I had a nice day. I worked this morning for a bit. Not much going on for me on days I don’t usually work. It was nice though. I had my friend Carol in. She’s a really nice person. We caught up a bit, and I was stopped by a long time client of a co-worker who wanted to talk about my photo work. He had no idea that I even did such a thing. That was fun.

He gave me a good idea of going downtown and meeting with an cowboy artist. I had to go down to Lodo anyway so I thought I’d check it out. I couldn’t find the artist. Dang! I went down to the Tattered Cover Lodo Store. Sweet store!!!! I love that one better than the Colfax store. It’s awesome! I loved it! I have 8 cards total left, out of 114, as far as I can tell. Geez! Hot cakes! I could make some money! : )

It was nice to get a good walk in downtown. Me and downtown don’t mix so well. I enjoyed it a bit even. I went to the graffiti spot again today. I haven’t been for a long time, so I was happy to see some new work. I’ll try to download it here.

Nice Work!

Interesting....I've been in a photo mood today. I've been working on a couple of projects. Nothing that I should be working on. I wanted to post a cool photo I took when I was hanging with Mike. This has nothing to do with graffiti. I just like the shot. I've been working on some panoramic shots I took on that day too. I don't know if I'll post those. I'm not the best with them.I think if I ever lived remotely I would always be packing a sweet pistola. I really love guns! I just don't own any and if I had they would have been stolen in one of two burglaries here at my home. Nice huh? I love the city. I've seen and been though a ton living in Denver.

My life has been in danger numerous times. I’ve had a good friend shot and killed by two thugs, I’ve put guys behind bars. I’ve seen people get mugged. I’ve gone to the FBI, closed a crack house, been chased to my car, had some dirt bag who wanted to rape me and got scared away by someone, etc. I’ve done a ton of growing up in this city. Too much!

I’m one step closer every day. One step closer.

I went up to Morrison to visit Kari at the her bar. She fed me and made me drink Tequila. I’m still ruined though. Juan, ruined me. I don’t think I’ll find a better Tequila than Casa Noble Anejo. I think that’s what it was. Mmm Mmm!

I didn’t get on my bike today. First day of no therapy. Waaaa! I missed not riding. I would have rode up to Kari’s, but I could tell I’d get wet……..from the rain.

I came home and tried to work on some panoramic shots I took a couple of weeks ago, but it’s not easy for me.

I talked to Art the other day. His mother died a little over a week ago. I guess she was in pretty bad shape. Poor thing. I really don’t want to get in bad shape like that in my life. I’d rather be dead, than not know my daughter. As my daughter has now been quoted as saying, “I want to cure Alzheimer’s someday…….I can’t imagine not knowing who you are when you die.” Profound words from a then 12 year old. In all my life I never looked at Alzheimer’s like that. It’s a nasty one.

I am so happy to be living and as able bodied as I am. It makes me sick to hear how my friends feel like their too old, or too fat, or whatever. There are certain things you can change, certain things you can pay to have altered if you have the cashola, and then there are things like age….that people get caught up in. I’ve never felt old. Really. I guess I did once when I was a year out of high school and I looked at the freshman as little punks. So tiny!

Now, so many of my friends and relatives have not been as lucky to have as many birthday’s as I’ve had. I love my birthday and I hope I get many more. Bring em!

I started this blog on Tuesday when I returned from WYO:

I took Shelby up to Wyoming to meet Mr Sheridan, and to have a fun time playing at the ranch. We drove into Sheridan and stayed the first night at his place there, and then on Sunday morning we headed for the ranch. I have sooooooo much fun there!!!!!!! I’m so built for that life. I know I write about it all the time, but someday, maybe it will happen for me. I’m one step closer everyday. I’ll live on a ranch someday, I hope!

My weekend was one of discovery, fun, good food, new friends, stars, rain, ATV’s, shooting guns, and my bow, which beat my arm to death.

Bow Whacking

You can tell I don’t relax my left arm enough, plus I turn my elbow too far in toward the bow. Not good when you shoot an arrow from a bow. The whack comes from the bow string on my release. I delivered a few choice words to the ease the pain. It’s not as bas as it looks. It hurts really bad for about 10 seconds, and then it’s just sore. The elbow area hurts a bit more. I wasn’t too bad of a shot regardless. I think my second or third shot was a bulls eye. I never missed the target. I love target practicing!!!!! Mike was very helpful in correcting my arm situation. I don’t think I have even shot my bow for two years. Dang! That’s a sad fact right there. I love hunting. It’s really fun. You’re usually with good friends, you hike a ton, see beautiful country, and I could seriously care a less if I ever kill anything. I do love the meat though.

Mr. Sheridan made back strap elk steak. Oh my Lord! That was very good! The bug ate about 2. I ate one. Mr. Sheridan’s brother steaks, and his wife had brats and some sort of blend of game and beef burgers…..I think. It looked great. I love hanging out with them. Fun and funny people.

Mr. Sheridan’s brother, likes to tell shit stories. I laughed so hard, I about made myself sick. I have to tell this story. I even called the bug to make sure I had the story straight. Geez, she had way better detail. So, his brother was out working somewhere where it was super, super cold. Below zero sort of cold. The place where he lived didn’t have the plumbing finished yet, so you had to go outside. Well, whatever his brother had eaten a bit earlier was working its way though way to fast for him to get to where he needed to go. He had to go down some steps and every time he took a step down he thought he was farting, but he realized it wasn’t gas because it was getting warm. I’m laughing so hard right now when he’s telling this. He tells stories well too. So, his brother was doing the march of the penguins to the place to relieve himself. Once he gets there he unfastens his overalls and does his business. He finishes, and pulls up his overalls. Remind you, it’s way below zero. The poor guy realized that he had done his business all over his overalls and when he went to go fasten them back up……..there was shit all over his neck and back now, which became FROZEN!

He walked back in and made a beeline for the bathroom and told the whoever was there that he had had a train wreck. The guy is a total crack up. A great hand too. He works for Mr. Sheridan and takes great pride in his work and it really shows. It’s well kept.

I got to ride ATV’s around with Mr. Sheridan and check on water along with watching him fix a float issue with a couple of pumps. Mr. Sheridan and his brother are super strong guys. Very close brothers, Mr. Sheridan’s best friend. I arm wrestled MR. Sheridan one night and even when he told me I could use both hands I couldn’t beat him. He taught me how to play Rummy and I think I only won one game out of 20. I SUCK…….I know! I had a great time playing cards though.

I have to tell you about my target practice. Mr. Sheridan has a 22 rifle with a scope on it. It’s a fun one for practice too. I’m not use to scopes. It was hard to find the way to see through the scope right. It’s hard to explain, but once you get the hang of it, it’s like you are almost instantly trained on how to see through it. You don’t have to try as hard, you find your sweet spot. Mr. Sheridan showed me also how to shoot left handed. I’m left eye dominant, but right shooter. I will never shoot a gun right handed again. I’m much more natural left handed with guns. Bows……only right handed. I loved learning and feeling that and being able to experience that. Thanks Mr. Sheridan

I had written a couple of blogs about Mr. Sheridan that I didn’t publish. Writing is therapeutic for me, so I got my thoughts straight and tried to talk to him about how I really didn’t like the way things went with him this weekend. I’m not sure how long we talked. He said all the right things, but I honestly am disappointed. I told him that I think he has a lot of anger toward women right now. I can’t accept someone who is treating me with a lack a respect knowing that this is only the 3rd week we’ve hung out. I think it would only get worse. I was quite shocked, and the Bug was too.

I think he needs to date and open up a few cans of “what the fuck”. I think he has much to learn about being single and trying to date after a new divorce. Dating can/does totally suck. He needs to learn about himself and how to treat a woman, if he wants to date. Mr. Sheridan goes out of his way to do anything I want. I love that about him. He also thinks I look passable with my hair in pig tails and no makeup. Sweet! I love that! I think most women would love to hang out with Mr. Sheridan. I don’t see most liking the ranch life though. I know he won’t find someone better, but that’s ok with me. I told him that he needs to date more and I will go back to my single life.

I think him staying on Match was also a wake up call for me. I did discuss my weekend with Walter a bit. He felt so bad for me. He is the first in line always pushing me to find the great guy. I love how my friends tell me things about how I deserve a great guy. I do deserve a great guy. I have paid my dues a few times in life. I’m happy either way. I love my life. I wish I could pay my bills better, but I’m still having a great life.

I don’t know if Mr. Sheridan will try to redeem himself, but I told him the ball is in his court. I know what I want, and if he wants to court me and treat me like the lady I am (hey, no snickering) then I might consider dating him again. He really isn’t ready for someone like me though. He needs to find some real bad ones for awhile, or even a few (gorgeous)  good ones who will only be with him for his money. I think he needs the trophy wife. I don’t believe it will have a good outcome, but that’s my opinion.

I match up with Mr. Sheridan in many ways, but I can’t teach him how to appreciate women more. No, I’m not beautiful, but I am a great person. I think he might be looking for the wealthy, big fake rack, trophy wife. I’m so far from that.

I really don’t know what Mr. Sheridan will do as far as trying to be my friend now. I didn’t hear from him last night. I saw him on Match though. I wish I could be a fly on a wall when he’s out and about.

The ball is in his court. I can already see the writing on the wall. If a man is crazy about you, they let it known…….this I know! They will swim through shark infested waters for the glass of iced tea that I want. Steve Harvey talks about men being fishermen. I’m either going to be a ‘keeper” or a “throw back.”

I’m the throw back. Sort of self inflicted. I think he caught me for a moment in time and I freed myself and got back in the water. I decided I would go back to my dating life. It would be really stupid of me to not to.

I could write tons more, but I have been up since 4. Shelby is gone for the week. She went to Dallas to visit her boyfriend Greg. I like Greg a lot. Good kid, but super tall. maybe 6′5″.

I have 10 days to myselfish or to do what ever. Rip it up!

Thursday morning:

I had some company over last night. A couple if friends came over and hung out for a bit. I didn’t feel like going out. I was so tired. I made myself stay up until 10:30 just so I would get good sleep. I don’t know if I moved a muscle last night. I was out.

I’m going to go buy a new motorcycle battery today. I miss my bike. I need the stress release.

I got asked to help shoot a wedding yesterday. I get to do the candid shots! Sweet! My friend Sam will be doing all the formal shit. That is sooooooo not me. I just like to hide and seek. I get the best stuff that way. I hate going to weddings. Maybe it’s because I’ve never had my own. I don’t know. I remember when my friend Carol got married the first time she threw the bouquet right at me. It beaned me on my chest and I didn’t move a freakin muscle. I was only about 19-20 then. She just married for the second time to my first serious boyfriend Kevin. Weird! I was out of town for their wedding.

This will be one of my first weeks I haven’t traveled in a long time. Maybe since the Bug isn’t around I’ll go somewhere. San Luis, Stonewall, I don’t know…….maybe I’ll just stay here. I feel like camping even. That would be fun.

I need to get ready for work. I hope I have a busy day like I did yesterday. I love being busy at work.

I can’t seem to figure out why the photos from Art’s branding aren’t loading onto the web host place. Crap!  Bad timing! I wish everyone could see the shots. It’s better if they can see them all. Ya know?

It’s starting to rain. That makes me instantly wish I had a boyfriend. Rain makes me in the best mood and works just as well as a man in the kitchen for me. I wonder why it is that a man in the kitchen gets me all sorts of hot and bothered. I can cook and bake. It’s not like I can’t do it. Maybe coming from a family of 6 women and my father? I don’t know? Lord help me though if some rancher can cook. He is in some trouble. Let me say, I have to be attracted to them. Trust me, there are some really good looking cowboys, but I tend to be more attracted to sober ones. I’m not a big drinker.

My “director” and new partner in crime is Carla. Carla and I share some of the same interests. We are both single too. She was telling me she is reading my blog now, so ….hey Carla!  Let me tell you ….. she was all in to being the camera taker on some of these. I have to add, I’m 100% sober. Well here take a look at her work, and some of the messes I get myself into.

Lash

Lash here, is on one side of me sticking his tongue in my ear. These boys drink pretty good on a branding day. Lash here is a total sweetheart. He wants me to come out to the ranch he works on and he wants to show me around. It sounds fun. He works north of La Junta. Sounds like a big ranch too.

Rick here is another single cowboy.

Rick

Rick gets the award for best ass. Man, I don’t know how old Rick is but this guy can fill out a pair of Wranglers just fine. Dang! I find Rick attractive, but still drinks too much for me. I love Rick, but I just wish he didn’t drink so much. I would love to go dancing with this cowboy. I hear he can dance really well. Notice how when my photo is taken some cowboy always puts their hat on me. Why is that? This is Rick’s hat. I took a cool photo of this hat. It made it more air conditioned.

Rick's Hat

This isn’t the best shot. I’m looking over his shoulder while he is flanking a calf I believe. I just love his custom work on the hat though. That’s the hat on my head in the photo above. In yesterday’s post I was on the “wild cow” and another cowboy stuck his hat on me.

Here is the photo of what these guys love. Carla’s work, once again.

Chum in the Water

I was on a horse riding yesterday and that is when I wish I had a hat on. I don’t think of it when I have all my gear on. I can’t wear my hat and take photos. I wish I could though. My head is still peeling from all the sun I’ve had. It was beautiful and a bit too hot for me. I’m not sure how hot it got, but I would guess maybe 85-90. The wind was blowing a bit, but not too much. Riding made me want to ride more. I was telling Art that I was a bit nervous riding, since it had been a while since I’ve been on a horse. He was so cute. I asked him today when I talked to him if he was nervous.  He said no, but I think he was. I wish I could do more photo work on horseback.

I would love to see more of Art’s place. I had to watermark this photo of Art. I’ll have it for sale on my site in the near future. Art is very much one of a kind. I love Art. Me and him just click. I could talk to him all night. I love his tender side along with his amazing cowboy skills. Art would be invited my American Indians to come to the reservation and find all the wild horses and cows. Some of the photos from that are crazy. He left home at 9 years old. He fell in love with the right career. I love how Art told me he was a stock broker. He has sold just about anything and everything to the other cowboys in this area. I trust Art, but I don’t. I trust him with my life, but not with what he is trying to feed me. The food yesterday was so good!!! He had all sorts of meat. Mutton, pork, beef and I can’t remember the other one. If it was Prairie Dog, it was good.

Here is a my favorite photo of Art.

The Art of Art

I think Art has Tequila more for me, than for him. They finally figured me out a tiny bit. God love em!

I remember being so afraid of Art. I know he has the tough side to him, but he really is a total sweetheart. It didn’t help that Kelly had told me a lie about Art. He had me terrified of the man. Now I can laugh about it.

I need to get some of this years photos on my website. I have so many now to sell that I need to get uploaded.

Have a good Tuesday.

I can’t believe the number of photos I have to go through one by one, check out and see what goes to who or what file.

I’m running on empty. Last night I don’t think I looked at one photo. I ended up going over to my friend Sammy’s house and hanging out for awhile and then since I was on my motorcycle I decided to ride up to Morrison and hang out with Kari. I haven’t seen her for a couple of weeks.

I had my favorite yummy soup which is a Mexican Bean Soup. It’s so good. I got to see Blake, who is a young man I wish my daughter would date. Not that I don’t like her boyfriend, I just love Blake and see him going places in life. He just graduated from high school.

I didn’t look at one photos last night. I can’t say it’s been the same this today. I have had my issues with photos this week. Hard drive issues- A new hard drive. Photoshop-weird problems. I’ve decided to sell some of the photos before I’m just handing them over. I still give the rancher over 400 photos. Most of the stuff I take is for the people at the brandings.

I thought I would be hearing from some ranchers this week, but so far nothing.

I thought Art was having his branding. I was hoping my daughter would go with me. I’m not sure what will happen.

I have talked a couple of times to Ty this week. I don’t see this one going anywhere. I can see my usual list of “not going to work for me” growing. I don’t need to bash him. I think he’s a really nice guy. Totally cute to me, a great cook, and lives in a cool spot. He talks about taking me places and things like that, but I don’t see it happening, unless I come down to him. I don’t see him driving to me.

My week started out great, but has sort of fizzled out here. Frustrating week at work, and various aspects of my life. Deep breath, and everything will work out one way or another.

I soooo ready to publish a book now. I want my first one to be of the ranches in southeastern Colorado. I love the people and the land. I love their spirit and how nice they all are to me.

I think when you go out to where ranchers/farmers/cowboys hang out there should be signs in some color like a light blue, just to stand out . You could pick any color, but these should have their own color. The sign would look some thing like a cowboy wearing a cowboy hat silhouetted, riding on a horse with a seat belt going over it diagonally Not a danger sign, just a sign so you would know what you’re getting yourself into.

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

These guys wrote the book on how to party.

I got home late last night (Saturday) from such a fun, wild, testosterone filled, windy as hell, dirt encased, camera killer, ocean of beer and alcohol, really drunk cowboys, 100 mph on a dirt road, race drifting, eye ball scratching, no sleep weekend.

It started before I even left for the prairie of Colorado. On Thursday evening when I was getting ready for bed, Ty called me. We must have talked on the phone for 2 hours or more. He’s quite funny. I LOVE that Ty ranches and farms. Perfect!!!!!! He was so cute. He wanted to figure out what to cook for me. I thought the Chicken Piccatta sounded the best. He must be a great cook. He learned from his mother. I really enjoyed talking to him. He was very inquisitive, and I love that.  He had tons of questions, but it was also hard to get a word in. I didn’t mind. He is very entertaining.

I realized I had left my celI phone at home when I got to the ramp for east bound I-70. I was supposed to call Ty when I headed out. Well, since I’m not much of a phone person, I just don’t think about my phone all the time. I had to stop in Hugo and buy a phone card of all things to call my daughter and get a few phone numbers. I couldn’t get a hold of Ty. His line was busy, but I called his other number and left a message.

I arrived at a ranch north of Wiley a bit early, at the designated corrals. I always love country directions. Kelly is the King of Directions. This was not his branding on Friday. It was a gentleman named John who had his branding on this day. At the corrals I was met by a truck load of cowboys pulling a horse trailer.

I was informed by Paul (a very photogenic cowboy) that the branding that started really early at a neighbors ranch was running late and that I should follow them.  Off we went.

We all arrived and found out way in and things weren’t too far from over. I got there, and Art decided to get my stomach in a knot right off the bat. He handed me some sort of jerky. I took the broken off piece in my hand and studied it. I asked him if it was skunk jerky. It appeared to have hair on it still. I know jerky can look like this sometimes, but I just had to say that to him.  He just told me to eat it. I still kept checking it out when a young boy named Pistol Pete comes walking by and Art hands him a piece. I looked at the kid without putting that piece in my mouth. The kid started chewing and then rubbed his stomach like it was really tasty.

I thought, how bad could it be if the kid likes it???? I put it in my mouth and started chewing. It wasn’t so bad until Art started in on the whole story about eating Prairie Dog. Oh, hell no! My stomach started to flip flop. I don’t usually have a weak stomach, but Art brings out the worst. I glanced over at the kid, and he is spitting his out, which really made my gag reflex kick in. I was gonna hurl! I spit the tiny bite size pieces in the dirt and took the rest and threw it in the dirt too. He got sort of offended….I didn’t care at that point. I ran for the cooler to grab some ice and shoved a few pieces in my mouth. I held off the gag reflex for the time being. Whew!

Art thrives on trying to make me hurl. Why? I don’t know. He loves me taking photos of him eating a raw calf nut. I’ve never seen anyone eat a sushi version of a nut. Gross!

The wind was howling this day. I worried about my camera the whole time. I have to get some sort of carrier other than the camera bag I have presently. I’ll have to look around and see what’s out there.

steady winds

I wanted to add a photo of what the conditions were like.

The wind was bad, but the weather was pretty dang nice really. Sunny, but not too hot. I could barely hang with glasses on, and many of these folks were not even wearing sunglasses or any glasses. I made several trips to my car for eye drops. I started a new series with the cattle dogs. I just got the idea when I was around all of them last week. The photos were really good, I thought! I decided to get down in all the cattle and got some cool shots too. I tried to do some video on this trip too. It didn’t work out so well. Walter was nice enough to loan it to me for the weekend, but I didn’t recorded anything at home. When I arrived and was ready to film, I couldn’t find the button too easy. I recorded much from the pocket of my sweatshirt. Not quite what I was trying to get. I wanted to get the sounds of the cattle once the calves and momma cows are separated. I love the sound. Sometimes it can be deafening. It might be one of those sounds that I’ll remember until the day I die, if I’m so lucky. I’d grow to miss it if it was taken away from me

I have to say…….I love these people with all my heart. They welcome me with open arms. Some are really young, and some are gettin up there. I’ve been around some of the people attending before. I’m not shocked, but never the less totally amazed that the beer starts flowing, I believe it was 8:30 am.

I don’t really drink that much, but I sure wish I owned a liquor store down there. Total profit for me.

I loved getting photo the gather shots. That is what I enjoy the most. It just isn’t working out too well for me in that category lately.

After the branding at John’s we all ate well. John has a super nice place on Neegranda Reservoir. He owns a campground there. Really a nice spot! John was letting me stay there 2 nights. Very sweet of him. Lunch/dinner was there at the house. The house is a nice gathering spot for John’s friends and family. This night however the campground was bustling with cowboys in various states of drunkenness. Some left during daylight hours, some didn’t. All I knew was……I was tired and I hoped it would die down before I was ready for bed.

One young cowboy, Rex was insisting I go to Eads with him and then to his place to drop off a boat trailer that was busted in half. Rex is one of those guys that for sure has a sort in his kill switch. I was told a few years ago by one of my boyfriends at the time, that I had a short in my kill switch. I loved the saying and when it applies, it applies. Rex certainly has the short. There isn’t a second gear on this boy!!!!!  Super nice guy, but is just as wild as they come.

That evening I was going to sleep in the upstairs room of the campground house. No one else was upstairs. Art must have decided he was a bit too lit to drive so he slept downstairs. I didn’t sleep too well, which seems to be my par for the course when it comes to my travel and photo work.

The party was at the lake house, but I couldn’t hang with the boys once again. I don’t mind though. I certainly don’t need the alcohol in my system.

When I decided to get my butt out of bed it was raining. I was dead to the world. Lack of sleep kills me!!!! I just don’t do well with out it. I

When we woke up Saturday morning, I was sitting at the kitchen table downstairs when Art walks over to the bottle of Patron and takes a swig, gargles with it, and swallows. I walked swiftly to the door. I had to get fresh air at once. Art was at it again.

I am not blaming Art. I was so tired, that all I wanted to do is sleep. I asked him if the branding at Kelly’s place was going to happen. I didn’t think branding could happen when it’s raining. I asked him about it. He answer was….they would be drinking. I took that as they wouldn’t be branding and after breakfast I headed back to bed.

Art came up to my room and sat on my bed with me. He was cute. I just love Art, but man the guy turns my stomach. The rain was stopping and Art told me they were branding now. I was a bit shocked since I really didn’t quite know the procedure. I started pitching a fit.

I drove like a bat out of hell to get to Kellys for the gather. I didn’t time it right once again. CRAP!!!!! I got to see some of it, and I got some great shots.

As Saturday was coming to an end I was wondering if I was going to see Ty. I had worked myself all up and turned down a night of dancing the night before to have one more night of not seeing him.

I have talked to Ty a few times since I have been back. I got him a surprise today. I picked up 3 bottles of his favorite wine. I received a bottle of white wine too. Same winery, but white. I was telling my wine dealers that I don’t drink white wine and they thought they would fix that for me. I received 6 bottles total. I trade hair cuts and color with a family that works at a really cool wine store in Cherry Freak.

I will drop this off at Ty’s but I’m not giving him a heads up, I’m just going to head over to his place. leave a little note of something like that.

I really don’t know about him though. He doesn’t seem that interested. I’ll see what happeens. I’m certainly not holding my breath for him. His loss.   : )

This week I was going to a ranch south of Lamar. Then when I found out that Ty wasn’t going to be there, I decided to head up to Buffalo. I got some very sad news though. I learned that a rancher I worked with in Buffalo was killed in a freak accident. He had been tinkering with an old car (his hobby) and a chain broke or something like that and the car fell on him.

He was such a young guy too. In great shape. I took some great photos of his father and his branding. I hope he enjoyed them.

So now, I’m going to head back down to the one I was planning on earlier down by Lamar. I am going to get another room at the Chek Inn. I liked that place because it was so quiet. I really appreciate that when I’m tired. I might come home Sunday and go back Monday. I don’t know. I don’t want to afford 2 nights there. I will come home and then go back. I might not save that much money. I’ll see.

I finally am finishing this blog. I didn’t add so many of the details.

Once again I had so much fun. I’m so beat, but it was so worth it.

I woke up and got all the CD’s taken care of for both the National Western and for Jerry. I’m so impressed with Jerry and Stacy and who they surround themselves with. What great people! From Eli who drives the rig, Jill, who takes care of Stacy’s horses, Scobby and Jerry have known each other since the 80’s. Scobby is Jerry’s assistant. The Mariachi band really was so incredible. This band played for Jenna Bush’s wedding. They blew me away. The Charros, Roberto Torres and his beautiful family and their Azteca’s and Andalusian’s. It was so nice to talk to all of them. Roberto and I talked about Las Delicias, which is my favorite Mexican restaurant. I have been going there since I was 17 years old. They have many locations surrounding the Denver area. We talked about food, and I talked to him about possibly going out to his place to photograph his horses. That would be really cool!

Luis Canela, and Anne Smith made all this possible for me to be able to talk to Jerry. I bless both of them. Without their help I would not have been able to get this job with Jerry.

I remembered every single person’s name that I met. I made it a point to do so. I’m not really good at it usually, but I got every single one.

My morning started out going to church at the Stock Show. I got there around 10 this morning and left around 6 or 7 this evening. Church was really neat. I got chocked up 3 times. Jerry was going to be a Priest and he gave a wonderful talk, that is actually even getting me chocked up right now. He talked of his 90 year old father and how his father treats his Mom with so much love. I even have some tears coming out. Dang! It was very moving. He is a GREAT speaker! I also got chocked up when the Mariachi band played Ava Maria. I took group photos after the ceremony.

I spent the rest of the time before the performance taking photos here and there and talking to several people.

The Rodeo was even better than the night before. I knew what was going to happen, so I could place myself a bit better for photos.

I have to say this was the best bunch of people I have ever been around. Everyone! From the bull riders who would give me a hand up to the chutes, the security, the gate man, the volunteers, the girls who are in the Side Saddle Equestrian Team, the very famous bull fighters from Mexico.

I feel so blessed that Jerry gave me this opportunity to work for him. Thank you so much Jerry and Stacy. I hope they enjoy the photos.

I had a great day today! Most of my days are great anyway, but today was exceptional.

I worked some and then when I had a break I went down to the Stock Show to get my cool badge to get in any time, and to see if Jerry was around. I called him when I was there, but he was already back at his hotel room. I decided to go to the Mexican Rodeo practice which started at 7pm. I got there early, and when I walked in I must have been the only white girl in there. Jerry somehow picked me out of the small crowd. I chatted with him a bit and met his friend John. John is Jerry’s assistant. I also met Jill, another helper, sort of behind the scenes,  Eli, a cowboy, and Stacy, who is Jerry’s wife.

I have to say this is a great bunch of people from what I can tell. I had a BLAST! I got to see how everything works. It was really amazing! It really was! It starts out with the most awesome Mariachi band that Jerry brings up from San Antonio. They sounded so good. Great singers too. I was really impressed just with that alone. The dancers with the cool dresses did a bit of dancing during the opening ceremony. I know I’m going to repeat how much I really liked things, but it’s true. There is a Side Saddle Equestrain Team, which John whispered “they ride better than most of the guys”. They do all sorts of really cool precision moves….very cool! The charros are introduced.  I loved his voice! I had to whistle for him when he was finished.There were certain things that were just talked about, like the bulls, since they aren’t in the practice part. I have to say I think my favorite part will be watching Jerry and his wife perform. I love how his horses look. The Azteca’s are my favorite horse. Jerry was riding in the areana and his horse was switching gaits so smoothly. These guys in the Mexican Rodeo are so skilled on a horse. I love watching them. I didn’t take my camera out. I thought that would not be a good idea. I don’t have permission yet, so there is not way I would disrespect Jerry like that, or the Stock Show for that matter.

The theme this year is the next generation. There is a little boy who sang a song so well. I loved his voice! I had to whistle for him when he was finished.

Jerry also has bull fighting, with no killing the bull. These bulls are really nasty bulls too, that make rodeo bulls look like their on downers. I love the Mexican fighting bulls. During the running with the bulls the best and most bad ass bulls are the very last of the bulls to run. It seems like someone files their horns, they are that sharp.

To say the least I am very impressed.

I got to see Roberto Torres. He didn’t remember me. It’s actually been a long time since I have seen him. He is like the grandfather of the Mexican Rodeo. He has his son Junior there too. They sponsor the rodeo. Roberto owns my favorite mexican restaurant in Denver named Las Delicias. Oh Man! That just makes me hungry thinking about that place.

I also met the bull fighter Paco. I’m really looking forward to seeing that. I’d love to get some shots of him in his gear.

I really had a great time. I am not going to be even slightly upset if I can’t shoot the rodeo. I really hope Jerry and I will be working in the future. I’d love to help him with the book he wants to publish, and for that matter, whatever he wants photographed.

I meet Jerry at 9 at his hotel in the morning.  It will be hard for me to sleep. I get so worked up when I’m around that atmosphere. Not like worked up MMA style, but a nice more mellow worked up.

You never know……..maybe Frankie can meet a cool Hispanic cowboy. : )

The Mexican Rodeo will be at the National Western Stock Show this year, like the years in the past. This year, I’m pretty sure I will be there with an all access pass. I hope to talk to Charro Jerry Diaz tomorrow morning. I have always said I can either talk my way into or out of just about any situation given the chance. What I’m looking for is a chance to take photos of the Mexican cowboys and their gear. This could hopefully open the doors to taking photos for he and his family, but what I would love to do is make some sort of connection to a cowboy who is from Mexico so I have a chance to get some work eventually in Mexico on a ranch for photos.

I am thankful to my friend Anne Smith who is such a good friend. I have known Anne for so many years now and she is in the marketing business. She does very big jobs for companies and also work with the local Hispanic TV station here in Denver. She also has the in to get tickets for some shows at the Stock Show shows. That will be very nice.

I also have had an offer today to be the photographer for the medics at motorcross races. It will pay 1,000 and the details still have to be filled in, but I jumped on it. I love being around the races and the type of personality of the racers. They need to have a brochure made to tell the public about what they do. My friend John who is the doctor at the track for these races asked me this evening about taking the job. He is the number 3 guy in the country when it comes to the docs on tracks in the US.

John is trying hard to get back in my graces. He has changed so many things in his life and it does make him a little more tempting. Plus, he has bees which are one of my favorite things on Earth. he has two ranches, and I love both of them. He has all the toys I could ever want too. Snowmobiles, Atv’s and just about any kind of dirt bike there is. All I want is that big wheel 80cc. I love that bike just as much as my street motorcycle. I wish he would just give it to me. No one hardly rides it, and it misses me. John has the second best kid too…..Tucker. I have no idea how things will work out, but John says things to me about being so happy I am giving him a second chance.

I went today to get my pain meds. My doc actually seemed nice today. I was not going to go back to her after my last visit. I just didn’t think she liked me or believed me about my pain. I made her laugh about something. No telling what comes out of my mouth, as most of my friends and family know. I keep many people entertained with the stories, so I need to keep my life a bit crazy.

Sometimes when I’m telling a story that might be a bit nasty, I have to lower my voice at work and it still carries well. I think the tone of my voice is what it is. I think it’s a bit deep or low?? Sometimes when I’m trying to be quiet my co-workers tell me to talk louder. Work would be so boring without me. When I’m there at least I have the crazy life stories.

I haven’t heard from Ed, the man from Guam. I haven’t heard from Juan either. I heard from the rancher down in Stonewall this week. We are keeping in contact ,but he is pretty far away to get to and to build a relationship at this point. My friend Walter and I will be going to another movie soon. I’m not sure what I want to see. He is so nice though. He’s a really nice guy. Then there is one guy from North Carolina, who says he is gonna pursue me hard. He is a bird dog trainer and bird hunter. He seems to do very well. He doesn’t work all year. It sounds like a great job too. I’m not sure what the heck to think about that one there.

I dread the day when the bug flies the coop here, but at the same time I will have a new life and I will be able to date easier. I love being Mom though, and will treasure every moment I have with her. She is my life. I live for her pretty much.

Tomorrow is working with the birds. Last week I had talons on my head. A bird who couldn’t fly well, landed on me by accident. Talons hurt! It wasn’t that bad and I didn’t really get hurt. I don’t even know which hawk it was that landed on me. I also got in trouble for the first time too. I went into a cage with a crazy attack bird and I knew it was a risk, but I wanted to get the work done. I was trying to be helpful, but it was stupid of me to try and to that. If that bird landed on me she would not let go. Point taken! I will never fo in there again. Last week was fun, but hard. We had lots of help that day too, which is unusual.

You never know, maybe I might even make it down to Hasty to ride and hunt goose. John is so excited to take me.

I had such a good day yesterday. Selling photos to my long ago boyfriend Dan. I found his choices interesting to say the least. He picked some purple flowers, an old sign from San Luis, Colorado… he picked my favorite photo of Cowboy which I totally love. He picked a photo of the 3 riders looking for strays from Valle Vidal in New Mexico, two photos from the Stonewall area of Colorado, and a old store front from Victor, Colorado

I guess the ones I was shocked at were the flower choices and the one from Stonewall that is too brown in my opinion. But hey, who am I to argue what people find interesting and what might work for them. That is why I enjoy taking photos of all sorts of places and things.

He even bought me a really nice lunch at a steakhouse. The crazy story of the day is that he was shot 3 times in the back in 2001 when he was doing some computer work for the Dept. of Homeland Defense, in DC. He was walking on the mall there, which was closed off to the public, and I guess some Aryan Nations guy did a drive by and sprayed whoever was around with bullets. I guess he said the one bullet missed his spine by 2mm. That is close.

Dan was never one to lack in drama, even when I dated him. It sounds like it still follows him. He had the drama filled 12 year relationship with a woman, and has since broken up with her, but talk about drama filled. Geez, with partners like that who needs an enemy.

I can’t wait to get the photos to him and see what he thinks. I should have those pretty soon, if I can get the CD dropped off to my printer.

Christmas will come for me and my daughter. I am going to buy her present right after I finish this blog.

I might get some long over due dirt biking in this weekend. ATV riding too. I think I might head down to Hasty and hang with the guys this weekend. Cook, ride, cook, ride. Those boys can eat!!!!!!!!!

I went up to Woodland Park the other day to see Tucker and John and cook them a nice meal. I also had Shelby and Tuck’s friend to feed also. I loved it.

Today is making my famous cheesecake for my co-worker Evelyn. It’s become a Christmas tradition. I enjoy it too.

Busy day at work on my day off, shopping and a few errands. Fun stuff  though.

I didn’t know what the heck was going to happen as my weekend approached.

J, Gallegos, had called me to tell me that they would be branding on that Saturday. I was invited down, but since I have not been feeling so hot, I wasn’t sure what the heck to do. I decided that these opportunities are too dang important to pass up. I HAD to go!!!!

I left Denver at about 3:30 and arrived to J’s front door at 7:30pm. I kind of got a late start, but I really wasn’t sure what time I would get out of the shop and then pack quick, and be out the door.

I love seeing “J”. I have to use the “J” now, since he doesn’t want to be ID’d through a blog. This way I would have to put his whole name in here and it was causing him some unwanted phone calls. I had to smile. I guess this blog stuff really does work……I love it! It makes me appreciate the blog an ever so tiny bit more. I’m not so much into blogging as I have written before, but it does bring people to my site. Sweet!

Saturday night I spent in the living room of his home in a comfy roll out bed, near the nice warm fire. The numerous ranch dogs barked and chased animals throughout the evening. As the sun rose I ate some Chico’s with J and then headed out to get some awesome shots of the property

An old bean picker that was working it’s way back to becoming one with the Earth. For some reason I seem to have some photos that are letting me open them and that is one of them. The shot is so cool looking. I actually took several of it. It was a little chilly, but not enough to even need a hat or anything like that. Just for the record though, I did have clothes on though.

I will have to write a separate post for a chicos story. Very cool!

Joe left to go and pick up “Paliente”. I loved Paliente’s look right away. He has very short gray hair, with a rim of dark hair at the base, down by his neck. He has a couple of gold outlined teeth in the front with I was totally drawn to for photos, although I think I only got one or two shots of his teeth showing. Once they arrived they loaded some “found” hay onto the back of J’s pickup truck. J’s brother, Jerry, had found it on the side of the road. It had fallen off of a truck. Once that was loaded we delivered a barrel with some water over to a horse way on the other side of the ranch. We drove over there in a little pickup. The three of us packed in the front. They were speaking Spanish, and even told me it would be fun to talk about me and me not to know what they are saying. It was fine with me. As long as I hear Spanish I feel comfortable. I enjoyed even the little ride. We watered the horse and left back to J’s farm.

We got back and did a few more things. J’s brother Jerry showed up and didn’t recognize me. It had been a few years since we have seen each other. He is single now. I guess he got divorced not too long ago. Jerry had to go home and change clothes after church. While he did that we got the horses ready and to go gather the cattle. Paliente on a horse, J and I on another. There are little straps on the back of a saddle for a second rider to hold on to. It is pretty much like just riding by yourself. It feels very natural. We headed off and started to gather. I got some great shots out there. J let me off the horse for a bit and I walked while they looked for cattle. After we gathered Jerry was back at the ranch and repairing the corral/chute thing. J asked me if I wanted to go for a ride with he and Paliente. I asked J where we were headed, and he told me he didn’t want to tell me, I would figure it out along the way. We traveled well with the three of us in the little cab of the truck and were off toward Chama.

We listened to the Spanish music station and every once in a while Paliente would sing very nicely and J, would more mumble the words. I think I just rode with a perma smile on my face. Life there is so different. It’s hard to describe how different, but let me try.

The town is very small. It’s the oldest town in Colorado. It has the oldest continuous running business in the state. It has a very long tradition of voting Democrat in elections. People love me there and don’t even know me. They smile and wave like they know me. They keep to themselves. They don’t let personal issues be known to the world. If someone tends to do something illegal, most will turn the other way.

Juan has a saying about San Luis. He says there is a thing called “San Luis Truth” It means you tend not to tell the truth even when asked a direct question. I love that! I can’t say I agree with it……I just love it though. I am going to use that term when I can in conversation. San Luis is the heart of farming and ranching in Colorado. The valley there is so important to Colorado.

We headed toward Chama and beyond. We went to Paliente’s house. A beautiful spot more up in the mountains outside of San Luis. I’m not quite sure why we went there, other than to help with a calf. I bunch of people were trying to head and heal a calf without horses. They got the calf down and Paliente castrated it, and it got branded too. That was it, it we seriously there for maybe 10 minutes max. Whatever we went there for it was, and I got some good shots too. I met some people that Juan knows too.

We loaded back up and went back to J’s place for a long days work. Jerry was finishing the corral/chute repair and there was much debate about using a horse or horses to rope and choke for branding and such or if we were going to use the squeeze chute. The squeeze chute is sooooooo not cowboy, but it works better for some operations (ranches).

I was in charge of making sure the brands were hot and ready when needed and the correct brands were given to J for the branding. There were a few that also needed to be dehorned. That is so gross, but very needed in some cases. Some horns will grow into the cows head, eye, wherever it turns and starts growing can be a huge problem for a cow.

Paliente’s son, Leon was a huge help with the work. J was telling me how Paliente’s sons are Spirit of the Horse People. I guess these kids can ride anything. They are into teaching horses to dance. Most people in the area love them because they are so good with the horses. Leon was telling me in his thick San Luis accent about how he and his horse go places they aren’t supposed to be and the horse will jump right over a fence. I guess someone they are friends with or related to is a jockey and is very talented with horses also.

J was telling me about how he would love a book or more stories about these families in San Luis and this family because they are Spirit of the Horse People. I love that.

After all the branding was finished and everything else the calf will go through that day……we all went into Fort Garland for a wonderful Italian dinner. I drove J, his brother, Jerry, Paliente and myself there. I took Leon back into town with us after dinner. J was nice enough to buy for everyone.

I slept a couple hours that night. The next morning which is a Monday, I am heading back to Denver in a snowstorm. The branding day was incredible weather and it took a huge turn that following morning. I drove back up to Chama to get some photos of a secret society building that J was telling me about. The secret Society has to do with agriculture, or so he thinks.

I also wanted to get a photo of an old church Paliente pointed out to me. I figured he might like the photo. I also took one of the falling down Post Office of Chama. It’s so cool looking! I also got a photo of a really old car in the snow storm. I took various photos in the city of San Luis and then headed back to dreaded Denver. I love San Luis so much. I feel so connected to that area for some reason. I’m not sure why. I love the feel there, the way it looks, the history, to be able to be loved there and to have my photos mean something to these people is so important to me. Thank you J!!!!

Paliente

Looking back at J’s farm while gathering cattle

Old Chama Post Office