You may not know this . . . . . but I have always wanted to be a cowboy!
Many people I know have nicknames, especially the ones characterized as “real eccentric” type guys or gals . . . and many cowboys. Names like “Wild Bill” Hickok, “Sundance Kid”, “The Duke”, “Bat” Masterson, and “Calamity” Jane were fitting nicknames for well-known cowboys/cowgirls over the years. These names communicate something about the person - they make a statement - and only their close friends are privy to this nickname.
You may think that I have gone too far on this cowboy theme, but I think that I need a “cowboy nickname” as well. I mean, if I am going to be a cowboy, I need a nickname for those who know me well. Therefore, I contemplated a good cowboy nickname for myself!
I pondered about a fitting name for my new cowboy persona . . . something not too pretentious, not too flashy, but, you know, something that makes a statement. Anything with “Wild” or “Tex” or “Tuf” didn’t seem fitting for me. I finally settled on the nickname “Rope”, or “Rope” Burns, to compliment my cowboy personality. Concise, easy to pronounce, and cowboy sounding . . . Rope. . . OK.
A printer made a magnetic sign that I attached to my pickup door (see picture above) that shows my cattle brand, ranch name and at the bottom declares, “Rope Burns Proprietor”. Then, I ordered some specialty license plates for my truck indicating “Rope” on the license plate. Ok, now I have a cowboy nickname . . . its official.
Just so I am clear, “Rope” is not intended to have some special meaning - no hidden meaning nor message or anything like that. Some people have made such erroneous assumptions of my new nickname. (For example, a female friend of mine noticed my “Rope” license plate on my truck and made some unforeseen assumptions! She had just finished reading the book “Fifty Shades of Grey” by E.L. James. However, I intend no similarity to the main character in the book, Christian Grey, nor his predilections. Glad I explained that!). The nickname “Rope” is simply intended to represent me . . . just a common guy to depend on in times of need; one that isn’t flashy or expensive, but is essential to a cowboy operation. Yeah, I’m kinda likin` the name “Rope”!
So my friend, next time you see me, just tip your hat, make a slight nod and softly utter “Rope”, just loud enough for you and I to hear. I will understand you are saying to me “Hello Pardner, Happy Trails”.
It is interesting for an old balding CPA to be a Cowboy.
The Big O Ranch spent this past weekend "tagging" our newest members of the family. Pink is the new black at the Big O Ranch!
