So what does it take to break this “has-been” rodeo queen’s blogging-block? Apparently, attending a rodeo.

(I know, it sounds a little obvious in hindsight.)

I started writing in sixth grade because I loved horses and wanted to read more about them. I started writing historical fiction in high school based on incredible real-life stories about horses in history. I started this blog specifically to talk about horses and history, and it evolved as my interaction with horses changed.

Nowadays, I’m just a city girl. My cowgirl boots are tucked away, rarely fished out.

But this past weekend, I attended the Columbia County Fair and Rodeo to see my cousin compete for the court, and it was pure bliss.

The day itself had its ups and downs — It was rather hot, the fair isn’t that large, and we had some time to kill between the pageant and the 7 p.m. rodeo performance.

But it all came back so quickly — the stifling heat of the barns, the smell of animal sweat, the thick aroma of bbq and Yakisoba noodles. I grew up living and breathing the smells of the county fair, showing my horse. I spent two years as a rodeo queen bleeding the sweat of rodeos, parades and fairs. I spent countless days in 100+ degree weather and never regretted it (well, I’m sure there were moments…) I woke at three a.m. to dress and ready my horse for a parade. Now, I rarely push myself or cling to anything so tightly.

How can we go so long without the thing that fulfills us? How can we so easily forget when life gets in the way?

I feel like I rediscovered a piece of myself this past weekend. A piece I don’t want to let go of again.

Question: Have you ever rediscovered a passion and wondered why you had ever stopped? What was that passion? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Much love,
The “has-been” rodeo queen

PS – there were some other crazy things that happened at the fair that I’ll blog about in upcoming days. Stay tuned! 😉