Grand Coulee was my first Washington rodeo!
I would like to start by thanking Justin Morris with the National Guard for inviting me. It was great to see familiar faces! Each rodeo began with Muttin’ Bustin’ an hour before the performance, and as I walked into the first performance to help with what I could, I heard a familiar voice come over the sound system—Cody Hodge! A man from my own home town of Quincy! Cody made the weekend very eventful as he made me the root of a few of his jokes!
I got to ride a pretty little palomino gelding named “Yellow” who belonged to Miss Colorama Rodeo, Hailey Peha. Thank you, Hailey!
Each performance was fun as I enjoyed pushing stock after each contestant ran in the timed events. Yellow was really honest, and all the other Rodeo Queens looked great! As the first performance was almost over the 2010 Clayton Princess Courtney Montgomery, Colville Rodeo Queen Kylie Lindemann, and Miss Newport Rodeo Queen Jamie Cutshall invited me back to their camper where Kylies mom had made pulled pork sandwiches—and they were delicious!
After finishing dinner and sharing a few stories, I was ready to head back to the fifth wheel I was staying in. I’m not sure what it is about me and traveling, but there is always something funny that seems to come up… well this was it! In the directions back to the fifth wheel, I was supposed to leave the rodeo grounds back the way I had arrived, and the first gravel road on my right I come to should be “Yakima St.” Take this right and I will come to the fifth wheel. When I got there, the lock they used to lock it was the bottom right keyhole—the top left one they never use.
“Ok, cool,” I think to myself.
I had arrived at the fifth wheel about 10:30 p.m. and it was pitch black. I was staying with Miss ProWest Rodeo, Amanda Hunter, and I imagined she was already inside and asleep. I look at the lock and think to myself, “Hmm, this is weird… the key holes are opposite to what he had said. Guess he meant use the bottom left keyhole?” I’m about five minutes into trying to get this trailer unlocked when I start to get a little nervous. What if I can’t get it unlocked? This is when I noticed the nearest house had lights on inside. They must still be up! Perfect!
When I walked up to the door I decided to play it cool as though I had not been trying to get in for the past ten minutes! Someone soon came to the door and I asked, “Am I in the right place?”
She looked at me for a second; “Who are you looking for?”
“Cindy…” I replied shyly.
She smiled at me and replied, “Oh! That’s my mom! She’s out of town but can I help you?”
This is when I told her I was supposed to be staying in a fifth wheel and I was trying to find it.
“It’s down the road another block or so, it will be just off to your right.”
Her reply made me laugh (strictly to myself), but I was also thankful I survived my attempt into the wrong trailer! By now I was surely embarrassed! I wasn’t about to tell her I had been trying to get into the wrong trailer for the past ten minutes! I thanked her and headed down the road; and sure enough, there it was! The right trailer!
The following morning there was a parade through town. I always enjoy parades as we have the opportunity to mingle in the morning as we wait for the beginning; the rodeo queens all smiling and adjusting their chaps, and the parents taking countless pictures! One of my best friends had given me a little baggie of home-made trail mix before I had left home, and this morning I had tucked it into the front of my saddle to snack on during the wait; cranberries, peanuts, and chocolate chips. The parade went well and the last Sunday performance was fun too.
Between the parade and the rodeo was a luncheon put on by Cindy Howard (Hailey’s coordinator) and Hailey Peha, Miss Colorama. The food was very good and the company excellent.
Thank you Cindy and Wayne Edwards for the very comfortable fifth wheel—full of food!! And for the excellent luncheon. I had a blast!
I’m looking forward to more Washington Rodeos!
April 24th / Rowdy Barry Charity Ride
With the weather warm and the spring birds chirping, I was excited to spend the day on Rowdy and Laura Lee’s, Wild R Ranch. As with every trip, the drive made me thankful for my cell phone, but the father I drove, the less reception I had. I enjoyed a serene dirt road meandering back and forth a dry creek bed leading to the Barry’s Ranch bunkhouse. Never having to open many wooden gates in my time, the first one I came across took me a little bit! I must have stood there and messed with it for a good five minutes before starting to laugh—I had no cell phone service and was stuck on the wrong side of the fence! I had to look over my shoulders and hope no one was watching!
After arriving around 11 a.m., I had the chance to relax and meet many of the people I would be sharing the day with. We had an incredible spread for lunch—BBQ chicken, ribs, spinach salad, chips and brownies!
Soon after lunch we all began to saddle; I had the privilege of riding one of Laura Lee’s horses, “Friday.” Friday was a tall sorrel with a really, really smooth lope. Thank you Laura Lee, I couldn’t have had a better mount! As I always seem to have something funny happen, the saddle didn’t have long enough stirrup leathers–so I resembled a jockey! None the less, Rowdy led us up through a canyon and to the top of a magnificent hill that overlooked valleys from the Tri-Cities to Hermiston.
Upon returning from our ride, there were about four kids who grabbed hoes and went up in the hills surrounding the bunk house searching for a prize rattlesnake! This made me laugh as it seemed a little bit crazy, but how do you get more western than that?
Miles Barry, Rowdy’s son, made homemade ice cream for everyone to enjoy with our Dutch oven dinner and cobbler, and let me tell you—it was phenomenal! As dinner wrapped up, we all gathered around a campfire for cowboy poetry and music from Coyote Joe & Duane Nelson. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time while listening to cowboy poetry!
When I returned home, smelling of campfire smoke and sporting a new sun burn, I peeled my jacket off and threw it in the washer. The next morning, upon pulling it out, it still had a permeating smoke smell to it! I hung it outside for almost two whole days, and to this day it still smells of campfire smoke. The second thing I noticed is that my boots felt funny as I was walking on the tile in my house. After looking at the sole of one of them I realized I had sat a little too close to the fire and melted the soles of my boots!
This will be a trip I remember forever; the amount of western heritage I got to be a part of gave me a fresh perspective of the dedication and friendships cowboys share. From the trail ride, the Dutch oven dinner, to the cowboy poetry and music, the open spaces and the clear skies; I hope to attend again!
For more information about the Annual Rowdy Barry Charity Ride, Rodeo Bullfighter Rowdy Barry, or his exquisite artwork, check out his website at www.rowdybarry.com
After arriving around 11 a.m., I had the chance to relax and meet many of the people I would be sharing the day with. We had an incredible spread for lunch—BBQ chicken, ribs, spinach salad, chips and brownies!
Soon after lunch we all began to saddle; I had the privilege of riding one of Laura Lee’s horses, “Friday.” Friday was a tall sorrel with a really, really smooth lope. Thank you Laura Lee, I couldn’t have had a better mount! As I always seem to have something funny happen, the saddle didn’t have long enough stirrup leathers–so I resembled a jockey! None the less, Rowdy led us up through a canyon and to the top of a magnificent hill that overlooked valleys from the Tri-Cities to Hermiston.
Upon returning from our ride, there were about four kids who grabbed hoes and went up in the hills surrounding the bunk house searching for a prize rattlesnake! This made me laugh as it seemed a little bit crazy, but how do you get more western than that?
Miles Barry, Rowdy’s son, made homemade ice cream for everyone to enjoy with our Dutch oven dinner and cobbler, and let me tell you—it was phenomenal! As dinner wrapped up, we all gathered around a campfire for cowboy poetry and music from Coyote Joe & Duane Nelson. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time while listening to cowboy poetry!
When I returned home, smelling of campfire smoke and sporting a new sun burn, I peeled my jacket off and threw it in the washer. The next morning, upon pulling it out, it still had a permeating smoke smell to it! I hung it outside for almost two whole days, and to this day it still smells of campfire smoke. The second thing I noticed is that my boots felt funny as I was walking on the tile in my house. After looking at the sole of one of them I realized I had sat a little too close to the fire and melted the soles of my boots!
This will be a trip I remember forever; the amount of western heritage I got to be a part of gave me a fresh perspective of the dedication and friendships cowboys share. From the trail ride, the Dutch oven dinner, to the cowboy poetry and music, the open spaces and the clear skies; I hope to attend again!
For more information about the Annual Rowdy Barry Charity Ride, Rodeo Bullfighter Rowdy Barry, or his exquisite artwork, check out his website at www.rowdybarry.com
April 6th - 10th / Dodge National Circuit Finals (DNCFR)
From my doorstep in Yakima to my hotel room in beautiful Pocatello was exactly 600 miles. My trip took nine hours, and thanks to my Tomtom(GPS) I never got lost! I left at 3:30AM and traveled through miles of tranquil regions of sunshine; when I was 8 miles out of Pocatello it went from sunshine to literally a blizzard! The ground was blanketed in white, and the wind wrapped snow around every corner.
Welcome to ‘Pokey!’
Welcome to ‘Pokey!’
Thankfully this was the only day with snow! The DNCFR is held on the Idaho State University campus in the Holt Arena—‘The Dome’ as the locals called it. 17 state queens stayed at the Cotton Tree Inn, and I was fortunate to room with Miss Rodeo Florida, Heather Hall. Each morning we turned on CMT and listened to music and watched music videos, and by evening we would sit and reminisce the day. and much to my amusement, Heather had an application on her iPhone which sent 10 jokes a day to her phone; each day we would sit and laugh together through them.
While there, Heather had never seen much more than a couple inches of snow, leading to a car load of girls heading up a local mountain to experience the snow. They later laughed as they mused over her asking how you were supposed to walk in it! I never imagined life without snow! We rode everywhere in vans, and in my van was Miss Rodeo South Dakota Mckenzie Haley, Miss Rodeo Nebraska Michelle Boershart, and Miss Rodeo Montana Jourdon Han.
Each performance began with ‘thunder in the dome’ as a makeshift thunderstorm was broadcasted over the speakers. Each of the twelve Circuits (with ours being the Columbia River Circuit) was recognized, along with the sponsors and the show began.
March 6th - 10th / Rodeo Queen Boot Camp in Ogden, UT
What an adventure this was! The best part of the trip was sharing the 665 miles between Moses Lake, WA to Ogden, UT with Jamie Rauch (my queen coach), Sara-Jane Prchal (Miss Moses Lake Roundup), and Kylie Kooistra (Miss Cheney Rodeo).
As with all of my trips, there seems to be something, just something, that doesn’t quite go accordingly! As I left my house in Yakima (where I live during the school year) and headed for my house in George, I had given myself an extra 40 minutes just in case something came up. I was feeling rather intelligent and exceedingly clever as I drove the speed limit and day dreamed on my hour and 15 minute drive… as I reached my driveway though, I realized—I didn’t have a house key! All of my clothes and my hat were in my room. I called my mom and luckily she was relatively close to her office and would be able to leave a key for me to pick up on her lunch break. My trip to her office added almost an hour to my drive, and I was soon feeling slightly rushed! In Moses Lake, the four of us met—a little later than scheduled, haha, and began our road trip.
The longer I live-- and the more I’m traveling, I realize life will be exactly what you make of each circumstance. It’s merely a bouquet of situations that all roll together, and your reactions illuminate your character. I think the real beauty of this lifetime is sometimes missed because we’re so caught up on ‘more important things,’ leaving much of the splendor amongst the small things we take for granted. After breaking my knee, my car breaking down, having a tough last quarter in my classes—and being late to my carpool, my outlook has shifted as with some of my priorities. Being able to walk and pick fights with my brother, debating over dress colors with my mom, or being able to listen and appreciate as someone else shares their stories… how much more incredible does it get!? I like to think hope rises with the sunrise; what will you enjoy today?
Each morning in Utah we had a different schedule of events than the day prior. All in attendance received a binder full of “Queen Knowledge,” a ‘Rodeo Queen Boot Camp’ cap, a tote bag, and a detailed schedule! We rotated through short lectures on fashion, rodeo events—both rough stock and timed, modeling tips, speech tips, Miss Rodeo America Kelli Jackson informational and inspirational speeches, a fashion show, and much more. There were over 150 attendants of bothrodeo queens, potential rodeo queens, parents, and coaches. The part I enjoyed about the clinic the most were the informational sections where timed events were broken down and explained to us. I have a much better understanding of tie-down roping! This was my weakest understanding of events when I arrived, but am much more confident in my knowledge now.
March 27th / Miss Moses Lake Roundup Pageant
This was a day of much excitement as I spent it with Sara-Jane Prchal, 2009 Miss Moses Lake Roundup, and the four 2010 contestants: Jamie Judd, Catrina Langley, Charli Bergevin, and Lacey Groski. The day started at 8 AM with orientation, followed shortly after with the Horsemanship portion of the pageant; the weather was beautiful! For lunch we had SubWay with Judges, and the rodeo committee. Mmm-mmm good! After lunch we all went to the Tack Shop in Moses Lake to visit Cynder; she outfitted each of us with an outfit to model for the evening. We were permitted to choose a pair of pants, boots, jewelry, a shirt, and a purse if you chose to. This was fun as it allowed all everyone to be themselves and have a chance to show more of their personality. As the contestants were escorted in an ‘Ameri-Stay Inn’(sponsor) Limo, the evening of events quickly approached. They each participated in personal interviews and a written test then changed into a causal western outfit for dinner. After dinner we all modeled our ‘Tack Shop outfits,’ and soon after modeled leather western dresses.
Congratulations to Catrina Langley, the 2010 Miss Moses Lake Roundup (MMLR) and Charli Bergevin, 1st runner up. I would like to thank Jill Tonne for helping me with preparation to attend and with my schedule, and the Moses Lake Roundup for their continued support as well, from my year as MMLR in 2007, to the present. What a superb committee!
And Sara, great job! You’re a hard one to follow!
February 27th / Miss Rodeo Washington Coronation
This “Night of Western Elegance” could not have been more beautiful! There was a crowd of over two 230 people who attended and helped to make my coronation night a success. JJ Harrison the Rodeo Clown was the Master of Ceremonies, Vicki Holleman-Perez the disc jockey, and John Bryant the auctioneer. The night began with a silent auction, which led into dinner of Filet Mignon. Laura Lee Barry did a beautiful and inspiring invocation, followed by JJ dressed as a rodeo queen looking for pageant try-outs. The evening proceeded with introduction of MRWA Board members and visiting & past royalty.
Among the crowd were five very appreciated guests who brought their artwork for display as well as each donated a piece to the live auction. Thank you Rowdy Barry, Robin Corey, Karen Reffett, Jodi Chastain Kelly, and Teddy Weekes Charlton for attending and making the building so decorative! The festivities were held in the ATEC Building at Big Bend Community College, and catered by Sedexho; it was an incredible facility, and might I add, phenomenal food!
I was ecstatic to have the several local rodeo queens in attendance; Miss Moses Lake Roundup Sara-Jane Prchal, the four Miss Moses Lake Roundup Contestants—Charli Bergevin, Catrina Langley, Jamie Judd, and Lacey Groski, Miss Rodeo Othello Jade Thompson, Miss Cheney Rodeo Kylie Kooistra, The Ellensburg Court, Miss Omak Stampede, Benton-Franklin Court, Little Miss Rodeo Washington Josey Shannon, and many more. Thank you girls for coming, I look forward to spending the year with all of you!
I would also like to thank my mom, the Othello Rodeo Association, the Columbia Basin Rodeo Association (Moses Lake Roundup), Stanley and Jamie Rauch, Larry and Gaye Benzel, Jill Sunwold, Odom Corporation, Raylah Holm, Vicki Holleman-Perez, my best friend Sara-Jane Prchal, Jill Tonne, Shannon Kooistra, Casey Robinson, Rosie Dockins, and many, many more. It would not have been possible without the enormous amount of help these individuals pitched in. My support group is without a doubt, the best!
I look forward to attending the Coronation for next year’s Miss Rodeo Washington.
Among the crowd were five very appreciated guests who brought their artwork for display as well as each donated a piece to the live auction. Thank you Rowdy Barry, Robin Corey, Karen Reffett, Jodi Chastain Kelly, and Teddy Weekes Charlton for attending and making the building so decorative! The festivities were held in the ATEC Building at Big Bend Community College, and catered by Sedexho; it was an incredible facility, and might I add, phenomenal food!
I was ecstatic to have the several local rodeo queens in attendance; Miss Moses Lake Roundup Sara-Jane Prchal, the four Miss Moses Lake Roundup Contestants—Charli Bergevin, Catrina Langley, Jamie Judd, and Lacey Groski, Miss Rodeo Othello Jade Thompson, Miss Cheney Rodeo Kylie Kooistra, The Ellensburg Court, Miss Omak Stampede, Benton-Franklin Court, Little Miss Rodeo Washington Josey Shannon, and many more. Thank you girls for coming, I look forward to spending the year with all of you!
I would also like to thank my mom, the Othello Rodeo Association, the Columbia Basin Rodeo Association (Moses Lake Roundup), Stanley and Jamie Rauch, Larry and Gaye Benzel, Jill Sunwold, Odom Corporation, Raylah Holm, Vicki Holleman-Perez, my best friend Sara-Jane Prchal, Jill Tonne, Shannon Kooistra, Casey Robinson, Rosie Dockins, and many, many more. It would not have been possible without the enormous amount of help these individuals pitched in. My support group is without a doubt, the best!
I look forward to attending the Coronation for next year’s Miss Rodeo Washington.
January 15th -19th / Welcome to Denver, Colorado, I never imagined the mile high city would be so beautiful!
The obstacles I encountered on this trip far surpassed the adventure I had in mind as I attempted to depart Seattle! It was the most memorable trip I have experienced in my lifetime and I will attempt to convey the humor and ¬my angst to the best of my ability. Enjoy.
104th Denver National Stock Show and Rodeo
In an attempt to catch that ever refreshing 6:00a.m. flight I was dropped off in full attire at 4:30 a.m.—we’ve all been there, right… well, not me! To begin, I have only traveled alone a few times to my luck have never even encountered a problem. In fact, in past trips I have even taken the time to enjoy “airport people gazing.” So you can imagine as I was astounded as I leisurely took my place in line to check my bags and the kind gentleman working behind the counter suggested I check my bags further down the counter. Okay, I can do that…so I begin to meander down the bag check-in lines and realize that I had no idea what he had meant. Soon I end up back in the same line with the same gentleman asking him for assistance! It was a record check in; 5:18 a.m. Three minutes too late to check bags!
As I begin to secretly stress out I shared with him that I HAD to be on this flight, I even shared that I had a ride scheduled at the other end! He then told me in a considerate voice, “I’m sorry, we’ll just have to try and put you on the next flight.” In my best bargaining voice (okay, whine) I did my best to make him feel contrite to my situation and as a result he sent me to the next soulful employee who relayed a few funny faces, and replied, “Well you’re only 3 minutes late… I put a rush on your bag and hopefully it will make it there the same time you do.” Of course I couldn’t complain but was very nervous about arriving without my chaps and rollers! Bright side, I would arrive on time, or so I thought... Next, my license was requested and soon she said, “Oh, you’re going to Texas, should be beautiful down there this time of year!” I had to think for a moment…nooooooooo.
“I’m sorry, what was that?”
“Texas. Should be nice weather!” with a smile. “Mam, I’m supposed to be headed for Denver…”
“Your ticket says Texas; Houston, TX,” cheerfully.
By now my slight panic turns to slight sweat.
“No, the ticket I purchased last week was a Denver destination..”
By this time the gal is looking a little confused.
“Garcia?”
“No mam, Garfield. Like the cat…”
This comment sent her on a computer screen search quickly resulting in the removal of the Texas/Garcia tags placing them on Denver line. Whew, disaster averted.
Off again! A little shaken but able to run for the next security line to soon realize there was really no rush… the line was overwhelmingly long. I couldn’t possibly make it through this line in time! But to my amazement the same angel who sent me on my first goose chase came along side me and said “Hey! Aren’t you on a 6:00a.m. flight?” Nervously I nodding he rushed me to front of the shortest line!
No problem, I am just going to buzz right down there, and bam! I’ll be through! But with all of my rushing I was affronted by a Security woman much taller and wider than myself, and FAR more serious.
“You need to take yo’ boots off.”
I stood there in disbelief … I had been in such a hurry I forgot to take them off! Stripping the boots I bolt back to my original line, shove them into the plastic box, slid them onto the conveyer belt, and quickly returned to my line with the Amazon woman! She took one look at my face, glancing at my mismatched socks (I was planning this for good luck) and she nodded for me to go through. As I caught my breath and recollected my thoughts, I had a 2 hour and 54 minute flight to relax; the remainder of my trip would be smoother.
Landing in Denver; the flight attendant announces that luggage will be at Carousel 3. Brilliant, I can handle this I think as I walk off the plane heading to the restroom in hopes to finding a mirror. Soon I was headed toward Carousel 3 looking for a familiar face from the flight to ensure the correct location…carousel 3 vacant. Oh man… I searched for a few minutes and even stooped to call my aunt Dara who booked my flight for some help in finding the carousel. After a few minutes of very casual conversation she suggested Carousel 10. Sure enough, my bag was the only one left! At least it had made it!
I almost wanted to cry, but had to keep telling myself “God is good…God is good “ this all must be a part of some fiendishly clever plan of his… and a start of really beginning to appreciate the small stuff, like a hotel room…After settling into my room, I soon was off for the week of my life.
Merchandise Market; hundreds of vendors with displays of phenomenal fashions, furniture, artwork, boots, jewelry, and much, much more.
• I had the privilege of working shifts at the Tandy Booth where Mick and the crew there were ever so fun and to their generosity, each time a Queen worked a shift they were given a belt. I now have five new beautiful belts thanks to Tandy’s!
• We hosted a party one afternoon and had the best Mexican food I have ever had Next door to the Tandy Booth was a tall man, “Cowboy Elvis,” better known as Greg Hensley who was with Dan Post Boots. As I walked in and met him, there were walls and walls of every shape, color, and style of boots imaginable; I was in awe. We walked around and he soon asked me to pick out a pair! He sponsored all of the state girls who came in and talked with him. A couple weeks later in the mail I received three pairs of Dan Post Boots! They are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned; I look forward to having more in the future. If you’re looking for an awesome boot, you might try on a pair of Dan Post Boots! They’re my favorite!
• Parker Enterprises out of Arkansas bigheartedly gave each state queen a personalized brief case in the colors of their choice—and they are very handy!
• I had the opportunity to meet Bob Kipperman of Kippy’s- a display of belts and jackets to be envied. • Courts Saddlery booth where we were able to meet Cathy Courts. Courts are the sponsor of the Miss Rodeo America Saddle.
THE Rodeo:
A few miles from the Merchandise Market was the highlight of the trip; the Rodeo opening each performance with a laser show. Fortunately, the Queens were privileged to sit directly behind the announcers stand in leather chairs as Boyd Polhamus announced each performance. As each performance was announced we state queens would rotate and carry sponsor flags between events. Thank you to the Cervi’s for letting us ride your horses each performance!
During my second to last performance I was scheduled to help with the sponsor flag presentations with the duty of a hot lap around the arena, rotating through the flags until all sponsors have been recognized. To my dismay, prior to my second hot lap my horse choose to spin a quick circle before heading toward the gate at a high pace wrapping me with the flag. Before I knew it my partner and I were at a dead run toward the gate as I hurriedly attempted to unwrap myself from the flag. I quickly realized my need to regain my sight in a hurry, and in a final attempt to unwrap my face, I jerked the flag out to the side as hard as I could--unfortunately it ripped my hat off with it. At this point I looked at the gate post as it brushed my horses shoulder… I didn’t hear anything but a POP!
With one day left in the Mile High City, Measha Gittons (Miss Rodeo Idaho) and I were off to the Merchandise Market one last time. Crutches, knee brace, and all, who would have guess who recognized me that day but seven-time All-Around Cowboy of the World, Trevor Brazile! This was the highlight of my trip! We chatted a few moments about the previous performance and my new leg support, wrapping up the occasion with a group photo. Later that day when I had arrived at the airport to catch my first flight home, there was a new found humor when I couldn’t carry my bags myself. Last year’s National Director for Miss Rodeo Idaho, Jodi Perkins, requested in the airport a wheel chair for me... I’m not terribly fond of drawing attention to myself in crowds, but with my leg sticking straight out and in full attire, I must have been quite the sight! I was the first to board my first flight, but had a connecting flight in Phoenix. After arriving in Phoenix, I only had a 40 minute gap before my next flight left… this was before we landed 15 minutes late. The gentlemen who was wheeling me to my next flight asked “where you go?”
I was so exhausted and embarrassed I merely handed him my boarding pass.
He then says “ohh… oh, uh-oh. They change gate…”
Oh man… I think as I laugh quietly in my head.
And the fun begins; “I push you fast!” he says.
With that, he began running at full speed through the airport yelling between breaths, “Mooove! Mooove! Comey througgghh!” Needless to say, people were darting left and right before me, confused and amused they watched us fly through the terminal… Needless to say, I made it to my flight just in the nick of time; he was a kind man and I appreciated his urgency, I just wish our presence could have been a little more discrete!
Denver was a wild way to start my year off. But I would like to extend a ‘thank you’ to Karie O’Donnell for promptly answering all my calls and texts as I searched for my destinations, Jodi Witt for all her hospitality and scheduling—and the ride to the ER! Jodie and Alan Perkins for help before and after hitting my knee on the gate post, the Cervi’s for letting us ride their horses, Greg Hensley with Dan Post Boots—try a pair on! Parker Enterprises for the personalized briefcase, Measha Gittons—my hilarious and inspiring roommate for the week, and lastly my mom, for answering the phone and continuing to give me words of encouragement.
This truly was, the trip of a life time!!
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