Rodeo Old Fort Days

I was up until 2am packing and getting ready for the rodeo then up at 6am to get ready to go... Those sleep hours seem to be becoming an unfortunate trend but it's worth it! I was so excited about Rodeo Old Fort Days and seeing some of my rodeo friends that I didn't care much about the lack of sleep. I didn't plan on bringing Shiloh because I didn't want him to be in the way. I went inside to grab another load of things to put in my truck and returned to find that Shiloh and jumped over the tailgate into the
truck! He was not going to be left behind. His love is so perfect. On my way out I met with one of my sponsors, The Dusty Rose Boutique, to pick up the most comfortable boots I've ever worn and some very adorable jewelry. Then headed to the tire shop to get a stud put in my trailer tire but they didn't have to time get to it... So Ft. Smith Bound it was!


I got Max settled and parked the trailer then got ready for the Mayors Luncheon. During the lunch, the contestants answered impromptu questions and did a bit of modeling. We had a delicious meal and a wonderful time of mingling and catching up with everyone. I had the pleasure of rooming with the 2014 Miss Rodeo Arkansas State Fair, Beth Barnett, and we definitely made some great memories! The girls all signed autographs at Roland Farm and Feed Supply before the performance. The rodeo had a great turn out! After the rodeo I took care of Max and headed back to the trailer and as I walking up to the door Stephanie comments "Oh I thought you were rooming with Beth." "I am" I said. She replies, "Umm that's definitely the next trailer down." I'm going to blame that on the fact that it was dark and about 12:30pm.

Signing Autographs! Are you tough enough to wear pink??

Our camper didn't have any warm water. I'm not a baby about many things but a cold shower is one thing I can barely stand. But the sport of rodeo is a family event..  I trudged on over to the Stamp's camper and took a speedy shower in the dark. I hung out for a while and visited with the talented Mrs. Sherry Smith and Riki Smith then Katie came in to practice her speech and ask for some pointers. That's the part of I love about rodeo.. everyone is willing to lend a helping hand to one another. Anyways, after having hairspray caked hair covered in dirt and sweat, it is always so nice to get cleaned off. The light in the bathroom didn't work but there was some light coming through the window. Just enough for me to realize that what I thought was my travel size conditioner, that I just lathered in my hair, was actually makeup remover... Yep, I managed to pack makeup remover for conditioner! I can tell you that makeup remover does not remove remove tangles. Thankfully the pageant has wonderful sponsors and we were given Cowboy Magic shampoo and conditioner so when I got back to my camper I smeared some in my hair to help get rid of the rats nest that had formed in my hair throughout the day! Beth and I stayed up chatting and then called it a night around 2 am!

6am came soon but Shiloh and I were up and around to clean out Max's stall, wash him down, and feed and water him. Thankfully the weather wasn't 100 degrees but the humidity from the rain made the stalls stuffy so I wanted to get him cooled down. After getting him cared for I got myself ready so Beth and I headed to the fashion show. Of course her phone brings us through the ghetto and we thought we'd just stop for breakfast.. of course there is no sign of any food so we have to drive out the way to a Burger King where my cup of oatmeal was more like water!

The fashion show was loads of fun and every girl nailed their speeches!! We concluded by several of us meeting up at Logan's for a wonderful lunch! I thought I was going to go back to the camper and take a nap but Harper Stadium was wide open and Max had never ran a flag before so I rode for a good hour or more and Maximus did wonderful!

 That night while signing autographs in the stands, a group boys came up and one said "Your shirt is BEEAAUUTiful! And you're sooo pretty." Needless to say I hung out there for a while chatting and answering questions. They were so priceless!

What a great weekend it was in Ft. Smith Arkansas! And I didn't even get lost!! I made it to a rodeo with no mishaps! But I spoke to soon. With sleepy eyes I pulled into the drive and back up my trailer to hear a screeching sound and smelled something burning. Which turned out to my rear right trailer wheel bearing, u-joint and break! My guardian angel was watching out because if we would have gone another mile. I believe it would have flew off because that is exactly what happened when Nathan and Drew were taking it to the shop the next day. It could have been a bad a ordeal. And while I'm still trailer-less a week later... everyone was safe and sound and I have some great friends who are willing to loan a trailer. I don't know how I manage or how I end up being so blessed but I do!

Live life to it's fullest and love every chance that you get!!

Rodeo Old Fort Days Clinic

Ft. Smith bound! At 5:15am (on a Saturday might I add), I hit the snooze button twice then rolled out of bed to throw myself together, feed and head to meet Miss Rodeo Old Fort Days, Jessica Stamps, so we could hit the road to Ft. Smith. When I got to her house I practically had to move into her car. Between my queen bag, hat carrier, extra button up, camera bag, tripod, computer case and purse I had at least seven different items to carry. You would be amazed at how many items it takes to stay on top of things; especially when you are photographing for an event.

We chatted the whole way there... and of course managed to miss our exit. I think I'm bad luck when traveling anywhere, especially when it involves queening, because I can literally never get there the first try! Jessica and I both got a bit turned around but we still managed to make it to Kay Rodgers Park for the Old Fort Days Queen Clinic with a little time to spare.

We had the opportunity to meet several young ladies who plan to run for Old Fort Days titles and several others who attended. Dakota Missildine, Miss Rodeo USA 2010, and Jessica Chitwood, Miss Rodeo Arkansas 2012, were the coordinators. The day was filled with a little bit of everything. From modeling to impromptu, interview to horsemanship and speech to general appearance. We covered a number of topics and had some great discussion and practice on the different aspects of rodeo queening. One thing I love about rodeo is everyone's willingness to help one another. While we are in one since competing against each other, everyone is so ready to lend a helping hand or tip. Some of my best friends are current and former rodeo queens! While at the clinic I had the privilege of not only photographing the current queens but also doing a couple of small shoots with some of the attendees.

I cannot wait to see these lovely ladies down the rodeo road! I know they are all going to do so well; not only in queening but in every other aspect of life as well. Saturday was a great refresher for me and I learned some great pointers; especially on modeling and impromptu.

We wrapped up around 3pm and headed for home. We got back onto I-540 and Jessica says "wow, it feels like we're going the wrong way." Me: "yea it does, I get so turned around sometimes." Jessica: "Me too, but I guess this is right. We're on 540 South." At the same time: "South?? Wait, aren't we supposed to be going North?" Yes. We were headed BACK in the same direction when we passed the exit on our way to Ft. Smith. The upside: We got to cross the Arkansas River 5 times in one day! How many people can say that?? I think we learned it's best not to talk while driving.

Hispanic Heritage Festival

Apparently it is possible to have a rather smooth public appearance! I arrived at the Hispanic Heritage Festival at the Washington County Fairgrounds 15 minutes early in order to get the low down on the upcoming event. One of the rounders and former rodeo queen, Sophia Huffman, and I checked out the vendors and met a spectacular furry little friend that stole our hearts. The displays consisted of local businesses, services and events as well as entertainment, pony rides and a lot of great food!

Thankfully the Mutton Bustin was in an indoor livestock arena! After getting things set up the rounders, Miss Rodeo Old Fort Days, and myself signed autographs then started herding everyone our direction because the rain clouds were rolling in! Sadly, the forecast kept a lot of the crowd away but with four clowns, several performers, about 100 spectators and a flock of  sheep we were bound for an entertaining afternoon. About halfway through the mutton busin' the sky seemed to open up and it began to pour! It seems like we all made it inside just in time. We mingled with spectators and helped with Mutton Bustin' then witnessed a beautiful Aztec Native dance performed by five talented young ladies and drummer. I had the opportunity to expand on my Spanish vocabulary from some sweet kids. Before too long, everyone was rolling at the clowns' comedy. After all of the kids had rode and the performers had a chance to act, the rain slowly started to give way and people began to make a run for their vehicles. Despite the early shut down of the event, it was overall a great time with great friends!

The Good... The Bad, The Ugly

"The Good:" Yesterday morning Nathan and I went to Rush Springs Ranch (visit my awesome sponsor's website: http://www.rushspringsranch.com/) to check out the "Down n Dirty" fest sponsored by Pit Bull Power Sports of Springfield. Of course some vendor looking and mudding was in store but I was ready to get back to the horse barn. I put Maximus on some calves for the first time and unsurprisingly he is was a natural! Max and I seem to be getting more in tune with every ride; even though we have a long way to go, it feels nice to know we've also come a long way.


Getting ready for the Harrison PRCA rodeo, I had two of the best helpers a girl could ask for!! They even helped hairspray my curls... I think my hair could have withstood a hurricane. The real trick was finding all of my accessories when it was time to leave! Our plan was to leave at 3pm and we were pulling out of the driveway at 2:55! Took a gorgeous scenic route down HWY 90, stopped in Eureka for lunch (and to do some serious people watching, since BBBQ is going on) then got back on the road. Ahhh yes.... 73 degrees, running right on time and so ready to rodeo. Of course that was too good to be true. 

We managed to pass the entrance to the rodeo grounds and had to pull off to get turned around and somehow chose the one parking lot with a steep entrance, NO turn around and a HUGE drop off on the side. That's "The Bad." In front of the parking lot was a decent sized, flat, piece of grass so we decide to pull up to attempt a U turn.. In a 25ft horse trailer and a common rail, that's not the easiest. Started to do some backing then heard a crrruuuunnnchhhh. I already knew what it was but was hesitant to turn around and look... Yep, the trailer jack knifed and shattered the left side of the rear glass in the truck. Let's just say that the next 10 minutes was "The Ugly" and leave it at that. The short trek to the correct entrance was a silent one.

Thankfully, it was back to "The Good." After the situation cooled off, Nathan's first words were, "Well, I hope that makes your blog." Since it was in a monotone voice, I didn't answer because I wasn't sure if it was supposed to funny, serious or if he was still mad. But in my head I'm thinking, there is no way that's not going in my blog. Maybe one day, we'll go to a rodeo and things will be smooth (knock on wood). Miss Rodeo Old Fort Days, Jessica Stamps, pulled in beside us. We got our horses and ourselves ready then headed to check in. 

We met up with Teen Miss Rodeo Arkansas 2014, Caitlin Jacobs, and Rodeo Old Fort Days Princess, Ashton. Max did his best queens run yet! Followed by pushing cows at a rodeo for his first time! He was a bit anxious and ancy about the noise from the shoots. His eyes and ears were glued to the cowboy and the calf as they roped or wrestled but when it was time to do his job, he did it well. I couldn't be happier with his performance because it's so much to take in and he is such a champ. The rest of the night was smooth sailing. Peanut Butter Kettle Corn and some pretty serious air guitar turned the night into an overall success!

Live. Love. Rodeo.