Tag: Monday

Music Monday

On By AveryIn Faith, Life, MusicLeave a comment

 

…There’s no need for anger, there’s no need for blame
There’s nothing to prove, everything’s still the same…
~Bob Dylan

Dear readers, nothing in this world is as it seems.

What in this world actually makes sense?

Don’t judge books by their covers. You have no idea what is on the inside of those pages.

Stay in your lane. Do you. Do not worry about others. Keep your focus on The Man Upstairs. That is how you keep your perspective. That is when things do make sense.

Walk in love, dear readers, and have a blessed Monday!

Joy

On By AveryIn Dogs, Faith, Horses, LifeLeave a comment

Not quite ready for Monday morning? Or do you already need a break?

Shh. Me too. I got your back. I am here for you.

My quality time with my menagerie at the farm this past weekend is calling me back! Even with the crazy weather, but enough about that.

Grab a quick cup a coffee and have a scroll through what brings me joy and serenity. I want to share it with you to bring you joy and a smile. And well, possibly to motivate you if you need it! Enjoy!

How can you not smile at that cute face?!

Joy really is all around us, always. We just need the eyes to see, you see? God is great in all times and seasons.

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Walk in love, dear readers. Have a fabulous Monday.

The Box Of Saddle Box: A Review

On By AveryIn Horses7 Comments

I have something fun for y’all today! A little something different. To kick start your Monday morning and to make it a great day. Since you know, I kinda woke up like this.

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I just can not wait for Friday to come. I really do not know how I will make it through this week…and it is only just Monday!

Anyway. I was asked to do a little something and I think you will really like it. Well, if you are a horse person you will. Even if you are not, it might incline you do do a little something similar for something you are into.

So.

You know those monthly box subscriptions? Ya, you know the ones I am talking about. You pay a fee and get a box of stuff every month or every quarter. Best friend R has done one for herself before and just subscribed to a quarterly horse one. I have only looked at them from far, far away. Very far away. I have thought about them multiple times. For my horses. For my dogs. And even loosely, for myself. I am just reluctant loosen the purse strings and let any money come out that is not necessary (shhhh. You do not know what is necessary!). And, well, let us be honest, I have so much stuff. Too much.

But who cares about any of that? Nobody.

My Lito does care about this though. Saddle Box. They sent me a box and asked me to review them! How fun! I have been coming home every day with anxious anticipation hoping to find my box at my doorstep and at long last, it arrived on Friday! Timing, I tell you.

It is not just a box of stuff though. Here is the best part. All sales benefit horse rescue shelters! What could be better than that?! You get cool stuff and support a good cause! Are you looking for a gift for your horse loving friend? This would be a good idea!

Everybody else was too distracted by their hay and did not know what they were missing out on. Lito came right over before I even opened the box!

L: “Is that for me?”

L: “Hey mom, by the way, I need my toes did.”

A: “Hey Lito, I know, he is coming tomorrow. And it is not just for you, it is for everyone.”

L: “It smells like it is for me?”

A: “You’re cute.”

I apparently was taking too long as Lito went back to his hay. I swear he looked at me as if to say, “when you get some thumbs and open that all up, get back to me.”

We supported a horse named Abby!

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L: “Now wait a minute. What IS that? I need to see that.”

A: “It is a lot of fun stuff!”

Just look at how full that box is! It is overflowing!

You can never have too many hoof picks! Seriously. Every grooming box, every room, on your saddle, in your saddle bags, in your truck. They are like halters and candy.

Fiebing’s saddle soap. Always a staple to have around. I have been using it for years because my Pops taught me to. It is also helpful to have it not only in the barn, but at home too.

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Shedding blade. I do not have one like this and I am excited to take it for a spin on muddy winter coats and shedding spring time coats.

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Face brush. My guys love these things and so do I!

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Grooming mitt. I used to have and use these as a kid! My mom got them for me. I think for Christmas. I guess that means Santa got them for me. Anyway, when I opened the box and saw that blue mitt, I was flooded with memories of long, hot summers staying cool by bathing horses in the shade of the Pecan trees.

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I actually have a sign of that notice sticker that was gifted to me by a friend in the group I am going riding with next week! I think I will put the sticker on the inside lid of of my travel tack trunk.

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And you know. Lets be honest. You can never have too many books of tips or vet wrap. What can you not do with vet wrap? It is like duct tape.

These were the real winner here, though.

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L: “Now that smells like noms!”

L: “Peppermint noms!”

L: “Me wants more of dems!”

L: “I like des. I eat dems.”

Coming from the picky horse, that is something!

M: “Hey wait. Where is mine?!”

A: “Shhh. You’ll like these treats too.”

I think I kinda want one! I feel like I see a black hole? Do you see it? I really want it just for the different treats to try.

Go check Saddle Box out and tell them we sent you! You will want to do this I think. You will get a lot of great things! In just one box! And, stuff you will use and your horse will like.

Walk in love, dear readers! It is going to be a good week! Let’s make it a great Monday!

So, Let It Shine.

On By AveryIn Faith, Horses, Life4 Comments
“Nothing can dim the light that shines within.”
~Maya Angelou

Just a little Monday motivation for you if you need it. Yes, yes those are burs in his forelock. It is his new fav thing to do.

Walk in love, dear readers, and have a great day!

Between The Ears & Not The Windshield Wipers

On By AveryIn Horses, Life11 Comments

Have a case of the Mondays?

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Well, here is a little something to brighten you up a bit.

A little between the ears time from me to you. Nothing like these dun colored ears to put a smile on my face. Even if it was from two days ago.

Or these happy herd of cows, napping together in the shade of a pecan tree.

Is your case of the Mondays cured?

Lito and I went to ride with some friends on Saturday morning during a break in the storms. Lito self loaded like a champ and we had a great ride. It was breezy, not too terribly hot, and it did not rain on us while we rode. All the horses seemed to have as great of a time as we did. We rode for a couple of hours and then gathered around the picnic tables for cold drinks and snacks.

Knowing there was an increased chance for storms in the afternoon, I said my goodbyes and went to load up. Again, Lito self loaded like a champ (cue happy dance) and we hit the road. I called my Pops while I was pulling out to see if there was anything popping up on the radar and to tell him that if I ran into some rain, I was just going to pull over and wait it out.

Here is the interesting part of the story. The night before our ride, my parents and I were driving the truck in the light rain and the driver side windshield wiper decided to fly off while in use! Just plain came undone, hit the windshield, and went flying through the air like a drunk bird. Never to be seen again. Crazy thing.

Anyway, it was a good thing I called. They had just gotten slammed at the farm and the storm was coming our way. His advice was to just stop and wait ten to fifteen minutes while the storm comes my way and passes over before driving back. I found a good spot in the parking lot of a local tavern on top of a hill to park and wait. I should have taken pictures of the storm, but I was just watching and enjoying the show. You know how I am about storms. Lito seemed a little perturbed when it all started, but quickly settled and just rode it out quietly.

The storm was soon over with nothing else developing on the radar so we slowly made our way south toward home. Lito quietly (and dry!) unloaded and was happy to have a little extra meal upon our return.

An exciting weekend nonetheless!

Here is to the next adventure! Is it October yet? I am ready for a week of riding with friends!

Walk in love, dear readers, and make it a great day!

Ordinary

On By AveryIn Dogs, Faith, Horses, Life, Music11 Comments

Happy Monday, y’all.

To get everyone going, here is a Music Monday and a Daily Dose Of Cute all wrapped up into one.

“Baby, I don’t have much
But what we have is more than enough
Ordinary world”
~Billie Joe Armstrong~

I will take ordinary all day every day. The ordinary in our lives is what makes us rich I think. The shining lights and treasures and shooting stars are all right there.

A look into my ordinary world. When I look at it, it is quite extraordinary. Sometimes it is hard to see. Like when I have to go to work.

Just me, my dog, and my horse.

After this, I baked a chocolate sheet cake for my sister, played in a doll house with my niece and nephew, and then had a lovely dinner with them.

What makes your ordinary extraordinary?

Walk in love, dear readers.

Daily Dose Of Cute

On By AveryIn Horses, Music10 Comments

This overcast Monday needs something to brighten it up. To add to the Christmas cheer. Do you know what I mean? Well, I have that for you here! Look no further. Well, to the end of this post if you know what is good for you.

This morning was one of those stay in bed until the last possible second kind of mornings. Such a Monday. Always coming in the spoil the party.

But you know what? Christmas is in a week! One week! The Monday before Christmas should be great! So, therefore, I say it is. Great! Forget that I temporarily forgot that this morning. I am only human.

So, here is your cute…

Cheetah enjoying her hay Friday night. Have you ever listed to horses eat. It is the best noise.

Her ears are my favorite. My Pops once called her ‘muley’ looking (from a photo) because of them. Rude. They suite her perfectly and give away her Thoroughbred half. And you want to know what else? Lito has her ears.

Remember this?

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I make no apologies for sharing this again and again. It is just too cute for words. AND THOSE EARS!

He grew into them and they suite him perfectly too.

Anyway, Friday night bed time barn check. Getting in some quality time with my sleepy Lito man.

He sure is all grown up and stuff.

Saturday I did my usual run around to the multiple feed stores I have to frequent this time of year. Christmas Eve night and really Christmas day are supposed to get really cold. I wanted to make sure I was stocked up with everything I need so I do not have to deal with that during the Christmas festivities.

This is the face of a sad Pentunia being tied up while I unload all the hay. Clearly perturbed to not partake in the all you can eat hay trailer.

Here is the really cute part. We had a new calf. A big heifer.

A cute little (Or not so little. There must me something in the water) thing she is. My vote is to keep her. Let her grow up and make babies with those big bones. I love showing up to a new calf.

I also make no apologies for liking this song. I am who I am, OK. I do not even know what it is exactly that I do like about it.

I mean, yes, it is Frank Sinatra. He is great. It is just such a cheery jingle that I can  not help but just sing along and smile. And laugh. BELLS! I had not even heard it until this year, and on the radio no less.

So there you have it.

Go get your Christmas cheer smile on, y’all. It’ll make someone else smile.

Walk in love, dear readers!

A Big Thanksgiving

On By AveryIn Dogs, Food, Horses, Life, Music11 Comments

Or rather, a long Thanksgiving. Big and long.

Big in thanks and giving, yes, much gratitude. We have much to be thankful for.

Also big in numbers. Number of people. An abundance of family and friends. Tons of conversation and laughter. Bucket loads of love. Many dogs. Food, food, and more food (and booze). And not just any food, great food. I have to say, I am surrounded by talented people. Pretty much all of them are great cooks!

Some sadness, yes. That can not be denied, but I have to say, I think we all did a great job focusing on the positive and being grateful for each other. Which is what Thanksgiving is all about.

This particular Thanksgiving was long in a sense that it felt like it lasted from last weekend to today. Even with all the regular day to day things, like work, and all the preparation and cooking, it somehow felt like vacation.

Now, I know some of you will be in disbelief upon reading this. Or even rolling your eyes at me. But in all honesty, it did. I am sitting here with my coffee trying to psych myself up for this work Monday.

The weekend before Thanksgiving week (after the Charlotte Dujardin clinic…which I still need to write up for you…sorry, I will get to it. In short, it was great and I shattered my phone screen) I spent at the farm by myself. It was a terribly therapeutic weekend. Strong and funny language, I know, but stay with me. It was both releasing and restorative.

After taking care of some errands and chores during the day on Saturday, I quickly saddled up Chance and went for a sunset ride.

Then I built a fire in the pit, hit play on some great music, made a cocktail, and sat down with my dog to watch the last of the sunset with the northern front at my back. Drew Kennedy has a live album titled Sad Songs Happily Played which acted like my own personal concert in the best venue.

Sunday started early and chilly.

I took a little drive in my pajamas while the horses ate with my dog, coffee, and music. Because I could. I started listening to Dani and Lizzy’s ‘Dancing In The Sky‘ on repeat (I am weird like that) and just allowed the tears to flow. It feels …strange, I guess, to say that. To admit that. But hey, it’s the truth, so there. Sometimes a girl just needs a good cry or two…or three, as was the case on Sunday.

I got dressed and headed out into the sun to catch up my first horse of the day.

I came upon the horses and discovered the three young geldings laying down, having a post breakfast nap with Cheetah standing guard over them. I just could not resist the temptation and sat down with them. The most wonderful thing happened when Cheetah decided she felt comfortable enought to lay down with us. I have no idea how long I sat there with them snoozing, but it was simply glorious. One of them broke the spell and they all got up, so I haltered Cheetah and started grooming.

Keep scrolling for this cow’s newborn on Thanksgiving weekend!

Cheetah decided she was a saucy mare, but her son made up for it by giving me the best ride on him to date. Lito is really starting to put the pieces together and it feels really great. Really learning to travel between my legs and reins and lift his shoulder. Yielding his hindquarters and shoulders. I just need to keep reminding myself he is not farther along because I can only ride on weekends. I need to not push too hard and have it not be fun for him. Well, both of us. He is seriously the most comfortable horse I have ever ridden.

I had a quick ride on Ike after a late lunch on the porch. Then I built myself another fire to close out the day. As one of my dear readers said, I just sat with my feelings and reflected. That is what time alone at the farm is about for me.

I stayed at the farm until Monday morning to meet the farrier before heading back to town and into the office for the short holiday work week.

I took the day off of work on Wednesday to get my cake baked at my parents house and the kitchen cleaned before Thanksgiving. Middle Sister, K, her husband, T, and their dogs were staying at my parents house for the holiday so Darcy had ample entertainment. She is currently passed out after I made her go outside.

Baking is one of my favorite parts of the holidays. This pumpkin cheesecake cake was worth all the work and calories, trust me. It really was not even that much work. Do yourself a favor, and go make it for yourself. Decorating it is also easy peasy, if you want to do that. Which you should because it is fun. And pretty.

My mom’s side of the family and a few friends came to my parent’s house for Thanksgiving lunch. And oh, the food. The food was so good! I am still dreaming about it. We all had a grand time and then loaded up and headed out to the farm just in time for sunset.

I give to you the post Thanksgiving sunrise if you missed it.

Remember that calf I mentioned? We all got to see it right after it was born. You are welcome for the cuteness. I do what I can for you, you know.

Another stunning sunset from the weekend.

On Saturday my dad’s side of the fam came out for lunch and some much needed togetherness and fresh air at the farm.

I took three kids on lead line rides and one solo ride all on Chance. There was so much fun and cuteness, I almost could not even handle it. Chance was so well behaved and we stuffed him with carrots and gave him lots of love.

My cousin got to harvest his first deer which was very exciting for everyone in the family.

I came back out to the barn before bed to give Chance another carrot and to thank him for giving those kids his gifts.

You haz carrot?!

This is a terribly long dump of a post, but there it is. The point is, I am thankful this Thanksgiving and wish I had another day before going back to work.

Thankful I got to enjoy it. Thankful to be surround by loved ones. Thankful to spend time at the farm and create memories. Thankful to ride all the horses. Thankful for cows and calves. Thankful for my happy dog. Thankful to see the sunsets and sunrises. Thankful for music and reflection and fresh air. Thankful that I got to pick out a Christmas tree with my parents and begin decorating. And even thankful for my job that I need to go get ready for.

That is all. Up next, all about the Charlotte Dujardin Clinic!

Walk in love, dear readers! Thank your lucky stars today and every day. Keep in the spirit of thanks and giving.

Monday Wisdom

On By AveryIn Life6 Comments

Psst. The Monday work day is over, so here is a little something for you. A little funny and a little cute. 

Monday wisdom from the world of Petunia, as I see it. 

Petunia is the wisest and smartest donkey. She has me trained, clearly. 

Here she is. Playing a good game of ‘Where’s Petunia.’ Unassuming. Or so she wants people to think. 


Calling to me like a beacon. Her ears as radars. Sure, I’ll just walk out there. I have fed everyone else. Heaven forbid she go without. 

“No need to come in at feeding time. The girl will come to you and bring you the little, measly offering of a single alfalfa cube that she calls dinner.”


“Be cute and act like you do not need the offering. Stand there picking and choosing from the all you can eat buffet. Then, when she finally gets there, arm stretched out and reaching for you…


steal the alfalfa cube and take off galloping and bucking to the barn.”

Petunia, the wise one. 

Find the humor in all things. 

Stay the course and know that humans are not the top species. 

Enjoy the sunset on your way back and do not tell the men when they get back from the deer stand. 

The end! I hope you had a chuckle at my expense!!

Walk in love, dear readers!

Glorious

On By AveryIn Faith, Horses, Life7 Comments

Would you like something glorious for this Monday? Of course you do. Who wouldn’t?

Well this weekend…well, you know what I did this weekend.

Saturday I caught the end of the sunset after going all day.


Then Sunday, my ever optimistic boy was sure there was something left just for him.

​He always follows me when I go to feed Apache. Apache requires copious amounts of feed to keep him going, but that is not the point. The point is he always follows me, hopeful for a morsel. The others just stare at me, knowing it is not for them. Lito however, has not given up hope.

Petunia is the same way. Always trying to get to Apache’s feed. Hopeful that one day the buckets will not be secured well enough, just out of her reach. Or that she will somehow be taller.

Well, yesterday was both of their days. There was a tiny little bit left in that bag for my Lito man, despite the fact that he almost dumped me in the pond on Saturday. And Petunia somehow managed to lower one of Apache’s buckets just enough to stuff her face with some of his feed. Unfortunately for her, I had to put it back up and Petunia proof it.

Don’t give up hope, dear readers. AHAmoment. Be like Lito and Tuners. Keep searching. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. Keep praying. What you truly desire takes work. That is how you get it and what makes it all worth it.

Walk in love!