THANKSGIVING
noun /ˌTHaNGksˈgiviNG/
The expression of gratitude, esp. to God
Gratitude means a lot of different things to different people. To me, gratitude is that feeling of "Wow. Your act of kindness makes me speechless."
This Thanksgiving was the first Thanksgiving without my mom-mom. She was my rock and one of my biggest supporters. She was also the one who pushed me to reach for the stars (I know, so cliche, but very true. And, remember I'm still feeling the effects of Wednesday's removal of four wisdom teeth). She was a very humble woman, the perfect listener, and an amazing role model for what matters. I am blessed to have been touched by her in so many ways.
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| Bridge Acres Horse Show 2004 ~ My 1st horse show on Louie with none other than my mom-mom. |
Having such a long break, Thanksgiving gave me the opportunity to evaluate my year as I begin preparations for a three-month Winter Intensive Training program with Dressage Olympian Lendon Gray.
My dearest Parentals... You saw something in me I could not even see in myself. You made selfless sacrifices to help my dreams come true. There are no words that can express my true gratitude. I love you da mostest <3
"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one." ~Jane Howard
My family believed in me as a person and a rider. I needed them this year and they were always there for me. I love you guys!
I owe my biggest thanks to this cast of characters ...
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| LOUIE: My stingy wonder pony... he taught me everything from how to stick a buck to how to lighten up. |
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| MI ALMA: I have had this "little" guy since he was two and a half years old and boy has he taught me how to have patience and think on my feet. |
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| LIVINGSTON: The new guy...and the one who will be embarking the journey to Florida with me :) btw look at that TAIL! |
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| MAGGIE: My mount for two-consecutive years at Lendon's Youth Dressage Festival and my D3 Classic and C2 Flat Pony Club Certifications. |
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| OCARINA: My partner in crime for the past 9 months. She took me from training level all the way to third level in a few short months. And of course, she taught me how to really RIDE! |
I have been so blessed to have leased Ockie. She brought my riding to the next level and taught me how to think like a trainer ...not just sit there and look pretty ;) So thank you Cara Klothe for letting me lease your AWESOME mare and for being accessible throughout the year for conference calls.
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| Ockie and I competing in the FEI Junior Division at Dressage at Devon ~ my 1st CDI! |
If it wasn't for countless hours training and a trainer with a sense of humor, I would not have made all three of my lofty goals: to qualify and compete at GAIG Championships, Dressage at Devon, and CBLM Championships. Thank you Ange Bean for knowing when to push me and knowing just the thing to say in warm up to calm my nerves.
(Those headsets have become our best asset...shhhh ;) )
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| There must be a little "cheese" after a great last ride at the CBLM 3rd JR/YR Championships |
Friends don't let friends do silly stuff..........alone. I guess I would say this describes my friendships. So to my friends, I appreciate the times you "held me captive" at social events and carried me down the halls on Monday mornings after a horse show weekend lol
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| Lauren |
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| Samantha |
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| Korey |
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| Jordan |
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| Kenzie |
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| Cole & Maggie |
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| Michelle |
To Berks Catholic: Thank you for making the academic transition one with very little stress and for working hand in hand with me. From my principal to my vice principal to all my teachers, you have shown such enthusiasm for this opportunity that it makes me smile just thinking about it. Thank you for having faith in me.
I also want to thank everyone who has supported my fundraiser for Dressage4Kids' Winter Intensive Training Program, thus far. Oley Valley Combined Training Association, Glory Springs Farm, Valley Mist Farm, Foxfield Farm, Straight Forward Dressage, and Berks Pony Club have kindly let me post signage for the Holiday Bran Mash Fundraiser. THANK YOU. And thank you to ALL individual supporters as well, who have placed orders for holiday bran mash and coasters or who have been so incredibly gracious with a check; especially Mommy Brok, Mrs. Jones, and Mrs. Wolfskill.
According to one Mary Thacker-Young, her horse Derby gives the mash "Two hooves up!"
If you would like to order Holiday Bran Mash for your horses...or horsey friends, e-mail me at Equestrian317@aol.com
or visit Derriffic Designs on Facebook!
