True Grit

True Grit.
My Dad and I went to the Deer Trail Rodeo this weekend...home to the first rodeo in the world started in 1869. Let me be honest, I know very little about this way of life. There’s myriad conversations around the ethical treatment of the animals, but I think experiencing these in person at least gives you a greater sense. I believe the only way to learn is get out there and feel into it for yourself and also push comfort zones.
I come away with many thoughts and more questions than answers. Words that come to mind are: Toughness, American, Pride, Pain, Grit, Humility, Dust, Dirty, Nostalgia, Western, Fashion, Complicated, Conservative, Cowboy Prayer, Passion, Patriotism, American Flag, Freedom, Tradition, Rugged, Ritual, Ethical-Unethical, Poetry, Emotional, Stupidity, Athleticism, Scary, Loose Screws, Romanticized, Resilience, Skill, Agility, Determination, Reverence, Individualistic, Teamwork, Country, Connection, Traumatic, Intense, Solidarity, Polarized....all that to say.. I don't think it can be captured in words. That's when I find imagery to be my best tool for telling pieces of a never-ending story.
I've come to realize in the past 10.5 years living (even though I'm in suburbia) and exploring the west through sojourning through small towns, wide open spaces, big skies, empty spaces, dive bars, deserts, prairies, mountains, main streets, farms, fields, Native American lands, sacred spaces, wild animals, incredible geology... the American West is a feeling that must be pursued and even then, it's never fully understood.
I have lots of photos I want to share from the rodeo (stay tuned), but I wanted to start it with this one. When I clicked the shutter, I knew this one was a powerful image that conveyed these intertwined feelings. Many elements lined up in a fleeting millisecond. It's a pretty special image if I may say so. Actually, it's instantly one of my all time favorites.
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