tick tock tick tock

Time. It's guaranteed in life to move on, doesn't matter if you want it to or not. Typically allowing for both good and not so good things. This year Spring finds me in a holding pattern, watching the calendar more then ever.

A lot has to do with waiting for Koda's bruise to heal. I can't really ride, or work on the things we were beginning to make progress on...one step forward, two steps back. Sigh. Last week he did show improvement, and wasn't nearly as sore. A good thing.

The last trail challenge is Saturday. I really wanted to compete - one last time - together with my boy. It didn't help that the organizer sent me a message letting me know I have a chance at a high point prize, if I place higher then Brad again. They are also a riding couple, who can relate to our fun. Koda & I aren't doing any show circuits, so this is likely it for us this year. The competition is not remotely about prizes, or even winning. I wanted to see if Koda & I could succeed together again as a team, or if it was just luck. I really enjoyed the camaraderie, and growth the trail series fostered. I learned a ton, and even surpassed my goals. Who wouldn't want more?

The real show season begins in May. Watching everyone else ride is not nearly as much fun. I love supporting others, shooting pictures, and helping with stall duty - but being a bystander is not the same. Missing out on our last trail competition is a not so good thing.

WI high point winner

Midwest Horse Fair is 9 days away, but who's counting. I'm always anxious what we will find, learn, see and experience. This year we are looking forward to what Jim Anderson (a new clinician to us) is all about. I would also be interested in learning from Jim Masterson, but doubt my other half will agree to lectures, but maybe his hands-on presentation? We will try to catch more of what Double Dan has to share, and probably sit in on one of Pat Parelli's performances clinics, among many others. Our daughters friend is participating in the eventing clinics, hoping to watch her. We try to attend Fair with a plan, but with so many things going on at the same time, plans inevitably change.

Jessica Blair

The Friday night rodeo is always a highlight for us! We enjoy watching the brave cowboys, in suspense. My favorite trick riders are back, as well as the funny clown from last year. Click, click, click, click, click. It's the only time I tote my big camera at Fair. We gave up on the lame-o Saturday night performances a long time ago. We have several planned stops to make throughout the exhibition. By far the most exciting is, my new custom saddle should be done! I'm anxious to see and feel it. All good things.

In addition to horse this & that, my gardens are springing into action and begging for attention, it's outdoor photo time again and I have never ending behind the scenes work in progress, there is a baby boom happening around me, our search for a new place to call home continues etc...somewhere in between the madness, I'm hopeful a lot of peaceful trail riding occurs...a mix of good and not so good things. In other words life.

Time is like a river.

You cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow that has passed will never pass again.

Enjoy every passing moment of life! 

~ author unknown