Carpe Diem!

Everyone has a story of the person who really made a difference in their life...  that one statement, that challenge to succeed, the guide who took us forward and maybe that person who just was... was the exact image of what we wanted.  Yes, everyone has a story that means so much to us.

Perfect pic... smiling, talking and
socializing

My dad would have been 82 tomorrow (12/1). And, if lung cancer hadn't taken him seven years ago, I'm sure he would  be still young, gently teasing and mostly smiling.  He was the essence of a Sagittarius -optimistic, freedom-loving, good-humored, honest, direct as well as intellectual and philosophical - ultimately, the life of the party.

I still miss him but, I choose to celebrate our memories rather than wear a veil of sadness...  As a dad, he was not perfect but he was awesome!

My dad lived in the moment!  He was videotaped by my niece for grade school project just 10 months before he died.  She finished the interview with this question, "Grandpop, if you could change anything in your life, what would it be?"

Happily Hunting!

He gave her a sheepish grin and then sat back and said, "Nothing!"  Then he leaned forward intensely and added, "Well, I would have loved to have been an educated man but that might have meant that I would not have met your grandmother.  I have everything I need and its been a very good ride!  No, I wouldn't change a thing!"

I am a Master (old) Rider who has spent the last two months indulging in a bit of workaholism.  Yes, Sugar has been ridden, Da Boys walked, Adventures taken and Hunts hunted...  The only thing missed is that moment where I sit back in my chair and ponder a moment and truly feel the graciousness that is my life.  And, then, thank the universe for giving me...  a very good ride!

Thanks Pop, I think I will do just that!  Happy Birthday!

STAYING ALIVE... AH, AH, AH... ALIVE!

Ah, work...  that wonderful, exciting place one goes to every weekday.  Sometimes, as I hurry out of the house, before the hound raises the voice of protest, I say loudly for all to hear, "I go to work every day, so you can live the life you've grown accustomed to...  I'll be back!"

Wistful for freedom!

Work is the place that offers sustenance to all under my roof - Sugar, the Convict and Mr Floppy.  It also provides some wages to a multitude of providers that keep my ship afloat - dog walkers, riding instructors, farrier, veterinarians of many specialties, house cleaners and I am sure, a few tack shops and feed stores.  I work selflessly so that others may live...

Sigh...  that nobility makes my workaholism so much better sounding, doesn't it?  You see, I do live!  For the last three weeks, my writing has been devoted to the needs of my clients. My blog has become a bit rusty and I do believe there was a bit of dust on the address bar.  I do live and for this moment, I write for me...  just sayin'!

My big worry these days (exclusive of work)?  Sugar is, for the first time since she came up from Virginia, a furry beast.  Her coat is soft and thick, like a chinchilla.  Sometimes I want to brush my cheeks along her neck fully enjoying the sensation her fine coat.   And, then I step back, open my eyes and realize that I am in a City Barn. 

{{{{Hmmm...  she's single, a "master rider" (old) and has many pets...  should we, um...  be careful not to disturb her?   Well, she's not really "quiet" in that "We didn't know much about her, she always was a bit quiet" kindof way.   I  betcha she's just... eccentric.}}}}

Not old, just hairy...
Photo used with permission
www.yokinaphotos.com

Sugar has never had a winter clip.  She's always had a very thin coat just slightly hairier than her summer coat.  One friend chuckled...  "She is getting older."  Another, "Maybe you should have her checked for Cushing's?" 

And, then the gentle craziness of the overworked, tired owner kicks in... "Old?  Thirteen isn't really that old!  No way...  it's the move to the City Barn and the wind on the hill, right?  'Cause 13 isn't really that old, right?  Nah, she's still in her prime...  13 not old.  No, not old at all... right?" 

Sug will get her first haircut...  an Irish Clip.  And, I will hold off the search for a retirement home or another riding career for my aged and infirm horse. You see, Sugar has moved into her winter phase and any mare that can spook, spin and leap over 15 meters into the center of the ring hasn't quite reached a sedentary age.

And I will work on balancing work, life without sacrificing sleep...  I am still a very lucky girl!