Now or Never...how things fell into place when I least expected it

Part of my motivation for writing this particular blog today is to encourage women, especially older women, to go ahead and follow that dream you've been dreaming. Maybe it hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. If the opportunity knocks, go for it. Took me 43 years to get to my own horses but it was a dream that stayed with me until I finally said, "Now or never." Well, that's what I told my husband, back in January '04, who just happens to be a great supporter of whatever I've wanted to do in my life.

I've been extremely fortunate that way. He's my partner in every way and is always there to lend a helping hand. Besides, that, he's a great stable hand, property manager, fence fixer, tree cutter, barn fixer,.........you name it he can do it and does it all willingly with that beautiful bright smile of his.

But, I'm still of a mind if a person really wants something bad enough, works hard enough, it can happen, you can make it happen, even if you're over 40!

I started working as an assistant horseback riding instructor at a summer camp when I was 43 yo, with only 6 basic riding lessons under my belt, and very little actual horse interaction. I was hired for the summer camp because the barn manager, my riding instructor, needed another staff person, quick, and I jumped at the chance when asked. I was fine with being the assistant because I figured everyone else would be much more experienced. My co-workers were all under the age of 21, and all but one had worked at the camp previously.

I had always been a student of horse behavior though had not been privileged to observe it in the real horse world, except on RFD-tv. After my "now or never" decision, I had spent previous months honing up on various clinician techniques. Ordered a variety of books on horse training, riding, horse behavior etc.

However, I felt that the internship at the camp would be the greatest school I could attend. Many mornings as I arrived at the barn and we readied the horses for the riders, I would have to remind myself that indeed, I was finally where I wanted to be, this was really happening. You have to understand, I never would have pictured myself working at a barn simply because I never thought it possible. There aren't many riding facilities available in this part of Southern Ohio. I was lucky this facility existed and that I happened to be in the right place at the right time. The right events fell into place. I felt as if God had given me the oppotunity on a silver platter. "Here you go, now do with it what you will, or don't..."

You see, if my son had never met the manager, I would not have taken riding lessons from her. I never would have spent the summer emersed in horses. I never would have worked at the riding facility after camp was over. And, I certainly never would have learned everything I learned about horses, which in turn helped me be a better horseperson with my own horses. Because of this experience, I felt confident in finding and purchasing my horses that October. Whew! See how things seem to have fallen into place?

I fully believe if you leave your heart open, listen to the whispers, many things will come to you, at the right time in your life. Not always when you want them or expect them to come, but at the time that is best for you, often when you least expect it.

Hummingbirds

I am astounded how one dog can leave an emptiness in the entire clan around here. Yes, we loved Xena dearly. She will always be "The Best Dog Ever". I didn't fathom the grief of Maggie, the cattle dog, and Buddy, the cat.

I have never experienced grief of animals for the loss of another. But then, Xena is the only dog we've ever had with us for over a decade. It's become obvious that Xena was indeed the matriarch of the other dogs and cat around here. They depended on her and they do miss her. I have no idea how long their grief will last or when they'll stop looking for her. I'll probably always "see" her in her favorite places too.

Today, as I watched the hummingbirds at their feeder I began thinking of the amazing lives they live. Partially, to keep my mind off the empty rug in the corner of the porch, partially because I realized the hummingbirds will soon leave for their Mexican destination. Of course, they don't think about it that way, but I am amazed by hummingbirds.

Here in Southern Ohio we have the Ruby-throated variety. I've been putting out feeders for humminbirds for many years now. I've read up on them and find it fascinating they return to the same feeder year after year, or at least their offspring do, if they don't make it back. I think I have around 8 flitting around at various times this year. Supposedly, if you count the number of hummingbirds at your feeder, at any one time, you can double that number to get the total head count.

Some evenings I'll sit out on the deck and watch as they zoom in and out. They're always alert, always eyeing me. At first they fly away without stopping to drink but the longer I quietly sit there, the more relaxed they become.

The males, with their bright ruby red throats, always have an air of superiority about them. I can spot a young male, even before he's grown into his ruby-red throat. They are cocky and pushy. The females, are more cautious about landing on the feeder at first. They appear more gentle as they're drinking. I often imagine where their tiny nests might be hidden. One year, #1 son did find a hummingbird nest clinging to a tree branch that had fallen to the ground. Just as tiny and delicate as the birds themselves.

I look forward every April for the arrival of the first hummingbird. I have studied migration maps and our hummingbirds are due to arrive around the end of April and they leave usually by mid-September. There's a hurricane brewing in the Gulf this year so I'm keeping watch. Will "my" hummers start migrating soon or wait? Some of them may have already left because I've noticed reduced activity at my feeder.

When I consider how far these little birds travel each April and September I am always amazed. The fact that they, and their "kids" have returned to my feeders is simply awesome. Look around, be sensitive, God is everywhere, that's what I try to remember in these days of often hectic chaos. Hummingbirds remind me of how fragile, yet strong and beauitul, life can be.