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Not My First Rodeo

12/26/2017

It wasn’t my first rodeo and those that know me know that it has been decades since the dust settled in the arena for my last.

The challenge was thrown out, I figured what the heck and entered on a whim throwing my hat into the arena with twenty-eight other like-minded people. It was October of this year that the Carrot Ranch opened entries. Each week there was a different event, different arena bosses, and different judges.

Just like the rodeos I was used to in days gone by, you took your chances by entering and everything was still the luck of the draw, especially in the bull riding. Sign up, and wait to see what bull you drew. The go-round list was finally posted and my nemesis would be none other than Blueberry Wine. I remembered this was the name of a PBR bull and did a little research to confirm my thoughts. Sure enough, he was retired at the end of 2005 and according to the PBR, this bull gave up only nine qualified rides in ninety-three outs. These stats were compiled from his seven-year career as a PBR bull. What had I got myself into?

Now, here’s the twist, the Bull Riding event at the Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Rodeo had specific rules and guidelines, none of which included a bull rope, rosin or spurs but it did require a specific word count (107), a specific sentence count (8) and the use of the name of the bull we had drawn. That’s right folks, it was a writing rodeo and I was not about to pass it up.

The results of the bull riding event I had entered have now been posted. Turns out, old Blueberry Wine and I “garnered a judge’s top picks”.

Blueberry Wine
by Ann Edall-Robson

The weeks leading up to the event had been excruciating. Starting with hours on hands and knees, stretching this way and that, picking just the right ingredients for success. The equipment had been carefully selected. Trial, error and finally accomplishing results from the hours of work. There was no room for any slip-ups and the rules needed to be adhered to impeccably.

When everything was ready for the big day, the anxiety of entering the competition intensified. The day came and at its end, the competitors stood in the arena waiting for the outcome.
“The Fall Fair winner of the Homemade Beverage Category is, the Blueberry Wine!”

Judge’s Comments
One of the judges is a fantastic baker and cook and even concocts her own ice cream and sherbets. Perhaps that is why A. E. Robson’s “Blueberry Wine” resonated with her so strongly. Or maybe it is because the twist in Ann’s story was that the final product was wine. Regardless, Ann’s handling of Blueberry Wine garnered a judge’s top pick.

Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life
"Capturing moments others may never get to experience."

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The Last Minute Book

12/23/2017

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Are any of these people not crossed off of your gift list yet?

Someone who:
- Enjoys cooking
- Enjoys reading (but only on their electronic device)
- Enjoys a little mystery
- Enjoys reading short and poetry

You have no idea what to get them. Why not gift them one of our e-books? Shopping done from the comfort of your home direct to that hard to buy for person in your life.

Click on the book titles to start your gift giving.

Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life
"Capturing moments others may never get to experience."

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