Monday, August 30, 2010

t e a m c h a n c e s -

Dear Family, Friends, colleagues:

I will be participating in the annual P.F. Changs’ Rock and Roll Marathon + Half Marathon in January 2011. Currently I am training for race day (Jan. 16, 2011) with the intent of running my first FULL MARATHON! 26.2 miles! My previous race ,PF Changs ½ marathon, was phenomenal -with the exception of losing my cell phone at the start line.! I was able to run a personal best –I was built for the race!; So many stories leading up to race day…whether it was running track intervals, running Christmas day in Window Rock in snow, or being pushed by inspiring coaches; the top story is knowing my participation resulted in a child’s emotions as they received a new pair of shoes or were able to participate in a fitness program.

I am a member of Team Scottsdale through Chances for Children-Arizona’s “Team Chances”. We are a not for profit group that provides running programs and fitness programs to Valley schools that otherwise may not be able to afford them. I’m not sure if you’re aware of how many schools in our Valley can’t afford fitness programs for children; the numbers are outrageous. Without fitness programs children are at an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, low self esteem and many other issues. So you see, not only will I be actively training to reach my personal fitness goals, my fundraising efforts will ultimately help Chances for Children’s quest to improve the health and fitness of children in our community.

My goal is to raise $1300 for this worthy cause. This will allow four children to participate in the Chances for Children’s running program. How can you help? Well, I’m graciously requesting donations that will help me achieve my personal goals. If I request 130 folks to donate at least $10 – that’s $1300! I will appreciate any amount provided as this will go towards a collective effort! Thank you!

Richard

Click on link below , go to ‘Donate Now’ ; scroll to ‘Donate for an Athlete’; and scroll to my name – you can donate via paypal or if it’s easier, check, M.O., or cash will be fine as well – you can write it out to: Chances for Children Arizona – thank you again!

http://www.chancesforchildrenaz.com/team_chances_home.php

Monday, August 23, 2010

c r o w d p l e a s e r



Crowd Pleaser
(copyright2003 rkbjr - treatyhisxmark productions)


September 1976
Window Rock, Arizona
The Navajo Nation Fair

Fade in…

The sight of old glory waves…a capacity of onlookers –old and young, a definite family outing.
Yes…a landscape of metal vehicles, buildings & an enormous grandstand all enclosing a small piece of majestic earth. A theatre of tradition …the rodeo arena!

The smell (and taste) of dust…the irritation (and delight) of livestock aroma…sun high and blazing… blue sky - the sensation of a breeze against the skin…the innocence of the young and the daring attitude of teenagers…the swaying of winos at a distance…vertical stature of roman-nosed veterans.

Behind the Chutes (a cueing place for the talented)

The setting behind the chutes is restless yet balances by a magnitude of confidence. The sound of silver and copper-finished bells ring out, young riders preparing their ropes by applying the yellow-colored rocks.

Some guys juggle their Coors beer and ‘Lazy Days, Easy Night’ (a predecessor to Garden Deluxe and Tokay wine); confidence heightens at the sight of single and married women…(their inspirations) yet they hide their personas’ behind the goggle-like sunglasses…the ones with red white blue stripes! The boots are simple and sturdy…some held together by the gray all-purpose tape. Jeans are everywhere; shirts are dusty yet flourish magnificently with the ‘number’ pinned to the back – a visual and spectacular statement of elite…

…Yes – a rider, bull riders to be exact.

Behind chute four readies a soulful champion, his draw awaits – ‘Playboy’ – the grayish-white brahma bull with horns down – one flops loosely like another ear. Nevertheless a sight of awe and power. A violent ride is imminent. Spirited fans are gasping for cool air yet emotions boast the moment. Mildly chaotic.

The announcer begins the biography, “name…comes from Chinle Arizona…”


(name)Rider momentarily succumbs to a higher power
(name)Rider’s friend skillfully prepares the rope…the bell clashes against the steel gate and the earth…the animal is tense and instantly spooked!

Cut

Reflection back to childhood riding a steer at home… (In the chute)

Dad – “Now come on son! Hang on tight and watch his head”
Son – the 9 year old is nervous yet determines to make a good ride…actually only thinking about what will happen next since he is fearful and full of anxiety. He realizes the difference between watching someone else and actually getting on a steer.
Dad – “remember what I do when I ride…”
Son – no sound…just nods his head as though in agreement
Dad - “son, have faith in yourself and you’ll do just fine whatever the outcome”

Cut,

Scene back to Chutes

(name) climbs down into the chute - a wave of chatter finds way to his ear - ‘do it’, ‘come on, your up boy’, ‘ride em hard’, ‘good luck’.

The moment has come as his heart continues to pound, steadily increasing to a chaotic rhythm.

“Okay boys! Okay boys! Let go!”






saturday august 14 !


Wednesday, August 11, 2010

operation navajo nation

it begins...today we embark on, well, a rather 'intense' journey...(that is myself + karl) - we are traveling to dine' bi keyah...how fun! rb

Monday, August 2, 2010