Seems theres a resurgence of interest in all things Western, probably because of the popularity of Brokeback Mountain. The West is unimaginably beautiful Gods Country they call it out here in Colorado. Last year I quit my job, sold everything and moved here to work outside. Id hardly call myself a cowgirl, but it sure is fun playing at one.

Theres nothing comparable to waking up to the Sangre de Cristo mountains turning purple, pink, then white in the morning sun. From my bedroom (which is also my living room, kitchen and office) I can see a herd of 60-some horses, heading down from the trees where they huddled the night before, and looking for hay. Ill pull on my jeans (have to go out anyway, to use the facilities such as they are) and head down to the pasture. Some days, a bunch of them will just walk up to me like puppy dogs, sniffing me and covering my face with their warm, sweet breath. Horses transmit amazing power to me somehow and Im awed and humbled by them. Im also grateful to be able to make a living hanging around them.

Im not a real cowgirl, mind you. Transplanted from Jersey, Im just a city girl lucky enough to have shucked everything to play outside. Sure I get knee high in it; I tack and ride them and help with round up and horse chores but the cowboys tolerate me. They know Im just a dude (city slicker) and pretty harmless. Cowboys can be very sexy and alluring in the short run but believe me, when you work a ranch they expect you to haul your own saddle, and carry your weight in every way. They sure dont cotton to helpless out here.

I was a lawyer and a teacher; Ive raised three boys by myself. Part of this new beginning is just detoxing from my stress-filled existence. You may need to do the same thing. You might not be able to transform your whole lifestyle but heck, you could come play cowgirl for a week or so, right? Maybe its time to cowgirl up honey, and change your perspective on life a little.

Horses, friendships, fun, laughter, the awesome beauty of nature, an unbelievable staff, incredible meals, and pampering are all a part of a special womens retreat run at my ranch. It's a week that "fills your cup" with a whole life experience of learning about horses, relaxing your mind, pampering your body, and renewing your spirit. Leave the men, kids, and cell phones at home.

Well have marguerites and massages, Reike, pedicures and manicures available. Of course, youre going to learn to ride a horse too. Thats the focus of the week for sure but mostly we want you to relax, put your feet up on the porch and watch the sunset, eat and sleep real well. Theyll be a candlelight dinner, All Girl Rodeo, and a place to buy cowgirl fashions.

Cowgirl-Up week is all about enjoying your friends at special events like campfire sing-a-longs, line-dance lessons, wildlife viewing tours, trial hikes or trail rides in the Colorado wilderness. Deep breaths of fresh Colorado mountain air, quality time with friends, new and old, will help you gain a perspective that may have been lost for a while.

So you can get a taste of the Cowgirl Life while still being comfortable. Get your friends together and come see what its like out here in the West, where troubles seem to wash away like a summers rain. See our website for dates and more details. But be careful. Once you find your Inner Cowgirl, life may never be the same. http://www.kbmountainadventures.com

Phyllis Coletta is a lawyer-turned-cowgirl, living and working at KB Mountain Adventures in Westcliffe Colorado. Come by the ranch sometime: see http://www.kbmountainadventures.com or call toll free (866) 383-0807