tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18200841625140263342024-03-15T18:12:58.255-07:00Blue Skies and Gentle BreezesHey, I'm Dona, intent on living my best life. I hope you are too! Grab your favorite bevie and have a seat. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger763125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-22837116184132271842024-02-26T15:23:00.000-08:002024-02-26T15:23:38.038-08:00Monday Morning Motivation, February 26, 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlChT0fbuahHaJG6wHMTXXUNjeK-ZFXKW8Nx_UIpU5jX0bc93imlYU0taQqIsnBTtzkWNXdbSFGCZ5EmlWIpuGVDIFU25RbEpOgHZOrN3QRrMwUo6lM1XRMhdRXWr-m5K2DmCKjaBmBhtZmht8HUj_VegFD-lhaMO37-AEN8lN7K2p-IhUhcIyaALW_JUF/s2048/2006_MaxwellToast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlChT0fbuahHaJG6wHMTXXUNjeK-ZFXKW8Nx_UIpU5jX0bc93imlYU0taQqIsnBTtzkWNXdbSFGCZ5EmlWIpuGVDIFU25RbEpOgHZOrN3QRrMwUo6lM1XRMhdRXWr-m5K2DmCKjaBmBhtZmht8HUj_VegFD-lhaMO37-AEN8lN7K2p-IhUhcIyaALW_JUF/w400-h300/2006_MaxwellToast.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">If I’ve learned anything in life, it’s
that you should tell people how important they are to you. Not because they
could leave at any moment, but because they’re here now, and it’s worth saying
something. ~Unknown.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">You are important.</span><span style="font-family: Segoe UI Emoji, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-72988645536735245692024-02-12T07:41:00.000-08:002024-02-12T07:41:25.177-08:00Monday Morning Motivation, February 12, 2024<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnM6pHXUkC-gXOkixgbqkLheCTUO2WY0TZfXFaLLranZvohbzNLlEoZSlozyAdhn2a5PDLv1NZDGKu9YLYxPvTB9nTRjjX477o7CRlt-_o01nbV5q5TsJMxaZvC9CqaubpUZjRPoQrftlXTTuRqTpDBfT8jjCwNLjx7ewh-MA8TMJ6NmPRs7L1W5SZdLVR/s3027/20240212_LabradoriteHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="3027" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnM6pHXUkC-gXOkixgbqkLheCTUO2WY0TZfXFaLLranZvohbzNLlEoZSlozyAdhn2a5PDLv1NZDGKu9YLYxPvTB9nTRjjX477o7CRlt-_o01nbV5q5TsJMxaZvC9CqaubpUZjRPoQrftlXTTuRqTpDBfT8jjCwNLjx7ewh-MA8TMJ6NmPRs7L1W5SZdLVR/s320/20240212_LabradoriteHeart.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Good morning!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Wherever you go, may people recognize that you have a </span><i><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">beautiful</span></i><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;"> heart!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Playfair Display; font-size: x-small;">Photograph of Labradorite heart, copyright 2024 IdahoGemGirl (copyright embedded in image).</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-56178398252256682642024-01-29T09:42:00.000-08:002024-01-29T09:42:09.131-08:00Monday Morning Motivation, January 29, 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SDmVDGuFMY0YX15jpl747eu6Vpab8-0tJHbuSPrUx23sJctnhusFjERLeC4rImaCQrBWAYCu730dZzNZu8l0cDp6yV-TzTXOXNhB3n8ge4_Ns9-D6ejkAZODsKdjckR-RYHcLK_cwXlo20DzWcyke6T7c7M0YzTOYokyUbjT5dxjqXuLUWcw6W6M1umk/s1600/20240129_MonMorMot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SDmVDGuFMY0YX15jpl747eu6Vpab8-0tJHbuSPrUx23sJctnhusFjERLeC4rImaCQrBWAYCu730dZzNZu8l0cDp6yV-TzTXOXNhB3n8ge4_Ns9-D6ejkAZODsKdjckR-RYHcLK_cwXlo20DzWcyke6T7c7M0YzTOYokyUbjT5dxjqXuLUWcw6W6M1umk/w400-h300/20240129_MonMorMot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">5 THINGS TO REMEMBER TODAY</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">You are valuable.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">You are enough.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">You have a voice.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">You are seen.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">You are capable.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv xzsf02u x1s688f" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mondaymorningmotivation?__eep__=6&__tn__=*NK*F" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#mondaymorningmotivation</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv xzsf02u x1s688f" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mondaymotivation?__eep__=6&__tn__=*NK*F" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#mondaymotivation</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv xzsf02u x1s688f" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mondayvibes?__eep__=6&__tn__=*NK*F" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#mondayvibes</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv xzsf02u x1s688f" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mondaymood?__eep__=6&__tn__=*NK*F" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#mondaymood</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv xzsf02u x1s688f" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bekind?__eep__=6&__tn__=*NK*F" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#bekind</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv xzsf02u x1s688f" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bekinder?__eep__=6&__tn__=*NK*F" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#bekinder</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv xzsf02u x1s688f" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bekindertoyourself?__eep__=6&__tn__=*NK*F" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#bekindertoyourself</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv xzsf02u x1s688f" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bekindereveryday?__eep__=6&__tn__=*NK*F" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#bekindereveryday</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv xzsf02u x1s688f" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/encourage?__eep__=6&__tn__=*NK*F" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#encourage</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv xzsf02u x1s688f" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/encouragement?__eep__=6&__tn__=*NK*F" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#encouragement</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv xzsf02u x1s688f" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/liftoneanotherup?__eep__=6&__tn__=*NK*F" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#liftoneanotherup</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"> </span></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-76118720467981003522024-01-23T09:43:00.000-08:002024-01-23T09:43:00.743-08:00Monday Morning Motivation (on Tuesday), January 22, 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8YBJg-zxyyGq5wiGGDnVQm_lRlcsmgpREscfyN4BN-qHWW0IQxkGyhCMoXtUutcWInQWI25BRKlo7AISbGKodvnxYbwFrtIB132vsuss3h0ThPiiRsI9hlyTZ731HzjHQIVu0z8cTuSxRsv5afkhBj0yVY5mA_POdllyaezaROSQUqBrYZYSE9Y71dil/s640/MonMorMot2024-01-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="640" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8YBJg-zxyyGq5wiGGDnVQm_lRlcsmgpREscfyN4BN-qHWW0IQxkGyhCMoXtUutcWInQWI25BRKlo7AISbGKodvnxYbwFrtIB132vsuss3h0ThPiiRsI9hlyTZ731HzjHQIVu0z8cTuSxRsv5afkhBj0yVY5mA_POdllyaezaROSQUqBrYZYSE9Y71dil/w400-h235/MonMorMot2024-01-22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505;"><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505;"><br /></span></span></p>In case no one told you today…</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505;">Hello!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505;">Good morning.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505;">You belong here.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505;">You’re doing great.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505;">You make a difference just by being you.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505;">Somewhere, someone’s life is better because of you.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-89770629326531437522024-01-15T12:12:00.000-08:002024-01-15T12:12:31.873-08:00Monday Morning Motivation, January 15, 2024<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpyGIPSRdNs24rOUkaBZxOprXlCdnlMJS5esDvdn8lYIgSJJYYuUkjKzEENQhygTNMOMqrJvZ7jXeMWp-6tAYpqfWbCYSvfLefLkCbckDjnbxZ8m7LvlbjVTkgoYIzs3JjclETismaHNmTD3eH8xvwkGGFtZSxAuluQia54z8mYm8pAED9emwj2M0Ea3m/s4032/20180812_115316-01SunsetReflection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpyGIPSRdNs24rOUkaBZxOprXlCdnlMJS5esDvdn8lYIgSJJYYuUkjKzEENQhygTNMOMqrJvZ7jXeMWp-6tAYpqfWbCYSvfLefLkCbckDjnbxZ8m7LvlbjVTkgoYIzs3JjclETismaHNmTD3eH8xvwkGGFtZSxAuluQia54z8mYm8pAED9emwj2M0Ea3m/w400-h225/20180812_115316-01SunsetReflection.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Good morning/afternoon!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">I hope…</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Yesterday reminds you how strong you were.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Today proves you how capable you are, and</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Tomorrow tells you how fantastic you can be.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-77955483608044062482024-01-06T20:34:00.000-08:002024-01-06T20:34:40.791-08:00You can say that here<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Being around horses has distinct advantages. We can say things that, in any other time or place, might be deemed inappropriate. Things like...</span></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">"You look good on him." (I've had that said to me).</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Or "He's too much for her, maybe you should get on him."</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">It's perfectly normal conversation at the barn; no one gets offended or put out. That's just the way it is; that's how we talk.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">And such was the case at team sorting two weeks ago. I'll set the stage.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">The barn owner/event hosts have many friends, one of whom is an avid team roper and frequent visitor to the barn. I'll just call him R and he's a hoot and a half, just a fun loving guy. Extrovert major. And that's when he's sober. Alcohol tends to magnify his personality, but not in a bad way. He becomes more...people friendly...if you know what I mean.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">So, I'm sitting on Duke nursing a cold brew when I see R strolling on foot into the arena. Make that swagger into the arena. His entrance is one that won't go unnoticed because he has a certain lively energy to him at the moment...the kind everyone hears...and he has a beer in his hand.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Data gathered and noted.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">To my right are my friends Erica, Hillary, and Kim. To my left is another friend named Judy; a shall we say mature woman. I had just taken a swig of my beer, as I'm watching R's face light up and he strolls right up to Judy, like he's on a mission. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Then he belts out, rather loudly, "Hey, how old is your ass?"</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Judy is sitting on a mule. And responds to his question as if he was asking about her son. "He's 30," she says, nonplussed. And the two strike up a conversation about mules, comparing notes, etc. The way people meeting for the first time might chat. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Me? I'm really glad I already swallowed the beer, because it would have come out my nose if I hadn't.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">If a guy said that to a woman (especially a stranger) anywhere else, he would have been slapped...possibly. Most likely more than once.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Okay...someone would be stinging, that's for sure.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There's no people like horse </span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Raleway;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">people.</span></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-74808525822453984052024-01-01T15:38:00.000-08:002024-01-01T15:38:24.889-08:00Monday Morning Motivation, January 1, 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43KkLbN7xdEs8pSMoD1Lk1G2-2WWtGkw_8EhRXU-GiiQ6Nn-jgl4Rn-_RfYR6IlzWtTpmwkWV48DJuhEh_TKFZfnIZDVVuvlOyNJd55wwjjHevnZk3D3ivRxQmq9iqGmLUfz5w5EDnpsO5Jd9Fq7lFiEs0NUIWhrWw3MJazT-lGel8M2O0jtY0D_zwil0/s1092/HelloJanuary_OML2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43KkLbN7xdEs8pSMoD1Lk1G2-2WWtGkw_8EhRXU-GiiQ6Nn-jgl4Rn-_RfYR6IlzWtTpmwkWV48DJuhEh_TKFZfnIZDVVuvlOyNJd55wwjjHevnZk3D3ivRxQmq9iqGmLUfz5w5EDnpsO5Jd9Fq7lFiEs0NUIWhrWw3MJazT-lGel8M2O0jtY0D_zwil0/w395-h400/HelloJanuary_OML2023.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A tad late posting today. Got distracted by boxing up my Christmas decorations and needing a nap. :)</div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-11745234194759489582023-12-25T11:10:00.000-08:002023-12-25T11:10:23.221-08:00Monday Morning Motivation, December 25, 2023<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIk16YRkXVVgeCJ8BUP8BZECWUq3nXZgQSxp6Sr6CVWgnsWeNjLEqtqi6LMQy5ZgWDMZRgMcQkto0-mkqjHE5afJdZrbPh4-jG6QTitfetBNOzx0hikWBMZZf2Wdv3RLygQ_t8naByeHe5qDPjC3tb0vxVT6qbiGshvJ7jjlXuoUmiMCUvwybC3_R9oSj6/s446/566294_501034033250307_953852723_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="446" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIk16YRkXVVgeCJ8BUP8BZECWUq3nXZgQSxp6Sr6CVWgnsWeNjLEqtqi6LMQy5ZgWDMZRgMcQkto0-mkqjHE5afJdZrbPh4-jG6QTitfetBNOzx0hikWBMZZf2Wdv3RLygQ_t8naByeHe5qDPjC3tb0vxVT6qbiGshvJ7jjlXuoUmiMCUvwybC3_R9oSj6/s320/566294_501034033250307_953852723_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Today is the day many children
look forward to with wonder and delight. And yet the day may come when the feelings
of wonder and delight slowly fade, replaced by responsibility and perhaps
obligation as we mature. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTT0-mEqnXMf5O1v-q2CM9UY10sF36PuVhWnHxEcfpmaRnEcfof0fkRItJ6ZdDS4ZY_y22kcf5Z3LUtenNoN-meRY5aNwwnlnZdFRCYae7Yeczk5WA96NahOC6qhIjbQNalECK7FX3gsKFShuUFqBTk5GpsP7KV9oqlb9QD1LuILNB3jtZwzmlYGqo3EC/s236/Elf%20Santa%20I%20Know%20Him002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="236" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTT0-mEqnXMf5O1v-q2CM9UY10sF36PuVhWnHxEcfpmaRnEcfof0fkRItJ6ZdDS4ZY_y22kcf5Z3LUtenNoN-meRY5aNwwnlnZdFRCYae7Yeczk5WA96NahOC6qhIjbQNalECK7FX3gsKFShuUFqBTk5GpsP7KV9oqlb9QD1LuILNB3jtZwzmlYGqo3EC/s1600/Elf%20Santa%20I%20Know%20Him002.jpg" width="236" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLD_9moYZwNwOnIPezzAeTY1A2KBsgD-LmBJ4BkUeQ-az7ItZrkdeoyi3d5ZXs8KUCIPsFRedAfmOIAMahJ_m4vOgOuHoFXkBcNcNoAYyjKH_uJ3ZHgmK7C2K8f1T3SAHeI21pVKP9cJ4m8fymNPbEr7skeVJyaqIBJZutGLFCmmLuMcYJ4lOwVpK6TrFt/s359/Christmas%20Vacation%20Nobodys%2002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLD_9moYZwNwOnIPezzAeTY1A2KBsgD-LmBJ4BkUeQ-az7ItZrkdeoyi3d5ZXs8KUCIPsFRedAfmOIAMahJ_m4vOgOuHoFXkBcNcNoAYyjKH_uJ3ZHgmK7C2K8f1T3SAHeI21pVKP9cJ4m8fymNPbEr7skeVJyaqIBJZutGLFCmmLuMcYJ4lOwVpK6TrFt/s320/Christmas%20Vacation%20Nobodys%2002.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: xx-large; text-align: left;">On this day, my wish is that
you allow room in your heart for the wonder and delight you felt as a child; even
if it was only once and short-lived, push through whatever it is that separates
you from that lightness and joy. Think back to the best memory you have of a
Christmas past (or any event), linger in that moment in the present, and hold on
to it so you can carry it forward to the future.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhce1x_58p6MMm5CkOw-rPtcxRpdrlJiGiE7tp_try51maHveSDioWG18c51ufgFqdKAlgaIcEYjbZJdJ2y5Xcsad_uF6zJ_eEiXVmrJNYsAS-PwMR4tpYMy_JVZRBBzuAvZNiG1mx_9ibYfxfRfHQDXqJLuP2BP4A5y8ublk0XmtS4tLYLOOQMVhCLQABL/s500/A%20Christmas%20Story%20Dare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="500" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhce1x_58p6MMm5CkOw-rPtcxRpdrlJiGiE7tp_try51maHveSDioWG18c51ufgFqdKAlgaIcEYjbZJdJ2y5Xcsad_uF6zJ_eEiXVmrJNYsAS-PwMR4tpYMy_JVZRBBzuAvZNiG1mx_9ibYfxfRfHQDXqJLuP2BP4A5y8ublk0XmtS4tLYLOOQMVhCLQABL/s320/A%20Christmas%20Story%20Dare.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwuzjySGij_uBxfLpKWvIwMXxjfM-EyuuI8gquc3sMul6czOhn1dbhu0WCiKOVIQ5P-NTNVoTJ-5CzFg4qxA-iIfvqwnF9WhMTA-lmNUI7NHG1KuP5AuaHuC4YTXFKe9wULeNHsfokSyaAsGtqxhtS24IF68Y4eFUcj_Oxjd-LBfQ8_b1X12w4ERQkLHM/s864/AChristmasCarol%20Honor001.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="552" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwuzjySGij_uBxfLpKWvIwMXxjfM-EyuuI8gquc3sMul6czOhn1dbhu0WCiKOVIQ5P-NTNVoTJ-5CzFg4qxA-iIfvqwnF9WhMTA-lmNUI7NHG1KuP5AuaHuC4YTXFKe9wULeNHsfokSyaAsGtqxhtS24IF68Y4eFUcj_Oxjd-LBfQ8_b1X12w4ERQkLHM/s320/AChristmasCarol%20Honor001.webp" width="204" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: xx-large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script;">Merry Christmas to you and
yours! </span><span style="font-family: Pacifico;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6mY-35Fo6VErKJjxcZuDs8ay1gQB8juP1SMTDRumUkQt5Ndw7dixL46w8piHTD9Q97vxOLZWw4HA_Y8904iCT00mjpsPyesHsYf3BUGOsfOtzmfpbtZ6oK-W4wCBvLqFNObDEZl7s0gIEO2zFelq1xe5sjBcHsjqp8KZv8bt2QQ_CuzJvO8XE-SGeVfE/s1511/PolarExpressSometimes001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6mY-35Fo6VErKJjxcZuDs8ay1gQB8juP1SMTDRumUkQt5Ndw7dixL46w8piHTD9Q97vxOLZWw4HA_Y8904iCT00mjpsPyesHsYf3BUGOsfOtzmfpbtZ6oK-W4wCBvLqFNObDEZl7s0gIEO2zFelq1xe5sjBcHsjqp8KZv8bt2QQ_CuzJvO8XE-SGeVfE/s320/PolarExpressSometimes001.jpg" width="229" /></span></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QIwd-DhcroVTOYVBdRITd6oT4GAdJLRbl26oOHXowfUMbSDU7LC7VbPwgp6HXBoFEra5nHwbiLg-NyKT61t7uGz4S69nX8X617_ffP47jePd9q8RZc7-TNGNvQB3EY7FoOcVf8yrXmDhA5gt17e5p-7i62JJNphkfNwA1ZTfs3DldaJQflKpCmT3_4mz/s651/PolarExpressBell001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QIwd-DhcroVTOYVBdRITd6oT4GAdJLRbl26oOHXowfUMbSDU7LC7VbPwgp6HXBoFEra5nHwbiLg-NyKT61t7uGz4S69nX8X617_ffP47jePd9q8RZc7-TNGNvQB3EY7FoOcVf8yrXmDhA5gt17e5p-7i62JJNphkfNwA1ZTfs3DldaJQflKpCmT3_4mz/s320/PolarExpressBell001.jpg" width="233" /></span></a></div></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-43786610767160245822023-12-22T09:47:00.000-08:002023-12-22T09:49:41.886-08:00Familiar things in unfamiliar times<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Aptos Serif",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In this constantly changing world, which
leaves us feeling unprepared, there is a feeling of nostalgia and even a sense
of comfort that comes with the familiar. This little reindeer stamp is one of
those familiar things.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Aptos Serif",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Aptos Serif",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKdWiQssKh3xpUf0kCQGZf_5PchjIP5qxFzZK7N32WBSg6_NQwC2J95SqL5Q7h_YGdkUyfpEpGiK8b2Gm9jtiR4PgCBB-I_tPvul9ATaaZPi-ly1j9r5uF_76kfUa_cY8eAIYFDZavjt12m6ZIuPMAs7reaer_zderQehyphenhyphen1wbB5zwXcUgDnvyHcK9i1c8/s4000/20231221_122903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKdWiQssKh3xpUf0kCQGZf_5PchjIP5qxFzZK7N32WBSg6_NQwC2J95SqL5Q7h_YGdkUyfpEpGiK8b2Gm9jtiR4PgCBB-I_tPvul9ATaaZPi-ly1j9r5uF_76kfUa_cY8eAIYFDZavjt12m6ZIuPMAs7reaer_zderQehyphenhyphen1wbB5zwXcUgDnvyHcK9i1c8/s320/20231221_122903.jpg" width="148" /></a></span></span></div><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Aptos Serif",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Aptos Serif",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In December 1988, I was in Markettime Drug
when this fun lil’ character, sitting by itself on a shelf, caught my eye. I
was smitten with its charm and without hesitation snatched it off the shelf and
headed to the cashier. It's probably the only thing I ever purchased at
Markettime Drug, and it’s been with me ever since. Funny thing, before that
night, I never visited Markettime Drug. I drove by it hundreds of times, never
stopping; yet that night I felt compelled to stop and go in.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Aptos Serif",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Aptos Serif",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-j_pfmAqCK-4V3eCaPm_C_GS6oQnueVS1DXFDMl7VEPRQcVuifMqS-OOwQmShWFU50Dg680u6OdmodZPKUi8FmsCNRvyVlsgZHoPBmvbF6XZSKUDk6QsPirkQEm4S7ABJJqeoj59nJb8ErX-lvRl0BK2nYiFCM8F_7ZDuLvnYxKFSVB1m_hwlmrz7xqg/s4000/20231221_122829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-j_pfmAqCK-4V3eCaPm_C_GS6oQnueVS1DXFDMl7VEPRQcVuifMqS-OOwQmShWFU50Dg680u6OdmodZPKUi8FmsCNRvyVlsgZHoPBmvbF6XZSKUDk6QsPirkQEm4S7ABJJqeoj59nJb8ErX-lvRl0BK2nYiFCM8F_7ZDuLvnYxKFSVB1m_hwlmrz7xqg/s320/20231221_122829.jpg" width="148" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Aptos Serif",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Aptos Serif",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The ink pad dried up years ago, but as a card
maker I have enough red ink pads to keep it going. Every year when it appears
in my workspace while I am sending Christmas cards, it puts a smile on my face
and a bit of joy in my heart. A tiny reminder of a different time, and yet
serves to remind me that not everything has to change.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdz3wpv2HMwaN8I0qjjhpNU2AQNEsgkhwYSWCLuVNKwsk-jGJxYU2dH0mLw4eW_QRASXzEnCiFEmGYk0FlOOmUBcTtDs_FdIIzfsLdb-DG1Kh4GEqP-SM6HMTRjfyrhQGPdRFeAuhUdk1LAt0yR_WzTNBkEweiWrET5HD-6giyq88UlS15uyHdQ3pYf6E/s4000/20231222_090010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdz3wpv2HMwaN8I0qjjhpNU2AQNEsgkhwYSWCLuVNKwsk-jGJxYU2dH0mLw4eW_QRASXzEnCiFEmGYk0FlOOmUBcTtDs_FdIIzfsLdb-DG1Kh4GEqP-SM6HMTRjfyrhQGPdRFeAuhUdk1LAt0yR_WzTNBkEweiWrET5HD-6giyq88UlS15uyHdQ3pYf6E/s320/20231222_090010.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Aptos Serif",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-41659624046713049892023-12-18T15:10:00.000-08:002023-12-18T15:11:11.028-08:00Monday Morning Motivation, December 18, 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_U3KOiopWaMpdUeJtLtQ9Q5E89Xm_t9ibPiJ8KbC8u7DE0Erccz75im9gi_QtohSLvhP5Spcrs-FOVHqSaVcZMMpHL8IsruMqRvWvy4L8Grd6VxurSLcjQ432qCPzK6aYPYwqqTtzcEHvnTh6HOLxiYMn3MWOz5Ra8ulALZW-FbvbqLuk6mFfBN2f86w/s815/Screenshot%202023-12-18%20145446.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="815" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_U3KOiopWaMpdUeJtLtQ9Q5E89Xm_t9ibPiJ8KbC8u7DE0Erccz75im9gi_QtohSLvhP5Spcrs-FOVHqSaVcZMMpHL8IsruMqRvWvy4L8Grd6VxurSLcjQ432qCPzK6aYPYwqqTtzcEHvnTh6HOLxiYMn3MWOz5Ra8ulALZW-FbvbqLuk6mFfBN2f86w/w400-h395/Screenshot%202023-12-18%20145446.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Some things just have to be shared.</p><p>I've been following <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_ourmindfullife/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Our Mindful Life</a> on Instagram for several years. When I'm stuck on what to say come Monday morning, I'll turn to OML and find a treasure. And when I do, this happens. "Self," I say. "You just can't keep this nugget of wisdom to yourself. It must be shared!" And so, I did. 😊</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-66785685360522830452023-12-17T10:32:00.000-08:002023-12-17T10:32:01.816-08:00It's My Favorite Time of Year<p> It's my favorite Christmas song, which I listen to all year long.</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/H10f2w7T5CU?si=3xovokqpfHy6Jjay" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Florin Street Band - My Favourite Time of Year</a></p><p><br /></p><p>The making of My Favourite Time of Year. How much do I love BTS for anything on video? A lot!!!</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/y5CHH_O0sqM?si=GGupPDkU-d31o4MI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BTS for the video</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-40768345991957643342023-12-05T11:31:00.000-08:002023-12-05T12:20:56.353-08:00Speaking of the heart<p> </p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Somewhere, at some time in my life, I heard or read the words <i>The heart has no concept of time.</i> Those words became a ripple of change within me and my perspective on everything changed. Perhaps for the better.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrYpJYrq0YcKD4GVpkSHE-7a9AhMSLfYPvMCSqbMKF-dBhXlfxdI-3paXwHC8rMJ48SmpYUT-H14UFb_3u5MZkRYUlbxgY3GDNZEoK2x_Hn2PKCND5_PjdeXlwSBNBZpEX-fQYNcF5o4Q-bkhcDrAKXFTcCtlXYjD_FMs3EMGLxSiB13me43BazrEANaD/s269/timeheart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="269" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrYpJYrq0YcKD4GVpkSHE-7a9AhMSLfYPvMCSqbMKF-dBhXlfxdI-3paXwHC8rMJ48SmpYUT-H14UFb_3u5MZkRYUlbxgY3GDNZEoK2x_Hn2PKCND5_PjdeXlwSBNBZpEX-fQYNcF5o4Q-bkhcDrAKXFTcCtlXYjD_FMs3EMGLxSiB13me43BazrEANaD/s1600/timeheart.jpg" width="269" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br />And when it comes to loss and the grief that accompanies it, I came to grasp a deeper meaning of those words. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span>Especially last April, when it came time to let go of my horse, Duke. In late March he went into respiratory distress; I immediately took him to his vet, Dr. Dave, who diagnosed Duke with heaves and prescribed a month-long round of Dexamethasone (a corticosteroid)</span> applied topically to his pelleted feed. I tried everything to heal him, soaking his hay in water to remove dust, removing all bedding from his stall. I clipped his long shaggy Cushing's related coat around his vital organs hoping on the warmer days it would bring some relief. Nothing helped him. I was hoping for a miracle. There was nothing further Dr. Dave could do, and so, after speaking to veterinarians at Washington State University, I came to terms with the fact that the time had come for me to make a quality-of-life decision on Duke's behalf. Since that day, just the thought of him, or when a social media memory of him pops up, the flood of emotions flows. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Duke crossed over at mid-morning on April 28, 2023, seven days shy of his 28th birthday.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">I am grateful for every moment I had with him. I am eternally grateful for his existence in my life. I am grateful for the fifteen years we had together; those memories are sacred to me. Duke was the gift I always dreamed of but never expected. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1887" data-original-width="2300" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio14cYY1WuTd-EKuqdNdf2xHju0IVggVpF8JHgh_7M2SRQDadg1hhVVjRYv1Xxl_FV4atcOcm6x26PG9XCKRo1bAH2_eHs2nSPAuAeqEvT2Ga6YD9H6bL8KlcEWF5DjqRHUrZ6nB3oGJvm5Wp25oX9ErYr4uZ2T4JQOWV-Uv27ndcfegsUwsgyDRCq00Q6/w400-h329/169cr.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duke and I, August 20, 2011</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio14cYY1WuTd-EKuqdNdf2xHju0IVggVpF8JHgh_7M2SRQDadg1hhVVjRYv1Xxl_FV4atcOcm6x26PG9XCKRo1bAH2_eHs2nSPAuAeqEvT2Ga6YD9H6bL8KlcEWF5DjqRHUrZ6nB3oGJvm5Wp25oX9ErYr4uZ2T4JQOWV-Uv27ndcfegsUwsgyDRCq00Q6/s2300/169cr.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfgHCqN30nNPT9zESEobLHc-o2VvUtKPTF9eV8bhrEahvNNKe3FjqdI1KtDwpPE1u-REsotX_2GF8iJ_Wm2zM1yFQXxd7FHwhD1wM3F-NCejshnOfAWxYcALb7vkbaE51ulBZMYwEzs5ERs9phE6b4S10C10SQRV3sJtMALWYdJ6ukvG3rpgyAjtw6aUz/s4000/20230321_170913.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfgHCqN30nNPT9zESEobLHc-o2VvUtKPTF9eV8bhrEahvNNKe3FjqdI1KtDwpPE1u-REsotX_2GF8iJ_Wm2zM1yFQXxd7FHwhD1wM3F-NCejshnOfAWxYcALb7vkbaE51ulBZMYwEzs5ERs9phE6b4S10C10SQRV3sJtMALWYdJ6ukvG3rpgyAjtw6aUz/s320/20230321_170913.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duke, March 21, 2023 with his hair clipped.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> Farewell, until we meet again...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">I will remember you...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Long after your hoofprints have faded from this Earth,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Because they are forever imprinted...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">On my heart.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">I hold you close within my heart</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">And there you will remain...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">To walk with me throughout my life</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: large;">Until we meet again.</span></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sSnZnbHx_sKIZ8zKXk3CC5WM74WwsC32DJzTF_DPqneRXnnN8SXtA2vPh2Kn8ZLIkL6tpQ5h0_z23EHOwYHoxKth7lImh-eFgr-EWt4nfTIKr9ft6QFBf_D6OkHnDQbkHRkcfHTtA9Go-QbAUd-t4au1WXWgjv1VtZQxXZ0ZhxJhs_AMZaBcmhSGncwx/s4000/20230825_075959.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sSnZnbHx_sKIZ8zKXk3CC5WM74WwsC32DJzTF_DPqneRXnnN8SXtA2vPh2Kn8ZLIkL6tpQ5h0_z23EHOwYHoxKth7lImh-eFgr-EWt4nfTIKr9ft6QFBf_D6OkHnDQbkHRkcfHTtA9Go-QbAUd-t4au1WXWgjv1VtZQxXZ0ZhxJhs_AMZaBcmhSGncwx/s320/20230825_075959.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-87351177038685808752023-12-04T10:18:00.000-08:002023-12-04T10:18:12.816-08:00Monday Morning Motiviation, December 4, 2023<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iH1kRca4XkARHXHprpA-S0qTKvRBORYWJwOEsfpqUGNEFOBk-Ygpb8q5fRxad80eYb_Iw1kmpjyK0x9AiBAkPub2uM1GRKwtOyvXCj8KTHTrKsGqQxX-ljePEBcvPzwYT8cBNQ-osL6fgoxadZ8B7SlfuySn1f8-NDmjU7RUSjjBllGVyq5wwy0j9cS2/s1600/Misc%20023enhwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iH1kRca4XkARHXHprpA-S0qTKvRBORYWJwOEsfpqUGNEFOBk-Ygpb8q5fRxad80eYb_Iw1kmpjyK0x9AiBAkPub2uM1GRKwtOyvXCj8KTHTrKsGqQxX-ljePEBcvPzwYT8cBNQ-osL6fgoxadZ8B7SlfuySn1f8-NDmjU7RUSjjBllGVyq5wwy0j9cS2/w400-h300/Misc%20023enhwm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) 2006, copyright embedded into photo, </td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Hello December!</span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Raleway; font-size: medium;"><b>D</b></span><span style="font-family: Raleway;">iamond turns into gem by</span><br /><span style="font-family: Raleway; font-size: medium;"><b>E</b></span><span style="font-family: Raleway;">nduring what should have <br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">C</span></b>rushed it. However,<br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">E</span></b>very ounce of pressure<br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">M</span></b>akes it stronger than<br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">B</span></b>efore. And if coal can<br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">E</span></b>volve, you can too because you're<br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">R</span></b>are, strong<br /> and beautiful.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-19252707942211553462023-11-13T11:30:00.000-08:002023-11-13T11:30:56.696-08:00Monday Morning Motivation, 11/13/2023 {World Kindness Day}<p> </p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">In case no one told you today…</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Hello!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Good morning!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">You belong here.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">You’re doing great.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">You make a difference just by being you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Somewhere, someone’s life is better because of you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">I have a favor to ask. During this month when many of us include gratitude in our daily efforts, I ask that each time you lay your head on your pillow, take a moment to put out positive and loving energy into the world. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Whatever your beliefs, let the last thoughts you have before you drift off be those of healing and kindness. Ask comfort for those who suffer, be it human or animal. Seek guidance for those who feel lost. Imagine our earth surrounded with the light of love. Visualize people working with and supporting one another, replacing apathy and judgement with empathy and understanding. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">One minute, each night, a few words. In the morning, when you wake up, you may find your heart feels lighter, because these words will help you as well.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Keep hope alive.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Our world needs it. It is time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">#mondaymotivation #mondaymood #mondaymorning #mondayvibes #worldkindnessday #KindnessMatters #bekind #bekinder #bekindertoyourself</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9KVelVAFz_nmNYhTJa1heKXzEEJUhcDl7xVq4DZ49mPK42hA1p9LeAhFksDuPiJaimMeX45Rey5GMF2snvt4gzFUgmiq95jXrzm-smrOT4CqynAxcqsxquXfmw2kRJncBcSiO65Cx5Eb_9qaiOcFmk7qRr3TCOUgRZVJFF2I_HxFKKPnnfhy1wduN0_E/s1836/WorldKindnessDay2023_MoonlyApp001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9KVelVAFz_nmNYhTJa1heKXzEEJUhcDl7xVq4DZ49mPK42hA1p9LeAhFksDuPiJaimMeX45Rey5GMF2snvt4gzFUgmiq95jXrzm-smrOT4CqynAxcqsxquXfmw2kRJncBcSiO65Cx5Eb_9qaiOcFmk7qRr3TCOUgRZVJFF2I_HxFKKPnnfhy1wduN0_E/w376-h640/WorldKindnessDay2023_MoonlyApp001.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoy-ZiOpHq_BSvyneNVAi9gYZGIxPkT3mgm7ryN1fO8k6tWti_dkLtyuIFsQLSNNFulakPiPrzyaJFgndCl4unX7VV1l7MT_8os0bms3NYeOZjv2DQfzT7ROAoTEjfHamq7bvWwFm1UMgNpZRid2W2gGZeInXI3BrpLYHla8aZbekN0W7Nu3PE4axr5Cr/s2048/WorldKindnessDay2023_MoonlyApp002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoy-ZiOpHq_BSvyneNVAi9gYZGIxPkT3mgm7ryN1fO8k6tWti_dkLtyuIFsQLSNNFulakPiPrzyaJFgndCl4unX7VV1l7MT_8os0bms3NYeOZjv2DQfzT7ROAoTEjfHamq7bvWwFm1UMgNpZRid2W2gGZeInXI3BrpLYHla8aZbekN0W7Nu3PE4axr5Cr/w336-h640/WorldKindnessDay2023_MoonlyApp002.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8t4gLoBNe17FHf0FOh8O4HBDMpAgnhZ2x49BpcLYT4pB7JQnxw2se5DWXxpBPXz2_S2F6yuSukdlER0RIerddDaHO6qqV8LvMPog2W-M6kdWR8Y9n2jf7J2PVNnSdO4teBzy_FmwLA5b1gOOzNO2eYtU9fFah9XoW2E0m1KiJuSxdC_cnWUyS6LrwLv6/s1984/WorldKindnessDay2023_MoonlyApp003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1984" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8t4gLoBNe17FHf0FOh8O4HBDMpAgnhZ2x49BpcLYT4pB7JQnxw2se5DWXxpBPXz2_S2F6yuSukdlER0RIerddDaHO6qqV8LvMPog2W-M6kdWR8Y9n2jf7J2PVNnSdO4teBzy_FmwLA5b1gOOzNO2eYtU9fFah9XoW2E0m1KiJuSxdC_cnWUyS6LrwLv6/w347-h640/WorldKindnessDay2023_MoonlyApp003.jpg" width="347" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;"><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-27260240165950474062023-10-23T11:34:00.000-07:002023-10-23T11:34:14.526-07:00Monday Morning Motivation, October 23, 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVVTWCLbTNl6dJuqwiJ21B5gezx1YnYZQXJ9GNu_uxIOz1c2PCtH2eKu-P_JMoeX5iph8pIjUy0bGRT4InPMeHRvZmJJaG2BVIYXBIGdE-eDOpZF1R2NOJyRd9BBwtv02N_J2LKKyOA1i75FCg8y3Tlw9WBmcQa1ZIJNFAW2OiRVuZp8BPcD_AtO9URqj/s2048/20070808_Dragonfly_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVVTWCLbTNl6dJuqwiJ21B5gezx1YnYZQXJ9GNu_uxIOz1c2PCtH2eKu-P_JMoeX5iph8pIjUy0bGRT4InPMeHRvZmJJaG2BVIYXBIGdE-eDOpZF1R2NOJyRd9BBwtv02N_J2LKKyOA1i75FCg8y3Tlw9WBmcQa1ZIJNFAW2OiRVuZp8BPcD_AtO9URqj/w400-h300/20070808_Dragonfly_wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hello!🌅</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we begin another week, whatever you are facing today and, in the days, ahead, always remember you are never alone. 💗Someone, somewhere, will always be there for you…even if at times that person turns out to be you. 👈</div></div><br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-36015967368710030952023-09-05T06:51:00.005-07:002023-09-05T06:51:58.187-07:00Monday Morning Motivation, September 4, 2023<p> Good morning! </p><p><br /></p><p>Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. </p><p><br /></p><p>You just have to take that step.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxd_LphaB8-zLzwYNlo__prlQVCHXpkhyJhvORs4Ecf86b8uF8eAjJ8hf7AXyT3h1gNmETtACdJ6i5X46BfAT6aOI4jsc8HLrjjgfRrvjQnx1thA_OuuiigDou6O2gvrp8MA2DvQ12m54CjCQh7g5WoViQbZbWAftS7qvMu0kRTwV9grf4u8p-iB3lmc4/s1080/FB_IMG_1693921804858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxd_LphaB8-zLzwYNlo__prlQVCHXpkhyJhvORs4Ecf86b8uF8eAjJ8hf7AXyT3h1gNmETtACdJ6i5X46BfAT6aOI4jsc8HLrjjgfRrvjQnx1thA_OuuiigDou6O2gvrp8MA2DvQ12m54CjCQh7g5WoViQbZbWAftS7qvMu0kRTwV9grf4u8p-iB3lmc4/w400-h300/FB_IMG_1693921804858.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-58088859333628473912023-07-24T11:49:00.000-07:002023-07-24T11:49:38.493-07:00Monday Morning Motivation, July 24, 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuCmA-nVx8brWnpGuAhJwEx_Vhyr-TWrnK4QUf-YwP0Y38etoakb277AT3rukTd16nPzm8e52hP3jXsps76BJwJPKvF8BG-1suOzY34Zey0DS5mvhOxZI2LjgCLe6-9wf07j8Jvq_s67ogBqHmFTU1X0zK1bFOyvej43iBYZ6_dGoqT3ny3FYKfo_RhXF/s2048/NewLens%20023a_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuCmA-nVx8brWnpGuAhJwEx_Vhyr-TWrnK4QUf-YwP0Y38etoakb277AT3rukTd16nPzm8e52hP3jXsps76BJwJPKvF8BG-1suOzY34Zey0DS5mvhOxZI2LjgCLe6-9wf07j8Jvq_s67ogBqHmFTU1X0zK1bFOyvej43iBYZ6_dGoqT3ny3FYKfo_RhXF/w400-h300/NewLens%20023a_wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Dosis;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Dosis; font-size: medium;">Good morning!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Dosis; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Dosis; font-size: medium;">Late start, slept in, but where I am it is still morning. 😊</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Dosis; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Dosis; font-size: medium;">Just remember, your progress still counts even if it's only visible to you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Dosis; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Dosis; font-size: medium;">Each step, no matter how small, holds power and significance.</span></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-13121054899314954402023-07-17T07:32:00.002-07:002023-07-17T07:32:21.983-07:00Monday Morning Motivation, July 17, 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfQhQ_oGbIMruuxHvjC25XDvjfgvg2ko84S97-4dI7418QmeclJfBxWLm70ckbyyrupIK_gkQ4_xXAy2TRgnrmg4OhLnL3xxxd5o_GtOv9rsjQMXx7hLalgRomd0zWCunbtiOa607oz0qa8MAn5qXszVAiDlUJHF2YlPx1q4VWanNor1aub8Ii-xOR-P6/s4032/20190512_093622-01wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfQhQ_oGbIMruuxHvjC25XDvjfgvg2ko84S97-4dI7418QmeclJfBxWLm70ckbyyrupIK_gkQ4_xXAy2TRgnrmg4OhLnL3xxxd5o_GtOv9rsjQMXx7hLalgRomd0zWCunbtiOa607oz0qa8MAn5qXszVAiDlUJHF2YlPx1q4VWanNor1aub8Ii-xOR-P6/s320/20190512_093622-01wm.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: Dosis; font-size: medium;">Good morning!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Dosis; font-size: medium;">Here's a thought. Remember, while you're busy doubting yourself, someone else is admiring your strength! Because you are quite amazing. Keep going. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Dosis; font-size: medium;">Wishing you a week filled with blessings and comfort. </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-51962121062746493512023-07-10T12:10:00.001-07:002023-07-10T12:10:45.643-07:00Monday Morning Motivation, July 10, 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCj3vmWQaE_bg4HFBAHbVcMYQIr1CzHcZQmie5kgmLppCb1L_Ih-whwOLHPJ_KFdyRMMEuryrv8RqLvM67BNIJai5jKmXfHV16xa_sE6r69xca8M-Ed61f4kP31uLVZIVJcToYwRfl8C-eSvvv5IcA4zaBaHgmyjN1WHraKyvcBkm_R-s3GlqYtyJQLJ3/s598/Blended3wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="598" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCj3vmWQaE_bg4HFBAHbVcMYQIr1CzHcZQmie5kgmLppCb1L_Ih-whwOLHPJ_KFdyRMMEuryrv8RqLvM67BNIJai5jKmXfHV16xa_sE6r69xca8M-Ed61f4kP31uLVZIVJcToYwRfl8C-eSvvv5IcA4zaBaHgmyjN1WHraKyvcBkm_R-s3GlqYtyJQLJ3/s320/Blended3wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>In case no one told you today...</div><div>Hello!</div><div>Good morning!</div><div>You belong here.</div><div>You're doing great.</div><div>You make a difference just by being you.</div><div>Somewhere, someone's life is better because of you!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-91072420681695675432023-07-03T07:37:00.002-07:002023-07-03T07:37:39.324-07:00Monday Morning Motivation, July 3, 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayXIojWTrk-SSZK1z7yR7e5Oy7DV9z2coHsr4Da00KaOKiJykGY497Ik8cOIpw9ayBKubzT4WL5vZponWCZkytDoqJjM6T0gFdigdi8UqPn8TOgq2BMY5a1UiNlv7VsxmBEv1Fm8RsbZywh_fluAXVaFGbIYOcKisKS5nBSrS1_DorO_kagRL_Bf8HoO5/s2592/FathersDay2009%20014%20enwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayXIojWTrk-SSZK1z7yR7e5Oy7DV9z2coHsr4Da00KaOKiJykGY497Ik8cOIpw9ayBKubzT4WL5vZponWCZkytDoqJjM6T0gFdigdi8UqPn8TOgq2BMY5a1UiNlv7VsxmBEv1Fm8RsbZywh_fluAXVaFGbIYOcKisKS5nBSrS1_DorO_kagRL_Bf8HoO5/s320/FathersDay2009%20014%20enwm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><span style="background-color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: white;">Oh</span></span>, hello <span style="background-color: #2b00fe;"><span style="color: white;">July!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">J</span></b>ust be you, because you are</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">U</span></b>nique, worthy and amazing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">L</span></b>ive every day to the fullest as</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Y</span></b>ou deserve all the good in life.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Wishing you a safe, sane, and happy 4th of July! 🎆🎇</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Keep hope alive.</span></div></div><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-10405285967351840282023-06-26T14:06:00.001-07:002023-06-26T14:06:19.959-07:00Monday Morning Motivation, June 26, 2023<p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Good morning!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">If you need to <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">compare</span> to anyone, compare with your <b>past self.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">If you need to <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">impress</span> anyone, impress your <b>future self.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">And if you are to make anyone <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">happy</span>, be it your <b>present self.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofutHhYZQ13tlnmcgc107_m-AFcU0IdU0vKf8i1daBUAzOxbNp7sMMrEJ-nOweONVzlbAZ-Hxcu5UKLdPUbNiiXP0STZmFGxPWoUeq3BHyXMHZMfxB4n-7zgvRFFbfeAE-GeLnNGfBEpO3xg13vmxtnXxNA6cG9EC8rKt8xXaFKE4_uNp6Jt9-ncaJREZ/s2048/01Jul10%20086_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofutHhYZQ13tlnmcgc107_m-AFcU0IdU0vKf8i1daBUAzOxbNp7sMMrEJ-nOweONVzlbAZ-Hxcu5UKLdPUbNiiXP0STZmFGxPWoUeq3BHyXMHZMfxB4n-7zgvRFFbfeAE-GeLnNGfBEpO3xg13vmxtnXxNA6cG9EC8rKt8xXaFKE4_uNp6Jt9-ncaJREZ/w400-h300/01Jul10%20086_wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright 2010,2023 Dona Cox</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><br /></b></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-79574416250793695092023-06-18T23:37:00.001-07:002023-06-18T23:37:38.371-07:00Monday Morning Motivations, June 19, 2023<p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKui3fqr_IDxviG8ccJclJDZ887w-e9n39RrZ518awayWfPS70M-brrbT7CRr6oAfRVhvGmi7ITWG4Cxhf1t2rQoJSUn7Xv0GLr4OvLj8iHrPqa8HKqIJXpZ0Im69oUXkyLNwFatGF9ZNpMPczmROy3YBWH5LyYX2FKi418I_L9BGcaJ3_NUSuGWUh4gai/s2048/Maxwell%20056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKui3fqr_IDxviG8ccJclJDZ887w-e9n39RrZ518awayWfPS70M-brrbT7CRr6oAfRVhvGmi7ITWG4Cxhf1t2rQoJSUn7Xv0GLr4OvLj8iHrPqa8HKqIJXpZ0Im69oUXkyLNwFatGF9ZNpMPczmROy3YBWH5LyYX2FKi418I_L9BGcaJ3_NUSuGWUh4gai/s320/Maxwell%20056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Oswald;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oswald;">There's literally </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oswald;">nothing better than</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oswald;">when you're full on</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oswald;">laughing with someone</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oswald;">and you both keep</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oswald;">adding things that make</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oswald;">it funnier and you can</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oswald;">barely breathe.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-44018398914084205452023-06-11T23:51:00.000-07:002023-06-11T23:51:00.235-07:00Monday Morning Motivation, June 12, 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hb8DIB6vf5JMurV49oAooDRc7iAwwX5BBLf_oumaMWm4R90agRyGJ1otLcogQVOTcJ6oTQZBPAy5is1AvAHZ2SXYwEJTKs-jLa0RyLODPau-g9p01caVhRkjZ26XCJ6r8oq-zQ0JhYSXxklfj-I434yd_donAMQ0oICcdYWFl5-yEIa23kaK_DUtfQ/s2288/20051007_182347SkySilouettes-wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1712" data-original-width="2288" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hb8DIB6vf5JMurV49oAooDRc7iAwwX5BBLf_oumaMWm4R90agRyGJ1otLcogQVOTcJ6oTQZBPAy5is1AvAHZ2SXYwEJTKs-jLa0RyLODPau-g9p01caVhRkjZ26XCJ6r8oq-zQ0JhYSXxklfj-I434yd_donAMQ0oICcdYWFl5-yEIa23kaK_DUtfQ/w400-h299/20051007_182347SkySilouettes-wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lobster; font-size: large;">Don't forget, while you're busy doubting yourself,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lobster; font-size: medium;">someone is admiring your strength.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-71126320804862477472023-06-05T11:16:00.004-07:002023-06-05T11:34:33.460-07:00Chasing that feeling...<p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Remembering Duke. Highlights from a Memorial Day weekend parade; the Locust Blossom Festival Parade in Kendrick, Idaho. A first for both Duke and I, as neither of us had ever been in a parade, until that day. This journal entry was originally posted as a note to my Facebook page on June 5, 2015. It popped up in my Memories today. I knew I had to share it here, as well.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">For years I have chased a feeling--an elusive feeling--of being one with my horse. Four feet, two hearts, one mind. Buck Brannaman talks about chasing that and reminds us it may take a very long time before we find it, but it's a good thing to chase. Pat Parelli reminds his students, "There's nothing you can't do, when the horse becomes a part of you." </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">On Saturday, May 30, 2015, on a street lined with hundreds of people--some friends, most strangers--I understood the feeling the words of these two horsemen. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">We met at 8:00 am on the west side of Kendrick in the Primeland grain silo parking lot. Duke came out of the trailer with that "Where are we?" look, high headed and a wee excited. Rather than tying him next to the tack room, I tied him to the other side so he could see all the other team horses. The horses were all calm and quiet as the team members set about their tasks to get ready. Mounted and ready to roll by 9:00. Parade started at 10:00 on the east side of town, so we rode through town in the alley. This was our chance to practice and Charlene, our coach and team captain, wanted us to maintain one horse length spacing at all times. We had two walkers with us to assist if someone's horse got troubled, and Charlene reminded everyone if we had to correct our horse, to turn the horse inside toward the other horses and away from the crowd. Charlene paired Duke and I with a young rider named Nella and her, paint gelding Tonto, the only boys in the group of eight that day. Duke and Tonto got along very well. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz-RuTFHSPbJiyky0ZIUXGghQHoXPkhEumzlCTkFFqo3oh-ZwIb2ndmVjvwW3FbU0CemHGljXKpGeeKIvKAcIcKEqQcfHlDEzYSbTz8RAG74vnLhoqFUVrVhjUvqjkJw3tL9i7AU6P63H42MPKzg4qYXvVTD0u_KHGE_xs5qyA1-V_Pu_gVmZxfO-Xw/s2048/2015-05-30%20Kendrick%20parade%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz-RuTFHSPbJiyky0ZIUXGghQHoXPkhEumzlCTkFFqo3oh-ZwIb2ndmVjvwW3FbU0CemHGljXKpGeeKIvKAcIcKEqQcfHlDEzYSbTz8RAG74vnLhoqFUVrVhjUvqjkJw3tL9i7AU6P63H42MPKzg4qYXvVTD0u_KHGE_xs5qyA1-V_Pu_gVmZxfO-Xw/s320/2015-05-30%20Kendrick%20parade%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duke tacked up pre-parade.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Playfair Display";"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Playfair Display";">Duke remained calm, but occasionally pressed forward to close the spacing. Rather than pulling on his mouth the whole time, I used half-halts (thank you Jodi Simpson) to encourage him to slow down. Only had one tense moment behind Phil's Family Foods when Duke heard the sound--make that the roar--of the refrigerator unit fan. It was pretty loud,</span><span style="font-family: "Playfair Display";"> and he danced and jigged a </span><span style="font-family: "Playfair Display";">bit but</span><span style="font-family: "Playfair Display";"> settled down straight away. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">And then there were the bagpipes! :) LOL. They must have been with the Kendrick Fire Company because I never saw the pipers, but the second Duke heard them playing, his head shot up, his ears pricked forward, and he looked in the direction the sound came from. What is that?!?! I had to laugh out loud and told him those are bagpipes and I'm part Scottish, so bagpipes are a good thing! He got over them immediately, and it was refreshing to hear the pipers playing the song over and over. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">While we waited for the parade to start, we practiced some maneuvers, and Charlene went over the different whistle cues to signal each maneuver. Our number in the parade was 73, and there were 74 entries, so we were at the very end. Oh, and our horse group won 2nd place!! We received the ribbon before the parade began. :) About 10:20 we started moving toward the parade route. Duke was mouthing the bit quite rapidly. As we neared the starting point, I closed my eyes, said a quick prayer and surrounded Duke and myself with white light. Over and over, I told myself to relax and sit deep in the saddle and keep my knees out of his side. Duke is a reliable horse, but he's a horse, and I truly had no idea how he would react. I've seen enough to know anything can happen. He's got shoes on now, and metal shoes can be slippery on asphalt. I'd never ridden him on the streets, or around large crowds of people. One of the walkers advised the riders the horses might spook when we passed the announcer's booth because of the sound, but Duke's had exposure to that from our team penning nights. And there's the cheering and clapping, something I've not exposed him to. Bubbles and plastic bags and hoola hoops and streamers and music and pop-up canopies...yes, got all that covered. But not clapping and cheering. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Playfair Display";">Turns out, I needn't worry. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Playfair Display";">Minutes before we turned on to Main Street, I took the reins up just enough to 'feel' him...make light contact with his mouth. And there I held the reins. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Moments later, we became one. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: "Playfair Display"; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWnqEBZ7LtipU2-46n9qkUDhSrZ2CECPdS9qlhMZRwSQRIHH3pB8CAvnNyNKFYuQkrYz6IdMyrcynmYg4miY0wEzPiznRElCLOqzODcvPokFzAo1KPwAlO95LoRAgHezh6LEq13IA9ytU8wXQLNUU1aO6YhU6e93g0tMZJe1ivoMSThCdyn6w3ElLHw/s1024/2015-05-30%20Kendrick%20parade%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWnqEBZ7LtipU2-46n9qkUDhSrZ2CECPdS9qlhMZRwSQRIHH3pB8CAvnNyNKFYuQkrYz6IdMyrcynmYg4miY0wEzPiznRElCLOqzODcvPokFzAo1KPwAlO95LoRAgHezh6LEq13IA9ytU8wXQLNUU1aO6YhU6e93g0tMZJe1ivoMSThCdyn6w3ElLHw/s320/2015-05-30%20Kendrick%20parade%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">Duke and Tonto at the beginning of the parade route.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">I always wondered what it would feel like when I crossed that bridge and felt that harmony. Walking down that parade route, I lived it. The crowd was sparse at the beginning but as we made our way closer and closer to the park the crowd grew larger and larger. Duke took it all in stride, like a seasoned pro. I was so relaxed I found myself waving and smiling at people, whether I knew them or not! And Duke was drinking it all in. He loved it!!! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidBJQDGqWxUvK1iHzyvpsZcq7lV4ESg5p_PF2yUl337Zj7AxTO3kfjj69fIMHn2JBdaZN8aDHFwVRzVSw0h5cIJM-8Tm0UKzkP-d4vx7ZCP-Z5l1uX1vzxsUF--07uFpKlGl0FJAhlXgNtMY4_Usdf9Gz66j6K3xpk4zblqBLz4TI_0oSuEf-N6ZXuA/s1024/2015-05-30%20Kendrick%20parade%204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidBJQDGqWxUvK1iHzyvpsZcq7lV4ESg5p_PF2yUl337Zj7AxTO3kfjj69fIMHn2JBdaZN8aDHFwVRzVSw0h5cIJM-8Tm0UKzkP-d4vx7ZCP-Z5l1uX1vzxsUF--07uFpKlGl0FJAhlXgNtMY4_Usdf9Gz66j6K3xpk4zblqBLz4TI_0oSuEf-N6ZXuA/s320/2015-05-30%20Kendrick%20parade%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our maneuvers called The Tractor.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Along the route we performed several maneuvers, and everything just flowed flawlessly along. Duke maintained the spacing and didn't rush. We approached the announcer's booth without a hitch, but at the park someone either had a bubble machine or was blowing a lot of bubbles and the group got a little out of order for a second or two but quickly recovered. I had previously exposed Duke to bubbles plenty of times so we rode through the cloud of the bubbles without breaking stride. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">And it was over before I knew it. It went by so quickly! Funny thing, the only time Duke acted up was at the end, as if he was disappointed it was already over!!! LOL! What a character that boy of mine is!!! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">I really need to give him more credit. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGCDm3DbS54ToMjFkFPFDk0CSUXqjB6hiQrOKVTSMQG_DU53_efCqmLW7IsKsNfOiH1Julf9G6pCsXDDeSFoACxTtaJMbMUSsdtyB6b8YyFBnYCqdkiW0Kahi_UyfobtKXqDCY66PqS9OXMZgBpEWju1rifq0yUdz4R2XaXqSvwPulSaL4WrMKJa99g/s960/2015-05-30%20Kendrick%20parade%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="960" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGCDm3DbS54ToMjFkFPFDk0CSUXqjB6hiQrOKVTSMQG_DU53_efCqmLW7IsKsNfOiH1Julf9G6pCsXDDeSFoACxTtaJMbMUSsdtyB6b8YyFBnYCqdkiW0Kahi_UyfobtKXqDCY66PqS9OXMZgBpEWju1rifq0yUdz4R2XaXqSvwPulSaL4WrMKJa99g/s320/2015-05-30%20Kendrick%20parade%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo op time, Duke and I are third from the left.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Playfair Display";"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Back at the trailers it was time for more pictures and Duke copped an attitude about one of the mares and was giving her the stinky eye...to the point that she didn't want to stand next to him. But Mitzi got her to come alongside him; not sure what that was all about but the photos were taken, and we arrived back at the trailers to find ourselves pretty much blocked in by cars. Apparently, people don't realize that parking next to a horse trailer isn't a great idea. I had cars on both sides of my trailer and a very anxious horse who, for some reason, didn't want to stand still now. At first, I considered tying Duke next to the tack room so I could get everything off in a hurry, but as soon as I tied him up, Duke wedged himself between the trailer and the black pick up next to it. Got him out of there before a stirrup got hung up in a side mirror and took him back over to the other side. If he pooped on the white car, well, maybe that would be a lesson for them. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBZG2veCBwzal2qAPKtrJqb9KfjXkBUOpTaXuSjd3-WkuKmsOBmp9InaPobImNahW9s32sU1bNEQktmym4HpKA9r3UV7PkJBAtvUHZKMyfCcjCSbq-nd-vSfE_F2INLb2WxwGCy_bbNiBCezminbcUkSLEjREGpI6Q01SJifhcB2n_tb2IRrtUDNvWw/s2048/2015-05-30%20Kendrick%20parade%206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBZG2veCBwzal2qAPKtrJqb9KfjXkBUOpTaXuSjd3-WkuKmsOBmp9InaPobImNahW9s32sU1bNEQktmym4HpKA9r3UV7PkJBAtvUHZKMyfCcjCSbq-nd-vSfE_F2INLb2WxwGCy_bbNiBCezminbcUkSLEjREGpI6Q01SJifhcB2n_tb2IRrtUDNvWw/s320/2015-05-30%20Kendrick%20parade%206.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting blocked in by vehicles.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ClS0UcFyib46qmaVw0h1SkY-_lQq5_myPVZibDlQZU1RHwdiyc7cJmjdSjFXnCOnydy54E9EIVV7ZZEnGiGDSuMPrjVFlONBY0Dn5T9V2Xr6tZPKEXja54XFpzAbVqyAXKqa9PAMZ_1-htRIsz-oUDBUH8u0XSw_PtAiKDYqoWW-5vjk4ufqCHeCPg/s2048/2015-05-30%20Kendrick%20parade%207.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ClS0UcFyib46qmaVw0h1SkY-_lQq5_myPVZibDlQZU1RHwdiyc7cJmjdSjFXnCOnydy54E9EIVV7ZZEnGiGDSuMPrjVFlONBY0Dn5T9V2Xr6tZPKEXja54XFpzAbVqyAXKqa9PAMZ_1-htRIsz-oUDBUH8u0XSw_PtAiKDYqoWW-5vjk4ufqCHeCPg/s320/2015-05-30%20Kendrick%20parade%207.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duke watching all the happenings.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Duke was more excited and "on his toes" after the parade than before. He didn't want to load up (he gets that way sometimes at the end of an event...trail ride, show, team penning, whatever...it's as if he's afraid he's going to get left behind). Interesting... Got him in the trailer and we headed home. I was so very proud of my boy, and yes, I cried on the drive home. I couldn't have asked for a more rewarding, enjoyable and validating first parade experience! Duke carried me proudly, true to his Morgan bloodlines. Brave, courageous, yet calm and levelheaded. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">We did several other parades after that: Culdesac Shebang Days, Lewiston Round Up three times, and Veteran’s Day. He always took good care of me, and never gave me cause to worry. He truly was my heart horse--my once in a lifetime horse. I feel his absence every day. Life just isn’t the same without him. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;">Losing Duke reminded me even more than before, to savor every moment we live with someone. And to treasure those moments, hold them close and take time to journal about them because someday when the moment becomes a distant memory, you may want to look back and relive the feeling.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Playfair Display;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1820084162514026334.post-77134814486046365982023-06-04T23:31:00.001-07:002023-06-05T07:47:57.273-07:00Monday Morning Motivations, June 5, 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulBCo2QVeIRLuiliFRZljM0cih_RAC9JlqWsLFQKnRoQHP4sD9258ML1LvJYG3AFn1htsBkpaB_WswaBo_XXlr70gHzf75iM9Z8UXGzi7J7XFl5NCuFkqtdiHD12HTFMq6xrmHpAIbj3o-CtnVsEv6YRY_fOFGE0Zcchy8nC8A-I05zCsLPV9LCRyQQ/s3456/IMG_5151wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulBCo2QVeIRLuiliFRZljM0cih_RAC9JlqWsLFQKnRoQHP4sD9258ML1LvJYG3AFn1htsBkpaB_WswaBo_XXlr70gHzf75iM9Z8UXGzi7J7XFl5NCuFkqtdiHD12HTFMq6xrmHpAIbj3o-CtnVsEv6YRY_fOFGE0Zcchy8nC8A-I05zCsLPV9LCRyQQ/s320/IMG_5151wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Hello June...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><b><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;">J</span></b>oy finds you when you</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Quicksand;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">U</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">nderstand your value and</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><b><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;">N</span></b>ourish your need</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><b><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;">E</span></b>ven when it feels hard.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0