Adventurer

Tori James was one of the speakers at the Hoseasons Conference I worked on last month. Her story was so real. She’s an ordinary person who achieved something extraordinary. And she was such a lovely person. She gave me a copy of her book when she’d finished.

Today I woke up feeling a bit flat and rather snotty. So I thought I’d read it. It was a quick read. But a very inspiring one. Her journey to being the first Welsh woman to climb Everest is pretty special.

I love her sign off. ‘With passion, planning and self-belief you can achieve more than you ever thought possible. Remember your next adventure could be just around the corner.’

It got me thinking. As the year draws to an end, I can reflect back on the many adventures I’ve had this year. I’ve ticked many things off my bucket list. I’ve achieved things I never thought I could. Think it’s time to start making my 2024 adventure list…

Blessed

These beautiful blooms were delivered today. From the friend I met for coffee yesterday. She wanted to bring some more joy to my life as she knew I was having a tough time. Made me cry when they arrived.

I feel very blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. Who check in on me. Who put an arm round me. Who left me cry on them. Who give me a hug. Who make me smile. Who make me laugh. Who make me feel seen. Who love me.

Wise woman

I met up with one of my wise women for coffee and a chat. I say chat, I did most of the chatting. There’s been a lot going on. Again. I feel like every time we meet up, I emotionally vomit on her. Thankfully she’s happy to listen.

On our way out, we passed this Christmas display. How cool is it?! No pun intended.

I think it might be time to risk the annual hernia and bring the tree in from the garage…

Poo-tastrophe

Well this is the downside to a long day out yesterday. A rather large poo pile for me to clear up today.

Buddy excelled himself by pooing up the wall too! That took some cleaning I can tell you.

My saddle, bridles and saddle pad were still wet from yesterday. So more cleaning to be done there. Again, the horse does all the work? Right?!

Elfin

We headed over to Easton College today for our last competition of 2023. It was a festive affair, so I thought I’d go the whole hog and break out my ‘dressage elf’ t-shirt.

Yes, you read that right. Buddy and I donned our dancing shoes and ventured between the boards. Not content with that, we tried something new. Our (and my) first long arena test. My god, 60m is a long way down the centreline! I thought it was never going to end.

Overall I’m so happy with Buddy today. He’s only ever been at the venue to jump, so was a tad confused when he went in and there weren’t any jumps. Being Buddy, he made his own of a fashion.

One of us (still unclear who) knocked one of the mini Christmas trees over. They were being used to mark the entrance at A. And of course, it fell into the Arena. Well Buddy wasn’t best pleased when we came towards it. Just as I was asking for canter. He jumped said Christmas tree, but by the time we’d got it back together we’d blown a lot of marks.

Still really chuffed with 69.13% and 5th place.

Then it was a VERY long wait till the fun stuff. Arena Eventing. I’m so grateful to have a horse who will quite happily stand on the lorry for over 4 hours munching away.

By the time, it was time to tack up, the heavens had opened. Again. Soaked by the time we’d warmed up. And yes, I see the irony of that statement.

I’d entered the 70cm and 80cm. But decided that if the 70cm went OK, we’d call it a day and go home. And the 70cm went more than OK. He flew round taking 3rd place as the fastest 4 faulter. Couple of sticky moments and one refusal (totally my fault as I over-rode it).

All in all a fantastic way to end our 2023 season. It’s been a pretty good one. And a lovely way to end my first year on the Carleton Riding Club Committee.

Cats and dogs

There are many times that I question my life choices. This morning the girls were questioning mine as I donned my wet weather gear and headed out the door. Soon they were very happy to be out for a walk. Me? Not so much, as the wind whipped rain into my face. It wasn’t long before I couldn’t feel my hands either!

I spent the whole walk laughing at the stupidity or hilarity of it all. Guess that’s the difference between cats and dogs. I can guarantee that the kittens would have not left the house!

As I wasn’t wet enough, I headed to the yard where the drenching continued. Rode Buddy in the indoor arena. Typically as we finished the sun came out. Not for long though as by the time I left to go and feed the cats, the rain was back and the wind had picked up.

As suspected, the kittens were both sleep…

Rudolph

This amused me tonight. Was out for dinner at The Yare and saw lots of carrots by the wood burner. I’m guessing they’re for Rudolph. Hope they don’t go off before the reindeer arrive.

Or maybe it’s some Norfolk tradition that I don’t know about. Whatever the reason, it’s a good job Buddy wasn’t there. He’d have scoffed the lot.

Baubles

I’m going to be honest, I really haven’t been feeling the slightest bit festive. There’s so much going on right now that it just hasn’t made it to the top of the list. I haven’t bought a single present yet, my tree is still in the garage and I haven’t broken out Buddy’s elf hat.

So when I spotted some baubles left over from our yard Le Trec session, I thought I’d try and ignite my festive feelings.

Pretty sure Buddy is plotting my demise….

Burgers

When you’re both having a rubbish time, burgers are good medicine. And chatting non-stop too. Anni and I headed to Zak’s tonight for a birthday / Christmas / long overdue meal.

That and they were doing 2 for 1 on burgers. Who doesn’t love a bargain burger?!

As we left, we were going to do a selfie by the Christmas tree. A lady smoker offered to take one for us. Very kind of her. Though on this occasion, it was a little bit when the kindness of strangers goes wrong. The spotlight behind her meant her shadow was projected onto us like some hidden monster. Made us both laugh when we saw it.

Another funny memory to add to the collection. And right now we both need a good laugh. Job well done lady smoker.