Struggling

This morning finds me very concerned. There are many issues with this aging body. Maybe the weeks of rain brought them all on at once. In this moment they feel overwhelming. Still, I am an optimistic person and hold onto hope that at least of one of the health issues will improve. I know some can't - they are what they are. So, I move into this day awkwardly pensively, accepting to some degree, yet having to remain hopeful, like Norman Blessing, the big, beautiful Percheron. And I move into this day also acknowleging the courage it takes for me, for every living thing to face each day and make of it what we can. I am acutely aware and so grateful for the inspiration I have received from the people I have walked life's last steps with. With everyone, we have recognized that this day is the only one we are sure of so I will make the most of it.

Mainly Minis Promise Land Warrior

Here are some pictures of the little guy "Mainly Minis Promise Land Warrior" Had a good day of lunging, walking on the road, introducing him to everything and he was very good. Laura walked him up the ramp to her front door so he will eventually be coming into human dwelling - its just a matter of time. It won't be the first time a horse has been in our house, or the second....I think we are going to call him Promise. His mother's name was RK's Sweet Promise and his father's name was Teras Sleepytime Black Tie Affair. They were both pintos. He is a good boy, very sweet and wanting to please.

First Mini Day

We spent this entire day involved in this crazy new adventure of miniature horse ownership. After a trying time loading him, apples worked. It so helps to think like a horse! Rode home with one foot in the hay bag but no damage and he seemed quite content with it there when we discovered it. At home he checked everybody equine out from a safe distance and seemed to have an adventurous day of his own, sniffing things, being startled but sensible here and there. Met all the family, had his picture taken with Dozer who is an English bulldog who sports the same colors and spots - they vaguely resemble twins! He doesn't seem to like being in a stall. He doesn't mind his feet being lifted and cleaned, fly spray, cross ties, ears touched. I am sorry he had to leave his brother but his new companion is a tb, Diva. She is happy to have his company as her stablemate, Catook is off to camp. And, as I type, Cappuchino, aka, Dakota, aka Promise, is tucked into his tiny stall for his first night with all height adjustments made. Good eye, wants to please, obedient and sensible for 4, loves children, very sweet. Picture once we download.

Facebook | Patricia Naegeli

Facebook Patricia Naegeli

Just came back from getting hay and enjoyed the farm, just watching life between myself and the cows on a distant hill. Wild turkeys, birds carrying nest material to make a home for bitty eggs from which new, hopeful life will emerge. Unseen creatures within the gently swaying hay. I wondered how many living things I might discover if I crept along the ground in a straight line to the cows on the hill, white tails, lazily swishing flies. Grateful this morning for sunshine, knowing it is temporary, but still welcome. It may be a good day to reorganize, both life and space.

Anticipation

The anticipation is building as we come closer to adding a mini horse to our menagerie. It is like anticipating a baby - things to prepare - everything here is big-horse-size. I think I have trailer modifications down, and alterations to the stall are progressing. We will take it slowly and consider the perspective of the tiny ears and eyes and legs and all - try to think like a mini. I am already also looking into how to include him in our hospice animal therapy program. A new adventure!

Here is a picture of Laura and Aurora at

"Aurie's " very first public appearance where she took first. This is one of the sweetest horses we have ever owned. Gentle and careful beyond expectations for so young, funny as can be - very goofy and entertaining in a beautiful way. Lovely eye. Extremely athletic. She seems to have gotten the best of her cross breeding. Mellow, honest, quiet and sensible Shire. Balanced, athletic, cadenced tb. She's still got some growing to do! We are blessed to have her.

No Rain Today

No rain, but tomorrow they say there will be a long stretch. Paddocks have never dried. Even fencing more land the horses prefer to stand in the mud. I worry about their hooves. We will send one to camp for the week - hope the weather is good there! No fun at horse camp in the rain. I was at camp one year and we were evacuated for a tonado warning! Interesting week. Another year I remember taking an archery class in a field near a pasture of horses and my arrow missed the target and landed in the fleshy part of a horse's shoulder. Superficial wound but still, that was my last archery attempt. Still wondering why they set targets up the way they did.

So, this picture of Michael...apprently he thought he should protect his nore from flies rather than his ears...

New Day

Good way to start a day - no rain, at least for the moment. The day should be relaxed - its Tuesday - a day for art and horses and gardens. A relaxed morning of coffee and casual clothes. I am looking forward to it, my dogs at my feet, warming my toes, gratitude in my heart for the life I have, for the love I know.

I just looked out from my studio window to see Laura, Golden Retriever at her feet, going out to feed horses in the morning mist. I realized that image goes back over 30 years. From the time she was very small she took part in the care of our horses. There were the times when the water was left on and the well went dry. There was the time Laura left her new glasses on a fence post and a curious horse knocked them off and stepped on them. A horse stepped on the leg of a duck and I set it's broken leg with popsicle sticks. Lots of good stories. I am grateful for the stories and the memories they hold.

Yesterday, when I went to visit a hospice patient, as I walked up the walkway, there were hundreds of tiny, tiny toads hopping in front of me. I had to walk so carefully to avoid stepping on them! I mean, I guess they were toads because frogs start out as pollywogs. I have to research this in one of my nature books.

For anyone who may read this, my hope for you this day is that you know the peace and contentment I feel this morning in your own heart.