At the rodeo, behind the scenes, there is a very different atmosphere from the excitement in the stadium bleachers.
The bulls can sense the anticipation of the crowd and the cowboys:
Bulls in their stalls
The cowboys are getting their gear ready.
Getting ready
But amidst all the bustle, each of the guys finds a quiet corner to prepare himself for the moment that would decide whether they lived or died today:
Pensive cowby
Assessing the other
Reading the scriptures
Alone with God
This blog post was created in response to Cee’s Fun Photo Challenge: Alone.
The Beauty Along the Road 
Absolutely fabulous shots!! WOW! Thanks ever so much for participating!
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You are welcome – it was fun.
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Very nice! Tearing up with goosebumps.
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Randee – what is it that touched you so deeply here? hope you don’t mind me asking…
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Probably my background of growing up in Wyoming with horses, some rodeoing, and knowing people who rodeo. It’s such a dangerous sport. And I feel for the animals, too. It seems like it’d be confusing to them.
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I feared for every single guy who got on those bulls – they shot into the ring like powerful whirlwinds and I don’t think anybody was able to stay on for even 10 seconds. One bull actually threw off his rider, somersaulted and broke his back in front of the audience. That was horrifying. I guess ever since the Minotaur myth in Ancient Greece, people felt like they needed to subdue bulls (and everything else for that matter….).
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This is wonderful, Annette. What could be more lonely than when you’re facing death?
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So true, Cathy.
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Great captures, and the whole mood of the post is very brooding.
You caught one of those liminal spaces in life….where everything might be about to change in an instant….brilliant post.
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Yes, you describe that very well, Seonaid.
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As did you in your lovely post 🙂
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Very nice. You captured some very poignant moments. While my selection for Cee’s Alone is not poignant in this way, it has its own sort of poignancy. Come and see.
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Pingback: Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge-Alone | WoollyMuses
Great photos. I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award should you wish to accept. No obligation at all.
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Suzanne – I feel honored by your nomination, but I don’t accept awards. Thank you for thinking of me.
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