I am a writer. A person does not have to be a published author in order to be a writer. A writer is a person who writes. I am learning to be the best author I can be, and I invite you to join me in my journey. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:37:00 -0500 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:37:00 -0500    Once again, I find myself apologizing for not being around.  With the end of winter, I spend every spare moment at the barn.  I much prefer the clip-clop of hooves to the click-clack of computer keys.    As for news updates....    Night Light had her baby!  He is a beautiful, lively, skittish little colt!  His registered name is Oakridge Stormcloud.  Any ideas for a barn name?  He is a nondiscript dark brown color, although he was almost black when he was born.  He has a star, and a dorsal stripe.  One of his hooves is half white.  He is so cute!  Stick around for photos!      Assadullah Barakzai (aka Bob) has moved to California.  (It figures.  I finally learned how to spell and pronounce his name, and he's gone!)  His family however, is still across the street.  Amaal is over at our house every day playing basketball.  We are still hoping this can be a good Gospel opportunity, but it turns out they are Muslims....    Their father abandoned them when Amaal was eight, and he tells us he hates his father.  I can't really blame him, I probably would too.        I'll be visiting all your blogs in the coming days.  I have missed all of your writings!  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/524368/ Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:37:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/524368/     I hope all of you had a good Easter!  I did; it was great spending time with family.  Night Light hasn't had her foal yet, but you can bet you will know when she does!      I rode a horse named Lincoln today.  It wasn't a great ride, but I'd rather ride a bad horse on a bad day than not ride at all.  That's just the way I am...     Okay,I have a funny story after all.  I was canoeing the other day with my brother and sister.  Ben decided to throw his paddle into the middle of the pond for some reason.  As I was reaching out for it, I dropped my paddle.  I was like, "Okay Rachel, you are going to have to get us out of this."  Silence.  "Rachel?"  Silence.  "Ummm... I don't have a paddle."     So there we were, stuck in the middle of the pond, with no paddles.  We paddled with everything we had; sticks, hands, even shoes.  No good.  So we decided to rock.  We sychronized our rocking back and forth so we moved.  We probably looked like idiots to anyone passing by...  We were about to reach dry land, when the canoe turned around.  We could only make it go backwards, so we had to start all over again, heading to the opposite bank.  It took us an hour and a half to get out of there!    In case you were wondering, we used a snow shovel to get back out and retrieve the paddles.   Red is the color, Of soft rose petals, And also the color, Of soldiers’ blood.   Red is the sunset, The sunrise too, Like blood spilled out, In the skies.   Red is the lips, Pouring forth words, Akin to the blood, That leaks from a wound. White is a dove, A peace-time flag, The same pale color, Of a dead man’s face. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/509464/ Wed, 2 Apr 2008 16:37:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/509464/     I have finally begun riding again!  The off season is pretty short, but it feels like forever.  I know, the footing is dangerous during winter, and I would never in a million years want a horse to get hurt.      My first lesson of the season was Friday.  My new class is advanced, and I love the challenge.  I didn't get to ride my favorite horse, but the horse I did ride, Toby, is a close second.  He was amazing!  His get-up-and-go almost got-up-and-galloped.  He wanted to go SO fast!  His jumping was amazing though.     Night Light's foal should come any day now.  There's a pool going at the barn as to when he/she will be born.  Night Light is as frisky as ever though, running around like she doesn't have 40 or so extra pounds hanging in her belly. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/505974/ Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:16:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/505974/     Sorry I haven't been around lately.  Computer difficulties, work, and school have kept me out of the blogosphere.      Not much has really happened around here lately.  "Bob" and his family have been around a lot.  They borrow our phone, our basketball hoop, and other things.  They are a very friendly family, but it is hard to understand them.      I am still working on those rescue entries, for those of you who have asked.      I do have a funny story to share.  My dad preached at our church two Sundays, because our pastor was away.  Now, there is a Law of Physics in CT that goes something like this:  "If 1,000 people are in a room, and something strange has to happen to one of them, it will be Dave W. (my dad)"       My dad went in the pastor's office to discuss the service with the worship leader.  A few minutes later, I noticed a crowd of people standing around the door.  The door had gotten stuck, and my dad couldn't get out.  He was laughing of course.  One of the elders said, "We could put the microphone outside the door, and he can preach from inside."   Thankfully, someone had a screw driver in their pocket, and took off the door knob.  When dad stepped out, the whole congregation clapped!  It was so funny!     That's about all I've got at the moment, but I promise to write as soon as I have something interesting.  Or I'll just make something up....    http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/505439/ Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:49:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/505439/     Yesterday I was rudely awakened by the doorbell.  I briefly wondered who it was, but decided to go back to sleep.  Then my sister started freaking out over by the window.  I went to see who it was.  He was a little man, only a bit taller than me, and he was dressed rather strangely.  He held a cup in front of him, asking my dad for something.  We thought maybe he was homeless of something.      By the time we got downstairs, he was gone.  And guess what he had come for?  Sugar.  Mom said he is a refugee from Afganistan.  He moved in the apartment across the street.       Later in the day, he came back with his sister and her two children.  They came just to thank us for the sugar.  They are very nice, but I can't pronounce his name, let alone spell it!  Asaddooluh?  Esetdulah?  His sister doesn't speak English, and he has such a thick accent, it is hard to understand him.  Anyway, my whole family is thinking this could be a great gospel oppurtunity.      In the future, I think I'll just call him Bob. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/494845/ Sat, 8 Mar 2008 09:54:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/494845/     Yesterday (Saturday) we went to another hockey game; this time for my younger cousin.  It was nice to see family, but I am sick of hockey!  We went to my Grandma's house after, for lunch.  It's surrounded by state land.  I saw some really cool cloud formations, and left the house with my camera.  I walked to the middle of the largest field.  It was about 5-6 acres.  I was happily snapping away, and then I turned around to see the clouds behind me.  There was one HUGE black cloud, and it was rapidly covering the sky.  I saw the snow making its way toward me.  Within seconds, I was in the middle of a complete white-out!  And of course it couldn't just be snow.  There were bits of ice flying at as well, pretty much horizontally.      I kind of hunkered down for a while, but it just got worse.  So I started walking.  I don't know if you are really supposed to do that it nasty weather or not, but that's what I did.  After about ten minutes, which felt like HOURS, I ran into something rather hard.  It turned out to be an old abandoned shed!  So I waited out the storm inside.       When the squall turned to flurries, I started heading home.  I had to stop and thank God for keeping me safe.  I realized that if I hadn't walking into the shed, I would have kept going to the "drop-off," a place used for dumping fallen limbs.  The fall would have been about 50 feet!  On the bright side, I got some nice cloud photos.     Today's Equine Word Parrot Mouth:  An over-bite in horses; the top incisors protrude over the lower incisors. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/491187/ Sun, 2 Mar 2008 15:25:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/491187/          My next several “Horse Trivia” entries will be about horse rescue.  This is something I am passionate about, and I believe educating people about the horses that need our help is important.       There are millions of unwanted horses in the United States.  There are more horses than there is a demand for them.  Some horses have health issues, or are too old, and therefore are not wanted.  Some horses are perfectly fine, but need a little (or a lot) of TLC to bring them back.  There are some horses with real mental problems that are a danger to us.  They should be peacefully put down, or turned out to pasture for the remainder of their days, not hauled off to slaughter.  Most “impossible” horses just need professional training, or something as simple as someone who understands them.       Some horses are “excess,” from breeding, racing, or other industries.  Responsible owners need to care for their horses until they die, or at least keep track of them, insuring a happy retirement.        The entries that follow will be about specific horses that need help.  There are many that live at rescues, with no specific reason that need help as well. How can you help?     The very best way to help would be to adopt a horse that needs a forever home!  Obviously most of us do not have the money, time, or property.       Another way to help is to volunteer at a local horse rescue/shelter.  You can help with mucking, grooming, or sometimes even riding!  Some rescues love it if you just stop by to give the horses love, attention, and treats!      The rescues need a lot of money to take in these huge animals!  Money donations are always helpful, and some rescues love donations of feed, halters, grooming supplies, tack, etc.     If you have, or have had, a horse, make sure you care for it all it's life.  If you have to sell him/her, keep track of it!  A horse can be sold dozens of times in it's life, and eventually end up at slaughter.     A really easy way to help, is to educate people!  The more people know these sad facts the better! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/489618/ Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:58:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/489618/   I spent two days last week watching hockey.  How fun.  Sorry if any of you are hockey fans but, I dunno, not really in to it.  All right, I admit, it was... loud.  And cold.  And violent.  And crowded. And wet. (see below)  My cousin was playing; he's 17.  Saturday was his Sr. Day.  His team won that game 8-1.     Yeah, so I was just sitting in the bleachers, thinking about Brig the horse, and suddenly all this water falls into my lap.  I just sat there for a moment.  Why me???  Then my Aunt noticed, and she was all concerned.  It was annoying, but not life threatening!  After I dried myself off as best I could, it happened twice more!  Why didn't I move?  That's a very good question.  There was absolutely no where else to sit!  Something goes, A whisp away, A thought is gone, What did I say? http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/484484/ Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:51:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/484484/    I know, much of my poetry involves horses.  It's just that horses are so much a part of me!  I'll try to post something un-horsey next time.  I wrote this in the middle of a hockey game.  I was bored, and thinking about how Night Light's coat shines as she runs in the sun... Rippling light, Is flowing across, A horse’s might, His power apparent.   Soft light, Gently shining, A horse’s sight, His bright dark eyes.   Shining light, Sharply striking, Hard and bright, The horse’s hoof.   Loving light, Quietly given, Day and night, The horse’s friendship. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/483720/ Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:10:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/483720/   This is for all you people who really want to know me!  I will not be giving out personal info, so if that is what you are here for, HA! If you think I'm quiet, It's because we aren't talking about horses! (Everything else is soooo boring.) Hannah Elizabeth  (My mom almost named me Chelistina because of the whole Italian thing.  My Uncle calls me Magnoli.  don't ask.) "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!  Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart..."        Psalm 119:1-2 "Horses leave hoofprints on your heart." Nicknames?  Don't get me started! Slightly Slow Cop  (so I'm a little slow, so what?), Squid (again, don't ask), Z, (my fave letter!), Greenie (darn brother...), Silver, Zat (it's a Stargate thing),  Sequoia (cause I'm so darn short) Gardener/ Junior Caretaker*Best job on the planet!  (except for any job involving horses)  Gotta love my millionaire boss.  And his dog., Concierge (sounds so formal!), Junior Record Keeper (ummm... BORING!) HORSES HORSES HORSES HORSES HORSES Horses, Caballos, Equus, Equines, Ponies, Geldings, Stallions, Mares, Foals American Quarter Horses     They have it all!  Oh the Paint takes my breath away!  Painted by the hand of God, each one unique, standing out in the crowd. Hannah: Rides English.  Hunter jumper.  Equitation on the flat.  Trail rides.                                                                                                              Flies!                                               K. Rich:  "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!"  "King Richard III", Shakespeare's Play I was made in South Carolina. I am owned by a cat. I love decorative socks. I am soooo Totally Random "Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul."  Emily Dickinson I want to start a horse rescue, for PMU foals, retired racehorses, and any slaughter bound equines!  I suffer from Chronic Migraines. Wears glasses, brown hair, green-grey eyes,  sneakers, jeans, t-shirts, I: Grow Bonsai Trees         Hate To Run       Love English Class Hate Algebra/Chemistry/Geometry       Always Win Monopoly Love Word Games       HORSES      Love My Digital Camera Sleep On A Bunk      Am Really Bad At Sports (esp. Volleyball) Seriously Dislike Football      Love Blogging Race Cars, Not Greyhounds! "But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."   James 1:22    If you have made it this far I am really impressed!  You'd better tell me so I can give you an award or something! As Dory from Finding Nemo would say: "Just keep swimming!" Animal Cruelty Makes Me Sick! I am a Piggy Momma! I Love Stargate SG-1!!!! Favorite Actor: No Clue Favorite Actress:  Amanda Tapping Tapping in my favorite T.V. show:  Stargate SG-1, playing my favorite character: Sam Carter! Another favorite Actress:  The deaf but super cool: Deanne Bray! In my second favorite show: Sue Thomas F.B.I. Eye I'd rather be riding! Gotta love Horatio Caine! Always reading and writing. So many books, so little time. Writing is a passion! Poet   The thoroughbred is bred for speed,  To finish the race, in the lead.   Galloping around the track, Running several furlonlongs and back. With a jockey on top, This horse doesn’t want to stop! hey! we must be near the end! Related to: Eli Whitney and Emily Dickinson Is the new Stargate movie out yet??? Shakespeare is awesome! The strong-neck'd steed, being tied unto a tree,  Breaketh his rein, and to her straight goes he,   Imperiously he leaps, he neighs, he bounds,   And now his woven girths he breaks asunder;   The bearing earth with his hard hoof he wounds,    Whose hollow womb resounds like heaven's thunder;    The iron bit he crushes 'tween his teeth,    Controlling what he was controlled with. "Venus and Adonis"  (274-81) I collect: horse shoes, horse posters, socks, Breyer horses, old books, books in general.    Loves: pizza, strawberries, pecan pie, tapioca pudding, cherry tomatoes, French fries, snickers Hates:  brussel sprouts, cabbage, dry chicken, the marshmallows that come in hot chocolate packages, eggs " One thing have I asked the of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple."                    Psalm  27:4 So now you know me.  As a matter of fact, you know more about me than many of my friends.                                        http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/482109/ Sat, 7 Jul 2007 18:07:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/equus/482109/