $196.00