It’s already the first full week of November and I have yet to document how Vegas Trip #1: Indian National Finals Rodeo went. It was wonderful. On the way there we had great, smooth travels. This year we decided to share a booth so we had more space with our great friend Roz Beaton with Buckskin and Lace. It was so nice sharing the space with her, she has amazing jewelry and great unique items that you don’t find just anywhere! (Be sure to check out her website and on her social media outlets. @buckskinandlace).
The week started out a little quiet but quickly propelled. This year we invited my adorable little mom down to Vegas to help us man the booth and stay on top of photos. It went so smoothly. I’m not sure if it’s because we have photographed a few rodeos between last year at this time or what, but I felt incredibly organized and on top of my game. We can’t thank those of you who ordered photos from us enough. As some of you have heard we had a small hiccup as we were leaving Vegas; finding our vehicle with a smashed window and stolen property is not the way you intend to leave any show! So we are thankful for those of you have reached out and for everyone being so patient with us as we recover and decipher all the orders that have come through. What a blessing we had a better system and at least have the PHOTOS people ordered. Things can be replaced for sure. At the end of the day we had a vehicle that ran with a broken window, all our inventory still in tow, cameras and computers, and each other. As cliche as it sounds it could have been much worse.
I was so excited that my mom, Valerie, got to experience the INFR with us this year. Clay kept telling her it’s work and it’s boring but I think she enjoyed herself and enjoyed watching us in action. I think next year we nee d to find a pow wow and take her, she loved all the beautiful dancing outfits that we saw towards the end of the week.
Our trip home resulted in road closures and a blizzard and we got home a day later that anticipated. Oh well, life happens! We were home for two days (not nearly the laundry I was expecting when and entire suitcase gets stolen 🙃) and repacked and head to Brookings, SD for the First Chance Bonanza. This year we photographed the Miss Rodeo South Dakota pageant, which a new and enjoyable experience for us as we cross paths with the queens quite frequently when we are on the road. All the girls did a wonderful job and I would like to extend my congratulations to Miss Martina Loobey on becoming Miss Lady in Waiting 2020 and Shannon Rebelein has the new Teen Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2020. We look forward to working with you both!
Photos are downloading, envelopes with orders are being packaged, and the website is being updated with some awesome new inventory! Be sure to send your loved ones to the site to snag some early Christmas gifts. I know it sounds crazy to even mention the holidays but, people, they are right around the corner! We are also preparing for the 2019 National Finals Rodeo. All the details are starting to align and it’s coming up quickly! Be sure to follow both Clay (@rodeo_ready) and myself (@she_is_rodeoready) on Instagram to catch some behind the scenes as we travel and head into our favorite time of year! This trip is going to be one for the books for sure!
Stay tuned!
-Ty (&Clay).