A federal holiday here in the U.S., when we remember our fallen. I took this pic last week at Arlington National Cemetary.

...Mo' and I went on a trail ride (my draftx). He did not want to enter the woods to cross the creek. None of his buddies were with him, and I knew he was afraid a mountain lion, or bear would jump out to eat him.

Of course, we have no moutain lions or bears within 50 to 100 miles from where I live, but Mo' isn't wired to understand that. He's hard-wired to survive as a prey animal. So...I didn't make him go.

Some people would think I should have forced him to go. Gotten as tough as it took, and showed him who's boss. Well, I wasn't willing to go there. I want him to know he's safe with me as his leader. And in order for me to do that , I have to make him think my ideas are his ideas. So... we went a different way. We had a nice ride, even though I could tell he wasn't happy about being out there with just me and none of his herdmates (safetly in numbers). We went right up to the edge his comfort zone that day, and no further.

But, this morning, I decided we would cross the creek. I put a halter and lead rope on him and we crossed together. Side by side. Oh...he still didn't want to go, but once we made it in the water he was all fine, playful, and curious. No monsters here!!!!! Wooo-hooo!

I'm proud of myself for taking it slow with him, my new friend, and companion on the trail. I'm proud of him for being brave, and trusting me to go into the big, bad, dark woods.

Once we crossed the creek and got out of the woods...glory be!!! A huge field of uncut alfalfa! He was LOVING me then (well, loving the banquet). I let him munch for a few minutes, then we walked back into the woods (no problem) , crossed the creek ,and went back home to his mares.

Nothing big, or dramatic, but a huge lesson in trust for both of us. We're learning to take care of each other "out there", where the wind sounds like growling mountain lions, and the tree stumps, out of the corner of your eye, resemble hungry bears.

Yeah, tough for us humans to understand but sometimes we have to give a little.

Lina is a most wonderful artist who lives too far away, for my taste (DC to CA). It's amazing to me... the kindness and generosity she has shown. But then, I got to thinking about how her actions should really be the norm of our lives, and not the exception... that astonishes me.

She's was example and inspiration in so many ways, even before we have been getting to know each other...her work, her generous spirit, her willingness to connect, and bridge connections between others. Her honesty, and vulnerability concerning "the process", and the journey her life leads her on. Which, by the way, speaks volumes to all of us if we are willing to listen.

So this is my "Yay,Lina!" week (I've truly been rejoicing in her life). I cheer for her because of her willingness to "bring us along" with her, and show us that life "is what it is", but can also be soooo much more! She's a flower in the midst of a storm, and a strong bridge that stands againgst the virulent waves (she'll get that). A beauty, a connector, a catalyst- an artist in the fullest sense. Fierce grace!!

I'm blessed to have such an artist, and friend in my life to inspire me to keep creating, and sojourning on!

I hope we can all be "lina's" to each other in our spheres of influence out there in the big wide world. Not striving for perfection, not fake, or flattering for the sake of flattery, but genuinely caring about and for each other, and our growth as human beings and artists.

K... enough, I know.

Cheers,

Mechelle


Cue the music:
"What the world...needs now...is love...sweet love.." JUST KIDDING!!! lolololol ..Couldn't resist , though.

Please go to my Links page to find Lina's work!

to have a "wait and see" mentality. It's not easy. Especially when others that you care about want to see you go in a certain direction. It's hard for me, and it's hard for them. But...it's best to wait, and make a decision that YOU feel good about. And if that puts others on pins and needles for a while, maybe, they just need to learn to let go a bit.

Just a thought for today.

Cheers,

Mechelle

shout out to Carson Collins today for linking me on his amazing site http://www.theoceanseries.com. I respect his views on Remodernism, and he is such a source of inspiration and information to the art community world-wide. Aaaaand....his work is amazing! Please check out his site if you have some time today! If I knew how to get one of his pieces as a blog header, I would. But...I'm challenged when it comes to such things at this moment in time. (I can literally hear my wonderful, helpful, FASO tech support angels nodding in agreement- I love you guys, lololol!!!!). :)

PS- Please go to my LINKS page and check out Carson's site! Also, go to his LINKS page and scroll down to the second set of "M's" and you'll see his review and link to my site. YAY! (Yes, I'm a quite a dork...lololol)

Is that someone singing Happy Birthday to me? No, LOL.... but you should check him out!! I'll get his link up here eventually.

haven't found what I'm looking for...

Please see my journal at redbubble.com/people/mechellerenefor todays entry!!! :)