Global Sojourns Photography
Photography & Philosophy
The Stoic Cowboy of Pendleton
Her eyes follow, reflecting a certain admiration and curiosity with his every move.
“Sigh…” she looks back at me with a smile that holds a hint of disappointment… “Damn, these Pendleton cowboys are something. Now I understand why you live so far away from your hometown,” her laughter building. “Not easy living up to Old West versions of Captain America…”
My mind wants to reply, but there’s no rebuttal. On my left, a stylish cowgirl walks by, and the melody of Ian Munsick & Cody Johnson’s song Long Live Cowgirls kicks in. I nod with appreciation and finish the remainder of my whiskey.
“Where Have All the Cowboys Gone… Do you remember that song?” She asks, looking through my photos, mesmerized by the artistry she witnessed in the arena yesterday. Her finger traces the line of the horse and cowboy fluidly, in one motion, as if they were riding in front of us.
She’s tripping back in time, more than a hundred years ago, when cowboys, buckaroos, and wranglers plied their trade. I notice her flush as she falls deeper into the myth of the stoic cowboy… an icon of the past and part of the fabric of the American West.
Little has changed in terms of their rugged image, and while the number of cowboys has dropped over the past 100 years, the spirit and cowboy logic they are known for has fortunately spread.
“You keep referring to the stoic cowboy. What exactly is meant by this?” she asks.
“Well, cowboys focus on things they can control… and don’t waste time on things they can’t. Therefore, they seldom panic. They keep their emotions in check and have confidence in living the best life possible.” I sit, satisfied with my explanation.
“Not bad,” she says. “Stoics concentrate on four main virtues, as do cowboys:
Wisdom: to understand the right thing to do
https://dailystoic.com/4-stoic-virtues/
Courage: to act on doing the right thing
Temperance: to have self-control in action
Justice: to be honest and caring with others
Wisdom is gained by experience. Take action and move on. Cowboys don’t waste time, especially talking… unless tequila, whiskey, or beer is involved.
“If there’s one trait to admire, it’s courage. Rooted in confidence gained by experience, courage is the ability to be wise and compassionate.”
“You shared something similar in an earlier post on West Lake.” She pauses, finds my old post, and continues. “From compassion comes the courage to know and do the right thing. From self-discipline comes generosity – calmness in action. And from humility comes leadership, borne through honesty…” Spoken as if she was the one who taught me the philosophy of the Dao.
“Cowboy logic, yes?”
“Do you consider yourself a stoic cowboy?” She asks, and at first, I think there will be a sharp comment to follow, but I can see this is a serious question to her.
“You are stoic in many ways, but you wear your heart on your sleeve and get caught up in the moment more than most. This sure isn’t the virtue of temperance as with cowboys and stoics…”
Yep, self-control and discipline. Whereas a more stoic person may walk away and live for tomorrow… I often, unfortunately, wake up with something more than just a hangover.
“Let’s just say I’m a work in progress…,” I answer.
I look at the photos of steer wrestlers and agree with some of what she says. The stereotypical view of a stoic, emotionless cowboy has its flaws. Stoics are optimists, and by nature, so is the American Cowboy… why take the risks of raising cattle, moving them on a trail ride, and suffering all that comes their way?
“One of the characteristics I have is being an optimist. And the cowboys of this world are optimists – always taking a confident gamble.” I add, thinking of all the ‘cowboys’ I admire in various careers.
“Take the farmers and ranchers who believe in next year’s crop. The rodeo cowboys who believe in their next ride. And all of us who believe in the illusion of a perfect life so we can enjoy the mistakes made along the way.”
We enjoy life when times are good, buckle down, and work hard when life throws turmoil our way ~ as it always does. Pick up the pieces and move forward.
“Let me guess your next choice of words,” she rolls her eyes. “Cowboy logic.”
It’s late, and as I drift off to dream, the cool night air mixes with my thoughts of the Pendleton cowboy: a balance between stoic and existential philosophy. Stoics use logic to make a better life; existentialists use courage to create a better life. Action, not words, is at the heart of these philosophies.
Take action and recognize the authenticity of beauty that comes with a well-lived life. With this, I dream of catching the sunrise in the wheat fields of Pendleton tomorrow.
Morning comes easy. The crisp pre-dawn breeze feels good hiking through the fields. With a quick climb up a small water tower on the outskirts of town, we lean back and enjoy the scene.
Below, the golden wheat ready for harvest sways in the light breeze. The purple sky and golden hues of the morning sun fill up the space. Life is good.
The cowboy spirit focuses on the true nature of the moment. There is never the need to attempt to control the noise of life. Control what we can, and don’t worry about the rest.
With the sun breaking over the fields, she tosses me her half-eaten apple and asks, “Do you remember when you first went to China? You lost your keys and had to go to the security bureau to get them back?”
The memory comes flashing back, a surreal experience. The expectation was that I’d have to bribe the head of security, either slip them money or a pack of cigarettes, and my keys would reappear. However, I talked with the guard for an hour instead of bribing him.
“Ah, I remember that well.” I smile and look into her eyes.
“Your friends thought it was hilarious when you didn’t bribe the guard, relentlessly chiding you afterward, saying you’d never make it in business because you’re too honest and naive.” She looks to see my reaction.
“They were unhappy about waiting for an hour. They were not impressed even after I exclaimed that I got my keys back without a bribe and an invitation to grab a beer.”
A moment that stands out sharply in my early years in China. “Their minds were set – honesty clashed with the cutthroat business culture in China…” Her eyes reflect the moment when Gao Ling, a quiet and brilliant woman, took me aside later that night and introduced Daoism to my cowboy logic.
“Be true to yourself, and you’ll find others who think the same way.” I smile at the memory, “…and it proved true in China.”
I could be home, sitting on top of a water tower in Pendleton or the other side of the world in China or Czechia, and it wouldn’t matter. My world stays centered as long as I stay centered.
“Take it slow, keep it simple…” I wink and laugh at my well-used mantra. “Find good people to work with. It makes for a simple life.”
“You use the term ‘simple’ a lot,” she shakes her head. “Authentic… this is a better word. Cowboys choose to live an authentic life… not a simple one. Life is not simple.” And she leans forward to watch the sun clear the wheat fields.
This makes sense. Life is not meant to be easy. It takes work and effort. “I agree with you. A cowboy sets an example by living an authentic life…”
“Hmmm,” she ponders this. “It is difficult to bring people to goodness with lessons, but it is easy to do so by example.”
“Wow, that’s deep… well done, especially so early in the morning.” I glance at her in mock surprise. “You just make that up?”
“It’s Seneca, you fool.” She laughs. “You need to read more.”
The next few days are a blur of happiness. Time at home with my parents. Rediscovering my hometown with friends and family. A feeling of belonging.
“There’s something about small-town charm. It doesn’t fit in with the global scene.” At first, I want to say it catches people off guard, this authentic lifestyle of small-town culture.
She wistfully looks around. “Maybe because people from larger cities are more attuned to the ruthless lifestyle of those places, they don’t know how to relate to small-town life.”
“Until they come to such a place…”
Spend time around Pendleton, drop all pretenses, and a new world opens up. Long ago, I heard a saying that still makes me smile. “When meeting people, small town folks say: everyone brings joy… some when they enter and others when they leave.”
I pack up my bags, ready to return to Seattle and eventually back to Czechia – stepping into another world. Par for my life the past couple of decades.
My muse? She checked out a little while ago. One thing all the stories and myths do get right: a stoic cowboy needs time alone. Everyone does.
The great stoic Seneca once said: “Nothing, to my way of thinking, is a better proof of a well-ordered mind than a man’s ability to stop just where he is and pass some time in his own company.”
And such moments are times like this. A beautiful day to sit back and find the wisdom to see where my next step will take me.
I love to reflect on the life of the Old West and the idea of the Pendleton buckaroo I’ve held since I was young. In this modern, technological world, where my work and life are as far removed from the saddle as possible, one thing that remains a constant is the link to the cowboy way of thinking.
My visit to my hometown was full of nostalgia; it felt good to ponder the question of where the small-town culture of the American West is moving.
Perhaps the sole reason for coming here was to draw out my soul and reconcile my views of the world with my youthful dreams. The answer… part nostalgia, but mainly recommitting to the frame of mind of the cowboy. An existential stoic.
I understand my life is not the lifestyle of the buckaroo I dreamt of as a kid. Self-reflection has made me realize what I feel proud of is every friend I know has an appreciation of the people and community around them, no matter the circumstances.
Growing up in Pendleton, I recognize the difference between abundance and ruin for many depends upon a few inches of rain or a few degrees in temperature. Always walking on the razor’s edge, season after season. Without a stoic outlook, you’d go crazy with stress.
Cowboy culture is not going away. Through all changes of time, buckaroos still ride and always will. The thrill of the ride… isn’t that what life is all about?
Let’er Buck!
Many great men in history studied and practiced stoicism. A few: Marcus Aurelius, Montaigne, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, John Stuart Mill, Theodore Roosevelt… and the many cowboys we meet daily in our lives.
Global Sojourns Photography 
Excellent photography, Randall. One fantastic moment after another, how do you do it? 🙂
The Pendleton Round-Up is one of those magical places where there are people and scenes of interest wherever you look. Thank you, Eliza and wish you a wonderful coming weekend.
Beautiful post full of insights and amazing photography! Your comments about stoics remind me of an encounter I had with a Vietnamese man, likely a former military officer of the South who had spent many years in those terrible North Vietnamese reeducation camps. He was deeply tanned and only answered with a slight nod when I asked whether he had just gotten out.
There is something powerful to moments when more can be heard and understood when not saying a word. It is something I certainly have a hard time doing… but have a great sense of admiration for such traits. Thank you for the story and comment, Hien. Take care ~
I’m glad you had time for family, nostalgia, your muse, and waxing poetic about the cowboy life. I’ve never spent any time with cowboys, other than in books, so I’ll leave the philosophy to you and the stoics. Me, I’m headed to the beach! take care Randall.
Thank you, Brad. The country life of a cowboy is always worth visiting and learning a bit more about life every time. Enjoy the beach, and I look forward to hearing you wax poetry about the beach life 🙂 Cheers to an excellent finish to summer.
Thank you Randall. New people and places expand your perspective. 😎
What a fabulous read Randall. You pulled me into your hometown and I feel as though I’ve travelled back there with you. I grew up in a small town too, not quite like Pendleton, but similar values existed there. So much thought provoking cowboy logic and wisdom in your post. So much that we can take to heart … “There is never the need to attempt to control the noise of life. Control what we can, and don’t worry about the rest.”
Wonderful post, exquisite photography and soul searching sentiments. Thanks for sharing your gifts with us. In return I send you love and warmest wishes from down under. 🤠
There is something unique about growing up in a small town, it helps us understand the sense of community, and when traveling, it is great when meeting people with similar backgrounds even though cultures may be so very different. I am very happy you enjoyed the read, Miriam. Thank you. To learn what it is we control is one of the more important things we can do in life, it helps us enjoy all other things life has to offer. Wishing you happy trails and continued adventures with your travel down under 🤠… take care!
I greatly enjoyed your cowboy-inspired philosophical photoessay. Are you familiar with cowboy poetry (which also includes music)?
Thank you, Liz. I have heard much about cowboy poetry and how it grew from cowboys being out in nature with thoughts (and a guitar). My hometown even has such events, but I have never attended… which is strange as I am sure I’d love it. Thank you for this, I am intrigued, and it would be fun. Have you ever taken part in one?
You’re welcome, Randall. No, I haven’t I was introduced to cowboy poetry by a fellow blogger. I checked out an online festival and became completely enamored with Dom Flemons’s work. https://www.theamericansongster.com/
This looks interesting, and thank you very much for the link… growing up listening to American folk music, country music, and rock/alternative, I look forward to listening to Dom Flemon. Cheers to a great Sunday.
You’re welcome, Randall! So far so good, in the great Sunday department. I hope yours is going well, too.
I can imagine the raw energy of watching these cowboys in action would be quite impressive! And your ability to draw us into your story is magical.
So many words of wisdom to choose from Randall but the one that stood out for me was
‘Be true to yourself, and you’ll find others who think the same way.’
I didn’t believe this wisdom growing up, but I am finally learning to trust in this truth day by day.
Perhaps the courage of the cowboys and the essence of life can be reflected in this quote by Marcus Aurelius.
‘The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing, in so far as it stands ready against the accidental and the unforeseen, and is not apt to fall.’
Thank you for the quote by Marcus Aurelius, it is very fitting. With all the uncertainty and chaos that we have to wrestle with in life, the wisdom behind those words falls in perfectly with the mind of a stoic cowboy 🤠. The view of life from a stoic perspective can be very enlightening. Accepting the good and bad in life and moving forward daily takes extraordinary courage. And to have the support of family, friends, and community is something to be beyond grateful for. Thank you, Karen; I wish you a wonderful weekend ahead.
Rodeo is for the tough guys and gals. Fantastic photos.
Agree – always great to see them in action. Thank you, Tim.
When I was much younger, I had no interest in cowboys at all despite their depiction in some Holywood movies I watched. However, as I grow older, I can sense that now I have a better appreciation of them — probably your posts also helped along the way.
“Be true to yourself, and you’ll find others who think the same way.” I never really thought of it this way, but as I become more and more of myself, instead of trying to be somebody I’m not for the sake of fitting in, I do meet more and more people with whom I can have long conversations about all the things we have common interests in.
Thank you, Bama, for giving me some perspective as well. I grew up living in a farming/ranching community, so the idea of the cowboy was always there for me. Of course, later, I learned that the American cowboy is unique in the world, and the image Hollywood created is just part of the culture. Honestly, I still watch the old Western TV shows with Steve McQueen or Clint Eastwood, and while I know it’s not authentic, it takes me back to being a young kid again 🤠.
Tout à fait splendides tes clichés ! Bonne journée
Merci beaucoup pour votre gentil commentaire, un bel environnement pour la photographie ! Bonne journée!
Hello Randall, so nice seeing you back. Your photographs speak on their own as always🥰
Thank you so much, Arlene. I wish you a wonderful weekend ahead. Take care ~
Yeay, thank you🥰
Fabulous images and wonderful words. Great to see you back online. 🙂
Thank you very much, Vicki. It felt good to write again… and always enjoy going through photographs. Wishing you a wonderful weekend ~ take care.
So glad you got to enjoy family and friends for a bit Randall, I’m sure it’s so good for you to take those breaks with those you love. I must admit while I admire the commitment and ethic of the cowboy culture, I find myself wondering about the animals they chase and rope, just as I wonder about the native Americans so beautifully captured by your lens but for the most part not living the best of lives. Always food for thought in your posts along with the extraordinary photography. Amazing post as usual – you make up for infrequency with the treasures you share about life’s meaning and our place in this crazy world. Safe travels my friend.
Spending most of my time back in my hometown this summer was pretty magical. While I’ve always returned to Pendleton, this trip, I focused more on seeing the town and different places/scenes and was amazed at how things have changed… but also the beauty in things that remain the same (incredibly friendly people). Very much enjoyed my time, and as I get ready to head back to Czechia, it leaves me wanting to spend even more time there 🙂 Thank you for your very nice comments, once again, Tina. You are always so insightful – and I wish you an excellent finish to the summer season.
Wonderful photos, Randall. My brother was a cowboy, not born to it, but having chosen it as a young man. I always thought he’d been born into a life and place that didn’t suit him and that he found himself when he moved west and discovered work in a saddle. Did he live a life according to the principles of stoicism? Partly, but the word “authentic” strikes me as a more accurate description (of him). I think the cowboy way, in this day and age, is a choice, and it’s not for everyone. But for those who choose it, there’s no other life they’d rather live, in the saddle or out of it. Lovely post, my friend.
Thank you, Diana, for your comment, and also, what a story with your brother… there is something about living life in a saddle. I know some guys who work summers in the States and then go down to Argentina in our winter to work down there (usually with pack trip outfitters). It is a rare soul who seeks out life in a saddle and the stories your brother must have :-). The rodeo life is tough, and farming and ranching are as well these days… it is something in their blood, and we are all thankful for that. Cheers to a great weekend, and thank you, my friend!
There’s a romanticism about cowboys that’s ingrained in American culture (and spread throughout the world). When my mom first visited the US (Vermont) in the mid-1950s, she was so disappointed that there weren’t any cowboys. Lol. I love that story.
What a great story ~ I could imagine if your Mom had first arrived on the west coast on her maiden visit to the USA instead of Vermont, there would have been a better chance of meeting a cowboy 🙂
She was Dutch and grew up with America cowboy movies. She was also disappointed that she didn’t see any movie stars in VT either. Lol.
Absolutely fantastic photographs transported me to a different world to what I’m used to for sure.
Thank you very much, Charlotte. Yes, the cowboy is one of the unique pieces of American history – and very happy to hear that the photos helped you to envision such a world. I wish you a beautiful Sunday ahead.
Dear Randall
Great photos and great text. However, we are more in favour of the Epicureans, who came into being at the same time. However, the middle way praised by Epicurus and the self-control of the Stoics have a lot in common.
We have our problem with authenticity. Isn’t it often a euphemism for rigidity? It seems to us that the wonderful thing about life is that everything is constantly changing and ‘go with the flow’ is more our motto.
Thanks a lot, dear Randall, for this post that made us think about our position in life.
Wishing you a relaxed weekend
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Great to hear from you, Klausbernd, and yes, I would have to favor the Epicureans and their more free-flowing/hedonistic ways… There is a nice overlap between the two philosophies, which borrow much from each other. I think this is their strength. Differences can be almost whimsical, where definitions are hard to pin down, and the overlap of the philosophies and the middle road is so nice) especially with the dynamics of life. A day spent pondering who, what, and why is always a good day 🙂 Wishing the Fab Four a wonderful Sunday ahead; thank you for your wise words.
Dear Randall,
here everyone is quite excited right now as the Lionesses, the English women football team, will play Spain in the finals in about two hours time.
We absolutely agree with you that seen from our perspective nowadays the two philosophies differ not that much. But around 300 BC they were seen as two competing philosophies.
Well, we take the best from both.
Keep well and happy
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
There are so many Clint Eastwoods and Annie Oakleys in this post, Randall. Rodeo I’m not fond of but the life of the Wild Wild West living in the farm. Happy trails back to C.
Hi Perpetua, yes, given the history of the West, there is nothing quite like the life on the range… the true nature of the cowboy and the difficult life he chose to have. While the photos were of the rodeo, I tried to capture as much of the cowboy in terms of trail riding and farm/ranch life as possible with the writing – as this is most interesting. Wonderful to hear from you, and thank you for the wishes, and best to you as well.
Randy… Let’er Buck Buddy… Thanks for sharing your thoughts and talents. So well written… as always.
Hey Kevin, great to hear from you, and thank you very much. A growing number of us are returning to Pendleton these days, and as the old saying goes: “You can take the kid out of Pendleton, but you can’t take Pendleton out of the kid!” I look forward to getting together again for a beer or two – it would be great to see you again!
Aren´t we all just works in progress, Randall? I love the wisdom of your words: “My world stays centered as long as I stay centered.”
I also grew up in a rural community, where farmers (including my family who still live there) walk “on the razor’s edge” every day, season after season. I often find it slightly ironic that I circled back to that kind of life – not so much because I want to live on the razor’s edge, but because rural life abounds with what feels like a more authentic life to me. Definitely not a simple life, because as you say, life takes work and effort. But what a joy it is when one manages to create a life in which one feels one belongs.
This post was full of wisdom, and a delight to read. And your photos, as always, are just incredible – so full of life and movement!
That is a great question, Jolandi. Yes, I think if we could always have the understanding we are all just a work in progress, it would make it more of an exciting adventure 🙂 Adaptability is an excellent trait because we are always moving – our views change, so being less rigid makes it easier to center ourselves and enjoy what we have in front of us.
There is also something special to recognizing and accepting that no matter what we do, we are also walking along the razor’s edge every day. For farmers/ranchers and those in the rural community, it can be a much heavier load… but as you say, the reward can also be so much sweeter when you bear the brunt of the responsibility. Thank you very much for your thoughts, and I wish you continued success in creating your oasis in the Quinta. Take care ~
What a lovely read – an amalgam of cowboy culture and ethos, that I would never have ever thought about, and my own pursuits of a way of being that embraces much of this. I don’t believe I’m a stoic, but certainly ascribe to letting go of what I can’t control.
I found myself pausing over and over at your beautiful photographs. You capture the mood, the movement, the spirit of place so well. Exquisite.
Alison
Thank you very much, Alison. Being down-to-earth is a trait that most people admire in others, and I seem to find more of this in the smaller, rural communities around the world. Stoicism is often thought to be this emotionless/boring/pessimistic philosophy, but it is actually optimistic – finding the good when times are tough and moving forward with this feeling (albeit stoics generally keep their emotions to themselves). I’m very happy you enjoyed the photos – shooting a rodeo is the highest of highs when it comes to photography.
Living like the cowboy/cowgirl on the edge of my saddle from
one ride and song to the next. Life stays exciting that way.
What have you done here Randall but produce a most wonderful
story of life as it is. Delightful photos!
Thank you for the very poetic comment, Eddie. “On the edge of my saddle from one ride and song to the next…” this is the perfect recipe for life 🙂 I wish you a great week ahead.
Thank you dear friend, you too!
Hi Randall, It’s lovely that you had a great holiday and an opportunity to return home and meet your family. The closest I’ve come to cowboys and their way of life is through the Netflix serial, ‘Heartland’. It’s a simple, ‘authentic’ life that requires loads of courage. Every time I’ve watched it, I’ve wondered, ‘Why risk your life on the rodeo?’ I had not really thought of stoicism. But, I enjoyed watching the episodes because of the small-town life it showcases. I like that where everyone knows everyone and you’re never alone. There’s a sense of community that chips in if you need help. I come from a small town, too, and although I have not lived there, I used to visit every year until the pandemic hit. It’s always nice to go back because everyone recognizes you ( there are issues with that, too, because people can easily intrude in your life in small towns).
Thank you for sharing your soul-searching thoughts. The one that stood out to me most is by the stoic Seneca
“Nothing, to my way of thinking, is a better proof of a well-ordered mind than a man’s ability to stop just where he is and pass some time in his own company.”
This is exactly what I’m doing now. Stopping for a while after all the traveling I’ve done this year. I need to center my thoughts and get my balance back again.
Excellent photography as always.
Cheers
That is such a wonderful comment, Smitha. I’ve heard many good things about ‘Heartland’ but haven’t had a chance to see it myself… however it is now on my list. I enjoy any show about the West because it takes me back to my younger days when I always admired the courage of such people. Growing up in a small ranching town certainly helped, which is another reason I enjoy such shows, as it takes me back. This trip back to my hometown was a reintroduction to the town with so many friends and memories, and I was surprised at all the subtle but remarkable changes I saw.
The other piece of returning, besides spending quality time with my parents, is, as you and Seneca state, it gives me time to pass some time in my own company. Having a place where you can center your thoughts and ideas is invaluable. I wish you a continued successful year and finish to the summer. Take care ~
Thanks, Randall. I wish you a successful year, too. And hope to read more from you. Take care 🙂
Thanks for sharing this idea Anita
Thank you, Anita. Wish you a nice weekend.
Wonderful photos and good articles! 👍
Thank you very much, Priti.
☺️
Being true to oneself and knowing oneself are always life-long challenges. I love how you mentioned that one needs both time to oneself and time within one’s community. Wishing you a safe journey as you follow your path.
Thank you very much for the insightful comment. Sometimes, I think we forget that we will never understand ourselves (or life) as much as we would like… and this is a good thing, as it makes the journey interesting. Wishing you safe travels and a great finish to the summer.
Ah, the old ways, as a child, where I lived cattle and farming was a way of living, small towns, ranches, and farmland around was common, you will see towns streets with horse hitching posts, and of course horses, and Vaqueros, in English Cowboys, and of course the Vaqueros wearing their sombreros, hats, Chaparreras, Chaps, and botas vaqueras, cowboy bootss and sillas de montar, saddles, y arreos de montar, harness and bridles you stil found those small towns around where dedicated to the country life, cattle raising, pastoreo, grazing, marcar ganado, cattle branding, herreros, blacksmiths, graneros, granaries, and establos, establos, stables.
By the way all that come from Spain, and the 800 years the Moors lived in Spain. Still a tradition there too, as bullfighting, as well. And you find it also in every country in Latin America, with different names, but basically the same lifestyle, with some variations.
Very nice post, and great pictures, nice work Dalo!
I’ve always enjoyed meeting someone who has grown up in a small-town environment, especially ranching and farming communities. There are always great stories to hear, and I walk away learning more about this type of life. The Vaqueros is the basis of the mascot for my hometown (we use the anglicized term Buckaroos), and the Western tradition is still at the core of the town. Sounds like you have a lot of the lifestyle/philosophy within you from when you were young, and it is great to know that even in this hi-tech, modern world we live ~ the life of the Vaqueros is still going strong. Thank you very much for your history and insight; it makes me want to travel to Latin America and see and experience the lifestyle down there. Cheers to a great finish of the summer. Take care ~
Let me tell you this way, I actually grew up near the sea, in a port, and in my youth, I was more into snorkeling, than farming, however my port was surrounded by farming and livestock communities, and I have not only relatives , friends, and acquaintances, who have dedicated themselves to cattle raising, a brother of mine he is an agronomist with a Master degree in cattle fattening, in fact I have ten first cousins, who not only dedicate themselves to cattle raising, but also participate as great charros, the name here of a cowboy, who not only are dedicated to livestock, but they participate in typical rodeo exhibitions, I confess that I have never done it, however my grandparents, on both sides, one was a farmer and the other a rancher, unfortunately both died before I was born, but the members of my family and my grandmothers above all, were totally from country roots, and as a child, all of that was very familiar to me, even though now, you can call me a city slicker!
You know life takes many turns!
🤷♂️😉
Your roots in this lifestyle run deep and genuine ~ with your family heavily involved in the small-town ranching/farming lifestyle and your interest. You are much more of a cowboy than I ever was 🙂 Growing up in Pendleton, I have many friends whose livelihoods were farming and ranching, while I only worked during the harvest seasons (grain elevators). I grew up dreaming of oceans and rivers, and it is where my heart lies… being near water puts me at ease. Even though I am far from the rural lifestyle, growing up in such a community forged my character – as has been essential during the many loops and turns life has taken me on. Cheers to honoring the farming lifestyle of those we grew up with. Take care.
Reading your post, in which your ideas tap subtly into a variety of aspects, many things come to mind, among which I also remember a nice quote from G.K. Chesterton, it says, “The Iliad is only great because all life is a battle, The Odyssey because all life is a journey, The Book of Job because all life is a riddle.” I like the idea of principles and codes of conduct and so, they can make things in life look or even feel neat and more under control or such, but also it feels that more often than not, things in life are quite unpredictable, or even… it is also quite probable that we may have unpredictable reactions to them, as they come and go. We may even surprise ourselves, by what we may say or do, good or less good sometimes, “less good” being surely meant to show us something too. So… yes, guiding rules are great, but perhaps the one thing that could be taken as a reliable inner compass is mostly trying to read the moment, as it can be, and attempting to make the most of it, in that optimum combination as much as possible, balancing between our inner workings at that moment and the outer circumstances, persons, contexts. I wouldn’t call it flexibility, resilience or any of the well-known terms, but simply… being, according to what is given to us by our surroundings and what we can give back to it from within, as it is. I imagine that is also part of what cowboys do, to stay in the saddle.
I do not know exactly how large Pendleton is, your hometown, but smaller towns or communities may have that something about them that can teach or show us much more than a bigger town or city can, like a handful or heartful of meaningful things that stay with us deeper and more significantly, like a familiar embrace, more than the experience or exposure to a vast diversity out there, leaving us somehow drained or blank behind, if not feeling isolated in the very midst of our peers. Here is another excerpt from the same Chesterton, with which I tend to agree, “The man who lives in a small community lives in a much larger world. He knows much more of the fierce variety and uncompromising divergences of men… In a large community, we can choose our companions. In a small community, our companions are chosen for us. Thus in all extensive and highly civilized society groups come into existence founded upon sympathy, and shut out the real world more sharply than the gates of a monastery. There is nothing really narrow about the clan; the thing which is really narrow is the clique.”
As elegant and impressive as always, all your photos, be them of the riders or a lovely sunrise and the fields! Wishing you a nice end of August, Dalo, and indeed.. there are “many cowboys we meet daily in our lives.”
Such a beautiful comment, Nicole. Thank you very much. You have chosen such great quotes from G.K. Chesterton. One of the greatest gifts that life gives us that we often forget is that the journey is all a riddle beset with many great challenges… and it is how we improve ourselves and those around us. Being able to adapt to different circumstances is invaluable because culture (even those we are raised in and live in) is constantly morphing into something new. The unpredictability of life is where we find out what we are made of – and always hints at how we must change to get to where we wish to go (even if we have uncertainty about what it is).
One reason I like the ideas of stoicism and existentialism is because they focus on how we, as individuals, have to trust our own compass. To step back and not get swept into the ideas of those around us, herd mentality of society, and these days, especially with social media trends. Reflecting on what you say about the cowboys remaining centered in their saddle is very much applicable to us 🙂 The atmosphere of a small town can be helpful with this, as in many ways, such communities are more down-to-earth – and the second quote you have from Chesterton does such an excellent job of explaining this. This is a nice comment to read and think about this morning; it’s a perfect way to spend early Sunday. I wish you a great finish to the summer, Nicole, and to meet more cowboys in life down the road. Cheers!
A wonderful post Randall! Thank you for sharing the small town charms and insights into the stoic cowboys. Such different places to be at home in. Your words and images are moving.
May we all come home to ourselves.💐
Thank you, Val. Returning home is always something special – a comfortable, reliable place where I can sit back and reflect on life. As I have gotten older, I realize how important it is to have a place where I feel more grounded… of course, family and friends help – but the small-town charm makes it easier to fall into whatever it is I wish.
Your words and stories always invite reflection, Randy. I miss keeping abreast of your posts. Between Seneca and Pendleton in your psyche, you posses a beautiful way in which to both inspire and ground. Thank you.
Thank you, Eric. It is wonderful to hear from you – and very much appreciate your kind words. My trip back home this summer was exactly what I needed. Wishing you a great final few weeks of the season. Take care.
Hi Randall, Your action shots of the roundup are a thrill to view. You capture the expressions of the cowboys and the intense action of the moment beautifully and your portraits of Native Americans are stunning, too. The philosophical thoughts you share are a pleasure to read and ponder. Glad you had a fulfilling visit to your hometown and thank you for introducing me to this way of life in your captivating posts.
Whenever I get the chance to be back in Pendleton and attend the Round-Up, I feel like I am ten years old again. I hope such a feeling never changes. When I shoot the rodeo, I step into another mindset, and as a photographer, I think you understand how looking through a lens can put the reality in front of us into another perspective 🙂 Thank you very much, Jane, for your nice words – it makes me happy to think you’ve been positively introduced to the rural/Pendleton lifestyle. Take care ~
Talk about being “in the flow”…I get it. 🙂
Your opening with the four virtues of Stoicism kind of reminded me of the old serenity prayer I’ve long lived by, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Growing up, I was taught that a manly man endured, and didn’t wear his emotions on his sleeve. I suspect the Pendleton cowboy has had similar lessons. Some modern therapists may disagree.
While I haven’t spent near the time and study of philosophical reflection that you evidently have, it’s interesting the parallels we have in philosophy. I’d guess some of those stoic ideas have something to do with that.
Great photos, as always.
The old serenity prayer that you shared is beautiful, Dave ~ it does hold a similar meaning to the wisdom of the stoics and also with the philosophy of the Dao de Jing. You mention the parallels between different philosophies, and it reminds me of a story I heard: Around 635AD, after Lao-zi had sent his writings (the Dao de Jing) to the West, a group of Christians arrived in Lou Guan Tai (at that time in the Tang Dynasty, it was the “Vatican City” in terms of Daoism) and the leaders were so impressed they allowed a Christian church to be built on the grounds. Their reasoning was that Christianity was the West’s answer to the Dao de Jing. It is a beautiful thing to see such a strong thread of truth in all religions & philosophies of the world – only when “politicians” get involved do things go haywire 🙂 Wonderful comment and thoughts, Dave. I’ll be thinking about this all day now 🙂 Cheers to a great finish to your summer!
Mr. Collis, turns out, anyone can buy the gear and strut through a small town, but we both know they’re sniffed out fairly quick. A stoic, cowboy or not, brings a calmness to everyday life. You, dear one, couldn’t hide your cowboy stoic if you tried. True Pendleton boy, and writes as well as anyone I’ve ever read. Thank you for allowing us to fall into your mind. I hope your visit home was full of rejuvenation and laughter. Mostly, I pray you’re healing well. I’ve thought a lot about the cowboys in my life while reading your words. I found them in your descriptions. I saw you too, even if you had a camera around your neck instead of a handkerchief. Smiles. The heart, integrity and the stoicism of a man will always be important no matter where they hang their hat.
Sending you my best. Enjoy those last bits of summertime, Dalo.
Dear Audacious, you know the stoic cowboy spirit very well 🙂 It was always nice growing up along the fringes of the true cowboys (ranchers and farmers of the area), and from them, I learned more from life than I ever could have elsewhere… but still, elsewhere certainly called, and I’m much more of a city slicker than ever 🤠! But as I get older, it is interesting to reflect on how much the small-town culture has helped frame who I am… and, in a sense, also attracted like-minded people into my life, such as yourself. For this, I’ll always be grateful. I’ve been healing quite well, which is perfect as there is a lot left of the world I still need to explore. Wishing you the best over the final weeks of summer – so when autumn comes around, you’ll be ready for it. Cheers, Aud, and thank you very much.
Always a pleasure to read your musings and view your photography. I admire the thorough reflection you give to your subject. This time it’s stoicism, a way of being to which I am partial. Enjoy your travels.
Thanks, John. I can see your stoic nature through your writing. As I get older, I find myself becoming more stoic, although it is more likely that I just think I am becoming this way :-). Cheers, and take care ~
Lovely, Dalo — so refreshing both in photographic images and philosophical ideations. “Take the farmers and ranchers who believe in next year’s crop. The rodeo cowboys who believe in their next ride. And all of us who believe in the illusion of a perfect life so we can enjoy the mistakes made along the way.” I, too believe in the next ride . . . the next layer of self-revelation, which have been surfacing at an amazing speed of late. Take care, and sit deep and centered in Life’s saddle! Dawn :))
Thank you, Dawn. Somehow, I thought you’d connect pretty well with this post. To me, there is nothing better than the anticipation of the next ride, especially after a tough last ride… the eternal optimism and spirit of the cowboy is needed more and more these days. Wishing you many beautiful days in the saddle ~ take care.
Forwarding Tao and Stoic quotes to my readers, with grateful mention of your site. Nice job 👏👏
Lao-zi and Cowboys have a lot in common ~ thank you, Ana. Wishing you peace and happiness 🙂
🙏 Thank you
Fantastic essay linking stoicism to the cowboy lifestyle. Thought provoking and philosophical. I liked the storytelling style of it too. And the pictures are amazing.
Thank you. There is such a strong link between stoicism and the American West… and I am very happy you enjoyed the thoughts I had to share. As a writer, I think you understand how special it is when someone can connect to something you’ve created. Enjoy your day!
I don’t think I’ve ever met a true cowboy (we don’t see many of them in New Hampshire) but I have seen plenty of life’s beauty and there is a lot of it right here, both in words and photos. Thank you!
Thank you for the comment, and in many ways, I think you could be the epitome of the New Hampshire cowboy if one did exist 🙂 I hope you’re doing well and enjoying the magnificent autumn colors in your part of the world.
Wonderful photos Randall and Pendleton sounds a great place to BE… I loved the sentence.. “My world stays centered as long as I stay centered. “… Perfect…. We all of us need that space to be grounded and stay centred. And your Cowboy culture certainly holds true to being authentic.. and.. Living in the Moment…
I savoured each photo… and soaked up your muse…
A perfect gift on my return to WordPress after a near month of soaking up my own Space to BE.. 🙂
Many thanks dear Randall for the wisdom and gifts of Life you share not only from your thoughts, but from around the world..
Enjoy your travels my friend.. 🙂 xx
Thank you very much, Sue. Pendleton is home, so the meaning of this small city is already ingrained in my soul… but as you say, the town itself, even if it weren’t home, would have a charm where anyone would feel at home. It is a special place, and hopefully, someday, you can visit this mecca of cowboy culture. Wishing you a wonderful autumn of health and happiness. Take care ~
I can feel the specialness of Pendleton via your post Randall, I feel I may have had roots in one such cowboy town many lives ago 🙂 for my draw to horses from a child has never left me… And the freedom of riding even those few riding lessons I had as child and my farming friends I tagged with just to get 5 minutes on their ponies 🙂 …. So your post certainly hit Home! in every sense of the word 😀
Wow, Randall, what a place and what super photos to capture the moments! I love the rodeo! I grew up with all kinds of animals, horses included and we went to the rodeo at least every couple of years! Your photos are stunning and as always, your words that you choose to pair with them make us think. Hope all is well with you! 🙂 ❤
🙂 Such a wonderful comment to read, Lorrie… and knowing you also grew up with the rodeo and a world where farm animals roam. I hope you still have opportunities to watch a rodeo, or at least just to get out to a small, scenic city and appreciate the smalltown vibe 🙂 Cheers!
It is the best part of a way less than perfect childhood, Randall. The animals were my only friends…and my solace for the first seven years.
I was able to go to a rodeo a couple years ago, and it was wonderful! I recently saw that there is also one not too far away from where I live and have been thinking about going!
Hope all is well with you! 😁💜
‘A work in progress’.. Love that! And I sure needs to read more. 🙂
Also, thanks for reminding me of ‘everyone’ (that they ‘bring joy..’). An old Chinese saying (If I’m not mistaken), with a timeless humor! 🍸
One day, as I take my last breath, I hope I can finally say, “Ah, my work here is finally completed…” with a smile 🙂
And, yes, it is funny the saying is an idiom in China, and yet on the wall of the oldest bar in Oregon… there it has been for decades too. Timeless, global, humor is always a charm. Cheers to you and your family.
Hello Randall,
I’m sorry it has taken me so long to get to your amazing post but it was definitely worth the wait.
Thank you for introducing more of your hometown through your flawless combination of images and words. It seems like you had a very meaningful trip “back home” ☺️
I hope you are having a great Autumn and please continue to take care!
Hello Takami, it is so wonderful to hear from you. My trip back home was definitely special – so much more meaningful this past summer because of the time I was able to spend with my parents and friends and simply getting reconnected to the history and feel of Pendleton again. I wish you a wonderful autumn and hope you and your family are doing well. Take care, and look forward to catching up with you.
These pictures are incredible. Stoicism is admirable and I reflect on how courage and wisdom are values of mine, too. 🙂
Thank you, Ka. I, too, find the Stoic traits something admirable ~ and something we all can learn and emulate, especially in today’s world. Often, such people and their environment also make for great photographs too 🙂 Cheers to a great day ahead!
Yes, cheers! 🙂
I like the 4 virtues of stoicisism. Now compassion sounds more Buddhist, doesn’t it? Or the Tao?
Your friend (muse?) is right. One should always read more…
And thank you for the lovely photo of the charming young woman and the dog in the field. It’s not wheat. It’s… “orge”. I remember the fields above our house in Normandy ages ago. There were wheat (blé) fields one year. Orge another year… Forgot the English name. Barley? With the long… Lemme check. Yes. Yes. Barley. Not totally forgotten. Just buried deeper…
Xie xie Dalo for sharing your thoughts…
Thank you, Brian. One reason I like the Dao/Tao is that it folds neatly into many different philosophies ~ and meshing with stoicism seems very natural to me. The fields are wheat fields. You’d see the difference if I included a close-up of the head – full and rounded. The head of this year’s crop is some of the best-looking we’ve had in a while. The weather cooperated, with rain and sun at the right times. Pendleton produces a lot of barley (I wouldn’t say I liked it when I was young working harvest… the barley dust felt like glass shards on hot/sweaty skin), but wheat is most common. There is a local brewery in town, though, that uses Pendleton barley and Oregon hops… nothing better 🍻!
A fantastic write up of the inner and outer words of the cowboy and the philosophy stoicism, Randall. I smiled when she mentioned your previous old post that you wrote about West Lake. Your writing really is memorable and meaningful – and you always have another story to tell about cowboy life, and this time relating such a culture deeply with stoicism.
Persevering and the choice to keep going on is something that some of us live by, which you alluded to in both cowboys and farmers. There’s the focus on nourishing oneself and spirit, and taking chances in the present, while knowing that as the seasons change, there will be another tomorrow to make the most of. It is no surprise your clear-sky sunrise photos go so well alongside the photos of the cowboys in action, a reminder to us that another day is another chance to get out there and shine.
I also had to smile when reading your anecdote about first arriving in China. You were really, really playing good and honest there. ‘My world stays centered as long as I stay centered.’ This is a great line. Like you, I believe in staying true to myself not matter what others think, especially when it comes to my writing and believing in what I write – and pursuing anything creative, it takes work amidst others who don’t get but find it fascinating. Just like how many don’t entirely get the cowboy logic and life themselves, but are very much intrigued by what it’s all about.
It is wonderful that you got to spend time at home with family. I hope you get to visit your hometown again soon. Wonderful photos to go with your write up, and it was a pleasure to stop by. Take care 😊