The Authors of Writes of Passage

The Authors of Writes of Passage

Monday, October 11, 2010

Dust and Dirt and Lots of Fun

My granddaughter Shayla started doing high school rodeos last spring. Her horse was a pain in the behind, however. She fought going into the arena like crazy. Over the summer, Shayla bought a new horse (a palomino), and this weekend was the one and only fall event. I got to see her run barrels on Sunday, but I made a big mistake. I was busy taking photos when I should have been just watching. I missed too much. I won't make that mistake come spring. I will depend on others to snap photos.

My ankle got a major work out yesterday, walking back and forth to the car and horse trailer over uneven ground, through some sand, through some gravel. I confess, I was a bit nervous at times. But I did pretty good and came home with only mild discomfort. We'll see what my physical therapist has to say.

During the years I owned horses and did my own share of riding and running barrels and poles, I learned that I didn't mind all the dust and dirt and sweat ... right up until the moment that I drove up to the corral and unloaded the horses. After that, I was so eager for a shower I couldn't get into the house fast enough.

Makes me think how spoiled I am. I walk into the bathroom, turn a knob, and seconds later, I can step into a hot shower and wash away the day. It hasn't been all that long since homes didn't have running water or water heaters (and in a good portion of the world, they still don't). My mom grew up with an outhouse and weekly baths with the water heated on the stove. Granted that was 90-some years ago, but still. That was my mom. Just one generation removed from me.

It's a good thing to remember the incredible blessings I have. No matter the things I may do without, I have so much to be thankful for, so many things that I take for granted. Heating and cooling. A house with a roof that doesn't leak. Clothes that fit. A washer and dryer. A trustworthy car. So much to thank God for on a daily basis.

In closing, I'll share some photos from last spring when Shayla's mare met Poppet and ended up "laughing" over the experience. (If Blogger is working right, you should be able to click to see the larger version.)






Wishing you all a fun, laugh-filled week.

~robin

10 comments:

  1. Oh, Robin! Thanks for sharing the pictures. Seeing the horse react to Poppet is an absolute delight. I love that smile on the horse--it made me smile and was a great way to start to the morning. I look forward to hearing more about Shala's riding adventures in the Springtime.

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  2. Robin, Did that horse just smile INTO your camera? A real Mr. Ed, isn't it(I didn't catch if male or female)? That picture will probably keep me smiling all day long.

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  3. Isn't it a hoot, Judith? I just love that progression of photos. My youngest is the photographer.

    Dawn, the horse is a mare. She has become Shayla's mom's horse now so is still part of the family, even if she isn't running barrels any more.

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  4. LOVE these precious pictures, Robin! Wonder what Poppet was thinking meeting such a large animal?! ~ And thank you for the reminder of how much we have to be thankful for on a DAILY basis - - so true. ~ Continued prayers for the healing of your ankle.
    Blessings from Georgia, Patti Jo :)

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  5. That last picture was laugh-out-loud funny! What did Poppet think of meeting the horse?!

    A wonderful message today since it is Canadian Thanksgiving. So thanks for the gratitude reminder.

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  6. Patti Jo & Kav, I can promise you. Poppet does not think much of the horses when they sniff her. But if she is in the safety of the car or the rodeo stands, she is quite brave about telling them off.

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  7. Robin, that is too funny! Thanks for sharing those last pictures with us. Next I want to see a close-up of your granddaughter's new horse. It looks beautiful at a distance!

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  8. That final pic makes me LOL--too cute! What a great shot. :o)

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  9. Deborah, I'll try to remember to share some photos of Shayla and her palomino next week.

    Kim, I'm glad the laughing horse made everyone else laugh too.

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  10. What a gorgeous horse! And too funny at the laughter in meeting Poppet. Love it!

    But you're right...we have SO many reasons to be thankful, we should be in constant praise to God.

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