Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Are You My Mother?
This is not my colt, but I have so many friends in the horse industry, when I get a great picture - I just have to share it with you!
Monday, October 27, 2008
From Disgust to Grace!
If you have ever read this book..
...or seen this movie......
..you will find this post very interesting!
For those who have not - this is the true story of Joan Robinson Hill...and her murder!
Joan was the only adopted child of Mr. and Mrs. Ash Robinson and Ash adored his little girl. The Robinson family made their money in the oil business and it was not long before they were considered socialites on Southern Texas.
Joan adored riding and showing her American Saddlebred horses and Ash made sure she had the best - including the most famous - Beloved Belinda, a gray mare. Actually, Joan made fashion history when she showed this mare in a light gray suit with matching colored accessories! I was told she looked breathtaking.
As Joan grew up, went to college she met and married a plastic surgeon named John Hill. They moved into a beautiful home. John was a pianist and this large home had a music conservatory room large enough to accommodate his huge specially made Bosendorfer Grand Piano which was almost 10 feet long and 6 feet wide! Soon they had a son that Joan insisted on naming after her Father.
When Joan was in her mid thirties she started to feel ill. With her husband attending to her treatment, she only became more and more sick with no real diagnosis, which made Ash extremely suspicious. John was known for his philandering relationships with other women. Joan's untimely death came in 1969, when she was only 38 years old.
..Dr. Hill was tried for his wife's murder and was defended by the infamous lawyer Richard "Racehorse" Haynes. A mistrial was declared and John Hill was never convicted....however he was murdered in what many believe was a revenge killing ordered by Ash Robinson, Joan's Father.
.
In 1977, after Dr. Hill's murder, much of his estate was put up for sale, including this piano. It was not sold at that time and instead put into a local museum. Again this piano was offered for sale in 1992. My Father was the one and only person who looked at it. One moment at the keyboard and he purchased it on the spot! This piano brought sweet music and many years of enjoyment to my family. It also consumed about 50% of my parents living room!
..After my Mother's death, I noticed my Father had stopped playing the piano. I understood. I had no desire to ride either, which was my passion. I suppose it was just a part of morning. After a year though, I started to ride. Dad decided to sell his grand piano. He had another upright, but his decision saddened me. A part of me hoped that no one would be interested in the piano, but I was wrong. Offers came in within the month the announcement was made that it was for sale. I tried to talk him out of it with no success...and finally the day came, the call where he informed me that this beautiful instrument had indeed sold. My heart sunk and I was quiet..until he informed me that one of my brothers bought the piano and it was going to be donated to his church! St. Stephens Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, TX. received an incredible praise offering...a piano whose history was dark, but whose future is oh so bright!
Yesterday, a dedication concert was presented and an amazing pianist, John Owings played the most beautiful concert on the piano I have ever heard. He used the entire keyboard, playing selections of Mozart, Beethoven, Debussy and Chopin. Bravo! Our family's piano will forever be a part of giving glory to God!
...or seen this movie......
..you will find this post very interesting!For those who have not - this is the true story of Joan Robinson Hill...and her murder!
Joan was the only adopted child of Mr. and Mrs. Ash Robinson and Ash adored his little girl. The Robinson family made their money in the oil business and it was not long before they were considered socialites on Southern Texas.
Joan adored riding and showing her American Saddlebred horses and Ash made sure she had the best - including the most famous - Beloved Belinda, a gray mare. Actually, Joan made fashion history when she showed this mare in a light gray suit with matching colored accessories! I was told she looked breathtaking.
As Joan grew up, went to college she met and married a plastic surgeon named John Hill. They moved into a beautiful home. John was a pianist and this large home had a music conservatory room large enough to accommodate his huge specially made Bosendorfer Grand Piano which was almost 10 feet long and 6 feet wide! Soon they had a son that Joan insisted on naming after her Father.
When Joan was in her mid thirties she started to feel ill. With her husband attending to her treatment, she only became more and more sick with no real diagnosis, which made Ash extremely suspicious. John was known for his philandering relationships with other women. Joan's untimely death came in 1969, when she was only 38 years old.
..Dr. Hill was tried for his wife's murder and was defended by the infamous lawyer Richard "Racehorse" Haynes. A mistrial was declared and John Hill was never convicted....however he was murdered in what many believe was a revenge killing ordered by Ash Robinson, Joan's Father..
In 1977, after Dr. Hill's murder, much of his estate was put up for sale, including this piano. It was not sold at that time and instead put into a local museum. Again this piano was offered for sale in 1992. My Father was the one and only person who looked at it. One moment at the keyboard and he purchased it on the spot! This piano brought sweet music and many years of enjoyment to my family. It also consumed about 50% of my parents living room!
..After my Mother's death, I noticed my Father had stopped playing the piano. I understood. I had no desire to ride either, which was my passion. I suppose it was just a part of morning. After a year though, I started to ride. Dad decided to sell his grand piano. He had another upright, but his decision saddened me. A part of me hoped that no one would be interested in the piano, but I was wrong. Offers came in within the month the announcement was made that it was for sale. I tried to talk him out of it with no success...and finally the day came, the call where he informed me that this beautiful instrument had indeed sold. My heart sunk and I was quiet..until he informed me that one of my brothers bought the piano and it was going to be donated to his church! St. Stephens Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, TX. received an incredible praise offering...a piano whose history was dark, but whose future is oh so bright!
Yesterday, a dedication concert was presented and an amazing pianist, John Owings played the most beautiful concert on the piano I have ever heard. He used the entire keyboard, playing selections of Mozart, Beethoven, Debussy and Chopin. Bravo! Our family's piano will forever be a part of giving glory to God!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Boo!
This is our barn cat, Boo - AKA Momma Kitty...
..We adopted her and 4 of her kittens about 4 years ago as barn cats. Sadly only 2 of her babies are still with us - 2 more black cats one named Tux, a solid black cat with white whiskers and Jamaica, a black cat with long hair
..We adopted her and 4 of her kittens about 4 years ago as barn cats. Sadly only 2 of her babies are still with us - 2 more black cats one named Tux, a solid black cat with white whiskers and Jamaica, a black cat with long hair
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
More Halloween Touches!
I love these poseable skeltons! I could use 25 of them to decorate our farm if I had them...but at about $25.00 each, that is not likely to happen! This guy is outside, at the end of our drive, by our farm sign. It is hard to see, but there is a crow hopping a ride on the back of the horse too!
Found these glass pumpkins at Garden Ridge. I wish they were a bit larger though. They kind of get lost since the gazebo is so large.
This masked boy sits outside our door, greeting our visitors.
This guy is sitting in a pot holder on the middle landing half way up the stairs, pointing the way to the door.
Found these glass pumpkins at Garden Ridge. I wish they were a bit larger though. They kind of get lost since the gazebo is so large.
This masked boy sits outside our door, greeting our visitors.
This guy is sitting in a pot holder on the middle landing half way up the stairs, pointing the way to the door.
Cinderella Going to the Halloween Ball!
I know - the pictures are dark...but I wanted you to see the light reflecting the jack-o-lantern face on the wall!
This was my first attempt at making the cinderella carriage Halloween syyle! I did not want to use real pumpkins because it would not last very long if I had..so I had a harder time piecing my projec together...but with a bit more work and a few more accessories, it will be really cute for next Halloween!
This was my first attempt at making the cinderella carriage Halloween syyle! I did not want to use real pumpkins because it would not last very long if I had..so I had a harder time piecing my projec together...but with a bit more work and a few more accessories, it will be really cute for next Halloween!
A Special Gift!
Teresa from Living the Life sent me these wonderful gifts! Candy corn and adorable little pumpkin holders to put it in. A dish towel with a Halloween cat on it and my very favorite...the adorable heavy weight fabric with the black cat design on it. I am going to make Madison a jumper for next year and there is so much that I will have enough to make some holiday pillows as well!
Thank you so much Teresa. The gift made me feel so special! I love decorating for all holidays - but since my husbands birthday is on Halloween - it is especially fun!
Thank you so much Teresa. The gift made me feel so special! I love decorating for all holidays - but since my husbands birthday is on Halloween - it is especially fun!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Favorite Show Photo..
Smile for the camera!
October 11-12th I covered a horse show in Dallas and this was my favorite picture. I am by far NOT a professional photographer, but it is a part of my job with Saddle and Bridle magazine to take some candid photos...so every now and again I catch a good one. This one falls into my funny photo file!
October 11-12th I covered a horse show in Dallas and this was my favorite picture. I am by far NOT a professional photographer, but it is a part of my job with Saddle and Bridle magazine to take some candid photos...so every now and again I catch a good one. This one falls into my funny photo file!
Friday, October 17, 2008
More About American Saddlebred Horses
What we want in a good Saddlebred:
Some people think that Saddlebreds are crazy because they are such amazing show horses...often referred to as the "Peacocks of the show ring".
Baxter here says, "Phooey on that!"
The Saddlebreds motion must be natural. You cannot make a horse pick his legs up if it does not already come naturally to him. "Look Ma - No shoes!"
A hinged neck is essential for a horse to be able to set his head in the right spot. One of these horses has a great hinged neck and the other one is a bit too straight. Can you tell which one I am talking about?
Great ears are a plus. These are called "hooked ears".
...and lastly are just the details. Icing on the cake, so to say! If the good horse just happens to have the Hair Gene and a unique color...well then now you have a real head turner!
..but all Saddlebred people know that "Pretty is as pretty DOES!"
Some people think that Saddlebreds are crazy because they are such amazing show horses...often referred to as the "Peacocks of the show ring".
Baxter here says, "Phooey on that!"
The Saddlebreds motion must be natural. You cannot make a horse pick his legs up if it does not already come naturally to him. "Look Ma - No shoes!"
A hinged neck is essential for a horse to be able to set his head in the right spot. One of these horses has a great hinged neck and the other one is a bit too straight. Can you tell which one I am talking about?
Great ears are a plus. These are called "hooked ears".
...and lastly are just the details. Icing on the cake, so to say! If the good horse just happens to have the Hair Gene and a unique color...well then now you have a real head turner!
..but all Saddlebred people know that "Pretty is as pretty DOES!"
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Please Excuse Me If...
...I seem a bit over sentimental, emotional, or just a bit too tender hearted this time of the year. I can't help it and it comes without warning...kind of like cooler weather. In fact, I think that is one thing that triggers it. My Mom, pictured below many many years before I was born, died only 4 days before Christmas 3 years ago. I miss her so much I cannot breathe sometimes.
Memories start playing through my heart and head and no matter what I do, they pierce me. Some are childish, fun, laugh out loud ones...like the time when we all tried to learn how to snow ski or how I could make her laugh with my funny faces. Some drew a portrait of her patience, like when she taught such an unwilling student (me) how to sew...and the look on both of our faces when I won the Sewing class award in High School! More are drawn from what a great friend she was and could offer the most logical advice when I needed it....Still others, just as precious send tears streaming down my face, like when she ate home made food I made from her own recipes, when she was almost too ill to keep food down....or the smile on her face when I came to visit her with a clip in pony tail in my hair! She told me to go and buy her one because mine made me look so cute!
The holidays have always been my favorite time of the year...but without you with me Mom, something is just not right.
Memories start playing through my heart and head and no matter what I do, they pierce me. Some are childish, fun, laugh out loud ones...like the time when we all tried to learn how to snow ski or how I could make her laugh with my funny faces. Some drew a portrait of her patience, like when she taught such an unwilling student (me) how to sew...and the look on both of our faces when I won the Sewing class award in High School! More are drawn from what a great friend she was and could offer the most logical advice when I needed it....Still others, just as precious send tears streaming down my face, like when she ate home made food I made from her own recipes, when she was almost too ill to keep food down....or the smile on her face when I came to visit her with a clip in pony tail in my hair! She told me to go and buy her one because mine made me look so cute!
The holidays have always been my favorite time of the year...but without you with me Mom, something is just not right.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Don't Have a Dog? Dress Up Your Horse!
Who Says Halloween is just for kids and dogs?
Look at Snow White and is that a beard on the horse called Grumpy?
Umm - a John Deer Tractor...I like the post hole digger on the back!
Chariots of Fire!
...Okay - this is what will happen if gas goes over $5.00 a gallon!
Going on a Safari!
Yes Folks, This is a REAL horse in a box!
...and the winner is....
Can you believe the detail in this "costume"?
My next horse needs to be tame enough to walk in a box like this one!
Look at Snow White and is that a beard on the horse called Grumpy?
Umm - a John Deer Tractor...I like the post hole digger on the back!
Chariots of Fire!
...Okay - this is what will happen if gas goes over $5.00 a gallon!
Going on a Safari!
Yes Folks, This is a REAL horse in a box!
...and the winner is....
Can you believe the detail in this "costume"?My next horse needs to be tame enough to walk in a box like this one!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Dogs In Costume.
No matter if your dogs costume is expensive....
...or cheap....
Complex...
...or simple..
...Don't dogs look cute all dressed up for Halloween?
...or cheap....
Complex...
...or simple..
...Don't dogs look cute all dressed up for Halloween?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
I Decided to Un-Bite My Tongue!
As I read through some of my favorite blogs, I see people who are worried and stressed about the economy...as am I. I also see some finger pointing from one party to another and I am going to step out of the box and point that finger at ME!
I - as a Christian - would like to take this one step further by saying that Christians have failed as well....NOT just politicians! You see - the old testament (Christian and Jewish) clearly states it is not the Governments responsibility to care for orphans, widows, elderly and even the ill, it is suppose to be the Christians responsibility! What has happened to extended families? Why is it the norm to send out our elderly away to nursing homes? (Please note: I am not talking about elderly people who are physically or mentally ill who must have professional treatment - as in Alzheimer patients!) My whole family is in the medical profession and I at one time was a Surgical Tech...and do you know how many couples divorce because the healthy partner cannot handle the 'stress' of the ill partner? It sickens me!
Looking more closely at the wise words of King Solomon, you will see how we should be resourceful, not wasteful; giving, not hoarding; tender hearted, not haughty! This advice goes into every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our spending habits!
Who made up the idea that young people should make a parallel move when they leave the house to go out on their own. It is as if they expect to live with no less than the way they lived when they were supported by their parents...which took their parents multiple years to build!
All over the country we have these huge luxurious "Houses of Worship" that lay dormant most of the week while the cost of them lays on the back of the FEW who even still tithe the minimum 10%....money that God clearly states should be going for better purposes than buildings...
Maybe the first step of change should be going back hundreds of years to the best advice about the way we should live and act as a loving community...no matter what your religion of choice is!
okay - stepping off of my soap box now~
I - as a Christian - would like to take this one step further by saying that Christians have failed as well....NOT just politicians! You see - the old testament (Christian and Jewish) clearly states it is not the Governments responsibility to care for orphans, widows, elderly and even the ill, it is suppose to be the Christians responsibility! What has happened to extended families? Why is it the norm to send out our elderly away to nursing homes? (Please note: I am not talking about elderly people who are physically or mentally ill who must have professional treatment - as in Alzheimer patients!) My whole family is in the medical profession and I at one time was a Surgical Tech...and do you know how many couples divorce because the healthy partner cannot handle the 'stress' of the ill partner? It sickens me!
Looking more closely at the wise words of King Solomon, you will see how we should be resourceful, not wasteful; giving, not hoarding; tender hearted, not haughty! This advice goes into every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our spending habits!
Who made up the idea that young people should make a parallel move when they leave the house to go out on their own. It is as if they expect to live with no less than the way they lived when they were supported by their parents...which took their parents multiple years to build!
All over the country we have these huge luxurious "Houses of Worship" that lay dormant most of the week while the cost of them lays on the back of the FEW who even still tithe the minimum 10%....money that God clearly states should be going for better purposes than buildings...
Maybe the first step of change should be going back hundreds of years to the best advice about the way we should live and act as a loving community...no matter what your religion of choice is!
okay - stepping off of my soap box now~
Just a Health Update!
I am happy to report first and foremost that Trestin is doing wonderful. He is no longer ill with the flu virus that caused the Reflux problem to be so much worse! Yeah!!!
I am also doing better from my horse back riding accident and would say that I am at about 90%. Yesterday, for the first time, I wore high heals to work! Every once in a while I do still feel a twinge of pain in my tail bone, but other than that, everything is good to go!
I am also doing better from my horse back riding accident and would say that I am at about 90%. Yesterday, for the first time, I wore high heals to work! Every once in a while I do still feel a twinge of pain in my tail bone, but other than that, everything is good to go!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
More Adorable Fall Gifts
A while back I joined a Pay it Forward Exchange and offered it to 3 other bloggers. Ginger from The Gingerbread Shed was the only one who wanted to join...and also decided to send me this adorable gift!
Wrapped up so special!
Inside was this beautiful ceramic pumpkin...
..and this adorable bird!
I included both, plus the fall pick into my fall foliage above my kitchen cabinets.
Wrapped up so special!
Inside was this beautiful ceramic pumpkin...
..and this adorable bird!
I included both, plus the fall pick into my fall foliage above my kitchen cabinets.
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