Reality of Life

In exactly 3 weeks I wil be at my high school class reunion. At first, I had no interest in attending. However, as time went on, I found that there are some people that want to see me again. I feel grateful for those warm invites. The closer that I get to actual date, the more excited I become. My curiosity has turned into a longing to reconnect with my friends from Wing Lake Elementary School. I think that it will be good for all of us to find our younger, freer self. If that is all I take away from my weekend, it will be fun to meet my inner child again. Memories.

Brownie - Shetland Pony

On Friday September 4, 2009, my dear friend Inger Lanese and her family knew that it was time for their aged pony to leave this realm. This evening was lighted by a full moon that surely shined down to carry him to his special place amongst the equine ancestors. He stayed with his herd of Sam and Scarlett. I am certain that he hung on long enough for Ms. Scarlett to integrate into her new home with Sam. In Brownie's past few months, he was free to be himself, and word has it that he was seen cantering for the first time in many years.

What does Healing look like?

In spite of the fact that I facilitate emotional and physical healing virtually

every day, to explain how it actually looks is difficult. It is an aura of

peace and tranquility that covers a human or an animal.

March 8 is a significant day on the calendar for me every year. It is

flocked in sadness and jubilation within the same 24 hours. It is the day

that my Canadian grandpa passed, and my daughter's life began. I

will never forget the phone call from my mother, and the realization of

the momentary communion of two very dear people.

March 2009 was the day that I both felt, and I saw my 24 year old

horse Russek heal. I had been experimenting on different methods

of working with the arthritis in his hips and his hocks from his years

as a reining horse. In the past, he has not really wanted my hands or

my intent to linger on either place. He never put up a fuss with

brushing, but any delay with my hands usually resulted in him pinning

his ears, or making it very clear to "move on".

Remember this?

Just in case you forgot,

this is what flowers and grass look like. I would love

to smell all of the scents of spring. Anytime soon is good

for me.

Charlie's Garden

I ran across this photo of year one of

Charlie's Garden. It has a few years to go,

but notice the feeling of summer.

I cannot wait to feel the dirt again.

SAMMIE Kitten

Is this a kitten, or is it a cat? To me, she is a kitten and always will be. She is actually 16 years old, and I am so lucky to have her. She has been working real hard to find a state of wellness and I am hoping we are close. Regardless, she is happy and so am I! Life can be so sweet, and so very simple.

HORIZON BOOKS Traverse City, Michigan Saturday February 14, 2009 Thank you to everyone who came out to share this day' with me. It was an experience that I will never forget. I was actually quite anticipatory, but once I concentrated on my purpose, I was calm. So many people have so many stories, that I could have sat there taking notes! To have completed my autobiography, and to have made some sort of contribution to the world is very heart-warming.

How I am related to Abraham Lincoln

My great, great, great, grand father was 1st cousins to Abraham Lincoln on the Canadian side of my family. Here is the story of how I am related to Abraham Lincoln. A bit before 1800, two families came to America. The family from Germany were Ryckmans. (My mother's mother was a Ryckman from St. Thomas, Ontario Canada.) The family from England was Lincoln. Both families settled in Pennsylvania. The Lincoln's had a boy and a girl. The boy married in Pennsylvania and hand a son named; Abraham. The girl married a Ryckman and had a son named John. So, John and Abraham were first cousins.

Grateful

I am grateful that they allow us to ride on their backs. Such beauty, grace

and wholeness for all of humanity to behold.

WELLNESS

Today I took further steps towards my physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. I saw my chiropractor who did a "body scan" of my spine. The results were living proof of how my body is faring on a daily basis. There are some improvements that I would like to see and to make that will take time as it always does. Next I went to my internist who knows me very, very well. He has seen me through some tough times, and wants continuted health in my future. His sincere passion for what he does is obvious, and he prides himself in "heading off illness" better known as wellness. Both Dr. Piche' and Dr. Warnaar are behind me 100% and it is appreciated to see and better yet; FEEL their belief in myself and humanity. I think they both know how important they are to me.

I stand in Awe

Today I was invited by Anne Gage, a gold level disciple of international trainer, Chris Irwin to join two groups. One is: Horsewomen, and the other is part of the Linken group. The latter blew me away when I looked at the fine women who are interested in more than themselves. They are interested in helping horses that need to be rescued. These horses will be rescued so that they might, someday rescue humans who need help. Viewing the credentials and accomplishements of the women on both of these sites has humbled me greatly. I feel miniscule in comparison. I am truly honored to be a part, and to sit back and watch how they share their knowledge, and better yet their hearts. Who do you look up to? Better yet; who looks to YOU for help?

Same place; different Season

It is all about faith; and the belief that the world is full of change and continuous transitions. Just take a look at the farm in summer. I can feel the heat of the afternoon as it showers the side of the "bubble" arena. The soft winds touch the coloroful Cosmos, and they sway gently against the blue sky.

Russek's home

From the inside - out. The meaning of "warm" is relative during the winter months in Northern Michigan. Away from the wind and snow, it feels cozy and safe.

Winter at the farm

Delmer

Yesterday was the second time since August that I have been able to ride a horse due to the retirement of my horse Russek. I was almost giddy waiting to get on Delmer, an ebony Appendix quarter horse. His owner, Tracy and I have been working together over the past few weeks to help him physically through bowen therapy. He has loved the attention, and he shows Tracy by licking her repeatedly. But, back to the ride. I know that our body simply remembers where to be, and what to do with riding. The moment I put my foot in the stirrup to mount, I recalled all of the words from past coaches and trainers; "make sure you bounce once and then onto the saddle, but very, very lightly. Never drop your body onto the saddle because it is harsh and it is rude. Knowing that Delmer had a kimberwicke in his mouth told me to be as light with my hands as I possibly could. Just the slightest tweek of the tips of my fingers, and he was soft; amazing and wonderful. I love to posting trot. I could sail through the air all day providing my thighs hold up. I feel connected with the horse, in control of our movement: our movement, and the speed is perfect. This gait requires intuition, and very little "try" for me. Until I get to ride again; thanks so much Delmer and Tracy!