Pretty...

A day well spent at Pretty Boy Reservoir with my pretty boy Buddy.  

Smiles. 

These Boots are Made for Walkin'...

Bought these for myself (for my birthday)...LOVE them!!

Best Birthday EVER...

Getting to spend a week at the beach with this guy, is the best birthday gift a girl could ever ask for.  So grateful for him, my family and my wonderful life.  Smiles for MILES!!!

Salt Life

Breathe in, Breathe out...it's a good life.

The View...

...from my hammock.    Life is good.

In the news...WOOT!

Last week I had the opportunity to participate in a Comcast Newsmaker interview about
Calm Acres (a small non-profit I started in November). 

FUN!

I always enjoy talking about my work at Calm Acres
and the impact it has on the lives of the people I help. 

Enjoy!
(BTW...LOVE how Yolanda pronounces my last name.) 

CLICK HERE!!

My oh my...Calm Acres is ALIVE!!!!

Today it became official.  Thanks to the Carroll Community Foundation, Calm Acres has achieved 501c3 status.  What does this mean exactly?  I can continue to offer customized equine experiences to individuals with special needs at a VERY reduced rate (in most cases free).

Can you see my smile?  I'm so excited to continue this work...and help more people.

Visit my site if you have time...www.CalmAcres.org  And hey, if you want to make a donation (no matter how small) I'd love you forever.  Really.  FOREVER!!

A thoughtful gift

One of my horsemanship lesson clients is a 3 year old girl who has been taking lessons with me since she was 2.  I don't think anyone is too young to learn from horses.  They have so much to teach.  Compassion, empathy, kindness, patience...the list goes on and on.

I pride myself on knowing that children who participate in and eventually leave my program will have these important qualities.  It's all the thanks I need.  But, occasionally a client will give me a gift.  Something tangible.  I received this gift a few weeks ago and it melted my heart.  This little darling gets it...she gets me.

I'm so proud to teach her.  (and can't wait for Santa to fill this awesome stocking)

Kissed

Today Buddy and I participated in a Grief Workshop.  In the workshop we helped 5 wonderful women on their journey through their grief.  Judging by the kiss mark on Buddy's face, I'd say he was successful in his attempt to help.  I'm so proud of him.  

Twelve Years!

You know what they say...time flies when you're having fun.  And, let me tell you.  Life with Mark is more fun than any girl could ever hope for.  I am one VERY lucky girl.  Happy Anniversary Baby!  Love you to pieces!!

So very true...

Now...if I could just get a day without ice and frozen ground...I'd be able to 

make some amazing memories.  

Few of my favorite things

A few (of my favorite) things that I received from Mark for Christmas.  Notice there are TWO bags of chocolate licorice.  I'm embarrassed to say they were both gone before New Years.  

Lots of Dancin' Goin' On Up in Here!

Remember when I told you about the YooHoo Happy Dance?  Well...after receiving one of my Christmas gifts from Mark...I'm gonna be dancin' my butt off!  Woot Woot!!

Doin' the YooHoo Happy Dance

I love YooHoos...always have.  Heck, I think I even love them more than Vanilla Coke.  (that's saying ALOT).  So, when I have the opportunity to partake in a YooHoo...I feel the need to perform the YooHoo Happy Dance.  It's really funny.  Trust me.  Don't believe me?  Ask Mark.

OH! Christmas Tree...

...how lovely are your (sparkly) branches.   Yes, we have an authentic 1950s aluminum Christmas tree.  Complete with color wheel.  Yeah buddy!  (more pics to follow...promise doll!)

My favorite red head...

I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon than with my favorite red head.  

An idea...cotton candy money maker

Have I mentioned that Mark bought me a commercial grade cotton candy machine for my birthday?  I didn't?  Well...he did.  I am in sugar crazed heaven...and it got me to thinking.

Mom and I need a project.  How about a business together?  Fun!  We spent a few hours brainstorming.  It was hilarious...I think I was in delirium...a sugar high of sorts...but we worked on a logo.  And a name.  Not sure about the name, but hey you never know.  

MIA - Missing In Agua

This year I finally bit the bullet...I bought a pool.  Now before you go getting all "Where'd she get that kind of money?" on me.  We got this pool?  Yes...small, but adequate.  What they say is not true...SIZE does NOT matter.  At least when we're talking about pools for me.  This little beauty has given me many hours of enjoyment.  Many.  Unfortunately it has also kept me from blogging as much.  It's difficult to manage the laptop when I'm neck deep (sitting) in water.   But never fear...I have a few very cool photographs I hope to share soon...PROMISE!

Lucky for me, Diesel has decided it is his job to be sure I don't dive, cannon ball, run alongside it or most importantly...drown.  Yes...we bought him a whistle.  

Thank heavens for Diesel.  (Life Guard and CPR certified feline)

A really nice homecoming

Recently I returned home from a trip to NC where I attended a certification class in Equine Assisted Therapy.  The class was amazing and I was happy to receive my certification from Greg Kersten (founder of EAGALA and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy).  But I digress…

When I walked into the kitchen I found this...

attached to these.  Awwwwww….he's so damn sweet!

He knows me so well...

Recently Mark and I celebrated our 11th year anniversary and his gifts to me keep with his complete understanding of what I need and like.  An all-natural, handmade, luscious lavender soap; a honey getter (What is this really called? Anyone?), delicious homemade peanut brittle (YUM!) and a very sweetly written note.  Also, (not pictured) he gave me a set of SuperFeet insoles for my Justin Boots and my Keen hiking shoes.  Amazing how they make my feet feel great.  Amazing feeling feet, no back pain = happy wife!

He gets it and more importantly he gets/understands me.