Hitting the Pause Button

'Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable

And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table

No one can find the rewind button girl,

So cradle your head in you hands

And breathe, just breathe,

Whoa breathe, just breathe 

 ~Anna Nalick~

Years ago a woman I know had a horse named 'Tyme' who had a knack for getting out of stalls and wondering around. This lead to all sorts of jokes like: 'you should put Tyme in a bottle', 'Tyme waits for no man', 'If only you could hold back Tyme'. 

We thought we were hilarious. She probably thought we were annoying. 

But the truth is that time has been a hard commodity to come by these days. I decided that this weekend I would hit the 'pause' button and not pile on a million chores. Friday morning was rainy so Guinness and I got in the car and went to the feed store. I love going there- they are very dog friendly so it's a great place to work on our obedience. Guinness thinks that they are his best friends. Plus he always leaves with a bone or a toy. Not that my dog is spoiled. Nope. Not at all. Don't worry, we bring one home for d'Arcy. With his arthritis and hind leg issues getting in and out of the car is hard for him so we leave him home and he doesn't seem to mind. 

The best puppy ever. Or at least he is when there's treats in the offing

The rain started to ease up so I headed out and got Carmen ready and went for a ride. It was a good ride. Mostly because I wasn't trying to squeeze it in. You know that feeling when your horse is threatening to freak out but you put your leg on and they go 'oh, okay, you're there. We got this now'? Well it's an awesome feeling and we had some good work. This new fearlessness is working well for us. 

We had our schooling session and then I spent some time grooming her in the barn. My friend, Cindy dropped in as I was grooming Carmen. It was wonderful to see her and catch up on news. After I gave my saddle a thorough clean and conditioning. 

That night Ed and I had a wonderful dinner with Cynthia and Andrew. I had the scallops - I love living on the coast because there's nothing like fresh scallops. 

Today was rainy again but it stopped enough for me to ride. Again, it was a good bread and butter schooling session. She was really trying and I was really listening so we could get some stuff. After I cleaned and conditioned my bridle and my leather halters that were in desperate need of it. 

I know that this all sounds very busy but it really wasn't. I had complete freedom to decide what I'm going to do and nothing was under time pressure. And that feels so good. 

Today is Canada Day- we are 150 years old. Celebrating the 150 years has not been without controversy. My thoughts are that celebrating does not mean I am dismissing what we have done to our indigenous people. We did some horrible things and we need to acknowledge it and do better. But I am still proud of my country where everyone has access to quality health care, other cultures are respected and we are about diversity. Ed and I won't be going out though- I like to stay home and keep my eyes on the animals in case of fireworks. We will BBQ some steaks and have a fire outside. It's going to be awesome. 

Happy Canada Day.