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We Are Flying Solo

February 2, 2016

Of Tales And Trails


Do you think our stories break when we do?  Or do they just get so tangled up that we can't find a view of the road?

I'm still struggling to figure it out - or at least looking for some high ground that might offer a bit of perspective.  Who knew the search would be measured in years??  But the tangle, the fog, whatever it is that swallowed the map is the same thing that has dragged at my efforts to write to you.

This blog is a journey, just as much as the tales it chronicles.  I guess it shouldn't be shocking that a journey involving horses has sinkholes, detours, & inexplicable roadblocks!  Nonetheless, I apologize for my stutters, fits, & gaps of silence (although more than one person that knows me might say that last is a blessing, ha).

I'm working hard on the search for impulsion, though.  Half-steps are hard for horses & people (dressage joke FTW)!  I do feel like there's been some improvement in muscling!

Encore approves
Stepping Out

Encore & I did get to indulge in some desperately-needed trail therapy on Sunday.  Sun & warmth & wait, was that a bud on that tree?

Riding has been a wee bit challenging for everyone this winter, so our rehab pretty much matches my posting attempts:  sporadically possible, with moderate chance of fail.  But there be muscles on the horse too!

We've combined hill-walking, W/T transitions with roundness, some collected walk with lots of topline stretching, & occasional bursts of weather-permitted trot sessions.  While we're hardly ring-ready, Encore's been pushing evenly behind (one of my big indicators) & happily loped over some 18" obstacles.

Getting back in the woods was a wonderful treat - many thanks to lovely neighbour Vanessa for  pony daycare, as poor Solo can't keep up with giant TB strides for two hours anymore.

And my gratitude to you for all the forms of support & patience, no matter how small:  they always means so very much!

Deep breath then, & we shall attempt another step.

I'll never tire of my sky!
I have heard that voice many a time when asleep
and, what is strange, I understood more or less
an order or an appeal in an unearthly tongue:

day draws near
another one
do what you can. 

-Czeslaw Milosz

17 comments:

  1. I wondered how you were doing. I have been surprised by when I am able to blog and when it seems too much. My own experience tells me that the way will clear but mostly because you hacked at it with a machete and pushed through.

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    1. I think it works even better if the machete is margarita-flavoured, maybe I'll try that. ;)

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    2. Margarita flavour definitely is required

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    3. Dangit. Now I want a margarita.

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  2. I completely understand the forced and sometimes not forced hiatuses from blogging. Sometimes a pause a good for us... I'm glad to see you back. You are one of the original blogs in my list!

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    1. Awwe, thank you for that sweet note. <3 My brain is usually running full throttle...when driving. I've tried dictating to the new giant phone, but wow, it has horrible grammar and apparently does not speak "tired mumble," ha. It did result in hilarity, but who knew Android had such a potty mouth -- that is NOT what I said!

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  3. Quality, not quantity my dear. Always glad to see a post from you :D

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    1. A very good reminder, thank you! Hope you have found some dry spots this week, Mold Wars continues into 2016, sigh.

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  4. Glad to see you're still on the road. That quote gave me goosebumps!

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    1. That quote comes from a larger poem called "On Angels" that I read on a recently discovered beautiful blog by a woman who definitely speaks my language!! She is at http://calmthings.blogspot.com/ and has a lovely mix of thoughts, poetry, photos, literature -- she reminds me a bit of a modern May Sarton (one of my favourite poets).

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  5. That sky is gorgeous! I totally know what you mean. But I have to admit, having done a full year of blogging last year it was really eye opening to reflect on everything that happened

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    1. It's always amazing, it blows my mind! The blog is definitely an invaluable reference that's been really helpful when I run into problems. I can go back & see, oh, I just have to be patient because this happened before and this is how I solved it. Even the writing makes you dig a little deeper mentally into your own journey, which I think only makes a richer learning experience!

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  6. Always delighted to hear from you, and glad you are taking steps... into the woods, onto the horse and so forth. Spring IS coming!

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    1. From your lips to the atmosphere's ears!!! :-D

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    1. Thanks -- I'm still out here reading when I can, typing is just harder! But gratitude hug for taking the time to stop by!

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