Last Day of 2011

I must say I'm not sad to see it go.  Not in a grumpy, never want to see you again, you were a jerk, way... well kind of.  But mostly because there's always something to look forward too!

Ah 2011... Lots of unexpected things happened... Most definitely did NOT go as plan.  But not all of it was bad.  Sure it royally sucked to be on the verge of finally start showing in the jumpers, only to end up dealing with an injury for.... 8 months... and counting...  But I got to ride a lot of other horses, that I may not have chosen to ride if I wasn't completely desperate for it!  I learned that I can ride different horses, and still ride well.  Sure I still very much prefer riding Belle, but that's because we know each other so well I just have to think and it happens.

I got to move out on my own.  Which is a total yay!  But also a holyfreakingcrapwhatwasIthinking??  But it all worked out because now I have two awesome jobs and am surrounded by horses almost 24/7  woohoo!  Sure sometimes my body protests the 6 days a week and on average around 95ish stalls per and way too many buckets to count per week... and all the walking... but I get to enjoy work (almost) every day!

There was drama of course, always drama.  But lots of good lessons and memories that I'll cherish for years to come!  So bring on 2012!  And please... be nicer to me than 2011 was... It was kind of a jerk!

Oh yeah!  Almost forgot!  Christmas was totally awesome!  Much more relaxed somehow this year than I think it's ever been.  Had raclette with my close family Christmas Eve!  Then spent the night by the Christmas tree at my brother's place.  And actually slept!  It was a miracle!  I woke up at ten to 6, but compared to past years of 3am wide awakeness, it's totally sleeping in!


Then we opened presents, I got lots of movies, two books and season 1 of Avatar the Last Airbender (yay!!)  I've almost replaced my vanishedintothinair collection!  I've already finished reading the Hunger Games, and am halfway through I am Number Four!   And have watched three discs of the Avatar...  But I've only watched the two movies once each!  (Normally I'd have watched them at least three times in a row... each.)

Afterwards some of the extended family came over for a yummy brunch!  Braving the crazy driving and the snowfall... Which was a lot more than it looked like it was!  Then the always awesome turkey dinner with even more extended family!  I got cooking stuff... YAY!

All in all, very good time!

I also recommend both books!  Even if though I found the writing style a little weak in Hunger Games, and I do find I am Number Four could use more editing... But other than that, really great!

Printers and Happiness

There's just something about Christmas that is so totally awesome and that still gets me excited like I'm 5 years old all over again!  (Though that was the year I discovered Santa was not real. LOL!)  There has been sun and snow and actual cold this week and it's been a super happy week!  For no reason in particular, but I do suspect because I stopped taking some meds.  The timing is right and I've been bouncing all week, yay!!

In other news I have a photo printer!  A sort of early Christmas present from my mom!  Though I've discovered the thing does not come with a USB cable.... what kind of computer thing does not come with it included?  I know it's wifi compatible and all that, which would not be a problem... if I had internet!  Ah well, I'll figure something out.

But it DOES mean I can finally actually set up that painting business I've been speculating since the beginning of summer!  I want to get a business license and all that jazz set up before I officially announce it....  But here's the website anyways.... Painted Portraits (
The name might change since I still have to check if it's available, but hopefully it'll stay cause I like it!)

I've discovered figuring out pricing is really complicated...  So things will probably change, hopefully not, but I guess that's all part of it right?

It's hard to believe Christmas is exactly a week from today!!!  I still have to get some presents done, eek!  I had a minor growling fit at one painting, because it was not co-operating...  But paintings usually don't co-operate when I'm stressed...  Haha!

Last night at supper I was asking everyone what they wanted for Christmas... And various people reminded me of what I had already gotten/am a part of...  My brain apparently decided to take a vacation and did not feel the need to notify me of its absence!

The pony is thankfully sound (again)!  And thanks to my awesome coach we have a game plan that will hopefully work!  But at least in the meantime I get to take lessons on a really awesome horse!  Just don't tell Belle... she'll get jealous.  But at least her hate list is at the same number since the other horse I was riding is no longer at the stable.  My pony knows how to make me feel loved!

Two Posts in Less Than 24hrs??

I love it when something happens on a Sunday night, and I don't have to wait until a week later to blog about it!

I showed what I've written so far of my book to my family, and they were really excited about it!  Which got me re-motivated and even more excited for it.  I'm always very careful with who I show my work too, and even more so with this one because of the hopes I have for it.  But I feel like it's on the right track!

My brother and sister in law had an excellent suggestion for me that I'm going to apply.  My brother was telling me as we went to get the food for supper that, he and his wife understand horses are what I really want to do (well I really want to do both, lol!) but that horses need funding.  So I should treat my writing as a job and dedicate time to it every day.  Even if it's not necessarily writing, but research, outlining, etc.  (It made me giggle cause I definitely have been planning for almost ten years to fund my stable by publishing books!)

Have I ever mentioned how awesome and smart my brother is?  I'm definitely going to do that.  Though I think I'm already on the right track.  Though lately I've focused a bit more on painting, but Christmas is fast approaching and I need to get those gifts finished!

But I think my writing is finally getting back into the right track because I've found a better focus.  I just want to write, because I realized the other day as I was searching for a movie to watch or a book to read that the reason I was struggling to find one, wasn't because I didn't own it, but because it didn't exist yet.  They're in my head!

So that reaaally helped me get motivated to get writing!  Because I do really really want these stories to get put to paper.  They're so full of life!  Soooo exciting!!

Not what I actually wanted to write about....

I should write down awesome ideas when I get them.  Because otherwise they fly out the window, unless they come in the form of awesome dream.  Then they sear themselves into my brain and with enough effort I will remember them.

But not when it comes to awesome things to blog about, that idea flew out my head and never returned.  I have vague ideas about what the idea was... And where I get it from.  But when I focus on those vague squirmy things, they run and hide.

So all that to say I have no freaking clue what to blog about this week.

But I've finally gotten over my art block, which is fantastic because I've decided to do some paintings for some people for Christmas, and have managed two out of four!  (I started the first one way back in July to give you a hint as to how long I've been struggling, hahaha!)  The second one I managed to finish in about 3 hours, so it's nice to know I still can paint at my usual pace when I get to it.

I've been actually writing again too which is fantastic!  I discovered part of the problem was that I was writing from the wrong point of view.  Normally I completely and totally fail at first person, (which I heard most people write that the easiest... I've never been normal :D) but it's actually writing really well, so hopefully I can start making progress on it!  I just still need to iron out the kinks of what the heck goes on when and where for the rest of the story.  I know where it starts and where it goes, but I need to figure out what scenes are necessary to get it there.  But that's what drafts are for, I have to keep reminding myself over and over again.

I did post a short story I wrote a while ago on my newly created third deviant art account (I have a love hate relationship with that site for sooo many reasons I don't need to go into).  But if you'd like to read it here's the link: http://equusdraconis.deviantart.com/#/d4isb3e

It was another one of my dream turned story ideas.  Most of my stories actually started from dreams.  Just with all the weirdness taken out of it.  (I once had a dream of a ninja that had to eat pizza pockets to stay alive if he got wounded....  And one where I died when I got stabbed in the foot...)  That last one is actually the one that inspired the above short story.

Pony hurt herself again this time I'm honestly not worried about it.  I think I've finally resigned myself to the fact that it's going to be an up and down struggle for a long while so might as well stop worrying about it.  We'll get into that show ring eventually.   It probably didn't help that her boots froze that one day... and then I failed at wrapping polos a few days later and grabbed different boots.  Such is life!

In other news me and my mom are in agreement.  Daniel Craig is hot.  We just watched Cowboys and Aliens.  It was a fun movie!  I want me an alien killing cowboy.  I'm not picky or anything.

Reading!!

Okay, I've got to give a huge amount of praise to Rick Riordan.  Because his books are fantastic, if you haven't read any of them, go pick them up and read them!

I finished the Son of Neptune, the second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series, and wow!  It's been a really long time since I've literally been unable to put down a book (The Deathly Hallows was the last one).  If it wasn't for work, I would not have left my house, or eaten, or slept until I finished it.

I won't go into detail obviously, but I do give warning that if you do pick it up.... make sure you have plenty of free time.

But honestly, I think he's one of my favourite authors.  His characterization is amazing, he has just the right amount of humour at the right moments, his plots are gripping, and his writing is at the perfect level for younger readers.  Because it's simple, but still very effective.  Well young readers and me, haha!  It's right in with my style.  Enough description that you know where the characters are and what's happening, but not so overwhelming that you start thinking: get on with it!

I could probably talk all day about how awesome his books are.  I highly recommend all of them, but definitely start with the Percy Jackson series.  They're quick reads too, which is both good and bad.  Good because if you're like me and get really into the stories, at least you won't be laid up for a long time.  And bad because they don't last nearly long enough.

Personally I prefer his writing to Rowling's.  She is a fantastic author, but I find Riordan's work a bit more... what's the word... polished?  Not quite... But I found, especially in the 4th harry potter book onward, there was a lot of unnecessary scenes that dragged the story on, while with Riordan's book, every scene helps propel the story.  Or gives the reader a needed moment of laughter after a series of high energy, nerve tingling action!

Now I've got to find me something else to read... or try to hold out till Christmas to get some books I know are coming! I don't read often, mainly because I'm super picky about what books I will read.  They have to be well written, with a gripping plot, and most importantly, well fleshed out characters.  Cause in my opinion, nothing kills a story faster than unrealistic characters that you can't relate to.  Or just super whiny ones that can't live without their boyfriends.

Anywho, going back to my semi-conscious state of zoning out!

Snow!

So, with the very significant snowfall on Wednesday, I became very giddy!  Started signing Christmas carols, made a snowman, totally fun!  And I realized why it is I love snow so much.  It brightens everything up and makes the shorter days more bearable.  There's a glow around everything and suddenly the night time is quite fun!

Sadly it left because we're back to the unusually warm temperatures, but I am excited for it to come back again!  It makes me excited for Christmas.

Which I've got to get my hands on some decorations, because I've got my own place to decorate now!  So exciting!

In other news I actually managed to write again!  What was really fantastic was that it was finally exciting for the first time in months.  It was a scene I had in my head for quite a while now.  I'd post it but I'm completely paranoid about people stealing ideas, so it's staying locked up until it gets printed!

Sadly though I've gotten completely out of the habit of writing.  I'm not blocked anymore I just don't actually turn on my laptop to do it.  So I'm going to do some today while I'm doing laundry!  I've got to get cracking, I've got a three part series (about 6-10 books), a ninja story, a superhero story, and I keep getting more ideas!

I've also been riding my pony again!  It's been awesome, though I think we'd both like to do more than walking.  But I'm taking it as slow and steady as I can to make sure her leg holds up!  But at least now we're progressing in the right direction.

Shiny

I got to accompany some awesome people to the OADG Banquet this weekend!  (It's for Dressage competitions in the ottawa area, people win awards, it's cool).  It was a lot of fun and inspiring in a pretty big way.  Not only because I got to eye up some of the trophies I could win next year, but the guest speaker had a lot of really interesting stories.

It was Bob Henselwood (Jill Henselwood's ex... if you still don't understand, think team silver medalist from Beijing in Show jumping... if you still don't I can't help ya :P)  Anyhow, what was really nice to hear was his story about how his stables, Juniper Farms, all got started because of a horse he bought for $350, and brought her up to Grand Prix.

It really hit home for me, because recently I've had more exposure to how some Grand Prix riders came to be where they are.  Two out of three of those, bascially had it handed to them.... Not really inspiring, more like extremely frustrating from someone in my position (which is very similar to so many others), who has to work and pay their own way.  I'm very grateful to any and all help I get from my parents, but they can't buy me a $500,000 horse, and I wouldn't ask them too.

I feel like I've gotten a bit of track.  But let's just say I've had a fair number of people tell me that the only way to make it to the top is to have money, and lots of it.  Have the right coach at the high end stable with the high end warmblood horses.  (And one went so far to say my horse was good for nothing).

What urks me the most about this (well what urks me the most is people talking bad about my horse, but moving on) is the fact that these people are supposed to be helping the young, aspiring riders make it.  So that the sport can improve and continue to grow instead of stagnate.  But so many of them turn down their noses at the horses that aren't "well bred", or fancy, or came from a backyard.

And it was such a huge relief and really incredible to hear stories from this successful person, who took those horses people said were good for nothing, and made something absolutely great.  Because they saw the diamond in the rough.  They saw quality where other people would and do completely dismiss it.

I know my horse is awesome.  I don't know anything of her background, other than that she was bought at auction and where she got most of her training.  But I don't know her breeding and I don't care.  I just wish I knew her birthday so I could spoil her extra.  But what I do know about her is that she's smart, she's talented, she's athletic, and most importantly she has heart!  If I ask her to do something, she will try SO hard to make it happen!  And THAT to me, is what really makes a great horse.  Not that it's great grandsire is some super fantastic jumper or dressage horse.... Not that breeding isn't important.  But there are some fantastically bred horses that can't do the higher levels.  And not every horse needs to.

I'm not saying I've found a grand prix diamond in the rough.  But I do know that my little girl will take me as far as she is able.  I don't know where that is yet, and her recent injury(ies) will be a factor.  Still some unknowns floating around.  But it gave me a lot of hope, because I do have some pretty big goals.  I'm not as sure on them as I used to be, but that's not because I didn't think I'd be able to.  In fact I know more on how I can make it.  I'm just not sure it's the lifestyle I want (I'm a home body, I like to be close to family).

Though admitedly, being THAT close to that silver medal made me really want one all over again... But in gold...

I think what I really want more than anything though is to be a positive influence in the world.  Because there are a lot of things happening within the ottawa area for sure, probably other areas as well that just really bugs me.  Like how it's becoming harder for the little guys and the underdogs to go out there and compete.  And I think a lot of the big guns are forgetting who it is that keeps the sport fresh and alive.  I just want to be able to lower the financial bar and give people the stepping stones they need to achieve whatever goal they have.

Freedom

It's high time I admitted something that has taken me almost two years to admit.  I've admitted it to myself, but I feel the need to admit it in a more public manner.

There was a time, that I was a part of a group of what I used to call friends.  We had met online, all enjoyed writting, and spent quite a bit of time sharing stories and chatting.  I gained a lot of wonderful things (and a really awesome friend whose always been there for me).  But, through a series of events that would take too much time to get into, it became an unhealthy environment.  To the point that it was mentally abusive.

As much as part of me hates admitting it, I very much struggle to stand my ground.  Struggle to stand up for myself, and walk away from situations that are bad for me.  I was mistreated, my friend was mistreated.  It even got to the point where I was ostrisized, and then critized for finally walking away.  And instead of admitting how deeply I had been hurt, I covered it up.

But I've learned (a few times over) that wounds left untreated fester, and eventually get infected.

I struggle to trust.  I've always been slow to open up (even to my own family) but now it's that much harder.  It's terrifying for me to open up and tell people what's really going on, because I've had it thrown in my face and trodden on.

I've been trying to move past it, to forget about it.  But I've been carrying it with me because I refused to admit what it was that really happened...  I had people I counted and trusted as friends, completely betray me and treat me wrongly.

Now, I'm not trying to turn this into a sob story.  Because all that isn't what's important.  What is, is the most wonderful feeling that overcame me while all this was being figured out.

I've talked about my writting block many times on here, because it's really distressing to an aspiring author to not be able to write.  It kind of hinders things.  But, I have realized that, yes I understood the feelings that were blocking me, but I hadn't fully understood where those feelings came from.

My anxieties that I've always had were magnified by those people with whome I shared my stories.  They over critizized them, and through my stories and characters, attacked me.

But... Something really, really wonderful happened when I finally figured it out.  I felt like I could finally, truly let it go.  Yes it was awful, yes it left its scars.... But by admitting that it did in fact hurt me, I could finally move past those awful feelings and let them go.

For the first time in a really long time, I felt free.  I felt like laughing and crying at the same time.  I prayed more earnestly and sincerely than I have in months, thanking Him for helping me through this.  And for having the patience to wait for me to figure out what He's been trying to tell me (Like I said, it happened quite a while ago).  I also thanked Him for everything that has been happening because I've learnt a lot about myself.  I know my weaknesses, I know my strengths (though sometimes I don't admit them and doubt them), and I know what I can do to improve.

So, now's the time to actually freaking write something!

I finally watched the second part of the Deathly Hallows tonight...  I feel kind of silly saying this.  But I really hope, and really want to write something that can have as much impact as Harry Potter did.  It is sad that it's over.  That there's no more to look forward too (from that series).  And I know that there's plenty of other good books... But nothing quite like those ones.

What can I say?  I've always aimed high.

To Be Human

Every have a week, where eveything is going fantastically for the first half, and then WHAM! It's like you hit a brick wall and everything crumbles. Sometimes you run into it repeatedly, over the course of months.

This past week was one of those weeks. Mon-Wed were awesome! Work went great, I was finally feeling speedy again, riding was super fun... Then the storm hit. 90km/hr wind, rain, lightening, the works. Me did not sleep and then of course I became a zombie. Then after a series of mishaps and such, I've a nice shaped, barely visible bruise and a taped up thumb.

For most of saturday I was still laughing at the whole thing. I tend to be more on the positive side of things, but I think it was partly due to sleep deprivation that I was still recovering from. Cause that evening as I was attempting to wrap Belle. My optimism unravelled along with her stable wraps.

It wasn't pretty. There may have been yelling.

Which perhaps explains why today, despite the fact that I know better, I did not go to church. I've felt a little overwhelmed at times this summer. It's been a consistently vicious cycle of extremely awesome moments followed by downright catastrophic ones! (Aright, catastrophic is slighty exaggerating it, but it's close enough). I think it's me going: I need a freaking day off!

Though it does make me feel bad because I love going to church. It always cheers me up, makes me feel stronger, and reminds me of what good I have in my life. Yet for the past few weeks (months) it's been a struggle each and every week. And more often than not lately I choose not to go. Sometimes for good reasons, but more often it seems, it's simply because I don't want too.

My mom though is always there to remind myself that hey, I'm perfectly normal! (Which is someimes disappointing, but is very comforting when I'm struggling). It is overwhelming to move out, with added expenses and having to be in charge, but hugely worth it. It's also tiring to work 6 days a week, but I wouldn't change that! I'm never bored and doing what I love!! (Okay, sometimes I zone out filling buckets, but most of the time I'm having a ball)

But really, right now I'm finding it hard to look forward too, and plan the next few months. Am I going to have a horse to show next summer? I'm hoping, but I really don't know. (And I hate not knowing). I also don't know when (some days if) Belle's going to get better. But I also refuse to give up, which is why I'm still going to acuire dressage tack (more saddle pads yay!) and hope for the best.

Even if it's sometimes really, really hard to be hopeful.

And really, I think the main issue with Church at the moment is that I'm struggling between faith nd anger towards God. Part of me knows every single thing that has happened is for my good (and a lot of it really has been awesome!) But the other part can't help but wonder why. Why so long? When can I ride my horse again? Why is this happening? When will things go right?

But I try to remind myself of what has gone right. I moved out, my coach being awesome and letting me not only ride, but show one of her horses! And work off Belle's board. Then I got provided with awesome job #2, with great people to work with and even more wonderful riding opportunities that are making me a much stronger rider!

And this whole summer has reminded me how stubborn I am. Cause I refuse to give up. Haven't yet, not about to start now. I am stronger, and will be even more so. And I'm sure by the end of all this I'll admit He was right, and thank Him for it. (Hopefully before the end).

In the meantime, I'll just keep vetwrapping my finger and daydream about winning competitions with my horse. (We totally make Grand Prix in my mind )

Figuring Things Out

So, I've been attempting (using the word loosely) to write a fantasy series of novels for almost two years. "Attempting" because there has been stretches of months where I literally have not touched it.

It's rather frustrating, because for years and years I've been hoping an idea would spring into my head that had enough substance to make a series. I now have the idea for three different series, that tie together, plus a few others that aren't connected.... Yet there has been no progress past outlining, more outlining, and simply just whining.

I'd try, but I'd get a most four or five sentences out and it'd whither and die. At first I thought I was being too perfectionistic, trying to get it right the first time. But I realized it's a bit more than that (Cause that's definitely part of it) it's fear. Fear has been holding me back.

What's so scary about writing? Nothing, but I'm scared of getting it wrong. Not capturing the story and the characters well enough, scared it's too boring, scared the story isn't paced right, scared my grammar is too rusty for me to form proper sentence structure.

So all this fear turned into glue that clogged my creative channels and gave me nothing to work with. I had no flow and without any flow, I can't write.

Which is partly why I've never followed through with the idea of taking an online english course to brush up, I may still do that, but once I have a first draft that's ready for editing.

There are days I definitely wish I could turn off my brain, just the fear and doubt side that's oh so irritating. But I guess I'll just have to tough it out as per usual.

But hopefully now that I've actually figured out the root of the problem I'll be able to actually write these stories.... Because I keep getting more ideas and will be writing for the rest of my life! Not that I'm complaining. :)

If You Insist

I had a very interesting experience today. I was preparing myself for the day and making a general to do list to get through (hopefully) within this next week. Then quite clearly, I got the impression I should go to the tack store. That made me stop and really think on it. I was like: Really? But it's the sabbath, I try not to buy anything on the sabbath!

But quite clearly I felt like it was what I needed to do, that I'd receive some much needed guidance. So after loading my car with my laundry and computer, I was on my way! I did stop at the tack store, feeling a bit jittery since I really don't do actual shopping on the sabbath (not that I haven't had days that I haven't bought something, cause it does happen sometimes...) But I didn't end up buying anything. Just read some things that reminded me of what I already know and can do, and it was what I needed.

I also saw that show breeches are %50 off! Though I'd already received a tip on that.

It was nice, I hadn't received direction that clear in a long, long while.

Time to Open the Door

Pretty much all summer long there's been this constant knocking in my head. I'd listen to it, see what it had to say, but then shy away from it again.

So, it'd knock harder. Become more insistent. I'd start paying more attention to it, and really actually contemplate the path it'd lead me down. But still, there was some hesitation. It can be hard to leave what you know is comfortable.

But then I got to have a taste of what lies ahead. It's fun, it's really fun. I enjoyed myself thoroughly and the more I experience of it the more I want it.

I guess sometimes it's hard to leave something behind, when for so long it's what I thought I wanted. I did want it, or so very badly. But I know there's a plan out there for me, and if I follow it, it will lead me to happiness.

Just got to save up for some new shiny black tack...

Video Games Eat My Life

It's a phenomenon that is guaranteed to happen whenever I play a new game. I learned these past two weeks, it also happens when I play I game I haven't played in years.

Ah Final Fantasy, how I have missed you. Though I sadly realized that a week and a half is a little fast to get through 30+hours of game play... Ah yes, how I obsessively play those games.

But I can't help it! The tickle my imagination like only dreams can do for me. They get me thinking, pondering, and poof! New ideas form in my mind and I just want to create! Whether it's drawing, writing, whatever. Which then made me wonder, is that why I've been struggling so much with writing lately? I just haven't had any new energy coming in for quite a while.

Which gave me a crazy idea.

Once upon a time when I had mono and was bored out of my mind, I wrote a fan fiction (basically a story involving other people's characters from games, movies, etc., a great way to waste time lol!) I usually avoid any old stories I've written, because I know they all need serious overhauls in the editing department. But lately, I've been getting a ton of ideas for stories, but the writing aspect is lacking. So I thought, if I edit this story, and basically completely rewrite it (Which it needs), it just might get my juices flowing again.

I'll just laugh/cry as I re-read it. I've already re-read a few chapters and gosh it's awful LOL! But I did write it almost 5 years ago, and never edited it. Besides, I'm still happy that I completely that 50 chapter story. :)

Just Ride

So wednesday I had a really great lesson. It definitely didn't start out that way. I was frustrated, and really I have been frustrated for a while, just wasn't really admitting it to myself. But I finally got to talking about it with my awesome coach, and realized that I just haven't been feeling like jumping cause it was and still is really disappointing that I didn't get a chance to get into the Jumpers with Belle.

I think sometimes I feel like I have to be positive all the time. But I think I fall into the trap of denying how I'm actually feeling, and then it nags at me and decides to pop up in ways like me just not riding like I usually do. So I wasn't doing myself any favours. Sure I am genuinely looking forward to training Belle up some higher levels in Dressage, but I just needed to admit that it really, really, really sucked not being able to do the jumpers with her.

All that hard work and we were so, so close and it all fell through. We definitely would've made an awesome team, and who knows, maybe one day we will make it together!

All that to say though, once I admitted it, talked about it a little, I could finally get back to riding, really riding! And hey, jumping was fun all over again! A course of jumps? Easy peasy! When just a few minutes earlier I couldn't go from jump a to jump b in a line. My coach reminded me that sometimes you just have to let go and ride.

Did I ever mention I much riding helps with everything else in life?

There have been lots of positive from this experience though. I can wrap really, really well now, I feel a lot more confident riding different horses, and have become an even stronger rider! And hey, I get to show off how gorgeous and awesome my horse is in dressage.

Storms and Kitty Cats and Things Since Then

There are times I most definitely miss having internet. Like when I think of things I want to blog about, but can't actually post it. But that's okay, that's what Microsoft word is for. Plus, I've learned that my phone is capable of doing many awesome things! It just makes my thumbs cramp if I type to long. But that's okay, at least I can still keep in touch with friends.

I wanted to post something I'd written ages ago, but it was doing some funky things when I tried to post it, so I may just have to summarize it. I'd moved my cats in the middle of July, and boy were they not happy about that. Thor kept running to the basement and Odin refused to leave the safety of behind my mom's bed. But eventually, with much turmoil, they were loaded up and we ventured off.

Thankfully they didn't meow the whole way, but definitely most of it.

Odin went to hide beside the toilet as soon as we arrived and Thor refused to leave the crate. So, after making sure they had food and water I went off to a fun housewarming/birthday/barbecue party!

Though, that's when the thunderstorm rolled in. And of course it wasn't one of those short lasting, barely noticeable ones. Nope, it was the black sky, torrential downpour and massive lightning strikes kind.

I was sure my cats were thinking: "I so hate you right now mom."

But, they came to cuddle as soon as I was settled into bed, so it wasn't all that bad!

Since then they've settled in quite nicely. They meow at me again in the mornings, telling me to hurry up and feed them. They cuddle with me during movies (but only the last ten minutes and then refuse to leave when I want to get up and change dvds), and spend lots of time either fighting with each other or watching the world go by. Odin loves the horses! He's fascinated by them! He'll stayed glued to the window as he watches them in the fields or being ridden. It's adorable! Thor likes the cows... It now makes sense why I always get along better with Odin.

I love having them around though. I have my boys to come home too, and they both sleep with me on my bed. It's cozy.

There were a few ups and downs last month, but I learned that all my needs are being provided for. Life really is good, and it's been a wonderful opportunity to learn more about myself, and make better decisions because of that.

I've been getting back into painting too, and I'm thinking of starting a mini-business for portraits. Mainly of horses for now, since they're my strong point (big surprise there, huh?) But I'll post a link here when I have the website set up.

Well that's all for now!
~Leah

Welcome to Me

Well, I took the plunge (more officially) I've created a blog. I've attempted a few times before, but nothing serious. But it's been on my mind so I figured, why not? Might take me a while to get into it fully, since I don't actually have internet at my place. But I'm taking full advantage of the fact that my parent's still do.

So, what will I blog about? Probably whatever's on my mind. There are things in life that are fascinating, and struggles that I probably should write down so I remember them later. I've always typed faster than I wrote, and so can get my thoughts down easier.

Life's at an interesting point for me, so I figured I'd record what happens and how I went through it.

So what is going on in my life at the moment? I've just moved out, started selling Avon in hopes of being able to actually afford things without the help of my parents, still searching for another job in the meantime (gotta love a mother's advice!), taking care of my injured horse, and attempting to complete the many novels swimming around in my brain.

So despite the fact that it sometimes is a pain not having internet, I've been given a chance to actually do something useful. Though unfortunately I re watched Fullmetal Alchemist and season 1 of Inuyasha instead. But hey, at least I'm improving on my cooking and cleaning. I even did my own substitute to a recipe for the first time ever! Which resulted in some yummy pancakes.

Still have boxes all over the place, but at least now they're mostly empty as things are starting to finally be organized. It's just a matter of time before everything falls into place. In the meantime, I'm eternally grateful for the lovingly supportive friends family that I have. They keep me on my feet.

Welp, that's all for now!