dancing horses

dancing horses

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Workload

The beginning and end of my days are bound by the care I need to take of the horses.  Plans are made around the care of the horses so that I can be sure that they are taken care of. When there's a storm I make sure that I have buckets filled with water (in case the power fails) and am well stocked with feed and shavings.

Every now and then someone will look at me and say something along the lines of 'that's a lot of work'.  The sub-text is that I must be a wee bit crazy.

And it is work. I could board them out and let someone else do it. And some mornings when I am digging out their doors from the snow or repairing something they have broken I think about it.

But I am never serious. The only reason I would board would be to have access to an indoor. Not because of the work.

The truth is I like it. No not all of it (I'm not that crazy). There are times when it seems like a grind. But in the morning when I step outside and the world is quiet and dark and I'm hit by the stars in the sky I feel my soul lift a bit. Or when it's spring/summer and the sun is just rising and the birds are singing their morning song I smile.

At night when the chores are done and the horses are snug in their stalls munching happily on their hay and I turn out the barn lights I feel a deep contentment that all is right with the world. At least a small piece of it.

My mother is in the hospital. She has cancer and there's nothing that can be done. I don't know if she will be leaving the hospital at this point. It's all very sudden and confusing. But when I go to the barn and do my 'work' I feel an easing in my heart that will help me get through whatever is coming next.

I found this photo a few weeks ago. I took it the morning that Steele
died and totally forgot about it. I quite like it. 

20 comments:

  1. Teresa - I'm so sorry about your mother. It seems too soon for you to have to be going through this after Steele's passing. Hugs.

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    1. Thank you. I'm not sure that we are ever ready to lose our parents.

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  2. I love photos of trees, and this one is wonderful Teresa. I like how the shadows look like roots, and the sun spots through the branches. So sorry to hear about your mom. It will be a tough journey for both of you. Sending warm thoughts your way.

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    1. Thanks Sara! I haven't been a good club member lately but I will be back.

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  3. Caring for the farmette's residents bookends the day in a way I also find very comforting. Yes - it is a ton of work. Especially when the weather is extreme. Friends and family aren't always understanding about the inflexible schedule, but the deep connection to the outdoors - the plants, the animals... feeling part of the whole, is well worth the sacrifice.

    What a beautiful photo. Seems appropriate with the news you shared about your mother. Sending you thoughts of strength for the coming days.

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  4. I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's health. Keeping busy with barn work through tough times is the only thing that's kept me sane. Thinking of you <3

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    1. Being with horses is good for the soul

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    2. I've never met you. I'm just the friend of a friend. But I love your photo and am touched by your post, and I know what it's like to go through this tough journey with your mom. And I wish you the very best.

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  5. I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I get what you are saying about the barn and how taking care of them brings you peace. When I lost my mom, the barn chores were a comforts, odd as that might sound. Sending you a hug for strength.

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    1. I think because it's physical and allows our minds to wander. Oh and the smell of horses too.

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  6. If we didn't enjoy the work, I doubt we would have horses. Sometimes, the work is the whole point. I am very sorry to hear about your mom. I lost my mother to cancer many years ago, it is a very hard thing. I am glad that you have the horses and family to anchor you. Barn chores are a big help in hard times.

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    1. I am sorry about your mom. We know it's going to happen at some point but that doesn't help.

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  7. I'm so sorry about your mother. Horses are comfort in trying times.

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  8. I am so sorry about your mom. And how I wish all horses would be that well cared for. Beautiful picture.

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  9. Losing a parent is always hard, watching them suffer is terrible, knowing they are nearing their end is such a sad & distressing mix of feelings - I'm so sorry for it Teresa.

    'Bookending the day' with chores is a good way to put it; I also find the routine comforting.
    The horses are a touchstone in my life, always present & (regardless of the situation) I am always able to find some comfort in their presence.

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  10. I am so sorry about your mother, Teresa. My heart goes out to you.

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  11. I love that photo!! It seems strange to look back on that day and think that something so beautiful could have happened and been captured... the complexity and contrast of life...

    I love having my horses at home too. My favourite thing is when I see them, and it makes the weather and work and everything seem worth it, they make me smile :)

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