Tiger, Make Room for the Horses

Apologies to Tiger Woods, whom I salute for giving Tucson huge recognition and economic stimulus this week via the PGA Tour. While you're out there on the green of Dove Mountain, I'll be focused on a dusty corral in downtown Tucson, rooting for the old-fashioned-yet-oh-so-fabulous Fiesta de Los Vaqueros and our annual rodeo.

Ranching is in Tucson's blood. It's what started our economy and gave us our destiny after the Spaniards brought their cattle to our environs in the 1600s. The rodeo, begun in Tucson in 1925 to celebrate the cowboy, is a part of ranching life and thus entwined in Tucson's heritage. With Accenture Match Play packing in the glam and the tourists up in Marana, I worry that my poor cowboys won't get their due.

Those guys in spurs and buckles need attention too, Tiger. I certainly wish you many awe-inspiring plays next week, but in my heart I'll be crying yee-haw for the cowpokes and their horses and their barrel racing downtown.

May both the slick (Tiger) and the down-home snazzy (cowboys) stand tall and grow as proud traditions of the Old Pueblo.

What will you do to improve community today?

Wrote this a long, long time ago. It's still something I look at, to help remind me of little steps I can take today to help my community be livable. My top 20 list of little steps:

1. Buy something local.
2. Pick up a piece of litter every day.
3. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper to support an important comunity project.
4. Help a local school, what can I teach a younger generation?
5. Plant a tree (native) or shrub or plant in an area in need of improvement.
6. Promote the good works of a local businesses.
7. Fix something instead of buying new.
8. Organize a gathering of neighbors, family or friends, just for sake of community.
9. Recycle something.
10. Do something to beautify your community. Even if it is pruning your plants in front yard!
11. Donate something or dispose of it properly.
12. Volunteer at a senior residence and respect the older generation.
13. Keep your local government officials accountable.
14. Support your library.
15. Read about a resource and pass it on.
16. Believe in something (a good cause, of course) and stand up for it.
17. Be kind to wildlife and the biodiversity of our environment.
18. If you can help a neighbor, even if it is just to extend a positive comment, do so.
19. Conserve energy in your home or workplace. Turn those lights off when not in use.
20. Don't waste one drop of water.
    

One small step every day, for community and for our earth.