Tragically Hip Living: 'This ain't my first rodeo' the Corbin Magley stor...

Tragically Hip Living: 'This ain't my first rodeo' the Corbin Magley stor...: By: Ron Valderrama/Tragically Hip Living Corbin Magley Photo: Ronatringside.com It's a surprisingly warm February day in Buckeye,...

'This ain't my first rodeo' the Corbin Magley story

By: Ron Valderrama/Tragically Hip Living

Corbin Magley
Photo: Ronatringside.com

It's a surprisingly warm February day in Buckeye, Arizona. I'm here for the Arizona Jr. Rodeo Association Rodeo (AJRA), and supporting one of it's participants. 

12-year old Corbin Magley is a relative newcomer to rodeoing but has been around horses for much of his life. 

What's unique about Corbin? Well, like his two other brothers and a sister too, much of their free time is spent outdoors training for a rodeo or riding horses.

Photo: Ronatringside.com

Corbin and his family live on a nice 5-acre spread in a rural area of Phoenix near the White Tank Mountain Preserve, it's close to the city, but far enough away to have that country feel. 

His parents encourage all the kids to spend time outdoors, they don't spend a lot of time watching television or playing video games. Corbin and his siblings aren't your average kids, they love being outside and watch over each other with the utmost care and strive to help each other, believe it or not, it's genuine. Sure, they may squabble once in a while, but that it is rare and often short-lived. 

Photo: Ronatringside.com

These kids live a structured life, homework and chores must be completed if they want any free time to spend outdoors. They often ride horseback on one of the many trails in the area they have blazed, much like a kid riding a bike in the neighborhood. Last year, Corbin asked his parents about riding bulls and that he would like to give it a try. His parents did some research and enrolled him with AJRA and then it was off to the races for Corbin. Learning to rope or ride bulls is a hands-on experience, one can't just watch a YouTube video and say "okay, got it."

Corbin on a bull
Photo: Ronatringside.com

It's an art that takes years to master, countless hours of training and dedication are required. It's been less than a year and Corbin has already attended a hand full of rodeo events, gaining experience and a few bumps and bruises along the way.

This past weekend was Corbin's first event of the year and his first event since suffering an injury that had him sidelined for a spell. 

Corbin on a ride
Photo: Ronatringside.com

Last Thanksgiving, Corbin was outside playing with his brothers and sister and somehow fell and broke his collar bone, it's ironic that he could be tossed around by a bull like a rag doll and get back up and do it again, yet, sustain a freak injury while playing around with his brothers and sister. I have to say, the kid is tough, he was in pain when it happened but did little complaining about it. That's when I knew for sure that this kid is built to ride bulls, you see Corbin was more upset that he was going to miss the rodeo that weekend and felt bad because his parents prepared for a rodeo that weekend.

Corbin Magley
Photo: Ronatringside.com

I have been to a couple of Corbin's rodeo events, and I gotta say it is a blast watching these young kids rodeo. The days are long, there is poop everywhere, flies try to attack any food you bring out, bees are everywhere (I think one looked at me and pointed his stinger me), but most of all it's just simply a helluva lot of fun and plain goodness. It could be hours between events, depending on what events you are competing in. For Corbin, the down time is spent grabbing a bite to eat, maybe spending time roping and preparing for his next event.

Corbin (L)  working with brother Wesley
Photo: Ronatringside.com

I watched Corbin practice roping between events with his younger brother Wesley, I could see the intense focus of the brothers and I know it's just a matter of time before Wesley gets involved in rodeo too. If you ever get a chance to attend a rodeo like this I highly recommend it, it will give you faith in tomorrow's youth. Some of these kids are really good, you can see the passion in their eyes before an event. The kids that are lucky enough to rodeo know they are privileged, none of them take it for granted.

Sadie, a tragically hip dog belonging to the Mowbray family
Photo: Ronatringside.com

The time and money it cost to attend one of these events is not for the faint at heart, factor in the entrance fees, fuel, food, and preparation to name just a few things. When attending a rodeo event, it can run hundreds and hundreds of Washington's to do so. So why do these kids do it, why do the parents do it, why do they all sacrifice so much time and money? Well, the answer is simple, it's a family experience even for the family dog. It's an experience that has vanished for many of Americans, we live in a fast-paced world now and so many are out of touch with spending time together and just enjoying life. 

Sunset at the Buckeye Equestrian Center
Photo: Ronatringside.com

What I have noticed is the bond and friendships these young rodeoers have formed, they help and encourage each other, not by text, but in person believe it or not.The rodeo is just half the fun and as the day's events come to a close, it's now time to relax and hang out with your rodeo pals. Everybody is dirty and hungry, for the parents, it's time to grab a chair, have a beer and visit with some down to earth people before supper, perhaps witness a killer sunset.

Corbin ready for breakaway roping
Photo: Ronatringside.com

At the end of the day, I notice and understand why the parents give up so much, and why these kids want to rodeo. The ear-to-ear smiles are a dead give away. 

So there you have it, in a nutshell, these young men and women are tough, way more tough than me. I'm down for two days if I suffer a paper cut on my finger. 

Simply said, I can easily see why they all say "this ain't my first rodeo."

For more information about the Arizona Jr. Rodeo Association, visit them on line at www.arizonajuniorrodeo.com.

Until next time, have a tragically hip day!

Ron Valderrama can be reached by email at: Tragicallyhipliving@gmail.com.

Tragically Hip Living: Gilbert Farmers Market, a place where a dog can br...

Tragically Hip Living: Gilbert Farmers Market, a place where a dog can br...: By: Ron Valderrama/Tragically Hip Living Gilbert Water Tower Photo: Tragically Hip Living Farmers markets have gained in popularity...

Gilbert Farmers Market, a place where a dog can bring their best friend to shop organic

By: Ron Valderrama/Tragically Hip Living

Gilbert Water Tower
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

Farmers markets have gained in popularity across the country, and the same is true here in sunny Arizona. Gilbert, Arizona is part of the Greater Phoenix Area, what was once a sleepy farm and ranch town is now dotted with subdivisions and strip centers. The original downtown area  of Gilbert has managed to preserve the past of the historic downtown and remains the focal point of the community.

Although Gilbert has grown in size, the small town atmosphere still remains.

Photo: Tragically Hip Living

Whether a local, or just visiting Arizona, the Gilbert Farmers Market (GFM) is a must see for places to visit. The Gilbert Farmers Market is open every Saturday year-round, rain or shine, and is located at the Gilbert Park and Ride in downtown, just keep an eye out for the iconic water tower and follow the crowds. But the GFM isn't just for humans, dogs are welcome as well, and although the scent from the food trucks must be absolute torture for the rapid waggin' tailed creatures, a chance to hang out with other canines and sniff a butt or two has to be like Disneyland in their eyes.

Gilbert Farmers Market
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

Opened since 2010, the Gilbert Farmers Market has grown from it's early days of less than 30 vendors. Today, they have 60 vendors in the summer months, and close to 100 in the summer months. The GFM prides itself on featuring local, chemical free produce and many local artisan products. 

The GFM is easy to find, and parking is free across the street. If the lot is full, there are multiple parking lots nearby and within a short walk. 

Organic Produce
Photo: Tragically Hip Living

So, what are the offering's at the Gilbert Farmers Market? Well, the GFM has offering's a plenty, farm fresh organic in season produce that is grown locally from a number farms. The variety of organic vendors has something for everybody, handmade pasta, hummus, honey, spices and rubs, even some tasty deserts ranging from cakes and pies to snack bars plus so much more. In the market for some plants? No problem GFM has a vendor that offers a select variety of plants at a fantastic price.

Photo: Tragically Hip Living

The Gilbert Farmers Market isn't just for shopping, it's a gathering place as well,  and a tragically hip place to grab some tasty grub from one of the many food booths, or just hang out and have a cup of Joe, perhaps some tea, or other beverages offered. Maybe take in some sun and do a little people/dog watching, whatever your preference, it's a great way to start off a relaxing Saturday.

The vibe of the GFM can only plant a smile on your face with all the activity surrounding you.

Photo: Tragically Hip Living

But the tasty grub doesn't stop there, the Gilbert Farmers Market plays host to an abundance of food trucks that is simply a plethora of cuisine on wheels. The variety the food trucks offer is wide, with many choices, vegetarian, pretzels, Mexican, Polynesian, popcorn, maybe a baked potato, in season inspired choices, waffles, even vegetarian,  the choices are many. For the Chicago style hot dog lover, a Vienna Beef hot dog can be found here,  how frickin' nice is  that! 

Photo: Tragically Hip Living

Without a doubt, buying organic is more expensive than regular produce, but to be honest, some of the produce is comparable to buying produce from a grocery store, the same is true for all the organic products at the GFM. The benefits of purchasing from GFM, besides being fresh, the quality and pride each of the vendor's offer in their products will be the first thing you'll notice. It's an experience, one you certainly wouldn't get from a grocery store, the market creates community and awareness of what is local to the area. 

Supporting local business owners can only profit the community by keeping it local. Many big box stores lack the quality and personal touch in the products they sell. 

The Gilbert Farmers Market is located at 222 N. Ash Street, Gilbert, Arizona, 85296.

For more information, visit the Gilbert Farmers Market at www.gilbertmarket.com, or on Facebook www.facebook.com/GilbertMarket for the latest news and hours of operation.

Tragically Hip Living: Fruit or vegetable? Avacados and the amazing healt...

Tragically Hip Living: Fruit or vegetable? Avacados and the amazing healt...: By: Ron Valderrama/Tragically Hip Living Photo: Google Free Images I have often wondered, is the avocado a fruit or vegetable? Well,...

Fruit or vegetable? Avocados and the amazing health benefits

By: Ron Valderrama/Tragically Hip Living

Photo: Google Free Images

I have often wondered, is the avocado a fruit or vegetable? Well, according to Californiaavocado.com it's a fruit and grown on a tree. The origin of the avocado can be traced back to Mexico and Central America, much of our supply comes from here. Most avocados in the United States are grown in the mild climate of Southern California and produces some of the best avocados for a short few months. The nutritional value of the avocado are many, this little guy is loaded with vitamin B1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9, vitamin C, E and K. It also contains Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sodium, and Zinc. Oh yeah, among many other benefits, it also has more potassium than a banana. 

Photo: Google Free Images

I have never been much for eating enough fruit's or vegetables partly because I can never tell if they are ripe, but as you get older we tend to re-think our health strategy. I used to like avocados when I was younger, then for some reason I stopped eating them. As we age, we tend to gain wisdom and know by experience the difference between right and wrong. Does this mean we have to stop having fun? Absolutely not, I don't think I will ever truly grow up, I will always be a man-boy traveling my own path, probably sticking my finger in places I shouldn't, and doing so just to say I have done that. Pretty sure I will never change, wearing two different socks, maybe just one sock, that's just who I am.

We must also use our wisdom gained over the years and adjust with age. I have decided to start eating avocados again, try new recipes that contain avocados and track how I feel, and see if the benefits really make a difference in my life. 

My plan is to buy organic, sure it cost more, but the benefit saves you more health-wise in the long run. I will be exploring organic farms and hitting some farmer's markets in my area, as well when traveling too. Food production has changed for us, engineering crops to grow at a faster pace and with no regard to health. But let's not get into that right now, that's another story for another time. What we can do is choose organic and choose local, learn where our food comes from and what measures are taken to deliver the safest crop possible.

Photo: Google Free Images

But how do we know when an avocado is ripe? Here is how:

Light green: Very firm, ready in about 5 days.

Medium green: Firm, ready in about 3 days.

Turning dark: Somewhat firm, ready in about a day.

Pre-ripe: Somewhat soft, ready for slicing.

Dark-ripe: Soft and ready to eat.

Avocados should be stored in the refrigerator, cut avocados will turn brown or oxidize if left unprotected. This is due to breaking the cellular walls which cause oxidation to occur, it can be prevented by adding an acidic agent like lemon or lime juice. Covering in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator is essential for this delicate fruit.

Until next time, have a tragically hip day!

Ron Valderrama can be reached by email: Tragicallyhipliving@gmail.com

Tragically Hip Living: How to visit Flagstaff on less than two hundred bo...

Tragically Hip Living: How to visit Flagstaff on less than two hundred bo...: By: Ron Valderrama/Tragically Hip Living Flagstaff, Arizona Photo: Tragically Hip Living This past weekend brought me to beautiful Fl...