Wanted: Artistic Talent

Still Life
September 2011

Let's get something straight right from the start. I have not posted this picture because I think it represents any degree of decent or even marginal art. For me, this blog is an online journal, so I like to capture things I've done, whether good, bad, wretched and everything in between.


This is the finished product from my first of two drawing classes. We started the still life last weekend. I had to complete it from memory as I hadn't taken a picture of it in class. DH found a persimmon picture on the Web so I knew what one looked like. In case you are wondering, the persimmon is the squat, nearly unidentifiable fruit on the far right, next to the gourd that DH says looks like an eggplant. He could be right! 


Today we drew sketches of landscapes and a portrait. I managed to limp through the landscape unscathed, but when it came to the portrait, the proverbial artistic wheels came off. 


The instructor had selected a lovely picture of Jackie Kennedy (a beautiful head shot) for us to sketch. After struggling for what seemed like forever, I produced what looks more like some alien creature than Jackie. OMG, the poor woman is turning over in her grave at what I drew. It was absolutely horrid, in every way. In fact, I refused to post it because anyone reading this would probably die from laughter and I don't want to be sued for "Death by hysterics." 


All right, a portrait artist I am not and I have no desire to be one. My friend, Mary, who is in the class, and I agreed that we want to get to the painting class so we can stop drawing; in fact, drawing was merely a means to an end (starting the two session oil painting class). Thank goodness for me that we'll be working on still life in the painting class! 


Onward in art land, humbled and with apologies to Jackie O, one of my idols, along with Audrey Hepburn. 

Grape Expectations

I made this quilt for our contractor and his wife, who completed the extensive outdoor project to extend our living space by some 1,000 square feet in the front of our home and making the space in our back yard much more usable.


In our development, every home has a mini-vineyard, so I wanted to make something that would reflect that element of our environment.


This beautiful grape-theme batik fabric really made this design pop. You will have to click on the photo to see the grape motif, but it is just magnificent in design and colors. Rich, lush and stunning. 


Rick and his wife, Deanne, were very grateful for the gift.It is always so much more fun making quilts for other people than for oneself.


After promising I would never make another Thimbleberries quilt, I am now tackling a Christmas quilt. After cutting out 600 pieces, I realized that was only about 30% of the total pieces required for the top! Yes, there are hundreds of very small pieces! I'm doubtful that it will be completed this Christmas, but there is always next year. 


Onward in quilt land! 

The "Perspiring" Artist

Pitcher sketch
September 2011

This picture is the first thing I've drawn in a class since I was in summer school, between my freshman and sophomore years in high school. I was too math-phobic to take a required math class, so I opted for an art class. I can't even remember what we drew, but I do recall it was some sort of still life.


Imagine me breaking out in a cold sweat when my friend Mary and I attended the first of two beginner art classes, in anticipation of taking an oil painting class. Mary figured we'd likely need to draw something to paint. Isn't that just like a lawyer (which she is) to think so analytically? 


While my sketch resembles a pitcher of some shape, it hardly reflects the object we were supposed to draw. Fortunately, there are other students in the class with the same general lack of innate artistic talent as I possess. On the other hand, there are others who can genuinely call themselves "artists." 


The class was fun and the instructor is excellent. I enjoyed the relaxation factor of the class; seems like no one is taking themselves too seriously. Mary and I sit next to each other and giggle over our respective efforts, so that makes things quite humorous and entertaining. 


I tried finishing up our other drawing (a still life with three elements) and ended up with a dismay outcome. My persimmon looks like a cow patty and the gourd, as DH pointed out, looks like an eggplant. Now I know where the expression, "Back to the drawing board!" originates.


Onward with pencil and sketch pad in hand. 

Of Halloween, Horse Shows and Half-Chaps

Halloween Quilt
Completed September 2011

Close Up of One of the Blocks

I had never made a quilt from charm squares (5" pre-cut squares) so I went searching for some to make our Halloween quilt. I was glad to find a Halloween theme Moda Charm Pack on e-Bay, at a pretty good price. Then, of course, I had to find a pattern which wasn't too difficult. 


When I received the fabric, I wasn't sure I liked the squares. I did alter the pattern to accommodate the directional squares and didn't rotate some of the squares as the original pattern suggested. But I now love the high contrast and entire look of the top. 


I hadn't made a pieced border before, so it was fun to make one. It took some real planning to make sure I had enough variety in the rectangles. I'm pleased with the way the border turned out. Off to the long arm quilter tomorrow. 


Now for things horse-related. I didn't think at the advanced age of - er, well let's just leave it at "over 60" - that I would be in a horse show. In fact, if you asked me two months ago, I would have said "Never!" But leave it to our instructor, Kelly, to ask Mary (my riding buddy) and me to participate in the schooling show at the Knicker Knob Stable in October. I have no idea what one does in a horse show like this, never having been in one. I do know that it involves judges watching you and providing feedback. "Oh, great!" My very favorite thing. I'm sure I will like receiving judges' comments as much as I do in ice skating. But, Mary and I are committed to supporting "The Knob" (as we call the stable) and so we agreed to just "man up" and do it. 


Being in a horse show means you've got to look good, right? So, I went online and found some half-chaps that, of course, I absolutely must have. They were only $29.00, so I'm sure they are not going to be great, but I am hoping they will help with the raw spot that I have on the inside of my right knee from riding. Kelly suggested I get these as "That's what English riders wear" so I took her advice, always wanting to look appropriate while riding. Between my outfit and the horse, maybe the judges won't look at my riding acumen! 


Life has been up-and-down for us the last month and we are now adjusting to a "new normal" as the result of a very unexpected health condition that DH was just diagnosed with. But, we are trying to get back to some degree of normalcy and predictability, as much as possible, that is. We had a great appointment with an expert at Stanford Medical Center and came home feeling more optimist and positive than we did before going there.


Onward through life we go. 

Gratitude at Its Purest, Most Simple Form

As some of you know, our next door neighbor's youngest son, Michael, died in a terrible drowning accident about three months ago. This was a tragedy of such magnitude that it was hard to even comprehend that such a thing could happen. Two months after Michael's death, the family - including their remaining son, Gregory - went to Greece to visit their family.  


During that time, I made a Spiderman quilt for Gregory. I really wanted to make something that would be just for him and might bring him a little joy. 


The family recently returned home, so I had the opportunity to give the quilt to Gregory. As I was in bed with a wretched migraine, he brought this thank you note (see picture) over and asked DH to give it to me. 


I cried when I read it. What an example of sweet gratitude expressed in a simple, touching way. I particularly love the "Have no fear!!! Spiderman is here!!!" part. 


Sometimes when you make a quilt, something remarkable comes back to you. For me, this is what occurred with the Spiderman quilt. The design wasn't anything complicated, but it was fun and apparently perfect for a Spiderman-loving 6-year old. I hope this quilt brings Gregory and his family some comfort and peace.


Onward in life, as difficult and tragic as it can be at times. 

At the Fair

Here are some pictures of Traveling Shoes, the clogging team I dance with, at the Nevada County Fair when we performed there on Saturday, August 13. 

What a spectacular venue for dancing. The fairgrounds are beautiful. The fair activities were abundant. My friend, Mary, was the perfect "Clogging Mom" - she carried the easel/poster and even put rhinestones on our skirts, at the last minute. 

Our performance was great fun and I enjoyed being there with the 

other team members. The audience enjoyed our dancing, which is what it's really all about. 

Even my college roommate who lives in Nevada City watched us. She and a friend were at the Homeward Bound Golden Retriever booth, as they are actively involved in that organization. It was great to see her at the event. 

After our performance, Mary and I spent the remainder of the day at the fair. We watched a fabulous exhibition (including some jumping) by the Gold Mines Pony Club, a program with dogs herding sheep (being a human Mom to a Collie, this was very interesting; this is what our DeeDee was born to do; too bad we can't keep sheep at home!), ate a huge frosty ice cream cone, went for a ferris wheel ride and listened to blues music. It was a really enjoyable day. 

Here is a short video of me as the announcer for Traveling Shoes. Note to self: need a voice coach to get rid of that Minnie Mouse voice. 

Back to clogging class the first week in September. I'm looking forward to learning some new steps and dances.


Clogging onward! 

Magical Mornings

There is something very special about early mornings at the rink that reminds me just how much I enjoy skating. Yesterday was just such an experience. I'd like to write that I had some extraordinary skating break-through. Not so. In fact, it was the ordinary nature of the day that was special. 


I'm a 'ritual' person and they don't get much better than waking up when it's still dark, grabbing a cup of coffee, getting ready, pouring another 'cuppa' for the drive to the rink and arriving well before the madness, chaos and commercialism of the place truly begins.


I am working on Silver Moves in the Field, which means nothing to non-skaters, I know. Forgive me. Now I've been working on these for two years, but really not in earnest. I decided that I really need to improve my edges so my free dancing is better. After all, in skating, everything begins - and ends - with moves. Yesterday it was primarily the first set of required three turns. OMG, these are hard, but Coach J was pleased that I could do them in both directions with what she referred as to "comfort." She clearly didn't hear my heart nearly leaping out of my chest. But, Coach was holding my hand, too. No way am I able to do these on my own yet. I have strict orders from her that I am not allowed to practice these alone, but I did sneak in a couple of turns when she wasn't looking. 


Moves, as an activity, is about the precision of this sport. There is no fudging them, like in free skating. You either do them correctly or you are likely "arse" down on the ice. That's why I enjoy them so much; the structure, the intellectual challenge, the need for exactness, the sound of the blade cutting into the ice all appeal to me. There isn't the need for speed (at least for the three turns) so it's a great activity for us "adult onset skaters"(as my best skating buddy Janet refers to those of us who took up this sport later in life). Speaking of Ms. J, every time I work on Silver Moves I think of her testing these so perfectly and Coach J being so proud of her, as was I. Her test inspires me to continue working on these.


Then it was on to Free Dance 6. This tango program is so cool! Coach Chris is doing a fantastic job of putting the program together. He keeps assuring me I will be able to test it before year end. Given that only about 30 seconds of the required 2 minutes 30 seconds is done at this point, that seems a stretch, but I trust him. The opening elements are just fantastic; very sexy and fun for a "mature" lady to do. I have that inner self screaming to release another side of me. When I work on this program I am completely absorbed in the elements. There isn't time to think, "What would happen if . . ." - there is only trying to be that tango dancer that Coach C claims I'm supposed to emulate. 


Finally, the dreaded Ten Fox. Two pretty good patterns in "attack" mode. Then the wheels came off when I balked at the outside Mohawk. "Oh darn!" as Coach J says when I botch something in a lesson. I have got to get out of my head when I do this dance!


Had some quality time to chat with J about various topics. Another treat of being at the rink early! 


All-in-all, a good day at the rink. 


Skating onward. 

Back in the Saddle - English that is - again.

I hadn't been in an English saddle since I was 9. That's a very long time, in case you are wondering. A very, very, very long time. 


As my goal is to ultimately do dressage, I made the decision on my way to the stable Monday that I would try riding English. Kelly, my riding instructor, was very supportive of my idea.


Forgetting just how many parts there are to an English saddle, I was a little intimidated when I was tacking up Jessie. Once in the arena, I recalled how comfortable riding English is and decided that I will ride this way from now on. We didn't do much on Monday, which was good because this hip injury I sustained was still problematic. We mostly walked, with me just getting the feel of the saddle again.


Kelly gave me many tips and some of them came back just like I had never been away from English riding. Had a great time and was pleased that I had no pain on Tuesday morning. Was wondering if this could be due to the shift from Western to English. That quickly changed after clogging practice on Tuesday. The repetitive movement of clogging is not good for this hip. 


One of the horses at the stable, GQ, has a terrible allergy to flies. He had fly larvae in his eyes and on his nose. This condition was giving him tremendous problems. I watched Kelly, who is the stable's resident "para-vet," remove them, flush the wounds with wormer and apply other medicines. She was amazing. GQ was such a brave boy when Kelly was doing all of this. Most horses would have flipped themselves over, but GQ stood there, pulling his head away occasionally, but for the most part, letting her take care of him. 


I love GQ. He was abused by not only his first owner, but also by a second. He is a lesson horse. I am going to ask Kelly if I can start riding GQ. He is a very sweet horse. I feel so sorry for him, but he has a very good home at the Knicker Knob Stable.


Onward, back in the English saddle again! 

Cantering like Crazy

Jessie and me after cantering

I'd like to brag that I can canter like the young woman in this YouTube video - http://youtu.be/gOxrlfthclM - but today, I did spend the better part of my lesson in the canter, a gait between a trot and a gallop.


I was back riding Jessie today. What a wonderful horse! He is so responsive that it takes little to no effort to put him into a canter. 


The four or five times we managed the gait properly, I was letting out shrieks for having accomplished this. My friend, Mary, who also takes lessons on Monday, thought I was screaming because I was terrified I was going to fall off. Not so. It was a wonderful gait to ride and I was having the time of my life. These were shrieks of joy!


If you want to see someone cantering who knows what they are doing, check out the video. "It's a beautiful thing," as the expression goes.


Onward in a canter. 

Back to my skating 'roots'

Coach Chris and me
Opening pose for FD5 program
December 2010

I've been skating for a fairly long while now. I started because I dreamed of being an ice dancer. My journey has taken me in many skating directions - ice dancing, pairs, freestyle, synchro, and free dance. What a range of disciplines in this sport!

Sometimes I need to be away from something to realize how much it means to me. That's how it has been for me with ice dancing. It fell off my skating radar screen, while I concentrated on doing Free Dance (which is a form of ice dancing) and Free Style skating.

After working on the European and American Waltz dances recently, I realized that there is nothing that trumps traditional ice dancing for me. I know that my pathway has been circular; I'm back to why I started skating. It feels absolutely spectacular to be in the arms of a partner (who knows what he is doing!) and dance. Yes, the waltzes have had a profound effect on me and my choice to stick with dancing exclusively for the rest of my skating 'career.' But, there are other dances, like the Paso Doble, which are at the opposite end of the dancing spectrum from a waltz, that feel as great - but different - than a waltz. So I know it's not just a 'waltz high' that lead me to this decision.

I still want to test as high as I am able in Free Dance because I love the combination of ice dancing and free style elements that make up a Free Dance program. The Tango music we are using for FD6 is fantastic and so sexy to dance to. I love the Argentine Tango dance pattern that's a requirement for this level. 

It feels so good to truly look forward to skating again, to be excited about going to the rink, to know that there's an attainable goal. Mostly, it just feels 'fantabulous' to make the dream I had so many years ago front-and-center again. 

Onward, ice dancing my way through life. 

"Lord, Give Me Wisdom, Strength and Appreciation"

I am relying on God's wisdom to help us through a difficult time. 


Our next door neighbor's 3-year old son drowned in the family swimming pool three weeks ago. Going to the burial and service required every ounce of courage we had. We didn't know what to say to these grieving, devastated parents. Knowing we can no longer look out the window and see little Michael playing in the driveway ever again has been nearly impossible to comprehend. We are trying to find the 'right' way to memorialize Michael, but it is hard to know what to do.


When I feel like life has gotten away from me or things happen that I do not understand - like my friend, Susan, losing her 13-year old daughter to cancer and Michael being lost in a drowning accident - I turn to quilting. This activity requires me to focus and gives me time for reflection. I can create something that may provide some comfort, no matter how small, to people who need it now. I am making a Spiderman quilt for Gregory, our neighbor's remaining son, who is 6, and a lovely batik quilt for Michael's parents.


I feel especially appreciative of my own family and friends right now. When faced with the reality that life can change forever in a matter of minutes, I want to put my proverbial "wagons in a circle." I want to be close to home and make sure that everything is as it should be. 


With our major exterior construction project, house painting, and other things going on, it's been hard to find quality quiet time with our doggies. Our latest rescue, Boris, a 4-year old Samoyed (pictured here) has helped bring joy into our lives every day. He has an abundance of sparkle and is so much fun to be around. DH walks Boris in the morning and really enjoys his time with him. These little things are helping us soldier through a painful time. 


I went skating today mostly to see my best skating buddy and dear friend, Janet, and to get some exercise. I needed to stretch my legs and feel the cold of the rink as I took a breath. Everything felt so clean there. I didn't have a lesson, just skated by myself. I had a pleasurable time; it felt good to feel something positive today. 


I have more appreciation than I could ever express for DH. He continues to astound and amaze me at the depth of his sensitivity, compassion, and extraordinary strength, even during this most profoundly sad time. At Michael's burial, he offered to stay to make certain that everything was done properly. While Michael's father said it wasn't necessary, I was so proud of DH for offering; it was such a reflection of the immense heart he has. 


In closing, "Thank you, God, for the blessings you have bestowed upon me, for which I am grateful beyond expression. Give me the wisdom, please, to know how to bring some solace to Michael's parents. Help me never let a day go by when I don't show DH the appreciation he deserves for saving this little bird with a broken wing and making a life with her that she never imagined could be."


Onward with Your Grace. 

Coco Jambo

In class this week, we learned a dance that I am so hoping we are going to add to the repertoire for Traveling Shoes, our performance clogging team. When doing this dance, you cannot feel anything but happy, happy, happy. I love the Caribbean rhythm. The steps are cute, different and fit the music perfectly. Give this song a listen (clink on the link below) and you'll be guaranteed a happy day! 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY-oMCmrvPM&feature=related


This week, I made a sales call for Traveling Shoes by dropping in to the Loomis (CA) Chamber of Commerce office. I asked how we could be considered for entertainment at the annual Eggplant Festival, which is being held in Loomis this year on October 1. I was given the contact information I needed. Also learned about Community Day on June 12 in Loomis. My task for next week is to follow-up on these leads. There are many events that are 'ripe for the picking' for our team, I believe. 


We are also being considered for an invitational golf tournament at Lake of the Pines on June 28. There would be about 100 women in attendance. Would be really fun to perform there. While we are not a "shoe-in" (no pun intended), I think we've got a good shot at being selected. 


I'm going to a clogging class in Sacramento next week with a woman I met in clogging class. She is a delight and dances with AfterShock, a performance clogging team based in Sacramento. Judy invited me to tag along with her and two other ladies to go to their class on Thursday night. Looking forward to seeing the teaching style of other clogging instructors. I love my instructor, Kathy Kaplan - who is awesome beyond words - but it's always good to see and hear how others many teach clogging. 


I'm having a ball with my clogging activities. So glad I took up this form of dance!


Clog on!

"Keep Your Butt on the Horse!"

 When you're young and you fall off a horse, you may break something. When you're my age, you splatter. ~Roy Rogers 


Today is my second riding lesson. My friend Mary is going to come with me and have her own lesson. Should be fun having her along; Mary's game for most anything and looks every bit an equestrian. She also grew up around horses and had to tell me about her aunt (who owned a racetrack) who had her eye kicked out by a horse. Ah, "Thanks, Mary!" I could have gone a lifetime without hearing that!


That said, whenever I go ice skating, DH always tells me, "Keep your feet on the ice, your butt off the ice, then call with a full report." Now when I am going for a riding lesson, he puts his clasped hands up to his mouth and yells (as though he is the riding instructor), "Keep your butt on the horse!" I wish I could describe this well enough in words because it is quite hysterical the way he does it.


Yesterday, we purchased a riding helmet. I got a very English-looking black, velvet-like helmet. Quite pretty, although it completely flattens my hair. It took an hour to figure out how to put the thing on and properly adjust the straps. This horse equipment is complicated! While I was there, I purchased some riding gloves (must have these, of course) with black horses on them. Very cool looking. This is all in keeping with "It's not how you ride but how you look when you ride that really matters." 


We spent some time talking with a vet who happened to be at the store giving vaccinations to dogs about the topic of falling off a horse. I asked him pointblank, "Does everybody who rides fall off?" You can imagine his response - "Yes!" And why is it the minute you start talking with someone who rides and they know you are a beginner, they immediately feel compelled to tell you about falling off the horse? Yikes, I thought I could avoid this experience. I suppose it is only a matter of time. But as Roy Rogers said (see quote above) maybe I will just splatter! 


I hope Mary decides she to continue taking riding lessons. It would be great fun to have a buddy along for the ride (no pun intended).


Before my lesson today, I must decide about Western vs. English. I'm so drawn to English and dressage, but I looked at the dressage wear yesterday at the riding supply store. The jackets start at $300.00 and go up from there. And that's just the beginning. Then there is the issue of owning a horse (so you can bond which I guess is really important for dressage) which is not going to happen. The vet told us that the best way to ride a lot is find a friend who owns a horse but doesn't ride often and wants to have it exercised. Bingo. I'm on the prowl for one of those friends.


Onward into equestrian land. I am planning on keeping my butt on the horse today!

Who Knew?

I am thrilled to report I survived my first riding lesson since I was eight years old.


I showed up on Monday, 4/11, with new black breeches and cool new riding boots. I felt every bit the rider. Tracking down Kelly, my instructor, was pretty easy as she was talking with people (adults, thank goodness!) who had the lesson before mine. 


DH insisted I bring a carrot for Buckley, the pot belly pig who is the stable's mascot. He (the pig, not the husband) appreciated the morning feast and promptly fell asleep, snout in the ground. Wish I could drop off to sleep that fast.


Kelly escorted me into the barn where there was a very handsome brown horse eating oats. Introductions ensued. "Karen, this is Jessy. He is a 22-year old Arabian who has been a lesson horse for 2 years now. He is very sweet and gentle." Me: "Hi, Jessy. You certainly are a magnificent creature. And you are going to be nice to me, right?" Jessy: No response (after all, he was eating his breakfast). Me: "Ah, you're a man of few words. I understand. I'm married to one like that."


Next stop was the tack room. Kelly started pulling out all manner of equipment. My heart was racing. I don't remember all this stuff (or what to do with it), but when I was 8, I showed up on Saturday mornings and the horse was ready to ride. Anyway, I groomed Jessy, including cleaning his feet. Interesting note: Jessy had no shoes. Kelly explained that Arabians have very good feet, so many of them don't need shoes. Makes the picking much easier too. I liked grooming him; a good bonding experience.  


Then time to put on the saddle pad. Well, that was pretty easy. The saddle was next. Who knew a saddle had so many parts (see picture above)? Not me, I rode English as a kid; the English saddle isn't nearly as complicated as a Western. My head was swimming trying to recall what was what. We finally got Jessy groomed and saddled up and went off to the arena.


I managed to mount Jessy without making a total fool of myself. Kelly stood in the center of the arena and in a very reassuring, calm voice, called out instructions to me. I seemed to understand what she was telling me to do. Jessy was very responsive. It's true that once you've been on a horse, you don't forget the feeling. The minute I swung my right leg over the saddle, it came back to me - feeling the horse breathing, the slope of the back, the warmth of his mane, the excitement of feeling like you're on top of the world. Toward the end of the lesson, Kelly suggested that we (Jessy and I) do some trotting. I didn't recall how to post, but her instruction - "Up on one, down on two" - was perfect; in no time I was posting up a storm. 


Just as we were getting ready to leave the arena, I saw the precursor (it's called an "aura) to a migraine and cursed the migraine devils for sending me one at this moment. We managed to get back to the barn and Jessy pastured again. Despite this unexpected end, the lesson was so much fun, I can hardly wait until next Monday for another lesson.


I am so very blessed to have a DH who is letting me live out my childhood fantasies. He will never know - because I will never be able to adequately communicate to him - how much this means to me. 


Onward into horse land. I've come up with an expression for my renewed interest in riding: "Go by horse or go home!"  

Saddle Up!

I thought this morning DH and I were going out to gather information about riding lessons from the two stables by our home.


About 30 minutes after we left the house, we had gone to one stable (the one where I thought I'd likely wind up taking lessons), had met Kelly, the riding instructor who works with "most of the ladies," as she phrased it, and scheduled my first riding lesson for tomorrow, which happens to be our 24th wedding anniversary. 


Of course, one cannot go riding without the proper attire. Well, of course not! Next stop was The Boot Barn in Rocklin. I have to say that a month ago I probably would never have envisioned myself shopping at this store. We found some cute riding boots at a great sale price. But wait, what about the riding breeches? Off we went to a riding supply store in our little town of Loomis. Twenty minutes later, we emerged with a very chic pair of black Kerritts (this is what Kelly was wearing, we happened to notice). They are quite cute and flatter the figure. They are NOT jodhpurs, but are more like skating pants, flared a little at the bottom so you can wear them inside or outside your boots. Alright, the wardrobe is taken care of. Check that off the list.


Kelly is as nice as can be. I explained my riding history. She asked if I felt confident around horses or was I more timid. I responded, "Well, when I was 8 I was pretty confident, but since I'm well past that now, I'd say. . .er. . .TIMID!" She seemed to understand completely. I'm sure I'm not the first mature woman who wanted to take riding lessons later in life. DH and I really liked Kelly the minute we met her (DH probably because she is young and beautiful). 


I like the stable's teaching approach. They teach you from the ground up, meaning, you get your horse from the pasture, you groom him or her, you get the horse saddled up, etc., etc. They assume that most students will some day want their own horse so they want people to learn how to do these things themselves. Smart idea. 


Tomorrow at 11:00 am I'll be at the Knicker Knob Stables in Loomis launching a new adventure in my life. All of this is complements of DH, who has given me the lessons, the boots, the breeches and the emotional support as an anniversary gift. Isn't that too sweet and amazing for words? He is the best husband in the world.


Onward we go, in keeping with my motto about most things - "It doesn't matter how you ride, it's how you look when you ride that really counts!" More to follow after tomorrow's lesson.

Another Dream Come True?

When I was about 8 years old, I decided I wanted to take riding lessons. Of course, doesn't every little girl fall in love with horses at that age? 


My wonderful mother (no girl could have asked for a better Mom) took me to the riding supply store and bought me beautiful, shiny black riding boots. I loved those boots. We could ill-afford them at the time, I'm sure, but Mother knew how much I wanted to ride. I am sure she pinched her pennies for months so I could get those boots and riding lessons. 


I can't remember when or why I stopped those lessons, but I remember - as if it were yesterday - going to the stable, the smell of the manure, the beautiful creatures with the large heads and big eyes. And I remember Opera Gloves, the name of the horse that the stable owner had. She was a spectacular horse, pitch black with white gloves. I will never forget that horse. 


Years later, I became the recipient of a 2 year-old thoroughbred called French Dish. French wasn't broken, so there was no riding involved, but I recall so well going to the stables on Skyline Blvd. in Oakland, mucking out the stall, walking French around the arena. When the relationship that brought French into my life ended, so did my relationship with the horse. I got the friends; he got the horse. 


So now - at age 63 - I am considering embarking on another journey - learning to ride again.


Why now? The line from a beautiful song from "Wicked" says, "People come into your life for a reason," and so it was yesterday. I rang up a former classmate from my doctoral program to find out if she knew the health status of another classmate of ours. After we talked about our mutual friend, the chat turned to "So, what have you been doing?" Sherrie told me she had returned to riding (now, she is a serious equestrian; she is jumping horses!) about a year ago, after becoming an empty-nester. 


We talked for some time about her riding experiences. As she spoke, my horse experiences came flooding back to me. Sherrie said, "Why don't you look into riding?" in response to my mentioning how much I love horses. I told her about my back injury from ice skating, that DH said "No horseback riding!", that Dear Doctor (DD) said, "I'd rather you skate than horseback ride," and that I didn't think that an old gal like me could learn to ride. Sherrie dismissed the entire idea and told me to check into it.


Mind you, this is all too easy. We have not one, but two stables within a mile of our home! Of course, I immediately pop on to the Web to find out about riding lessons at these stables. Imagine my surprise to learn that they are less expensive than ice skating lessons - and that includes the horse! "Whoa, Nellie!" I thought, "How can that be?" Well, "Shut my mouth!" They are far less expensive than skating lessons.


Last night, I slyly I broached the subject with DH using my typical approach; to wit, "Did you know that riding lessons are much less expensive than skating lessons?" Silence. Then I got what I call "the look." Translation: Anything that costs less than skating, gets me out of the skating environment, and gets me into something else would make DH happy. He tolerates my skating activities so well, but deep down, he'd really like me to stop skating, I know that. Add to that, that he loves horses too. I definitely got his attention.


As I write this post, I am musing about this. If I ride, I can't skate. It's a simple case of economics. While riding lessons do cost far less, one cannot do everything one wants; one must be reasonable after all. But, having said that, I am taking the first step. Tomorrow (maybe even today if I have time), I am going to both the stables by our house to check them out. This is very exciting and scary too.


Onward into equitation land. That's a horse on you - or rather, me! 

"All Shook Up"

I am having fun clogging with the members of Traveling Shoes. 


Here is a link to a number they did last year to Elvis (who else, of course?) singing "All Shook Up." Isn't this the cutest program? http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=b8nIj8Y0Yc0#at=56


Note to self: Must, must, must practice more at home!


Am attending a clogging workshop this Saturday sponsored by AfterShock, a clogging performance team in Sacramento. Met two of their members at clogging class on Tuesday. Very nice women who encouraged me to go to every clogging workshop within driving distance. They said that's what they did when they first started clogging.


Today, I go to the beginner's clogging class, then stay for part of the intermediate class. Have a medical procedure tomorrow so have to come home early to start prepping for it. Wish this event was an April Fool's trick, but not so. If it saves me from health issues down the road, it's important to do. Oddly enough, my college roommate is having the same procedure tomorrow. What are the chances of that happening? We are going to send positive energy to each other!

Embrace These Sentiments Today and Always

I posted this so I will always have a reference point when I start to stray from my core beliefs. I hope the words are helpful to you, Dear Readers.


"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget  the infinite possibilities  that are born of faith in yourself and others.  May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

Merlin Waiting at The Rainbow Bridge

One of the women on the clogging performance team I joined created this picture of Merlin at The Rainbow Bridge.


An amazing aspect of kindness is that it is often completely unexpected. This beautiful memory is an example of just that.


I have only known Linda for a very short time. Among other things, she is a fabulous clogger, but her compassion, caring and sensitivity are what I will always appreciate more than anything.


Just when you think your heart is broken beyond repair, something happens that helps you know that you will go on, that life will get better and that people genuinely care. Through Merlin's passing, we have been reminded of this by the actions and words of so many people, Linda being one of them.


John Dunne wrote, "No man is an island." When we feel most alone and isolated, we find ourselves surrounded by others who prop us up, help us out, and mend our injured hearts and souls. This is one of the miracles of friendship.


To everyone (especially Janet, Maddie, Linda, Drs. Bittacker and Spann) who has been there for Ken and me during this difficult time - and who will, I know, continue to be present in our lives - bless you for reaching out to us. You will never know how much it means to us. 


Onward, in the comfort of family, friends and, of course, our beautiful girl, DeeDee, (see picture below), without whom our house would not be a home. 

Loving Merlin, Losing Merlin

Merlin Lancelot O'Brien 
Went to The Rainbow Bridge March 15, 2011
He was our hero.

This week, we said good-bye to our magnificent Collie boy, Merlin. Right now, it feels like the pain will never end. A friend told me that when you release a dog from his suffering, you take the pain away from him and put it on yourself. 


Merlin came to us from NorCal Collie Rescue, nearly one year to the day after we had rescued DeeDee (in background) now an 8-year old female. We had been contacted by NorCal asking us to meet Merlin. It was just before Christmas 2006. 


The home were he was being fostered had many other animals, including many dogs. Merlin looked so sad, his head down, his coat suffering from a very poor grooming. He walked slowly amid what seemed like chaos. He wasn't overly friendly, maybe more shell-shocked than anything else as he had just arrived at the foster home. I'm sure he was a little tentative about the one-horned goat and miniature horse. 


For Ken, it was love at first sight. After some discussions with the foster Mom, we agreed to adopt Merlin. I suggested that we wait a week before we brought him home, until after Christmas, then come and get him. Ken said, "I think we should take him now." And we did. Three days later I fractured my back ice skating and spent two months immobilized, with minimal activity. The irony of the situation is that if we hadn't taken Merlin that day, it's likely we would not have had the honor of being his human parents.


This week, we made the heartrending decision that it was time to put Merlin to sleep. If you have never gone through this experience with a pet, it's difficult to communicate what it is like. Would that we could all avoid having to make this decision for our beloved pets, but in the end, we must know - as one of Merlin's vets told us - that we gave Merlin another kind of gift, the gift of freedom from pain and suffering.


Loving Merlin was so easy. He needed much, due to health issues, but never asked for anything. Losing him was excruciatingly painful, as it continues to be. I've never had a dog (and I have had many) who had a world of wisdom, along with a world of sorrow, in his eyes. I miss those eyes more than I can express. This kind of pain goes down to the bone. Only time will heal us, along with the love and support of our family and friends. 


Ken wanted to let the people at NorCal Collie Rescue know about Merlin's passing. He wrote an amazing tribute. There are no more beautiful words about Merlin than those Ken wrote. While reading his communique makes me cry, I am so proud to have a husband who feels so deeply about his dogs. Here is Ken's letter:

"As you recall, Merlin had some problems with his hips and legs and over the years those issues got worse.  But with exercise, sun shine,  rest, good food, medications and love we were able to control his discomfort.   Karen took him and DeeDee out for walks in our beautiful neighborhood every day that the weather cooperated and Merlin couldn't wait.  Sadly, in the last few months, his hip and other pains became such that he couldn't lie down anywhere except in the big soft bed we got for him.  He also began showing some signs of confusion.  As his two regular vets both told us, he was an elderly gentleman, and they each estimated his age at between 13 and 15 years.

The last few months were very tough for him.  He couldn't get up without effort, paced a tremendous amount of the time he was awake, and was in obvious distress.  He also would have terrible incidents where he stumbled and couldn't get up or walk.  Despite those troubles, he smiled every time he saw us, walked right over to us when we were drinking our coffee or reading the paper, and firmly pushed his nose against our hands to tell us "Hey, it's time to love me and rub me!"

This past Tuesday he woke us at midnight with a terribly painful sound.  He was on the floor and couldn't get up and we had to help him with a sling around his tummy.  I won't go into details because the pain is still too fresh in our hearts.  But we knew it was time to end his suffering.

We took him to his vet of all these years who cried as much as we did as we took the step of stopping his pain and ending his suffering.  She made an amazing statement.  You will both recall that before we got DeeDee, we have had Samoyeds.  Our last Sammie was a "once in a lifetime dog" named Henry.  Our vet is the one who described him that way.  Well, as she was crying and preparing to end Merlin's suffering, she said that Merlin had had "some very big shoes to fill," referring to Henry, and said that she was amazed at what he (Merlin) had been able to do to heal our hearts.  Then he was no longer suffering and he went to the Rainbow Bridge where we know he's running free of pain and where we know he'll be waiting for us to join him.

Karen told me something last night that I didn't know.  A few years ago she started calling Merlin by a longer, richer name:  Merlin Lancelot O'Brien.  I thought it was very sweet but didn't know why she picked the Lancelot name, although of course Merlin was exceedingly handsome.  She told me last night that she named him that because, as Lancelot had done with Lady Guinevere, Merlin  had "won her heart" wholly, deeply and completely.

As a present to me, Karen recently had an artist do an oil paint portrait  of Merlin based on a photo I took.  The photo is attached and you can plainly see Merlin's love, strength of heart and intelligence in the picture.  We are taking the portrait out today to have a frame made for it and I'll send along a photo of it when it joins the portrait of Henry that we have, and also the painting of our first Sammie, Winston.

Well there isn't much else to say other than to thank you for the love you gave to him and for bringing him into our lives.

I'll close just be adding that I can also truly say of Merlin that he too was a "once in a lifetime dog."

We thank God for giving us the privilege of loving Merlin. In his life, he taught us much about living with dignity, grave and courage.  Go with God, Merlin, and be at peace.