INSPIRE ME

EAGLES IN A STORM


Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks?
The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it.
The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

This reminds me of a similar analogy it goes something like this, we can swim against the current, we can swim with the current, or we can be like Christ and rise up and walk on the water.

How must it be to be so connected with our life source that our instincts carry us to the miraclous life we all could be living. Something to inspire for.

With Love and Light,

Danna

Rave Reviews and Reciepes

This book was given to me by a dear friend, it showed up on my birthday and she didn't even know it was my birthday. What a wonderful gift I highly recommend The Alchemist to anyone who is searching for the path to their Personal Legend, and who isn't.

Here is a readers guide to get you interested.
It is a must read.

The Alchemist -
By Paulo Coelho

Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy, has a dream about finding a treasure in the pyramids of Egypt. A gypsy woman and an old man claiming to be a mysterious king advise him to pursue it. "To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation," the old man tells him. "And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
With the courage of an adventurer, Santiago sells his sheep and travels to Tangiers in Africa. After a thief steals his money, Santiago takes a job with a crystal merchant who unwittingly teaches Santiago important lessons for his long journey ahead. After working at the crystal shop for a year, Santiago earns enough money to cover his losses and return home. But then something unexpected happens. On a desert caravan, Santiago meets an intriguing Englishman. The Englishman's passion for knowledge and his relentless quest to uncover the secrets of alchemy inspire Santiago to pursue his own dream of finding the treasure. As the Englishman searches for the two hundred year old alchemist who resides in the desert oasis, Santiago falls in love with a young woman, Fatima. Exposed to the greatest and eternal alchemy of all - love - Santiago thinks he has found the treasure. But the greatest test of all is yet to come. With the help of the alchemist, Santiago completes the last leg of his journey - dangerous and infused with discoveries of the most profound kind - to find that the treasure he was looking for was waiting for him in the place where he least expected.
This story, timeless and entertaining, exotic yet simple, breaks down the journey we all take to find the most meaningful treasures in our lives into steps that are at once natural and magical. It is about the faith, power, and courage we all have within us to pursue the intricate path of a Personal Legend, a path charted by the mysterious magnet of destiny but obscured by distractions. Santiago shows how along the way we learn to trust our hearts, read the seemingly inconspicuous signs, and understand that as we look to fulfill a dream, it looks to find us just the same, if we let it.

Funny Friday

Well here we go again Friday, long four day weekend, last one of the summer. That's what summer seems like anymore a four day weekend. Nice relaxing then blink it is over.

I had the coolest segment for today. I spent 1 to 2 hours preparing it. The story was about a ride I took a few years back, on a mule named Spook. It was hilarious but the laugh was on me, seems that Spook never wanted me to tell the story so he mysteriously made it disappear when I went to post it. Now it couldn't be that I am born in the 50's and getting use to all this, publish post, edit posts, post options, edit Html, what the hell is Html please some one not born in the 50's let me know. I look down and Draft auto saved keeps flashing momentarily, so I think I am safe. That's like driving into trees thinking your safe because you have air bags.

After another 1/2 hour trying to find it, out of frustration I knew someone was going to get hurt so I turned the smart ass computer off and walk away. Which took me another 1/2 to figure out how to exit. And I never want to exit because to restart my blog now it wants to convert me over to Google, apparently Google has bought or is blocking my blog dashboard, is it called a dashboard? Mine should be called a rear view mirror because I'm always trying to look back to see where I've been and trying to figure out who was in my blind spot. Oh yeah it was me in the blind spot.

The girl---- what just happened where did my cursor go am I still on line, has this jumped up to the middle of the page, Spook where are you? Oh there you are stuck in limbo on drafts, come to me Spook it's okay all I want to do is post you for my Funny Friday segment. You Jack Ass (literally), I post you and only one line shows up, and mysteriously the other page disappears.

You win this time computer but I will get even I will have one of my kids born in the 70's 80's or 90's, yes that's right I have three children one born in the 70's one in the 80's and one in the 90's so don't mess with me I am armed three decades strong. And if you think you can outsmart them there is 5 grandchildren that was born with a mouse in there hand.

So here we go maybe you will be able to read this post and maybe not, it's all up to Spook the big grey mule that apparently didn't want me to tell the story of our first meeting.

Have a long weekend not full of Shortcuts: press Ctrl with 8 = Italic, P =Publish, 5 + Save, D= Draft.

Hopefully,

Danna

Damn Good Stuff

Infomercials!

Sham Wow! or Scam Wow! That is the question. How many of you have honestly bought a product on an infomercial and recommended them to your friends. I really want to know if these miraculous $19.95 items work. But wait there is $30 shipping because they ship from Germany, home of fine precision cars and the Sham Wow!

Nonetheless these over caffeinated ,funny haired, goofy headset wearing television celebrities have some weird charisma that lures millions into purchasing within the next 15 minutes to double there offer.

Damn Good Stuff or not, let me know.

But wait if you contact me in the next 15 minutes I will send you a $10 Burns Saddlery gift card free for responding to my blog. Hurry only 10,000 available.

Happy Hump Day,

Danna

TIPSY TUESDAY

"Love is misunderstood to be an emotion;
actually, it is a state of awareness, a way of being
in the world, a way of seeing oneself and others."
DAVID HAWKINS
As I read this quote I thought of the connections we have with each other and our animals. If you consider the relationship you have with your horse, dog or cat and there lack of emotion, but there state of awarness of being in the world and how they see you as a part of that world we can understand there loyalty. A dog's wag of a tail and the cat's purr of affection is there state of awareness of you being in there world. This showing of love seems unconditional, however it is not, your dog may bark at the mail man, and your cat won't purr for a stranger, and your horse may behave totally different with someone else on his back. It is that awareness, that universal connection of thought appreciation towards other life forms that unites us in the conspiracy of love.

INSPIRE ME

Neale Donald Walsh sent me the following, I wanted to share it with you. He says God wants you to know,
...that nothing is ever solved, or created, by standing still.

Movement is the process of the Universe. So move. Do something. Anything. But do not stand still. Do not remain"on the horns of a dilemma." Do not fence sit.

Put your foot down on one side or the other, swing the opposite leg over and start walking. You'll know before you take ten steps if you're going in the right direction. Not to decide is to decide. Try to not make choices by default.

Wise very wise.

Danna

Rave Reviews and Recipies

One of my favorite desserts is homemade apple pie. It started as a little girl when my great grandmother "Gran" made apple pie's from the apples off her tree. The smell while she cooled them still lingers in my soul. I found this recipe on a neat website http://www.how2heroes.com/video_detail.cfm?videoID=15
Fall apples will soon be ready to harvest. Is there any better time of the year to eat. YUM!


World's Best Apple Pie
From: Bea

IngredientsCrust

2/3 cup shortening
1 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups flour plus extra for rolling dough
about 7 tbsp of cold water
2-3 strips of tin foil (about 1-1/2" wide)
about 2 tbsp of milk

Filling

5-6 apples (Granny Smith recommended)
1 cup of sugar plus an extra pinch to sprinkle on top of pie
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp butter
pinch of salt
How-toMake the Bottom Crust

Preheat oven to 425 degrees
In a bowl, blend shortening, butter, flour and salt with a fork
Add cold water, a little at a time, around the perimeter of the bowl. When you see that the dough is starting to come together, stop adding water
Form into a ball and refrigerate in a bowl 5-10 minutes, uncovered
Take dough out of the fridge
Wet your kitchen countertop with a sponge, lay down plastic wrap and flour it lightly You can work directly on the counter but this makes for easier clean-up
Take 1/2 of the dough, add a little flour and knead with hands
Roll out the dough. Add flour if rolling pin sticks to the dough. Roll from center out, then from center back towards you, NOT back and forth because that would toughen the dough and may create holes
Fold the dough in half and place it in the pie pan. Unfold and gently ease into the pan
Make the Filling

Peel and thinly slice apples right into the pie pan, spreading them out. When you're done there should be a heap of apples higher than the pan
Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the apples
Cut 2 tbsp of butter into even pieces (about 4-5) and place in different areas over the apples, cinnamon and sugar
Trim the bottom crust dough about 1/2" around the outside of the pan. (Save the extra dough to make yummy jam tarts)
Make the Top Crust

Roll out the remaining dough. Follow technique described above in the Bottom Crust instructions
Fold the dough in half and make 4 slits toward the center to release air while baking
Place dough on top of filling and gently unfold
Trim dough about 1" out from the edge of the pie pan
Fold the top crust over the bottom crust and then tuck under
Crimp the dough between thumb and finger. Best to watch the video to master Bea’s technique
The Love

Cut a heart out of a piece of leftover dough, moisten with milk, and place near the middle of the pie. Shows that you put just a little extra love in there
Brush milk lightly over the top crust with your fingers or a pastry brush to brown the crust. Not too much because it will burn
Sprinkle a little sugar on top
Bake the Pie
Cover the edges of the crust with tin foil to protect it from burning
Bake for 50 minutes in a preheated 425 degree oven
Remove foil from crust and bake a final 10 minutes
Let it cool a bit before cutting. Delicious as is or with ice cream. A great dessert to make earlier in the day or even a day ahead


JAM TARTS


As Bea says in her video, you can use the extra dough to make tasty jam tarts

How-To


Roll out your extra dough
Make small rounds with a cookie cutter or juice glass
Put 1 tsp of the jam of your choice in the middle
Top with a second round
Brush a little milk on top and add a sprinkling of sugar
Bake for about 10 minutes (or until lightly browned) at 350 degrees
Watch Video Email Print
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FUNNY FRIDAY

A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.
'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.' 'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'
A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'
Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether 'computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun.
Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.

The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la computadora'), because:
1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;
2.. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and 4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.

(THIS GETS BETTER!)

The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ('el computador'), because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and 4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

The women won.

TGIF

Thank God I'm Female!

It's the first thing we've won since; since; Oh damn I am stumped.

Have a Fabulous weekend.

Danna

ZEN HORSE

I wrote the following poem as a tribute to all the breathtaking riding available in the west. I use this segment of Zen Horse as an acknowledgment to the joy that riding a horse amongst the ever changing of the seasons conveys.

I RIDE

I ride the desserts in the spring, the smell of red dirt, sage and rain.

I ride the mountains in the summer, wild flowers, emerald grasses, wavering aspens, and pungent pines. Clouds boil up and bring gifts of shade and occasionally intimidating rain.

I ride the mountains in the fall; hibernation gives its call, airs turned sharp, in the midst of altering autumn colors. Mountain wind carries warning. Sadness feels me with winters approach. I breathe in the aging foliage beneath my horse’s feet.

Winter I reminisce each ride and the season’s image, with layers of eagerness warming my core, knowing that green grass and riding are as imminent as before.

Love, Laugh and Ride Often,
Danna

ZEN HORSE

2008 HEI YEAR END FINALS

It’s in the books! The 2008 season for Xtreme Barrel Racing finished its final race on August 17th. The one word that sums up the year is OUTSTANDING! The newly remodeled Blackhawk Arena was the perfect stage, providing all the needs for both horses and riders. With $100,000’s given out in cash and awards 2008 was a record breaker. Here are some of the big winners this race.
Winning the XPRESS 4 horse living quarter horse trailer was very excited, Marie Frandsen from Honeyville, Utah. Marie attended every race that HEI put on in 2008 and only had one ticket in the bucket of over 700. She received her ticket this race for winning a spot in the average, proving it only takes one ticket to win.
Two beautiful Burns Saddlery custom saddles were given away to lucky winners Jill Rasmussen from Herriman, Utah in the open class and winning the 18/40 saddle was NFR qualifier Vickie Solmonsen from Riverton, Utah.
Saturday night was the payout party and Luau. Lucky winner of the Yamaha Grizzly 4 wheeler was Lindsey Busch of Las Vegas Nevada. Her mom Ann Busch won $1202 just hours before, making August 16th a very memorable day for the Busch’s.
The cowboy race was the final event of a very fun filled Saturday. Top cowboy Luke Robinson’s 15.6 was the fastest time and gave him top cowboy for both July and August, bringing his total for the weekend to $1485. He also received a handsome Montana Silversmith Buckle. Winning the 2-D cowboy championship was Gary Thorton he received $558 and a good looking vest from Powder River. Winning the 3-D was first time barrel racer Kurt Campbell, taking home a vest and $251.
Average winners in both the open and 18/40 class all received a custom belt buckles and trophy display boxes from Montana Silversmith the winners are.
OPEN Average Winners
1-D Stacy Glause
2-D Torri Longgood
3-D Kim Barton
4-D Brittanie Dalley
5-D Lyn Shirky


18/40 Average Winners
1-D Stacy Glause
2-D Toni Williams
3-D Tegan Shaw
4-D Maci Mitchell

There were 31 contestants that made over $1000 for the weekend that is record breaking! Here are the top 10 money winners for this race.
1. Destiny Crane $2701
2. Stacy Glause $2486
3. Jackie Keller $2483
4. Helina Thomas $2476
5. Teigan Adams $2462
6. LeAnn Wolfe $2150
7. Carrie Mascaro $1905
8. Desirae Wheeler $1754
9. Stace Sue Ward $1614
10. Luke Robinson $1485

New exciting things for 2009 are planned. The Xtreme 15 a $10,500 race run at our finals for anyone who runs a 15 time in a prior 2009 race.
New incredible award package to be announced shortly.
HEI’s mission statement is constant and never ending improvement in producing the finest barrel races in the world.
Together we will make it happen.
Thanks for an amazing year,
HEI Management

Damn Good Stuff or Outstanding Stuff

.http://www.mlive.com/olympics/index.ssf/2008/08/top_12_us_olympic_moments_and.html

Click on to the above web site and check out the the top 12 US Olympic moments.

It's Damn Good Stuff!

What incredible athletes.

The Olympics are truly outstanding.

I found many different cool websites that show video of outstanding Olympic moments. Just Google.

Happy Hump Day,

Danna

Tipsy Tuesday

As A Man Thinketh (1902) James Allen

Mind is the Master power that moulds and makes,And Man is Mind, and evermore he takesThe tool of Thought, and, shaping what he wills,Brings forth a thousand joys, a thousand ills: —He thinks in secret, and it comes to pass:Environment is but his looking-glass.

Allen's most famous book, As a Man Thinketh, was published in 1902. Its underlying premise is that noble thoughts make a noble person, while lowly thoughts make a miserable person.

One of my favorite quotes of James Allen is; " Circumstances don't make a man they reveal him."

We need to direct our thoughts in the direction of what we want. Observe today what thoughts keep popping into your head. Are they they thoughts you want to create your future?

My tip this Tuesday, is observe your thoughts and direct them into the future you want and deserve.

Thank you James Allen for your timeless words of wisdom.

Danna

On the Road Again

Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path
and leave a trail.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

That seems to be the mantra of my good friend Celia, she is definitely a trail blazer. I love to go with my girl friends and mountain trail ride. We haul horses, camp and yes blaze trails. Celia is one of those minds that can navigate. She has the conviedence to look at a mountain know where a trail could be, head you towards it, find it, and for my sake hopefully we are not the ones that have to blaze it.

Several rides I have been on requires blazing. Blazing interesting word.


blaze 1
play_w2("B0317400")
(blz)
n.
1.
a. A brilliant burst of fire; a flame.
b. A destructive fire.
2. A bright or steady light or glare: the blaze of the desert sun.
3. A brilliant, striking display: flowers that were a blaze of color.
4. A sudden outburst, as of emotion: a blaze of anger.
5. blazes Used as an intensive: Where in blazes are my keys?
v. blazed, blaz·ing, blaz·es
v.intr.
1. To burn with a bright flame.
2. To shine brightly.
3. To be resplendent: a garden blazing with flowers.
4. To flare up suddenly: My neighbor's temper blazed.
5. To shoot rapidly and continuously: Machine guns blazed.
v.tr.
To shine or be resplendent with: eyes that blazed hatred.
[Middle English blase, from Old English blæse; see bhel-1 in Indo-European roots.]
blazing·ly adv.
blaze 2
play_w2("B0317400")
(blz)
n.
1. A white or light-colored spot or stripe on the face of an animal, such as a horse.
2. A mark cut or painted on a tree to indicate a trail.
tr.v. blazed, blaz·ing, blaz·es
1. To mark (a tree) with or as if with blazes.
2. To indicate (a trail) by marking trees with blazes.


This is an appropriate word for what Celia does, she blazes. What I do, I follow the blazer. This is different than following the white bronco. This is me on my mule or I should say Celia's mule following the lead mule, Celia. One ass following the other. Got a visual yet. Celia so adventurous, Danna a little bit adventurous.
Anytime blazing requires cutting down trees going around obstacles with no idea of future conditions, jumping mules up or down reven's, sliding, swimming or tip toeing over cliff's I become a bit tight jawed and edgey.

Next Monday check back for one of those such stories.
On the road again, or should I say on the washed out, steep, mostly slick rock, non blazed trail, again.

Have a adventours week.

Danna

INSPIRE ME

Inspire Me
Bertrand Russell said...that fear is one of the main sources of cruelty. To
Conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross said, "Fear and guilt are the only enemies of man."

And Franklin Roosevelt famously said, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself."

Over the past five years one of my many quests is to face my fears and overcome them. I came to the realization that fear is a future based thought. If you are afraid, you are afraid of what is going to happen to you, not what is happening to you right now.

Two emotions that I try to banish are fear and guilt. Fear being a future based thought and guilt being a past based thought. They both strip me from the present moment, and therefore weaken my abilities for greatness. When I am not present moment is when accidents occur, I miss opportunities, and spend most of my time hanging out with tension and stress, instead of using my present moment to create and solve.

Intuition only comes when we are being present to the moment. It does not come when I am thinking about yesterday or tomorrow, and guilt and fear can only live in yesterday or tomorrow.

Observe great people, they truly are fearless. They stay present and never get weighed down with could a’s and would a’s . They just do.

Fearless in Salina,

Danna

Rave Reviews and Recipies

Here is one of the many that look oh so good.
Grilled Balsamic Chicken Salad
Ingredients for Balsamic Mustard Dressing:
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar1 Tbs. Dijon-style mustard1/4 tsp. seasoned salt 1/4 tsp. sugar1/8 tsp. ground pepperIngredients for Salad:
12 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast1 large sweet onion cut into 12 wedges 2 qts. mixed young salad greens2 cups seedless grapes2 Tbs. fresh basil
Preparation:
Mix dressing ingredients. Pour two tablespoons dressing into small bowl and brush chicken and onion wedges with it. Let brushed chicken and onion stand five minutes before grilling. Grill chicken over medium-high heat 12 to 15 minutes or until juices run clear, turning when first side is browned. Grill onion wedges three to five minutes per side. Toss salad greens, grapes, grilled onion, basil, and remaining Balsamic Mustard Dressing. Slice chicken 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick and arrange over tossed green mixture.
Yield: 1/3 cup dressing, 4 servings chicken

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry, It’s Summer!
Danna

FUNNY FRIDAY

Funny Friday
America’s Funniest Home Video’s is one of my favorite television programs. I love to laugh. It is so healthy and releasing. We seem to get so uptight and take everything so seriously. Just watch the nightly news and you can see we are addicted to despair.
Animal segments are some of my favorites on AFHV. We all have witnessed our pets doing ridiculously funny things and wished we had them on film, here is a must see video if you like to see funny animal video’s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi9GOvR3Ynw&feature=related
The guy and the donkey will make you laugh until tears run down your legs.
TGIF
Danna

Zen Horse

Zen Horse
Talk about harmony with a horse. Stacy Westfall is incredible in this video. We attend many horse shows throughout the year and have been fortunate to have seen Stacy perform her freestyle routines. She has a website and has many different videos on YouTube. This is my favorite. Stacy is one of those extraordinary people getting horses to do extraordinary things. Enjoy the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-7v8Ck1crg

Work like you’re going to live forever and live like you’re going to die today.

Danna

Damn Good Stuff or Outstanding Stuff

Damn Good Stuff
I love motivational quotes; I receive a motivational quote every day from the websitehttp://www.nightingale.com/emailsubs_motivationalquote.aspx learning from other great minds and applying helpful mentorship will transform your life.
Here are a few quotes on goals, and attitude.

"There is one quality that one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it." — Napoleon Hill
"There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love to do; there is only scarcity of resolve to make it happen." — Wayne Dyer
"The secret to productive goal setting is in establishing clearly defined goals, writing them down and then focusing on them several times a day with words, pictures and emotions as if we've already achieved them." — Denis Waitley
The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible. — Richard M. DeVos
"The first step to becoming is to will it." — Mother Teresa
"People with goals succeed because they know where they are going... It's as simple as that." — Earl Nightingale
"Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working 24 hours a day, for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force." — Tom Blandi

It brings me to a thought that this segment may need a name change, how about “Outstanding Stuff”. Is that more positive? Would I rather hear someone say” Damn Your Good, or you did an “Outstanding Job”. It’s such a head scratcher. Well maybe I will be politically correct for once in my life and change the name of this segment. Tell me what you think. Give me ideas on what to call Wednesday’s segment. “Together we can make a difference.” Who said that?
Quotes Outstanding Stuff / Quotes Damn Good Stuff.
Email me with suggestions at dshaw@infowwest.com
Have a thoughtful day,
Danna

Tipsy Tuesday

Tipsy Tuesday
Tips for Choosing and Finding a Good Horse Trainer
How do you find a good trainer? Look first for qualifications. Has the trainer been through a well-known course
resulting in certification from the training facility? Has the trainer worked in the area where you need help? You
wouldn't ask a dressage specialist to work with your barrel horse: you'd probably want to find someone who
specializes in barrel racing. Ask for references, or get referrals from your farrier or your trusted vet. And, as in any
case where you will be working with someone professionally, it's important that you like and trust that person. If you
don't "click" with a trainer, you may want to keep looking. If the trainer handles your horse in ways that makes you
nervous, consider trying someone else.

Laugh, Love, and Ride Often,
Danna

On the Road Again

A couple of weeks ago our family went on vacation to the happiest place on earth, Disneyland. The anticipation in those five grandchildren physically manifested in the twinkle in their eyes. Excitement and high energy filters throughout the 300 acre park.

Strollers everywhere, and now that we have adult strollers on wheels. 500+ adult type scooter's, designed for adults not to have to burn a calorie, fully equipped to pack our big gulps and belt buster lunch. Don't get me wrong these motorized scooters have given mobility to people with physical disabilities allowing them to share in and be a part of activities that only a decade ago were reserved for very few. However, I observed many that in my un humble opinion should and could have been walking right along side me.

Oh yeah back to the happiest place on earth. Is there any more magical place than Disneyland? With it's creative nostalgia, perfectly groomed landscapes and adventurous rides that exhilarates your senses and even seems to make your liver smile.

My granddaughter Jacy, just wanted to be big enough to ride Splash Mountain. So her Mom bought her 3" high flip flops, rehearsed her during the 45 minute wait to stand up tall and smile at the attendant. When arriving at the measuring post she proudly stood up tall rotated forward her sparkly painted toe nails and announced to the 15 year old attendant that indeed she was big enough. All seven of us piled in the boat and headed for our adventure. During the long climb up the mountain before the big splash I questioned our incessant need to take a three year old down a 60 foot drop. As we were falling I questioned my incessant need to wait in line 45 minutes to get the breath ripped out of my lungs and have my stomach relocated to my throat.
A picture tells a thousand words is a true analogy. Every emotion was potrayed on our faces. And after only seconds of reasurring we would all live to see another day. Jacy loudly exclaimed, Lets do it again!

I now have 4 princess and one pirate for grandchildren. They have been infused with the magic that they can be and do anything they want with their imaginations.

Now anytime we are in the truck Jacy throws her arms in the air and loudly squeals weeee!

Thanks Walt you have given my family and millions of familes happy memories.

INSPIRE ME

Inspire Me
“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.”

Patanjali (c. First to Third Century B.C.)

The author of Yoga Sutras, Patanjali lived in India probably one to three centuries before Christ and is considered the person who established the tradition of meditation. He has been described as a mathematician of mysticism and an Einstein in the world of the Buddha’s.

I was first introduced to this Patanjali quote from Dr. Wayne Dyer. He showcases him in his wonderful book Wisdom of the Ages. A book of sixty teachers who felt compelled to share their wisdom for the benefit of each of us living here now. I highly recommend this book, it has wonderful writings, poetry, and quotes from some of the greatest minds ever to hit the planet.

With Love and Eternal Light,

Danna

Rave Reviews and Recipes

The following YouTube is a review on the next book I am going to read the Soul of the Horse written by Joe Camp. It looks fantastic. Any of you that have read this book or other books that you feel worthy of spending time with please let me know.

Happy Finding,

Danna


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL4jA9Kgmgw

FUNNY FRIDAY

Funny Friday Job Description
Now hiring??? This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way, I don't believe any of us would have done it! POSITION: Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses no t reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required. RESPONSIBILITIES: The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production o f multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility. POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION: None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.. WAGES AND COMPENSATION: Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more. BENEFITS: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.. ** AND A FOOTNOTE? THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!! ** If you are fortunate enough you will become grandparents!

I am a fortunate Nana of 5. Rylan, Ainsley, Jacy Jo, Addison, and Alivia.
Lovin Friday,
Danna

Zen Horse

Zen Horse
The English term Zen master is often used to refer to important teachers, especially ancient and medieval ones. However, there is no specific criterion by which one may be called a Zen master. The term is less common in reference to modern teachers. In the Open Mind Zen School, English terms have been substituted for the Japanese ones to avoid confusion of this issue. "Assistant Zen Teacher" is a person authorized to begin to teach, but still under the supervision of his teacher. "Zen Teacher" applies to one authorized to teach without further direction, and "Zen Master" refers to one who is a Zen Teacher and has founded his or her own teaching center.
We have several Zen Master’s in the equine industry, accomplished horsemen and horse women that have outstanding ability to teach us skills to improve our abilities with handling the horse.
Today I am showcasing one of them Chris Cox. His new book part of the Western Horseman Series is “Ride the Journey”. A step-by-step guide to authentic horsemanship. 18 chapters with over 200 color photos reveals his common-sense approach to becoming a better horseman or horsewomen. His step by step training methods allow you to establish a strong foundation for your riding program as you gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to reach your horsemanship goals while riding in the arena, on the ranch or down the trail.
Chris helps you put horsemanship theory into practice as he guides you from equine psychology and equipment basics through groundwork and trailer-loading. As you progress, you learn to develop a natural head-set on your horse and a ready response to leg cues-the basics for collected movement and advanced maneuvers. Chris’ chapters on trail riding, cattle work and starting colts ensure that you make the most of your growing skills in fun and challenging ways.
To order Chris’ new book and receive a 10% discount add ChrisCox code at check out .
Thanks Chris for helping us to ride the journey with more knowledge and insight.
Gratefully,

Danna

Good Ol' Stuff #3 - Lucchese Boots

Today my blog is dedicated to my favorite brand of boots, LUCCHESE. With style comfort and the best leathers on the planet it is no wonder it is the best boot you can pull out of a box off the shelf. Handcrafted in America it is one of the few brands that are still made in the USA.

Lucchese has several divisions, they categorize different styles. The Lucchese Classics come in a tan colored box and are the upper echelon. 100% handmade with the customer’s needs met. If you have one foot larger than the other, no problem you can get two different sizes. We can design a boot with any leather in any color with any toe or heel you prefer, if you want high top, low top, or side zipper we can accommodate. Prices start at $450 and excel all the way to $11,000 for a rare American Alligator belly cut, the style number is L112264 for any of you that would like to place an order on this one we only make two per year so hurry and get your order in.

Another Lucchese division is the 1883. 1883 is the year Sam Lucchese started his boot company in America. The 1883 boot is a mid price range dress western boot, moist have pointed toes and are more affordable than the classics.

Our best selling division is the Lucchese 2000. This line is constructed with the horseman and horsewomen in mind. Heavy duty leathers and soles with spur shelves on the heel counters make this a perfect boot to work or ride in. With a large variety of leathers such as elephant, ostrich, hippo, crocodile, lizard, shark, African antelope, goat, and buffalo you’re sure to find leather that appeals to you both in looks and durability.

Boots are timeless; they have served the human race for hundreds of years. The modern day cowboy and cowgirl have a tremendous selection to choose from. My motto is life is too short to wear bad boots.

Get 20% off my favorite brand of boot by putting this code in at checkout on line or by mentioning this blog on our toll free line 1-800-453-1281. Offer is only good for two weeks so don’t delay. Offer ends July 23, 2008.

Discount code is "bloglucchese"

Love, Laugh and Ride Often, In damn good boots,

Danna

Tipsy Tuesday

Tipsy Tuesday

For hooves that get packed with dirt, snow, ice or mud, clean out hooves thoroughly, then apply nonstick cooking spray or petroleum jelly to the soles. I look for the less expensive brands and they work as well as Pam or Vaseline. This works well when competing in all speed events, or any show eventing. Also great for trail rides in sticky clay type soil, or when snow or ice is present.
Another great use for Vaseline is on foals diaper rash, the foal heat usually occurs 7 to 10 days after birth. Cleaning the buttocks with warm water, and drying it before applying the Vaseline is best.
A great coat enhancer add ½ to 1 cup of corn oil to his daily grain, will also add a some weight to your horse, so if your gelding looks like he is going to foal you may not want to use this tip.
IF YOU HAVE HINTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE PLEASE E-MAIL ME dshaw@infowest.com