Return to Normal

Finally after 15 1/2 weeks it appears that there is a conclusive return to normal.  Oh and how I thank God for that.  Saturday, August 2nd was the first day I saddled and rode all by myself, for 2 1/2 hours.  

This is us leaving the barn.  For about the first 5 minutes I admit I was a little anxious, but after that it was all rock and roll!  My boy could not have been more perfect.  He never batted and extra look at anything.  It was as if we'd been riding daily since April 15th.  He was quiet and calm which was very reassuring to me.

 I purchased Mosey a little fly bonnet to keep the big flies from biting his ears.  You can see it here.  It looks a little goofy, but it worked.

I love days I ride and see lots of wildlife.  This day I first spotted a raccoon in a tree.  She climbed down and ran off down the creek.  It is very seldom that I see a raccoon during the day.  Other sightings were hawks, a coyote, tiny baby hogs and a lone deer.   Wildlife always makes the ride more interesting.

Overall it was a great ride.  It was just so peaceful, so quiet, except for the sounds in the sanctuary.  It's easy to just lose yourself in the moment and to be grateful for so many things.



It's hard to describe the feeling of normal again, of being able to do just about everything I was able to do before.  It's hard to describe the feelings of freedom and independence and competency.  Being dependent on others was very difficult and very humbling.  However, being in that place has given me a much greater compassion for others in need.  I hope I can be a better giver, a better helper to others who are now walking in those shoes.  There are always lessons to learn from the hard knocks in life.  I hope I have learned some.

James 4:10 

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Encourage one another, continuing the journey on fresh paths.
Blessing and love to you, xoxo

Exodus 15:17

You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance— the place, Lord, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, Lord, your hands established.

One Day Closer Finally Came!

Read here first...http://thegoodlife54.blogspot.com/2014/05/one-day-closer.html

Then here...http://thegoodlife54.blogspot.com/2014/06/its-little-things.html

Some said it was still too soon.  Some said I couldn't do it.  Some said how can I help.  I knew in my heart I was ready.

The cheer was not only in my head this time, it was out loud with my hands held high in a big ole holler I rejoiced "praise God, I'm doing it!"....I rode my horse for the first time yesterday after 10.5 weeks out of my saddle.  Truly amazing.  And I did great.  I caught him, haltered him, brushed him, saddled him, bridled him, got on him and off I went.  I even opened a gate and went through the creek where the accident happened.  It was just a glorious day.  And my best friend D, my "wrangler", was right there with me, just in case.  We rode for 2 hours.  The weather could not have been better.  The day could not have been more perfect!

"I am who I truly am when I am in the saddle".

Last week was a welcomed week of "normal".  I babysat for my grandson not once but twice.  I photographed with my camera!  I rode my horse.
God blessed me with amazing joy and amazing grace.  To God be the glory!

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life our redemption to win,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in. 

    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
      Let the earth hear His voice;
    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
      Let the people rejoice;
    Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
      And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

Encourage one another, continuing the journey on fresh paths.
Blessings and love to you.

I Shall Keep Horses

While checking out pinterest this morning it lead me to an equestrian website.  It contained a forum where folks write in with issues.  One gal wrote in that she had fallen from her horse, broken several vertebrae in her back and had decided that she was not going to ride any more, that it would be too dangerous.  She asked others if they had any suggestions of what she might do to be a horse person who doesn't ride.  She got a lot of encouragement and suggestions about working horses on the ground, grooming, volunteering, or rescuing horses that may not be able to be ridden.  

Since my own recent accident I was very interested in reading all their suggestions.  As you know I have no intention too quitting riding however, I might be interested in some of their ideas until I can.  The one response she got that truly captured my attention and the one that has the thoughts that are most along my line of thinking, was this one...  

"This Monica Dickens quote sums it up for me : 'When I can't ride anymore, I shall keep horses as long as I can hobble around with a bucket and a wheelbarrow. When I can't hobble, I shall roll my wheelchair out to the fence of the field where my horses graze and watch them."

Having horses in my own barn, in my own backyard, where I can see them grazing out my kitchen window, and walk out and saddle up at any time of the day has been a life long dream of mine.  Thankfully my life isn't over yet.  

 Smash

 Mosey and I

Encourage one another, continuing the journey on fresh paths.

Blessings and love to you.

I'm one day closer!

One Day Closer

I am One day closer to saddling my horse!  Everyday I wake up, this is now what i think.  I am one day closer to having my grandson come and stay with me.

I am one day closer to snapping a photo.

I am one day closer to normal.
I am one day closer to being me.
Praise God.
Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. Romans 15:2 NIV
Encourage one another.
Blessings and love to you.