Saturday, December 29, 2007

Tough Christmas

My uncle passed away from Leukemia right before Christmas and one of my best friends lost her baby 4 weeks before her due date. It has been hard watching people you love suffer so much. I spent the last couple weeks with family in Minnesota celebrating the holidays and grieving at the same time. I find in sadness, the warmth of a horse brings solace and peace. I spent a lot of time out at the barn helping with chores, taking pictures, and getting to know the various personalities that inhabit the stalls. I love the little pony, "Rocket Man" pictured here on the verge of getting up from his winters nap. The clown is a small Quarter Horse named "Jessie" pictured above in his blue blanket. He contorts his neck and flutters his eyes when you scratch him in just the right spot. I had a hard time taking photos because he followed me everywhere and wanted more scratches. Sully and Baby Doll were two mares I really enjoyed. They are colorful girls ridden by my cousin in local 4-H shows. Baby Doll sheds out into a beautiful blue roan in the summer. Finally there is "Bugs" the big grey that my dad thinks I should bring to Oregon. He is 6 years old and still races down at Canterbury Park. His heart has never been in it, I think he would do better with dressage. If I could afford it, I would bring him out. He is a very sweet boy pictured here with Raffian, another race horse. This post is dedicated to little Alliah who passed away before we got a chance to hold her and my uncle Joe, a hard working farmer, who was happiest driving a tractor, holding his grandkids, and watching Nascar. Miss you.

16 comments:

Jessica said...

It was great to see you when you were here. You make the tough season easier for people just by being in Minnesota. I'll be thinking of you.
Great photos, as always.

Anonymous said...

I wish I had a horse. No, I don't. My wife would kill me. LOL. I just love horses though and I love dogs. I never smelled a horse foot but if they smell anything like a dogs foot then I would like them even more.

I saw a movie once, a long time ago, and it opened with a horse smelling a man who was on the ground. The man was an Indian or Native American. It was the horse introducing himself to the Native Americans. And that is what the movie was about. I can't remember the name but I wish I could.

You have some magnificent animals and I really look forward to seeing them.

Molly said...

Such a sad season this year. I'm very sorry.

Anonymous said...

It is always heartbreaking to lose loved ones at any time, but Christmas is even more difficult.

Love the photos of the horses. That is a handsome boy you are wishing for. Hope he goes home with you.

Kathy C said...

I'm sorry for your losses, especially at this time of year.

photogchic said...

Thanks everyone. It helps to post about feeling sad. I always feel so much support after doing so and it feels good just to get it out of your system.

Lincoln, not sure of that movie. If you remember, let me know. My favorite horse movie is "Caseys Shadow" Really captures what it was like growing up on a racetrack. It has Walter Matheau in it, but I will warn you, there is one sad part that always gets me.

Marvel--I go over numbers all the time--two horses would put me in the poor house:-) But he is just amazing...we'll see what happens.

Rising Rainbow said...

I am sorry about the sadness in your family this Christmas. But I am glad that there were horses near by to comfort you. Horses always seem to make me feel better whenever I need it.

Original L said...

I'm sorry for your losses. Praying for you and your family... I hope this year is much better!

Anonymous said...

Your blog brings a memory to me of when my grandmother passed away. It was her wish that rather than a memorial, we each spend some time doing something we really love. I spent that day with my Horse, he helped me say goodbye in the way only a horse can. There is such comfort in the presence of a horse

Callie said...

I'm sorry to here about your family members. I love the pics of the horses. I love how they all have their different personalities.

Ginger said...

What a sad holiday. I hope that 2008 brings better times for your and your family.

EquineSpirit said...

((HUGS!!)) I'm so sorry about the losses you've had recently. That's so sad. ((HUGS!!)) again.

Next time you're in Minnesota send me an message...maybe we can hook up.

Mrs. Mom said...

Photogchic- so sorry to hear that you lost loved ones, and at such a hard time of the year...

Do your Uncle proud and remember him as you have done here- not his passing.

OldManLincoln- I have smelled more than my share of horse hooves-- and trust me- they can be disgusting. Unless you have some sort of (odd) hoof fetish, I would not advise sticking your nose there...

Beth said...

I am so sorry for your loses and your friends loss. That is heart breaking.

I ADORE that grey! Is he for sale?

Wayne Jones said...

Don't know what to say that will help you, only time & speaking to your horse will defiantly help the tears flow.
Don't hold on let it out... i'm not religious..but bless you.
Wayne x

Ps i have two horses & yes you learn to go without, but looking into my horses big brown eyes...that's all in need !
And a hug every morning from my horse before i set off for work

Deanna said...

I am so sorry you have been through so much! I have been behind on my blog reading or I would have sent my condolences sooner.

Your pictures are beautiful as always. I especially like the pony pic. How cute!

Deanna