A few years ago we had such fun getting acquainted with some of the ranchers in John Day, Oregon where we had recently moved, one such rancher was a great Cowboy Poet, from California, with an open, easygoing character.
This fella was one of the first to welcome us into the area.
He invited us to sit in with a bunch of the local ranchers, just after we had first met.
As an observer of the obvious, Mark had taught his family to refer to a newborn calf as a "Stickin up hair" animal.
As anyone who has spent time around cattle can attest, Old Momma Cow is quite a housekeeper and she licks the daylights out of that newborn baby calf, with no concern for his wild stickin up hair, hairdo! The "stickin up hair" expression thus represents a wild or crazy character, as a newborn will soon after birth, become a tad wild and crazy, kicking up its heels and racing round with quick turns and dynamite stops! This loving expression of, "stickin up hair" has caught on with many, who lovingly refer to a wild action or character as such.
Though Mark recites his poetry in places other than earthly sites now, his cowboy words remain in the hearts of many, as well as the so tenderly used expression of, "Stickin up hair".
When you hear someone refer to anything as, "Stickin up Hair" be assured it is administered with the greatest of respect for the person who made this saying such a popular quote for so many! Here's hoping that the day you read these words, you are blessed with a smile on your face for the idea that stickin up hair brings to mind.
Perhaps the name of someone you love, will even pop up as a stickin up hair person! I have many who fill this bill! Blessings, Cheryl G Burke