What a weekend!

Wow, so I've been really wanting to post, but due to some technical internet problems, I haven't been able to! I have months worth of updating to do, so I guess that slowly but surely I'll begin working on that. I went to ride my cousin's horses a few weeks ago, and that was quite interesting. They're cute, I must say...but VERY green. She does the "natural" horse training, bitless, and when I rode Campeon I just had no control what-so-ever. He could do whatever he wanted with me. Haha, but I still had a good time. That weekend in itself was crazy. My roomate threw a party here at the house, and that was just an insane night, but I had an absolute blast.

The next week, I only had just a couple days of school and then, thank god, it was Spring Break!!! On Friday I went and stayed with my grandmother and did the family thing.

Saturday, I went to Cindy's house and we goofed around, went and looked at some pasos (there's one buckskin I'm still in limbo about buying...) and then that night she attempted to teach me to ride dirt bikes. Now, a quick story behind that...I grew up on four wheelers, six wheelers, horses, bikes, etc...but until I was 16 had never ridden a dirt bike. My first two experiences were horrible. The first time, I ran into the side of a house. Now, yes, I can hear you saying, "Well, all you had to do was steer!" Actually, I did. The bike had an idle problem so you had to keep on the gas to keep it from turning off. When I went to put it in gear, it was still really cold, I popped the clutch and the bike went straight up. I just kind of stood up, and then watched the bike go into the side of the house. LOL! Whoops. The second time, I was on some loose sand and just kept having the bike fall on top of me...so I decided that dirt biking was not for me. However, for whatever reason on that night, I managed to pull it off! (Thanks to Cindy!) The next day we went and rode horses with Joan Cobb, which was a lot of fun. I rode Maximus (in the pictures I've posted before), Madison was on Majestoso, and Cindy rode Bella. Joan was on her new Spotted Saddle Horse, and her daughter was riding a palamino grade horse. Joan's horse and her daughter's were both giving them some problems, and Joan's daughter ended up actually falling (only due to her stirrup breaking.) Cindy took off chasing the horse, and Madison and I just watched (we were on two horses that couldn't participate in "the chase"). Joan's horse is awesome though, Cindy agreed. He's so trained, and so light...Joan just has to get a feel for him (this is her first gaited horse). He's a little hot, but in a completely controllable way. I ended up staying one more night, and then left early Monday morning.

I stayed the rest of the week at my grandmother's house, until Friday that is, and absolutely loved it. It was so relaxing just to be out in the country, not bothered by anyone...and of course I always love staying there. She really spoils me!!! (But hey, everyone needs to be spoiled every now and then right? Haha).

Came back to Greenville on Friday, and spent the rest of the weekend playing with my horse, and getting sick. (Joy joy!) So I had to go to the doctor this week, and they've decided that I have to go to an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist and am going to have to have tubes inserted into my ears. This REALLY sucks. One, I'm scared ot death of surgery and everything that goes along with it. Two, I really hate the fact that I'm pretty much going to have to avoid getting into the water if at all possible for the next 6-12 months. Yeah, with summer right around the corner, it REALLY sucks!

Of course, it's been an extremely stressful week anyways. I won't go into all the details, but my roomies have been fighting, everyone's sick, I've had a multitude of tests this week, found out I was going to have to have tubes put in my ears, been on antibiotics that make me sick, and have finally reached my boiling point with Gerry and the way he treats his horses and absolutely blew up at him yesterday afternoon. I guess I'm just tired of being able to count every bone in his horses body. His excuse to me was "They'll go 100 miles further than your horse because he's overweight." For those of you that have seen Franklin, you know that he's not overweight. It actually wouldn't hurt him to gain a few pounds, though not very many. But he was trying to tell me that being able to count the ribs in his horses bodies just meant they were in shape. Which, for all of you horse people out there, you know that's ridiculous. *Sigh* I guess that's one of those things that falls under the category of you can't tell people things that they're not ready to hear.

Well, now that I've absolutely blabbed on, I'm going to post some pictures and then we'll be good to go for a while. Sorry to rant just a bit at the end, but I had to.

Straight Arrow Maximus

This is one of the horses that has gotten me addicted. Well, sort of...

My friend Cindy bought this stud, who is absolutely drop dead gorgeous and has personality for DAYS. I think that's why I like him so much. I've ridden him a couple of times, and just love it. He's a handful, but that just makes me like him even more. The horse that has really gotten me addicted is her Peruvian Majestoso (pronounced Majestose). He is just SO much fun! He really lifts those feet, and is really hot, but in a fun way. The ride is amazing...I just can't even explain it to you. But I thought that I would show you pictures of Max, since those are the ones that I can find. I got the pictures from www.straightarrowpasofinos.com , which is where she got him from.

That should at least keep you entertained for a little while. By the way, I love my life. It's hectic at times, it really is, but I love it just the same. And the friends that I have, my TRUE friends, are absolutely amazing.

Addiction

I'm becoming addicted to Peruvian Pasos and Paso Finos. They are just SO MUCH FREAKING FUN! I've been showing Walking Horses my entire life, and with all of the drama going on within the industry...I need to head in a new direction anyways. I'm going to look at two horses this weekend, Campeon specifically, for a possible purchase. It's my cousin's horses, and she just doesn't have the time to ride anymore. Meanwhile, Franklin might possibly be for sale, but to a very good home ONLY. I am going to be very picky, require references from a veterinarian, so forth and so on. I would prefer him go to a family with children, because he absolutely loves kids but there also needs to be some horse experience in the family because he is bred high-strung and can be a handful for an adult (though has NEVER tried anything on a child). If you're interested or know someone who might be, then e-mail me privately for pricing and further information. I have videos upon request, and TONS of pictures. I can make arrangements for you to come visit and ride as well, so just let me know. Otherwise, nothing extremely interesting going on. Just the same 'ole same 'ole. Party here Saturday, if anyone is interested. Have a good one!

Drama

Probably one of the most drama filled weekends I've ever encountered this weekend. Yeah, it was insane. I'll leave names out of it for their privacy, but person A and person B have had a disagreement building between the two of them, and it finally exploded this weekend. Person A's daughter and I know each other, and so she, person B, and I all hung out at the last horse show. Well, Person A got jealous and thought that person B (an adult) was smothering his daughter away from him. So, somehow, he came to the conclusion that person B was a lesbian, and decided that he would take it upon himself to tell everyone he came in contact with. Wrong Answer. Person B is married (happily) with 2 great kids. Soooooo, long story short...all the tension that had been building between the two exploded this weekend. Person B told A and A's wife exactly how she felt and she and A were yelling pretty loudly. Apparently, Person A mentioned to someone that if no one had been around he would have hit A. Meanwhile, I'm getting more and more upset because B is a good friend of mine, and A is a family friend. A then began being negative towards me, and I hit my breaking point as well...and person A and I had it out in a yelling and screaming match. It was really bad. I'm so tired of drama. Exhaustion has truly hit me.

Then, I come home to find out that my dad's intestines are twisted, and they're giving him a day of rest hoping maybe they'll try to fix themselves, if not he goes into the hospital for surgery. :( I'm really not having a good week. But that's the update. I hope I kept A and B discreet enough. I must now go and take a swim test for my kayaking class. Easy, easy, easy.

Sad news...

(Picture courtesy of WHC)

Long time Tennessee Walking Horse rider Susan Gordon passed away this morning after complications from a bad fall from a horse. She was trail riding with a friend and it is rumored that a large cat (mountain lion) may have spooked the horses. Signs were promising initially, but after some brain hemoraging and a later diagnosis of pneumonia, it was simply too much to overcome. She was such a nice lady, one of those people that was nice to everyone, no matter who you were. My first memories of the Celebration were watching her ride Fire and Ice (the horse pictured with her to the left.) To watch her ride was amazing. She could sit on a horse and ride like nobody's business, and truly set a new standard for not only lady riders, but for amateur riders in general. It is truly a devestating loss, and please keep the Gordon family in your prayers as they try to get through this tragedy. The Celebration just won't be the same without Susan riding in the ring for the Amateur World Grand Championship.

That's all I'm updating for tonight. Honestly, I'm exhausted. Pray for the Gordons....

Karaoke Revolution...

Should be destroyed and taken off the planet permanently. It's an excuse for people who can't sing to sing, loudly, causing me to drink a lot of alcohol to drown it out. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that I would be any better...but still, the game should be killed. That is my opinion on the matter.

As for horse news, I've pretty much decided I to shoe my horses on my own from now on. Farrier's have gotten too expensive, and really, they don't even really save me that much time anymore. Besides, I don't have to wait on myself to get it done...I can just do it.

Again, for emphasis, Karaoke Revolution should be destroyed and removed from our planet.

I miss my grandmother...

There's been a lot going on lately, and I really miss my grandmother a lot. She was always there to give me advice, even if it's not what I wanted to hear, she was always there for me. Most of my first memories have her in it, and I just wish that she was still here to be a part of my new ones. I have a lot of regrets concerning her last few months, almost year. I really didn't want to accept the truth of how bad off she was, and I didn't like being around her when she was doing so bad...it hurt too much. Of course, now, I wish I could have spent every moment I had available with her. Honestly, she'll always be a part of the important memories because she'll always be with me, in my heart. I just wish she could be here physically as well. I was searching through the internet, and came across the poem she picked out to be read at her funeral, which some how or another I managed to get through. I just figured I would share it with you all, because it truly is a special poem, and for those of you who knew about my grandmother, you'll know how well this fits.



God saw you were getting tired,
And a cure was not to be,
So he put his arms around you
And whispered, "Come to me."
With tearful eyes we watched you,
And saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard-working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.
---Author Unknown

Dinah C. Williford
April 5, 1935 - December 13, 2004

Update time...

Sorry for the delay, but once school starts back, time seems to just slip away from me. Not much to really update about. About the only things going on are school and a slight move. Nothing dramatic, just moving from the front barn to the back barn, because the back barn is a lot nicer. That's about it. But I have a few pictures to keep you all occupied. :)

Just a picture of the moon, but with the dark shadowed tree, it makes it look cool and creepy
This is precious, whose name suits her quite well :) She's just so sweet. I wish I had a full body shot of her, she's got the coolest tail! It's black and the top for about 3 inches, and then the rest is white!
Red man decided he didn't think very highly of me taking so many pictures, so he showed me how he REALLY felt, lol.
Trish playing with the babies. You gotta love babies, they're just the greatest things :) Especially Moon and DJ

Shame on me, but I really don't know this sweet little filly's name. I call her Sweet Pea, but I have no idea what her owner designated is. Sorry about that.

Quick update...

• I HAVE a new car!!! It's a 2002 Burgandy Pontiac Grand Am. Great condition, like new, less than 45,000 miles. So I'm content.
  
• Didn't make it to the trail ride, got tied up unfortuantely. :( It's okay though, I'll have plenty of opportunities!!! :)
  
• Get a new cell phone today as well, and I'll update you on that later, and for those of you who need it I will call ya'll with the new number. :)
  
• I'll take pictures of my new car later, I just am slightly lacking motivation at the moment. It's been an eventful break for me, and a nap REALLY sounds good at the moment. (haha)

More updates later...

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!

I'm currently @ my Dad's house, and still carless. I'm staying down here getting insurance issues straight, and also bumming a ride from my dad...sad huh? Lol, you would have thought I would have outgrown that by now...but I guess you're never too old to bum off your parents!!! :P He's been really great though, he has. He's either getting me an explorer, grand am, or an intrigue. All of the above drive, so I'm content with any of them. :) Beggers can't be choosers!!!

As soon as I get back home, then I will update you on all the latest horsie stuff, and hopefully I'll have some pictures from the trail ride tomorrow to show you. We're going riding at my grandfather's farm, which has about 2000 acres that we can ride on without crossing ANY roads (actually, 90 % of the time you don't even see the road). So it's a fun ride...and I have a great group of people I ride with, about 20 or 30 of us now...depending on who shows. Franklin is still padded, so he lucks out and gets to rest tomorrow. I'll be riding a little quarter horse/walking horse cross (interesting, I know) that belongs to a friend of mine. She's a little spunky, and definitely a true mare. One thing that she doesn't like and she WILL let you know, haha. That's why she and I get along so well, because I'm a little hard-headed as well so I make her do some things she'd rather not do, and in return she gives me a good ride :) (haha).

I'll update more later, and the final decision on a car. I should know later tonight or first thing tomorrow morning as to what car I'm getting...and opinions?

"You're lucky..."

So I keep hearing OVER and OVER again. But the truth is, they're right. Here's all that's left of my Volkswagon Jetta...

Both my dog and I were in the vehicle, and we were going about 45 at the time of the accident. I really don't feel like going into the full story all over again, but for both my dog and I to walk away from this without so much as a scratch, is by no other term a "miracle". I have a LITTLE bruising from my seatbelt, and a small bruise on my knee from sliding forward into the dash...but that's IT! And Boomer (my sweet puppy dog) has no scratches, no limp, nothing. He didn't even bark or whine during the crash...thank god for those airbags. But needless to say, we're both okay, and the guy in the other car was okay. We didn't even have to call an ambulance. However, my poor little car didn't fair so well. It's totalled (obviously). But it did it's job by protecting my dog and I. I will most definitely look for another jetta. Kudos to the safety team!!! They designed it well. But that's all for today, I'm going to order a pizza, chill...and then get back to what I was doing. Enjoy the pictures.

Dove into the archives...

an arial view of the celebration...i miss that so much!! i already can't wait until august rolls back around. (that's where the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is held)
in the spirit of Christmas...I decided to add this little photo I took of franklin last yeah around Christmas time.
a shot that I still enjoy. I was just bored to tears one day and started watching Tropicana run and play. That beautiful white mane just captivated me.

So, did I ever mention that I hate the holidays? Just a little sidenote that I thought I would include.

A Dog's Life

What a life! I wish I could pass out on the couch and just lie there all day!!! Nice stuff.
(somewhat of a crotch shot, apologize about that!)

Some more pictures...

***Ok, for clarification...the caption is actually above the picture for this post and my previous post...so it's not confusing!***

Boomer is saying "No more pictures Mom!"

Still, he's saying, "Enough already!"

Our dogs? Spoiled? NEVER!

Boomer on "his" couch. He's pretty much claimed it.

Parker was in heaven! She was just chillin' in the silk sheets. Also notice that she's not a typical lab, because there's a bunny in the background and she pays it absolutely NO mind! (But don't let your guard down with Boomer in the room...lol)

Pictures from Saturday

This is Franklin being EXTREMELY goofy. He had the goofy bug today.

Lauren is her new little pony. Aren't they cute?

Trish and her Care Bear. I still haven't adjusted to those standardbred ears quite yet, but I love the crooked nose thing she has going on. :)

Missy, the pony, all wrapped up and ready to be given as a Christmas present.

Talk about posing for the camera! Dually was showing off his super good looks and modeling talents while very impatiently waiting for me to take him back inside.

*Drum roll*.....

AND EXAMS ARE OFFICIALLY OVER!!!

I didn't think that it would ever end, but thank goodness it has. Now, I have three weeks of doing nothing but working with the horses, sleeping, and giving the people that I care about the most a little something to show that. What could be better?

My plans for right now is to spend most of my time right here where I am, and not leave to go "home"...though this pretty much feels like it. It's just me and Boomer in this nice three bedroom house...and I'm loving it.

Had a good time today...Ron bought a pony for his niece and nephew, which is adorable. Before the time came to give them the pony, I went and helped it get all "dolled" up. The put a big red bow around the pony's neck, and I braided in some matching red and white streaming ribbon in her tail...so she'd look all festive. As soon as I get motivated enough to upload the pictures from my camera, I will post them. Sorry, but at the moment, I am suffering from a serious case of laziness. Maybe shortly the motivation will come to me.

I think I have turned into a sappy person, tonight makes the fifth time that I've watched The Notebook, and I think that I cried harder this time than I have all the rest put together. It just really hits home this time of year I guess. For those of you who don't know, my great grandmother and great grandfather had a very similar story. I don't know about their meeting, and early romance (though now I'd like to find out)...but the ending was similar. She suffered from severe Alzheimer's Disease, and towards the end she hardly knew who anyone was, not to mention it was causing some slight dimentia. All the while, my Papa (great-grandfather) stayed right by her side and took care of her as much as he could. Just remembering seeing the look in his eye as he looked at her makes me smile, and cry a little...at the same time. He was such a sweet man... I truly wish I would have been older to appreciate and remember him more.

Okay, so that's my reminissing for today. I'm going to see about uploading these pictures.

Exams...

are almost over!!! Thank GOD! I think if I had anymore coming I would just quit. Horses are horses, Franklin is still amazing me everyday with the talent that he had been hiding from everyone. He didn't try this hard the last time he was padded, but I guess that's because it wasn't me he was doing it for either. I swear, that horse would do ANYTHING in the world for me. He's a pretty awesome guy. Got another concert to go to Thursday night. It's at the Ag Center, w/ Parmalee, socialburn...and some more people I don't care about. Still, it's going to be pretty great. I was that I'm turning into a groupie ... lol. Well, just wanted to provide a little update before I went back to studying. :)

"I'll Be" ---Edwin McCain

Free video hosting, video codes at www.vidiLife.com

I hope this works...

I am really hoping that this works. In the Christmas spirit, I've uploaded a version of Silent Night sung by Edwin McCain at the concert I attended last night. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. Sorry, but it starts after the first verse because we didn't know how much memory we had...:).

Free video hosting, video codes at www.vidiLife.com

AMAZING....

Well, for my birthday, Meagan bought me tickets to a little local concert here in Greenville starring Edwin McCain. I've always loved him, but only knew him because of a couple of his hit songs...and had never really listened to the rest of his stuff...much less seen him perform. I've been to my fair share of concerts, and I must say...this was by far the BEST one I'd ever been to. Not only that, but it didn't take any fancy pyrotechnic tricks or fancy state setup and gigs to make it that way. It was just him, and his band, on an extremely simple stage, having a good time and doing what they do best. His vocals were AMAZING...and breath taking. I was shocked at how beautiful his live vocals were. His voice is so real, and it really is almost better live. Not only that, but he knew he was such a commedian. :P Needless to say, I'm definitely a true fan now. Here's just a couple of pictures for you to look at, and if any of you know a good video serves I can post a few clips from the concert. (By the way...I had AWESOME seats :D, second row, right in the middle :D)