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