Maybe it's because I am listening to country music on Pandora, but as I think about it X-marks reminds me a lot of the interactions I had when I rode Rodeo. I bought my gear from friends that made it, or assembled it. My ropes were from a friend in Umbarger, Texas, my riding rigs were from a guy in El Paso, my spurrs from a nice guy in Stillwater. About the only things I used that wasn't crafted like that were my jeans and boots.

Now, I have bought stuff from people who have a similar interest, so it's natural to want to share it. I can't believe it's just me. I would rather deal with a friend, or someone who will soon be a friend.

ith: