The smallest things often de-rail our best laid plans...

Things that bring you great joy will also bring you great pain. Not sure if Confucious say ...the Chinese Philosopher.

But today, I hurt.

I hurt from the top of my head to the tips of my toes.

I hurt inside and out.

Yesterday, I got trapped or stuck maybe a better word to tone down the possible sensationalism there. We were going to ride to round up a few of Chad's father's cows. I could see it coming...well kinda. The horse in front of me, Corky, got tangled up in some hay bale twine and started to become agitated, then Whiskers the horse I was riding got tangled too. I honestly couldn't hear what was happening around me, and it seemed to go in slow-mo. Whiskers (the horse I was on and the one is the photo above) started going backward in a circle very fast. wheeeeeeeeeeeeee right? not so much. Then he eventually tripped and fell on top of me. My left leg was under this very large horse. I guess he couldva been a skinny horse and the pain would've been the same, probably doesn't matter at that point.

Anyway, my pride remains in critical condition this morning for now that it's over and nothing's broken there are only bruises... These bruises are mostly of my ego and pride. I felt bad, really I did but sometimes these things are unavoidable. In the small amount of time and the small area of space where we were the best of all possible things happened. For the OTHER option could've sent us both into a barbed wire fence. Double ouch, right?

I will probably be getting a few riding lessons after this. All in all while it was happening, I didn't feel scared at the time, it was AFTER I was a little well, more than nervous. Experience is a wonderful teacher.

I'll be back on a horse again soon. I'm sure of it.

40 percent off and a smack on the backside...

...or not! We might never get to that point.

"Please sweetie....Jaaaaaaaake, Dillion....be good boys while mommy shops""NO!"

I'm hearing this dialogue while shopping a common sale at a popular department store.This is the point where I woulda popped the kid on the backside. I don't tolerate disrespect, especially out of kids old enough to know better.Let's return to what's happening now...

"Pleeeeeeeeeease honey, for mommie.......pleeeeeeeease"

I think we know who's in charge now.

"NOooo, I don't hafta! I WANT IT! I want it, I want it! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"

ahhhhh I carry Aleve or Advil in my purse for these moments.
I don't know who I'm more disgusted at...the kid for the behavior, or the parent for allowing the little monster to get control over her like this. These are the children who will grow up to have big problems or cause them for all of us.Ok, let's check back in:

"eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Puh!"

The oldest spits on his mother.
You know, the woman who bore him, endured endless nights of no sleep, who might have stretch marks to show for it, who gives up luxuries to make sure he's provided for.
That would've been all she wrote for me at that point....well actually much sooner than this.
Kids need discipline! Not because it makes our lives easier but it is necessary for them to feel secure. When you count that's one....ok, that's two (when we get to three IF we do, you're getting a spanking) it tells your children you'll do what you say you'll do. You're a woman, or man of your word. It's important because when you follow up each and every time the child begins to trust you. They trust you all the time. For instance, when you say "Mommy will be back to pick you up at 4" or "I love you!" they believe you and feel secure in your promises and love.You don't have to spank, some children respond to time-outs. If you have an only child don't expect this to work. Only children learn to play by themselves and aren't easily upset by the promise of sitting out alone. It depends on your child really what form you decide works the best.
But for God's sake make sure you do what you say you will. Kids can spot your empty promises and threats. They learn you can be manipulated and you will lose control.Like this...

"mommy wants you to quit it...stop it now.....ok, I'll buy the toy for you if you'll just be good!"

Game over!

Kid won! Did yours?

In honor of Dads!

The following is a poem inspired a couple of years ago around the time of Father's Day. My father is no longer with us. For all who honor Dad, spend time with him on his special day, or just remember him, I hope you enjoy this!

The "Whys" of a four year old took me by surprise today.

She was about to ask one of me and I didn't know what to say.

"Why" Mommy, "Why do balloons go up up up in the sky?"

What she said next made me want to cry.

She put her finger to her chin as if in deep thought,

I prepared myself to give it all I got….

I sometimes don't know what to say or how to answer her questions so deep.

This one I want to remember, it's a memory I must keep.

For she exclaimed she knows why balloons float up as she counts them…9, 10, and 11

"they go up to be with all the people we love who are in heaven".

She asked if she could let one go,

She said she knows someone who would love the purple one so…

She looked up to the clouds and counted one, two, three.

She let it go and watched it float up so high and free.

My little girl then squeezed my hand and said she felt really good.

For it was for my father, her grandpa, and love it, he really would.

-Anne Boswell

But he doesn't WANT to wear a leash...." (whine) But this is the country...... (more whine)
Rules are important! Especially when they concern health and safety.

I love to hike in Palmer Park with my dog, but I hate to come around the corner NOT knowing what I'm gonna find.

This week it was an off leash Pit Bull/boxer (I think) mix that ran upon us....ok, he was probably going to say hello but Zeus doesn't take kindly to the uninvited greetings.
Closely behind him was a border collie (YES! Off leash and outta control) Behind them was the owner. The owner gives me the nasty LOOK l because now the dogs are fighting. I'm pretty certain it's just in a dog's nature to become frightened when an off leash dog (obviously has the advantage of flight) comes bounding up to startle.

Dogs wake up with the express purpose every morning with one important thing on the to-do list. Protect. And maybe sleep, eat and sleep some more is in there somewhere. It's a shame that people have to get so testy too when you ask them to please leash up their dogs. I mean, after all, I'm following the rules. They almost get violent with you because your dog defended you when theirs ran around recklessly. Oh, and speaking of rules...you can read it below.
There IS ONE for Colorado Springs...it's called an ordinance and that's actually a law although God help us, how in the world do you enforce it?


9.9.302: DOGS, DOMESTIC ANIMALS AT LARGE:
A. It is unlawful for any person to lead or allow to be loose any animal upon park premises; dogs, however, may be led or carried but not allowed loose. Dogs may be loose but under the control of the owner or keeper in those areas which are clearly marked by signs bearing the words, "Dogs Permitted Without Leash If Under Control". Nothing in this section shall be construed as permitting the running of dogs at large. All dogs in those areas where the animals are permitted without leashes shall be under control at all times.

B. In any dog recreation area designated by the Park Manager in which dogs are permitted without leashes, it is unlawful for any person:

1. To intentionally, knowingly or recklessly lead, bring or release any other type or species of animal into or upon the confined or fenced dog recreation area; or

2. To fail to obey any posted rules, regulations or guidelines for use of the dog recreation area. (Ord. 89-97; Ord. 01-42)

Now, where's that......"Squirrel?"

It's your own fault...really it is.

lick lick lick...
...followed by a big SIGH of DISCONTENT and disgust!


Oh, get your dirty mind out of the toilet.

It's not like I did it to him...my cat! He's very fat and fluffy now so he has more real estate to clean. Last night he gets up on the bed and begins the task. Jingle Jingle (his tag) lick lick lick.......huh.....I get a "look". Really? Really Charlie, it's not like you didn't ask for all those viddles. It's like fat people. All of a sudden they want to sue McDonalds! I think it's YOUR responsibility to know that restaurants are not there with you when you step on the scales or catch of glimpse of yourself in the mirror coming out of the shower. They do NOT care if your butt gets big or you have to shop for a double digit size for the first time. Nope! You should know that even the healthy choices or so-called at eateries contain a lot of calories. They're served on an enormous plate or platter to make you think you're getting a real value. It's also so they can charge more per entree. Don't think I don't suffer from this too....I love to go out to eat...I love to have drinks and dessert with the girls. BUT...I simply looked at my overweight cat realizing he should probably go on Kitty and being close to 40 now I should probably watch my diet too.

Just do it!

I will be the first to tell you that most times, children are trying. I nicknamed my little "220 Volt" due to the amount of energy she puts out. She's never still so I wasn't really surprised when she wanted to tag along on a hike with the dog yesterday....I WAS surprised, however, that she turned down spending time with grandma, who had JUST arrived to come along.
She joyfully skipped alongside of me as we topped the hill. The afternoon sky full of crisp cool air and the backdrop...Pike's Peak still with the slow setting sun. The majestic mountains calm as can be.
Then it came, it came as expected considering we were now a good mile from the house.
The moment...

(wait for it)

"I GOTTA PEE!"

Get busy girl, I told her.....squat like the colorado girl you are!