My Beautiful Girls, All Saint's Day

Here is a photo of my beautiful girls on All Saint's Day. They truly are gorgeaus, well-kept lovely mares. I am writing this note on November 16th, and this weekend I had a wonderful time with my girls and foal. Violet is eager to please, so she and I worked with a cavesson and long-lining, Parelli, and riding. She was good at working in the box over poles, and she played with Jenna, John's little girl who he brought to the stable. Both Jacob and Jenna did yo-yo and friendly game with her and she was lovely and kind and friendly, of course. And my foal, well, let me just tell you, Renny was a champion of goodness. He let me rub him down with crunchy plastic, pick out his hooves, walk him around the farm, take him over ground poles. He slept out in the indoor ring overnight with his girls. He was so funny. I came to the barn early on Sunday morning and I opened the door and saw this group of four girls all cuddled up and laying down like a bundle of kittens, and then my little man laying down a distance aways. He just laid there while I walked over to him and pet him and talked with him and his girls swirled around his fat reclining form. Such a wonderful, funny, fabulous guy! And the best girls ever. One of my favorite places on earth is a Sunday morning, with cup of coffee, New York Times, and Violet as she quietly dines on hay and periodically checks on me with a loving little bump with her muzzle. One of my favorite places!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMF7JrPHT74

Baby Stephen! Sweet Kiss from Sister!

I love this photo. Here is darling Clara, giving her baby brother a kiss on his second day of life on this earth. This photo is about the fourth in a sequence. She just rained little careful soft gentle kisses on her brother. What a good sister! Namaste!

My Boy's New Herd!

Here he is on All Saint's Day on his first turnout with a group of rowdy unkempt brash girls. He loves it.

Baby Stephen! Grandma Adjusts his Hat!

Here we are and mom is having the time of her life, looking at her first grandson, happy in her baby daughter's health after the delivery, and just making sure his little hat is on perfectly. She does not want a cold baby grandson! Happy grandma!

Cutie and His Girl, All Saint's Day!

Namaste.

Baby Stephen! With my Favorite Girls!

Here they are, meeting baby Stephen, in the very first few hours of his birth, the morning of the 18th. The girls had already given him very careful, loving pats on his head and praised his handsomeness and now are smiling with delight for the camera!

Breaking News! Laura Earns Full

This morning, I went out to the stable early to give my little herd of mares and babies some turnout time in our winter doldrums. Then I ran errands, including getting gas, and shopping for veterinarian supplies to replenish my bag as part of spring cleaning. And then I worked, writing letters of recommendation and reading the December 2008 American Sociological Review. And during these activities, my department chair emailed me and said that he received official word that the Provost of the University approved my application for Full Professorship. I am currently drinking a glass of Spanish champagne to celebrate, but it still doesn't quite feel real! I think what I will do to celebrate is purchase a standing work station for my office, once I get paid for teaching summer school. Namaste. I am grateful for my family, my critters, my friends, my home, my work, and so many other things. Namaste.

Chasing My Little Man!

Here's my little boy on All Saint's Day being chased by the yearling filly of Te'Awa, a very famous broodmare who passed away in childbirth this year. He is very happy to be chased by her, though, of course, he would like to be chasing her!

Baby Stephen! Happy Little Fella

Handsome little fella. Namaste.

Let the Chase Begin!

Here's my little man on All Saint's Day, the first time out with his four girlfriends besides Ruthie. On this day, he had to put up with being chased around by a couple of rough and tumbling yearling girls who were feeling their oats, as it were!

Baby Stephen! Mom and the Feet!

Here is my mom holding the little card with the footprints of my first nephew, Stephen Joseph, who was born on Wednesday, February 18th, at 7:30 am, weighing 7lbs, 8oz and being 20 inches in length. We had just arrived after feeding the girls and were so excited to meet him. Namaste.

Breaking News! Darren Chiacchia Works on Sport Safety

Today's New York Times had an amazing article in the Sports Section about Darren Chiacchia's recovery. Here are two photos from the article by NYT photographer, Chris Livingston. Last March, he almost died when a horse, Baron Verdi, stumbled over a fence during competition in eventing and pinned him beneath. He suffered broken bones, a punctured lung and a severe brain injury.

He was in a coma and his injuries were so extensive that he and his family conflict over just when he came out of the coma. His mother and sister say that he regained consciousness within about a week, but that he was childlike, confused, and unable to understand what was going on. He said that he was in a coma for 42 days. But everyone agrees that he was quite diminished until somehow an "internal switch" just triggered and he was much like his old self.

And in fact, just last week, he won second place with his most accomplished horse, Windfall II, at the Rocking Horse Advanced and Training Horse Trials in Altoona, Florida. Though his serious accident happened in March, he was already competing by July, though the start was slow. After two months, he got onto Windfall and had his groom lead him quietly around the farm, for his first adventure. He owns two farms, one in Springville, New York and the other in Ocala, Florida.

He used to earn his living by competing, selling horses, and training students, but his accident caused some sad changes in his life -- many of his students went to new trainers, his secretary of 26 years left, and his companion of 10 years left. So, now he makes much of his living selling horses, as he tries to get back to Olympic-level quality. In fact, he hopes to compete in 2012 at the London Olympics. And given that he helped the U.S. win a bronze in Eventing in the 2004 Olympics and that he is only 44 years of age now, he is likely to make it.

I just find this story amazing and wish him so many wishes for his rehabilitation and business success. He is such a high profile rider and his accident came after 12 deaths in eventing competitions in the year and a half before. And in 2007, Ralph Hill, also of world-caliber fame, suffered a two-month coma after a similar debilitating riding accident. Their injuries really shocked the eventing world and now they are trying to assess what to do to make that sport more safe. They are putting careless riders on "watch lists," making fewer jumps per course, and researching the efficacy of breakaway fences. Chiacchia would very much like the sport to be more aggressive about making breakaway fences. He has become a very important advocate for safety in eventing.

Of Chiacchia's drive, ambition, and energy, Ralph Hill, who is not competing, but is back to riding and teaching said, "What Darren did was he acted like a competitor; he wanted to show everybody that he could still compete. Right now, if you saw him riding, I believe that you would probably say he's a good rider, but wonder how many years he's been in the sport."

I have been blessed to see both Chiacchia and Hill compete at the Kentucky Rolex. They are rogues, rock stars, cowboys at that event, just bristling with talent, composure and confidence. In fact, Hill would wear sunglasses like he was a true movie hero! So, many blessings to them as they heal and continue in their equestrian work. And thank you for what Chiacchia told the NYTreporter which helped me think about my own life a bit differently. He said, "When I first woke up, I remember saying and feeling, I just want my life back. And then I thought, you know, that was a good life. But I don't want that life back. I have the opportunity to create a new life. And that's the essence of my being now."

Happy Lundi Gras!

I am sitting here with my new computer, on my first day back from Pennsylvania after Stephen's delivery, enjoying an Abita Restoration Pale Ale, and thinking about Lundi Gras! Today was a bit hectic. I went out to the stable in the morning and visited my horses. They all looked terrific. Here are Violet and Hailee in the beautiful sun of a gorgeaus morning. Renny looked very happy to see me and I let him stroll around the stable while I did some chores.

Then I ran seven errands, including getting rid of my roadrunner modem cable and going to the bank, and came home to take a jolly warm nap with Jackass. I ate some lentil soup for lunch and then blackberries with flax seed and then took a shower and napped in the warmth of a sunny afternoon. Jackie was a terrific companion, nesting with me and placing his little head on the pillow right across from me and facing me. I could hear him purr with satisfaction and every once in awhile, I would take a peek and see his little grey face and bright green eyes peeking back. What a way to return from a happy family event!

Now I've just finished cleaning the house and tomorrow morn will balance my checkbook, pay the last of my bills for this month, get photos of the baby made for mom, me and Becky, and get a frame for my NIH PSC photos. Then a busy day at work, a quick visit to the stable, and dinner with friends on Mardi Gras! Namaste!

My Boy's Girls!

Here's the first day that my foal was turned out with his new herd of girls -- a two-year old, two yearlings, and a weanling. He was so excited to be turned out with that black filly in the background, but she rejected his love -- probably because he expressed it ardently by charging up to her and rearing onto her shoulder! This photo was taken on All Saint's Day!

Like the Fat Marlon Brando!

Here is my guy on November 1st, fat, happy, sweet, mellow. I love him. When I go out to the stable to see him, he follows me on his lead line with complete patience. He stands like a puppy while I fuss in his grooming or first aid kits. He walks along the aisleways and happily peacefully walks into the wash rack. He gives me his feet, moves at a gentle touch, knows how to back quickly, will walk across plastic sheeting. He is a peaceful, intelligent, thoughtful fella. I love this foal. May God bless this little guy and keep him all the days of his life! Namaste.

Thinking about His Place in the Universe

Here is a November 1st photo of my little Renny, considering his place in the universe. He has left Ruthie and joined a herd of four girls -- one weanling, two coming two-year-olds, and a two-year-old. He thought they would accept him as master of the universe, but the boss mare chose to put him in his place. She told him that he could be the man, the herd leader, but not be bossy. So, here he is, handsome fella, happy to have his herd of girls, and learning how to share a pasture! My darling, darling boy. I was there at his birth! Barbie and Tom were there at his beginning!

Renny's Mean Girlfriend!

Here is a November 1st photo of Renny's new girlfriend. She doesn't even have a name yet, but she is a coming 2-year-old getting ready for the track. She is Te Awa's last foal. She's an awful lot of fun because she's the fastest one in the herd of 5 and she likes to be bossy and rude. But she likes my little Renny and hangs with him and in all respects acts like his girlfriend! She's the best kind of girl -- rough, tough, sweet and kind -- you gotta love a girl who combines the essential zen qualities. Namaste!

My Cute Boy with his New Girls!

Here is a photo taken on November 1st, of my darling Renny, taken on the day he joined his new herd for the first time. He had been flirting with these girls for a few days and then was finally allowed to join them!

What amazes me is that this was just a little over a week ago (I am writing on November 10th) and he has grown even fatter! In this photo, he looks like a sleep mature little guy, now he seems so much fatter and slower and lethargic. I want him to feel the fire that he had in mid-June and July!

Fall Babies

Here they are, scuffling in the corner by the road, as the tree shows its first red hint of Fall!

Comfortable Sisters!

Here are my two mares, Violet and Hailee looking sleek, beautiful elegant and gorgeaus with their shiny coats in mid-October. They know that they belong together and they know they belong to me. I can just imagine my special herd in heaven -- Snowflakes Princess, Mr. Magoo, Taz, Hailee, Violet and Renny. What a lucky family we are! Namaste!

All the Pretty Horses!

Here is an October 12th photo of the elegant girls. These are happy friendly joyful girls. These are girls who know about friendship. These are the best kind of girls! Namaste.

Sabbatical Musings, Start of Second "Lost" Week

I am in my second week in Mars, Pennsylvania, waiting for the birth of my first nephew. I am glad to be here, but am forgoing sabbatical time and miss my dog, horses, yearling, and cats very much. I am feeling out of sorts and look forward to kissing my nephew and then sitting quietly doing research and writing and visiting horses and walking Zelia and communing with Jackass and the cats.

My Girls Coming Up!

Look at these happy sleek elegant girls, enjoying their gorgeausness, beneath the sun in a green pasture, and knowing that they are loved!

My Funny Valentine!

Here are some photos and video of my sweet little gentleman, taken on May 16th, when he was less than two weeks old. He has changed my life. I adore him. He is truly my little sweet darling Funny Valentine!

Baby

Say it Ain't So!

Here is a photo and video from the day I broke my little guy's heart by weaning him on September 4th. He seems so small and sleek and adorable here. I regret what I did to him. And I will try to give him love for making up for his early weaning. My darling sweet boy.

A Sisterly Kiss!

Namaste.

The Girly Herd!

Here they are in all their splendor, Hailee, Violet, Sedona and Annie. I love this photo, taken on October 12th, because it shows a group of happy girls. I am writing this note on Novembe 10th and I can tell you that Vihas had the summer and fall of her life. She is a very happy camper.

Babies Fall Grazing!

Here is a beautiful Fall October 12th photo of my darling Renny and his beautiful tall girlfriend, Ruthie. The corn is fading, the leaves are changing, the sky is a lovely pale blue, and the babies are munching while enjoying their youth and loveliness!

Baby High Butts!

I am writing this on November 10th, after a cold, wet, grey Fall day. But this picture and video are from a beautiful sunlit October 12th day! You can see beautiful red Renny and his darling Ruthie. He sure likes his first girlfriend!

Sexy Vi

Here is a photo taken on October 12th of my dramatic chestnut red thoroughbred! You can tell that she's closely related to Rags to Riches and Blushing Groom. Such a gorgeaus girl, I hope I am fortunate enough to have her in my life forever and that someday I have the opportunity to breed her. I would love to meet her baby!

Little Tubbies

Here is a photo taken of Renny and Ruthie on October 12th. They are happy little foals in a beautiful beautiful pasture, and you can see that they are fat and sassy!

My Baby's Cute Face!

Here is a photo taken October 12th of my beautiful boy's darling sweet face. You can see his little kissing freckle!

Baby Grazing with His Baby!

Here is a photo taken on October 12th of the lovely Ruthie and her boyfriend, Renny. Such bright lovely creatures!

The Four Pals in October!

Here is a photo taken on October 4th of the beautiful herd of mares. I can't tell you how much joy I feel each time I see my girls with their friends, relaxing at pasture.

Pretty Girls from a Distance!

Here is a photo of Sedona, Hailee, and Violet taken on October 4th. They are relaxing, grazing, and stretching their legs. I am so very blessed that my mares have had a good mellow summer. Violet especially needed to be a horse and just rest her lovely mind.

Sabbatical Musings: Week 5, Day 1

Here I am in my office on the first day of week 5 of my sabbatical and I am entirely enthusiastic about research. Currently, I have an article published in this month's JFI, an article in press to the same journal, another article under review, and I'm editing a piece which will go under review this week! Plus I have a meeting in a few minutes about doing the last details on two other papers which should be fun and exciting to revise and get out. This sabbatical has made me feel like I am a scholar and so I am very grateful for that emotion. I now need to tap into the energy required to figure out how to fan my research scholarship while teaching. Namaste! Here's a photo taken by Barbie Valentine of my gorgeaus elegant Violet.

Peeking Under Ruthie!

Here is a photo taken October 4th of my handsome beautiful Renny and his girlfriend, Ruthie. I am writing this note on November 4th, the night of the election, and the past few days have been rough for my little pair of friends. Renny has joined a larger herd of weanling, yearlings, and coming 2 year-olds, but Ruthie has been left behind because of problems at the stable. Ruthie I am sure is lonely and she is a little sick. So, I feel pretty sad. I know that she loves her friend, Renny and counts on him for company. By the time you read this entry in February, many weeks will have passed. But let me just say in early November, I am sending up prayers for all the creatures at Showgate Stables!

Fall Girls!

An October 12th photo of my most lovely mares. In my heart, I can imagine sweet Snowflake grazing with them. Namaste!