I'm BAAAAACK!!

Whew, life too off like a shot gun in the last few months and something had to go, unfortunately my blog was the victim. I enjoy doing it so much, and I had so much positive feedback about how it was helping other people, that I just can't possibly let it fall to the way side. So I'm back :)

Since I last posted life has changed so much. I completed my hoof trimming course and I am now a Certified Natural Hoof Trimmer. I have started my business, As Nature Intended Hoof Care (check me out on Facebook), and I am living the dream. It has been one of the hardest things I've done, challenging my mind and my body on a daily basis, but I'm loving it. There is so much to learn about running a business, it's been a huge learning curve, but I'm getting there. My clients have been so patient as I build the strength to trim quicker and each day I can feel myself getting strong. Plus, I get to hang out with horses, and get paid for it :)

My main Bucket List is a life long journey, one that I will continue to post about as I accomplish my items. I have decided to take my Summer Bucket List from last year and try to complete it this year. And I am going to restart my "Take a Photo Everyday for Year" Bucket List Item, because unfortunately I had to stop right before I finished it, it just may not happen right away. 

Here's a picture a client took of her horse, who I knew from last summer, while we were getting reacquainted. 

"Don't wait until you reach your goal to be proud of yourself.
Be proud of every step you take." -Karen Salmansohn

A Year in Photo - Day 320

The little boy who wears these shoes makes my heart smile. He makes me laugh, he is so smart and he is always getting into something. Today he was dumping water from his watering can onto the dirt and then stomping in the mud puddles. Love him so much!

"Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, dreams are forever." -Walt Disney

A Year in Photo - Day 319

Spring has sprung and my favourite flowers are in bloom, bleeding hearts. 

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 318

Steve and I spent the day picking up flowers, plants and bushes that were graciously given to us. Big kudos to Steve who did most of the work as I'm trying to be kind to my bummed shoulder.
  

"Don't marry a man unless you would be proud to have a son exactly like him." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 317

Spent a beautiful morning at the dog park today. While most of the dogs were playing hard, Sig preferred some alone time, followed by a good roll in the dirt. 

I LOVE the Okanagan...shorts and a tank top in the morning at the beginning of April is awesome!!

*Sidenote* I have been nominated to post a nature picture, daily, for 7 days. The first photo is my first photo.

"You should sit in nature for at least 30 minutes a day...
Unless you are busy, then you should sit for an hour."
-Based on an old Zen Saying

A Year in Photo - Day 316

I've had a nagging shoulder but kept thinking it would just get better if I was careful, a few months later and no such luck. I finally went to my chiropractor and he says I have tweaked my rotator cuff and my ac joint. 

My hoof trimming course starts on the 18th so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that if I follow through with my exercises it will get better.

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

A Year in Photo - Day 315

Check out my new machine (gifted from my Mom...who will take it back if hers breaks, haha!) and my newly organized sewing room. Just in time for another project :)

"It is not happy people who are grateful, it is grateful people who are happy." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 314

This sunshine has got me feeling cheeky!

"She dances to the songs in her head, speaks with the rhythm of her heart,
and loves from the depths of her soul." -Dean Jackson

A Year in Photo - Day 313

I've succeeded in decreasing my anxiety medication again. From 4 mg at the highest to 2.25 mg now. Unfortunately I'm experiencing some withdrawal symptoms, this time more mental than physical; I can't seem to find basic words, I forget what I'm doing and I'm forgetting names. Things are on the tip of my tongue but I can't seem to spit it out. While I know this is temporary, it can be infuriating. But in the end I am SO proud of myself so I'm trying to just go with it.

"Don't try to conquer this week. Flow with it instead. Don't try to control it, rather give it your hand. Treat it like a friend and not something out to hurt you. Soften a little more, leave the armour off for as long as you can." -S.C. Lourie

A Year in Photo - Day 312

Sprucing up the property with a new lilac bush. Spring is the time for new growth.

"For what it's worth: It's never too late to be whoever you want to be.
I hope you live a life you're proud of, and if you find that you're not,
I hope you have the strength to start over." -F. Scott Fitzgerald

A Year in Photo - Day 311

War wounds. "Oh you're going for a massage? Lucky!" HAHA, clearly you have never had a real massage. 

"A girl without freckles is like a night without stars." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 310

Tough afternoon, I was tasked with watching the fire. I even got a tasty beverage for my efforts :)

"There are so many beautiful ways to be grateful." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 309

Another beautiful day in paradise :)

"Do your thing. Do it unapologetically. Don't be discouraged by criticism. You probably already know what they're going to say. Pay no mind to the fear of failure. It's far more valuable than success. Take ownership, take chances, and have fun. And no matter what, don't ever stop doing your thing." -Asher Roth

A Year in Photo - Day 308

The homeless shelter I have been volunteering at, Inn from the Cold, closed at the end of the March. It only operates during the coldest winter months, and while the need is still very much there, the funding isn't. I don't normally sign up for the last night because I find it really emotionally challenging. I've gotten to know all the guests over the season and I truly care about them. The worst part is walking away at the end of my shift, knowing the VAST majority have nowhere to go the next night. 

As I walked up to my door I am reminded of just how lucky I am.

"We can't help everyone but everyone can help someone." -Ronald Reagan

A Year in Photo - Day 307

Don't you have enough fabric? BAHAHAHA, I'm a quilter...there's no such thing!

"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." -Robin Williams

A Year in Photo - Day 306

Rocking out in Rhonda, enjoying the sunshine!

"I'm working my happiness like a full time job." -Gabrielle Bernstein

A Year in Photo - Day 305

Siggy dressed up in his Easter best, thanks to his Tawny :)

"Take time to make your soul happy." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 304

Admittedly, I was a HUGE skeptic of this game....but after playing it I'm converted. Think the childhood game of "Telephone" and "Pictionary" put together :)

"Whatever makes you feel bad, leave it. Whatever makes you smile, keep it." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 303

I will never understand, why when you go to a restaurant and you order a glass of water and a soft drink, you get a straw in your soft drink but you don't get a straw in your water?!?!

"I have to keep reminding myself that some people were just raised differently..." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 302

Horses have always had a calming affect on me and today was just another example of that. I arrived at the farm feeling tense and anxious, but I had the opportunity to work with this beauty, Zara. She too can be anxious and I hadn't really been able to connect with her, so I knew I had to try to bring my energy down. 

Through grooming, guiding her through obstacles, lunging her and massaging her, I left the farm feeling SO much better, and I hope she did too.

"The days you are most uncomfortable are the days you learn the most about yourself."
-Mary L. Bean

A Year in Photo - Day 301

He may not be a puppy any more, but from the moment we met Sig we knew he was ours. What I don't think either of us realized is just how much he would change our lives, for the better. He makes us laugh, keeps us company and knows exactly when we need some extra love. Happy National Puppy Day ©©©

 
Although we are celebrating him today, he was feeling rather tired and
couldn't smile for his picture :) 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

My dog taught me everything I need to know. It's okay sometimes to just eat and sleep. When you fall down get back up, shake it off, forget about it, and go on. Be very brave no matter your size. Make your own fun. Unleash your talents. Learn new tricks no matter your age. Make new friends. Sniff out opportunities. Chase after your dreams. When loved ones come home always run to greet them. At the end of the day it is best to snuggle no matter what has happened. Every day is a brand new day just be happy!

-Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 300

Day 300, I had hopes of posting about how much I have learned from this blog journey and how much things have changed, but sadly something tragic has happened instead.

My heart breaks for everyone in Belgium. For those of you who don't know, I went on exchange to Belgium for a year when I was 18 and I left a piece of my heart there when I left. I have a whole other family and many friends, all of whom I remain in contact with and who I am so grateful to say are safe. 

I had my nails painted in honour of all of the Belgian people, representing the Belgian flag, sadly the yellow wouldn't cure but for a few hours I wore the Belgian flag on my nails. Although my nails don't reflect the flag any more, my heart and thoughts are with them. 

Nous sommes éloignés mais je pense souvent à vous et vous auriez toujours un bout de mon cœur. Je vous envoie plein de bisous © 

"Une injustice commise quelque part est une menace pour
la justice dans le monde entier." -Martin Luther King 

A Year in Photo - Day 299

Capped off a great day working with horses with a bonfire :)

"If at the end of the day you smell like a horse, then it was a good day." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 298

I climbed the hay stack because there were a bunch of chickens hanging out up there and I wanted to see if they had been laying more eggs on the top of the stack. In the process, I found a great place to lay down and enjoy some quiet time.

I like being alone.
I have control over my own shit .
Therefore, in order to win me over, 
your presence has to feel better
than my solitude. You're not
competing with another person,
you are competing with
my comfort zones.
-Horacia Jones

A Year in Photo - Day 297

Another beautiful day at the farm...I love these trees!

"The human spirit needs a place where nature has not been
rearranged by the hand of man." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 296

I had a great night at a Will Enn's painting class at Wine & Art Bistro with a good friend and some of her family. It was definitely interesting as I have only painted one other time (see Day 289), but we had lots of fun. I'm happy with my abstract cat's face (that's a fish in his mouth)....the body needs some work, but overall I think it's still pretty good.

"Allow yourself to be a beginner. No one starts off being excellent." -Wendy Flynn

A Year in Photo - Day 295

After spending their winters in Arizona, my parents sold their house down south and are finally home for good. My Dad was feeling extra cheeky the first day I saw him. As he was eating his Pringles he said....Chels, you should be eating these, they look like saddles! You tell by the look on his face he thought he was pretty funny :) 

"I love it when somebody's laugh is funnier than the joke." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 294

I finally got my butt off the couch and figured I'd go big or go home and I went on a wee road trip to Kamloops with my sister for an appointment. We had lots of laughs and found time to check out two BEAUTIFUL quilt shops. This is a quilt I loved from Katja's Quilt Shoppe in Kamloops. We also discovered a new gem, Pleasant Valley Quilting in Armstrong, a great find that I will definitely be returning to!

"Laughter sparkles like a splash of water in sunlight." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 293

Not much progress on my colouring but it reflects how I'm feeling. Hanging in there.

"You're only human. You don't have to have it together 
every minute of every day." - Anne Hathaway

A Year in Photo - Day 292

Sick, tired of laying around but have no energy to do anything and it's too early to go to bed.....I pulled out the big guns and coloured. 

"You can't pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 291

Sick as hell but thankfully Sig always seems to know when I need some extra love. 

You don't need to defend.
You don't need to prove.
You just need to BE.
-Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 290

I took Sig for a haircut this morning. Normally when we go for a "car ride" and we stop, he freaks out, climbs all over me and tries to get out of the car, but not today. We pulled into PetSmart and he didn't even stand up. I'm not sure how he even knew where we were but he was NOT interested in getting out!

"When you love and laugh abundantly you live a beautiful life." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 289

Over the years I've tapped into my creative side more and more but one thing I have always steered clear from was painting. I have difficulty letting go, giving up the control and just seeing what I can create; I want everything to be perfect and I get discouraged when it isn't. I can barely draw a stick man, let alone do anything paint and a brush. Or at least that's what I thought.

I went to a wine and paint night at my friend's house, I was freaking out for days leading up to it. I looked up some "easy" "beginner" paintings but I still had little faith. I finally settled on one and decided to just give it a go. To my surprise, I was pleased with how it was progressing and the more I painted, the more confident I became.

I am so pleased with the result and I can't wait to try something else!

"I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." -Van Gogh

A Year in Photo - Day 288

Over a year in the making, I finally finished my I-Spy quilt. Hundreds of hexagons, made with fabric I swapped, bought and received for free, make up this labour of love. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of fellow quilters and I am overjoyed with how it turned out. The quilt is for our house, for the our nieces and nephew, for our friends kids and hey, maybe after a glass or two of wine, for us too :)

"Creativity is messy and I'm very creative." -Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 287

I hope you will forgive me for not taking this picture today, but it's a special occasion, so I hope it still counts towards my Year in Photo.

Today is International Women's Day and when I think of strong, courageous, beautiful and inspirational women, these are the two I think of. We've laughed together, cried together, been on many adventures together and maybe even caused a little trouble along the way. I don't know where I would be without either of them, they have been my rocks during the tough times and my partners in crime through the good times. I am so grateful to be able to call these women my Mom and my Sister. Love you both ©

And to all the amazing women in my life, Happy International Women's Day ©♀©♀©♀©

A Strong Woman
is one who feels deeply
and loves fiercely 
Her tears flow just as abundantly
as her laughter...

A Strong Woman
is both soft and powerful
She is both practical and spiritual...

A Strong Woman
in her essence
is a gift to the world...

-Unknown

A Year in Photo - Day 286

Nothing can ground you faster than a head cold that comes out of nowhere and keeps you up all night. I guess it's better on a rainy/dreary day than on a sunshiny day though.

"Be grateful you have a safe, secure place to sleep tonight.
Some people don't have that luxury." -Kristen Butler

A Year in Photo - Day 285

I got some time to work on my I-Spy quilt and it is so close to being done. I can't wait to share the finished product!

"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." -Maya Angelou

A Year in Photo - Day 284

After a good night's rest I was rejuvenated and I pulled Gally out to play in the round pen. During one of our breaks I took his tail braid out and was in the process of taking a photo and telling him that chicks dig curls, when he turned around and I got this photo. Such a ham!

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