A Year in Photo - Day 163

The photos aren't the greatest but I think they tell the story. I asked Arnie for a kiss on the nose, and well, this is what I got :) Love this boy!

"Trying to keep my mind right, my soul straight and my heart strong." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 162

Working on my grip strength. Gotta strengthen my hands and my forearms in preparation for my hoof trimming course in April :)

"The difference between dreams and reality is called action." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 161

A beautiful fall day and an empty paddock with a corner full of mud...I couldn't help myself, I felt like a kid with my new rubber boots, making channels for the water to drain and trying to find the deep spots. So much fun :)

"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." -Roald Dahl

A Year in Photo - Day 160

Rain, rain, go away, Sig and I didn't like getting our toes wet today!

"Everyone wants happiness, no one wants pain.
But you can't have a rainbow, without a little rain."
-Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 159

As I pulled up to the farm today to scoop, feeling admittedly sluggish, I noticed the paddocks were already clean?! Just then I got a message from Kristi telling me that she and her daughter got up early to scoop for me because they thought I could use a day off. And then when I walked to the house to thank them, Kristi gave me this hat as a thank you for watching the farm; apparently I needed more bling! :)

I am so grateful and because of them I was able to spend a great day with my Mom, who is heading south in a couple of days. Thank you Kristi & Emily!!!

"Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher." -Oprah Winfrey

A Year in Photo - Day 158

After 4 days of farm sitting, 20 horses, 69 chickens, a dozen or so turkeys, and a cow, I wanted to curl up with this guy and have a snooze this afternoon. I have a whole new appreciation for the farm's owners and all the work they do. 

"Mental toughness is when you can find fuel in an empty tank." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 157

Steve to the rescue, again! With one day left, my back decided it was done farm sitting. A phone call later Steve dropped everything and came to the farm to help me finish my chores. I don't know what I would have done without him!

In the process he won over my pal Rocky, who is often leery of men.

"A great spouse loves you exactly as you are. An extraordinary spouse helps you grow; inspires you to be, do and give your very best." -Fawn Weaver

A Year in Photo - Day 156

Yes, I made a stop and went into "public" after leaving the farm today. Unlike some places, I don't have to dress up to go to the farm. My guidelines are quite simple:

1. Layer, layer, layer. Matching layers is not important, as you can see here.
2. Look for clothing that doesn't attract hair or hay. Well this is more of a goal for me, I'm not very good at it.
3. Clothing on the laundry room floor is fair game, except underwear, that has to be clean.
4. Black socks, again, this is more of a goal. I wear black socks until they are all dirty and then I usually end up wearing white socks.
5. Pants or a top with a pocket is ideal for a hoof pick or a phone, if not, find just a place to put it.
6. And most importantly, GOOD SHOES OR BOOTS!!

In short, I'm not going out to impress the horses or to make a fashion statement, I'm going to work :)

"People are going to judge you anyway, so forget everyone and be yourself." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 155

Another chewed through and broken fence railing today...no problem, I got this! Definitely not perfect but it's solid and considering I did it all by myself, I'm proud :)

"Go ahead, tell me that I'm not good enough, tell me I can't do it, because I will show you over and over again that I can!" -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 154

I started farm sitting tonight and will be until Monday morning. I've always known that running a farm is hard work but holy cow was that solidified tonight! I have a whole new appreciation to just how much work, time and commitment it takes. I have to say though, this little baby is a lot of fun and I couldn't imagine feeding without it! :) 

"It's not about perfect. It's about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that's where transformation happens. That's how change occurs." -Jillian Michaels 

A Year in Photo - Day 153

While watching Alaska: The Last Frontier this week, I watched one of the ladies make a salve, made with cottonwood buds, that can be used for dry skin, diaper rash etc. When I was at the farm yesterday I noticed all these buds on little twigs that had fallen from the two HUGE cottonwood trees on the property.

Every winter I battle eczema and dry skin on my hands, so I decided to try my hand at this. I gathered the buds this afternoon and they are now soaking in coconut oil at a low heat on the stove. I will add vitamin E to preserve it and a little bit of beeswax to harden it, then I will strain it and let it cool. I'm not sure if it will work but it smells AMAZING, so that's a good start :)

"She turned her can'ts into cans, and her dreams into plans." -Kobi Yamada

A Year in Photo - Day 152

1 horse, 2 days, 1 2x6 board....horse turned beaver. Crazy!

"The body heals with play,
the mind heals with laughter and
the spirit heals with joy."
-Proverb

A Year in Photo - Day 151

So I am the girl who cannot ski, skate or do anything that requires strapping something to my feet and sliding on a slippery surface; not my thing. So picture this, me sliding down a muddy hill with a heavy wheelbarrow full of poop. How I didn't land on my ass today I am still unsure.

So I drove to West Kelowna to find some muck boots, but they had to order them in and it would take 7-10 business days. Ok I guess....until I pictured another 2 weeks like today, not thanks. I drove to Vernon to check out another store and found these bad boys. Specifically designed for mud, waterproof, breathable, fit my orthotics, 3 season boots (i.e. warm enough for winter), comfortable and cheaper than the ones I ordered. SOLD! 

"All cowgirls know their shit. They have walked through it, shovelled it,
stepped in it, landed on it, smelled like it and been thrown in it.
Which is why they will not put up with yours..." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 150

I had the privilege of tagging along with my friend Kristi, a Barefoot Farrier, while she trimmed 7 horses. First stop I got stepped on, I will be interested to see how purple it goes tomorrow :)

War wounds aside, I learned a lot and I can't wait to do my course in April.

P.S. I clearly need a pedicure!

"Maybe life isn't about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it's about collecting the scars to prove we showed up for it." -Unknown 

A Year in Photo - Day 149

Sig dressed up to go to Tail Blazer's 15th Anniversary; a great group of people who care so much about each and every four legged, and two legged, friend that walks through the door. We are so happy we found them and, with their help, Sig is healthier than he's ever been!

"You've got a friend in me." -Toy Story

A Year in Photo - Day 148

Today I was able to participate in something that I didn't think I would ever be able to do; today the pigs at the farm were butchered. I won't go into too much detail but it was very humane. The family learned to butcher their own meat, savings them hundreds and allowing them to portion it for their family's needs. It was an interesting experience and I am glad to be able to learn from everyone.

"If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you." -Fred Devito

A Year in Photo - Day 147

Free after dinner entertainment. Watching Arch pick up his guitar and play some tunes gave me goosebumps. He gets a sparkle in his eye and you can see the memories flooding back as relives the good ol' days. Watching someone do something they love is almost like they are showing you a piece of their soul. I just love this guy! <3

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." -Berthold Auerbach

A Year in Photo - Day 146

I headed out to the farm to scoop sporting my Blue Jays colours this morning and I got home just in time to watch the last couple of innings. From what I saw it was one hell of a game. Go Jays Go!!!

"Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen." -Dr. Sukhraj Dhillon

A Year in Photo - Day 145

What a beautiful fall day! And I was lucky enough to spend my day outside :)

Live in each season as it passes;
breath the air,
drink the drink,
taste the fruit,
and resign yourself
to the influence of the earth.
-Henry David Thoreau

A Year in Photo - Day 144

These chickens/roosters aren't the brightest. I do not feed them, yet every time I go to my car they come running from all over the farm, thinking their next meal is about to be served. In fact, I have been known to chase them with a poop fork to get them to stop playing in the poop, looking for bugs, because it makes it hard to pick up. You would think they would run from me, but nope! It's kinda crazy to turn around and see them surrounding me; you can't see it but they are also behind me and around my car.

"If you wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down." -Toni Morrison

A Year in Photo - Day 143

Happy Thanksgiving! I have so much to be thankful for, I'm not even sure where to start. My amazingly supportive friends and family, my improving health, the opportunity to follow a dream a didn't know I had, my loving husband....I could go on and on, I am so lucky!

I spent the morning in the beautiful sunshine, at my paradise, with my good friend Mandy and her boy Gally. I took a "riding" lesson this week, so far we are just working on ground work and we will work up to riding. Mandy and I have been trying for months to get Gally to step up on the box, but we were doing it all wrong. With some guidance from our instructor and a few small changes, Gally stepped up on the box without assistance today. And not only that, he stood there ground tied (basically loose, the lead rope is just laying on the ground), while I walked away and Mandy took photos. A big success for us.

Now we're off for turkey dinner with the family, I couldn't imagine a more perfect day!

"Be kind, be thoughtful, be genuine, but most of all, be thankful." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 142

This week was Mental Illness Awareness Week, and today is Mental Health Day. As most of you know by now, I have Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Seasonal Affective Disorder, so this is a very important day for me.

We have come a long way with mental illness but we have a long way to go; the treatment of the mentally ill, the programs and services that are available, or lack there of, financial support, stigma, support in the workplace and oh so much more.

So let's GET LOUD because too many people suffer in silence, which is heartbreaking to me. I challenge you all to take the pledge to GET LOUD, http://getloud.mentalhealthweek.ca/, to bring awareness to mental illness and to everyone who's been diagnosed with it or affected by it. 

1 in 5 Canadians experience mental illness yet the stigma about what a mentally ill person looks like continues to perpetuate the stigma, and that's a problem. I took this photo straight out of bed, no makeup etc., do I look like someone with mental illness? I don't know, but what I do know is mental illness doesn't have a look. 

The face of mental illness is not what the stereotype dictates....if you are comfortable, post your photo in the comments or email it to me (Chelsey_99_@hotmail.com) and I will create a collage of our faces, the faces of mental illness.

Depression is not selfish.
Anxiety is not rude.
Schizophrenia is not wrong.

Mental Illness isn't self-centered,
any more than a broken leg
or the flu is self-centered.

If your mental illness makes you
feel guilty, review the definition
of "illness" and try to treat yourself
with the same respect and concern
you would show to a cancer patient
or a person with pneumonia.
-Unknown

#ayearinphoto #MIAW #WMHD #getloud #mentalillness #mentalhealth #mentalillnessday #wakeupoliticians #cmha #cmhakelowna #stigma #stereotypes #noshame #faceofmentalillness

A Year in Photo - Day 141

My arms look like my niece took crayola markers to them. The good news? I don't have any allergies. The bad news? The doctor isn't sure why my asthma has been so bad. A couple of medication adjustments, two x-ray requisitions and hopefully we will figure it out.

"I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgent.
Caring for myself is an act of survival." -Andre Londe

A Year in Photo - Day 140

The trees in our backyard are so beautiful this time of year, if only I could keep them like this and prevent the leaves from falling off. The view behind the trees leaves a little, or maybe a lot, to be desired.

"Autumn, the season that teaches us, that change, can be beautiful." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 139

I was laying on my bed, talking on the phone when Steve put Sig in the bed. I wasn't paying attention and when I was done I flipped the covers back and went to talk to Steve in the other room. I asked where Sig was and he said in the bed....no way, he wasn't in there when I left...or was he? So I went looking for him and this is what I found :)

"It all begins and ends in your mind. What you give power to, has power
over you, if you allow it." -Leon Brown

A Year in Photo - Day 138

After a day scooping poop and playing with horses, I stopped in at the dog park to see my sister and Arnie. He was far too busy playing and chewing on sticks to even look at me for a photo, so I had to resort to a selfie, which he wasn't very impressed with either.

"You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones
at every dog that barks." -Winston Churchill

A Year in Photo - Day 137 & Completed Summer 2015 Bucket List

Can applesauce, a bucket list item that I didn't think would prove so difficult, but it was. 

Take 1, I bought the apples, but underestimated how exhausting scooping poop would be (my new gig) and the apples rotted before I got to them. But the pigs loved them!

Take 2, I had everything prepped and on the first apple, I sliced my finger on my new apple peeler. So bad that I spent the next 3 hours in a humid, stinky walk-in clinic listening to a lady's life story and oh so much more! A homicide almost happened, no joke. Thankfully, no stitches due to the location, but I have to wear surgical gloves and another glove on top at the farm, which isn't ideal. The doc also said it would take awhile to heal.

Take 3, with the help of my wonderful husband, I completed my task and ended up with 7 pints and 20 half pints of delicious apple sauce.

"Never quit. If you stumble get back up. What happened yesterday no longer matters. Today is another day so get back on track and move closer to your dreams & goals.
You can do it." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 136

Oops, I forgot to post my photo yesterday. We went to get some apples for take 3 of canning apple sauce (see next post). I cleaned the garbage out of my car so Sig could come for a ride without destroying my car. I thought I got it all but true to his nickname, Hoover found something in the back seat and, as usual, shredded it.

"All you need is love...and a dog." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 135

You may be wondering, why the sad face, you have a Starbucks in your hand? Well Steven took pity on me and said I could have one after I sliced my finger on an apple peeler, on the first apple, while trying to make applesauce. I spent the next 3 hours in the walk-in clinic, 1/2 of the time with a woman who was talking NON-STOP, you know the one, every doctor's office has one. At one point she was reading the definitions out of the back of her book. Saying each word, then spelling it, then reading the definitions...LOUDLY. I actually moved to the other side of the clinic because, of course, she sat down right next to me, I could still hear her.

Good news, I didn't need stitches. Bad news, I have to bandage it and wear a surgical glove under a regular glove, when I'm at the farm, until it heals.

So, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself but damn did that PSL frappuccino hit the spot!

"Sometimes you just need the cup with the little green straw." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 134

Fall is here! Apple cider and homemade apple crisp :)

"Speak your heart. If they don't understand, the message was
never meant for them anyway." -Yasmin Mogahed

A Year in Photo - Day 133

Mr. Gally Man is always good for a laugh. Today he caught my eye because he was eating and he kept lifting his head high, like he was stretching and releasing, but then I saw this one piece of hay caught in his forelock. It kept catching he eye and he kept trying to look up to see it. 

I may have left it for a little bit....revenge for him biting me last week, plus, the stretching is good for him :)

"A day without laughter is a day wasted." -Charlie Chaplin