Room With A View on the "X" that Marks the Spot

This picture is of the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository.  Specifically, the window to the far right is the one where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot a bolt action rifle through a Texas Oak tree (which does not lose its leaves in the fall) and assassinated President John F. Kennedy.  I shot this point of view because it was a key point in disproving the "Magic Bullet Theory".  Basically the theory stands that Oswald shot from this window, through this foliage, and it passed through Kennedy and several times through Governor Connelly.  Crazy.  But then again, I'm a conspiracy theorist.

The City of Dallas has so obligingly marked an "X" on the street where the President received the shot to the back, then the fatal head wound.  This picture is of the "X" that marks the spot where the shot - that I believe came from the Grassy Knoll - ripped open the right side of the President's skull and changed the course of history.

This was the first time a sitting President was assassinated since President McKinley in 1901.  There's no one left who remembers that assassination, but there are plenty who remember where they were when Kennedy was shot.  So here it is, the place where he was shot.  Forever preserved with a white "X" on a busy street.

And finally, the area that that has caused so much controversy, speculation, and spawned legions of conspiracy theorists.  The Grassy Knoll.  Did a shooter prop a rifle on these blocks and aim to kill the President?  Did this alleged gunman have accomplices behind him to wisk him away leaving Oswald in the Book Depository to take the fall?  If this wall could talk...it would tell us the truth.

I loved visiting this area not out of some gruesome fixation on Kennedy's death, but because the area is preserved pretty much as it was when Kennedy was there.  It's basically a crime scene that has become a tourist attraction.  I highly recommend a visit there.  Go - look around and see for yourself.

"The courage of life is often a less dramatic spectacle than the courage of a final moment; but it is no less a magnificent mixture of triumph and tragedy." John F. Kennedy

Long Live Cowboys (and Cowgirls!)

I know that people who knew me B.R., or "before rodeo" cannot believe that Chris and I are involved in rodeos. Believe me, I can't either! I've always loved horses but never had one of my own. Even though I have horses now, I don't compete. I work for Brynna and Chris, getting their horses ready and doing the behind-the-scenes work. And you know what? I love it!!!!!

When we first came to Hot Springs (actually the humming suburb of Pearcy) I was very unsure of the whole rodeo life. The rodeo people weren't rude but they weren't what I had expected. I didn't feel like I could ever fit in to rodeo life. Boy was I wrong!

Rodeo life...cowboy life...is so very different from just "I ride horses." Like it or not, rodeo people have to accept you into their inner circle because they can smell a fraud a mile away! No offense...just reality. And it takes time to be accepted because you have to show that you live the life, not just go through the motions.

Rodeo/Cowboy life means you treasure your horses above all. Sure you may buy and sell, but you'll always remember that one horse that made a difference in your life! We have several already who we cherish like children. It's nothing for people to send their horses to chiropractors or give them medicine that costs way more than anything they would buy for themselves. Cowboys provide horsefeed for their horses that, one scoop, costs more than he probably spent at lunch that day. It's just the way of the cowboy to take care of his (or her) horse.

Being a rodeo secretary for three or four years now has taught me so much about the rodeo way of life. One of my favorite rodeo judges once told me that there were rodeo contestants and there were cowboys. The difference is found in the way they act. Once he pointed that out to me, it was all prefectly clear!

Cowboys are "yes ma'am" and "no sir" and taking their hat off during prayer and putting it across their heart when the National Anthem is being played. A cowboy is committed to living a life deeply rooted in the basics. So much of that is gone with today's youth. It's all about materialism and money. I'm not saying cowboys and cowgirls don't want the latest iPhone or $100 belt but their "materialism" comes in getting the latest ropes, saddles, boots etc. The tools of the trade.

I am very fortunate to have "rodeo kids" around to watch them evolve into fantastic human beings and to have Brynna look up to the older ones and see what she has to look forward to.

My photo chosen for this blog is of an exceptional young man saddling his horse. He's done it hundreds of times before but each time he has a meticulous eye for detail, knowing everything should be perfect when he rides in the arena. This photo represents my rodeo kids - Brynna included - who make me want to shout from the rooftops...."Long Live Cowboys!"

Tim Tebow vs. Everyone

Apparently I've decided that my innocent little photoblog become a commentary for hot topics. I guess that's OK too.

I watched the highly anticipated match between Denver and New England....well, let's just come clean, between Tim Tebow and Tom Brady......to find out for myself about this party called Tim Tebowmania.

It's not that I wasn't aware of who Tim Tebow was. I watched him when he played for Florida. I agreed with the commentators (and my husband) that he really doesn't have specific skill sets to be an NFL quarterback. Just because you're good in college doesn't mean you'll be good in the NFL...or life for that matter. I knew about Tim's Christian background and how his religion impacted his life.

So what I saw of him as the man wasn't a surprise. What I was waiting to see was the big lightening bolt thrown down from the Heavens and connecting with Tim Tebow's right arm....or at the very least, to see Jesus in box seating eating a pretzel and drinking bottled water. Was I right? Isn't that what was supposed to happen? Well if you're a slave to ESPN, you probably think that since that's all they've talked about. The media have taken a young man's practice of praying before a game and turned him into a behometh reincarnation of Jim Jones...minus the kool aid.

If anyone with half of a pea brain and the skills to Google would take a moment, they would find that nowhere does Tim Tebow say he asks for Jesus to help him win a game. Nowhere does Tim Tebow say Jesus helped him win games and nowhere would you find Tim Tebow forcing you, ESPN or the rest of the nation to believe the way he belives. He's just wanting to do what he's done all of his life..include God in his daily life and strive to be the best he can be. In a recent interview, Tim was asked what he prayed for when he "Tebowed" before every game and his answer was that he prayed for strength and protection not only for him but for his teammates as well. Oh my word! String him up and burn him at the stake now before he does something crazy like telling us to have a great day!! He's a loose cannon!

I understand people who are not Christians would think it a bit ridiculous that an entity they didn't believe in would intervene in a football game when there is so much other suffering going on. I think Tim Tebow would think that was ridiculous as well. Especially when Tim invites a special needs kid to every game as his guest and interacts with that child as if he/she is the only one in the stadium. You think Tim walks away from that kid and prays "God, I know little Julie is suffering but take your focus from her and let me win this game." Yeah, me neither.

I guess what I'm most shocked about is how fellow Christians have reacted to Tim Tebow and The Practice of Prayer. Most of my Christian friends have been touched by the fact that Tim has not let the NFL life go to his head and that he still calls upon the One that blesses him beyond measure. He's a great example of Christian, humble faith. But there have been some that have jumped on the Tim-hater wagon specifically because he kneels in prayer and is a public example of a practicing Christian. What?!?! Aren't you as a super-uber-awesome Christian supposed to be supportive of a fellow Christian and his example he is setting on the field? I can't believe it. Well then, maybe I can. Believe it or not, in the Christian world there are those who are jealous of anyone who will "out-Christian" them. I guarantee they will talk smack about Tim Tebow on Sunday morning but would do everything but sacrifice their first-born child if Tim Tebow visited their church, as their guest.

I'm sure when the Romans were persecuting the Christians by feeding them to the lions, there was a bit of Christian-on-Christian jealousy. "I guess God wasn't with Bob today. That lion got to him quick! HAHAHA!" There's a time and a place to fellow-Christian bash. Bash that church in Kansas who hates gay people and protests at military funerals. Bash the evangelist who is found with a hooker, or who beats his children every night. Save your Christian criticism on those who deserve it. From where I stand, Tim Tebow doesn't And for that, I will pray for Tim that his life continues to be blessed beyond measure!

Do you "knead" some time?

I have learned something from making bread....it takes time. You can't "hurry up" and make bread. Bread will be ready in its own time.

My photo featured today was of Tara kneading out the dough to make homemade bread this past weekend. Her meticulous process of kneading and preparing the bread made me think about how much of my life I've "hurried" away and not taken the time to just be. That's something I'm working on in my own life and I want you to think about it too.

I know we all have busy lives. If you're like me, you do one task while thinking about the next task to be done. This is so detrimental to you life. You're forsaking the now to worry about the future. I know some people meditate, some people pray, some do both. Try this for 2012...stop at least for a moment each day. Be still. Be quiet. Clear your mind. Let your body and your mind catch up with each other. I guarantee you that you will come out of it refreshed and ready to continue your day. Don't deny yourself, if you just "knead" some time.

ReNEWal in the New Year

I love water. I don't really know why. Maybe it's because I am an Aquarian...or maybe I just like water. I thought it appropriate to begin the New Year with a photoblog about water.

Water, to me, is a great symbol of life and of life's journey.

Water travels in many ways. It can start as simply as rain from the sky and then builds in volume and momentum to become a stream. That stream cuts its own path through the world and leaves a stream bed as proof that it once was.

Sometimes that stream is slowed by obstacles until it just pools and goes nowhere. Stagnate and still. Every day is the same. Then something happens to jar that stagnate water into a rolling stream again and the water continues the journey.

That's how life is to me. Flowing water running freely. Cutting a stream bed that is uniquely its own. Sometimes life becomes still and stagnate and then moves on.

Think about your stream bed for 2011 and where you see your stream headed for 2012. Keep your momentum going but know that if you find yourself stagnate and still, it won't be for long. Life will jolt you forward and move you on your journey.

Happy New Year!