Breathing space

Today has been one of those days where I took time out for me. That didn’t mean I neglected my animals of course. It just meant that I knew I needed to take a bit of time to recharge my batteries too.

I took Bert out for a walk in the sunshine this morning. He met a deer for the first time. I say met, dear Bambi was a bit startled when the Baby Sprocker came bounding over to say hello. Thankfully one of them had pretty good recall (eventually). I’ll let you guess which one.

When I got back, even though there were a million and one things I could do, I sat in the conservatory and listened to a podcast. Now it’s warming up, the conservatory is a blissful place to be. The kittens joined me and Bert so it was almost a full house.

After Puppy College and coffee with a friend, it was the Oversized Labrador’s turn to run rings round me. Literally!

One paper, it might look like I didn’t really do much. But I did what I needed to do. And that’s what counts…

Abode

I’m back home after a very long and emotional week. Driving back gave me time to reflect on things. My Mum has been very poorly for over 5 years. It’s been a lot. I guess I’ve had plenty of time to think about her passing. Rehearse it in many ways. Don’t get me wrong, there’s much sadness. There are also a lifetime of memories to look back at too.

I listened to a podcast on the way back that compared life to a roadtrip. The irony of me listening to it on the M25 wasn’t lost believe me. When you drive, you spend more time looking at the road ahead than you do looking in your rear view mirror. I guess that’s why the windscreen is bigger than the rear window.

It was an interesting analogy. And got me thinking about where I’m heading. Not literally of course. My first stop was to see Buddy, well after getting home and seeing the kittens. The kittens were very pleased to see me. Buddy was more interested in his hay. He did give me a couple of smooches. I’ll take that. And an evening of kitten cuddles on the sofa.

I know I will need to head back to my Dad’s again soon. But for now, I’m happy to be home.

Walk it off

I woke up feeling very swirly today. Too many random thoughts going on in my head. So I did something I haven’t done for a while. I walked to the yard. Then grounded myself by shovelling horse poo and giving Buddy a good brush. Listened to a great podcast on the way. It was the perfect one for me to listen to today as really resonated. But also gave me food for thought. Better thoughts than I’d been having.

After doing maid duty, I decided to walk back a longer route. One I used to do in lockdown, but haven’t done for a while either. Made me giggle as I remembered one day when I’d walked up to check on Buddy when the yard was locked down. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to be there, so snuck up the footpath to see him. In my slightly unsure state thinking I might get told off or had broken some rule, I ended up hiding behind a rather large bush so as not to be seen. Trouble was I was wearing a pink gillet. Not sure I blended in that well. Had to have a stern word with myself at that point. I think I was starting to lose it at that point. Honestly lockdown brought out some very interesting behaviours all round.

Thankfully I can laugh at myself. That helped to calm the storm in my brain. So does walking. Today it was just what I needed. Came back feeling much lighter.

Swing low

Dodo has decided that this is his new favourite place to sleep. Technically it’s a magazine holder, but he loves it in there.

Hugo used to sleep in there when he was a tiny kitten. They’re both a bit bigger now though. He kinda fits still.

He crawled in while I was listening to a podcast in the conservatory. It’s becoming a lovely Saturday afternoon habit now. A nice way to relax after a busy day running errands and at the yard. I even managed to pop Buddy over a few jumps – in the sun!!

My meditation wasn’t quite as successful as the kittens decided to have a play fight during it. Bit hard to relax when you’ve got squeaking and wailing going on. Can’t win them all…

Nutrition

One of my aims for 2024 is to get better at eating. Now I know for many people that might seem like a weird aim. Honestly, I forget to eat. Food is the first thing to go with me. I’ve been fasting accidently for years.

So tonight I made something nutritious and very yummy.

It wasn’t just my insides who were given a nutritious treat today. I had a lush facial this morning.

Not to be outdone, my mind and spirit were also treated. I spent the afternoon listening to informative podcasts and programmes.

Pretty sure that’s called a balanced day. I shall sleep well tonight.

Red hot

Another fab horsey day out for me. Stewarding the SJ at Blackwater Farm’s ODE. It was a glorious day. Unfortunately my suncream application skills are far inferior to my ability to get every rider through the SJ phase. Let’s just say Aloe Vera is my friend right now.

A lovely Brucey Bonus today was meeting this incredible human being. Many of you might follow her. She’s the person behind Muddy Mayhem. And part of my favourite podcast Buck Off Banter.

She’d dusted off her eventing boots after a hiatus and smashed it out of the park! Got me thinking that maybe it’s time to dust off mine. I do miss it. So time to refresh my goals and kick on. Better warn Buddy he needs to crack out his brave pants!

Might need to wait till I stop glowing though. Not sure I could any kind of boots on right now. The backs of my legs are on fire! Bit like Karla.

Secret weapon

So I made a thing happen. One of my favourite podcasts, Buckoff Banter has a running joke about ‘stay on’. It came from an experience one of them had at a show on a rather fresh horse. And someone outside the ring helpfully shouted it at her.

So I wrote to them after I nearly fell off in a lesson until the words ‘stay on’ came out of my mouth. After reading out my email, it was suggested that we need it on a t-shirt. And I made it happen!!

I happened to speak to a friend of mine who designs equestrian clothing and she designed it. I am now the proud owner of the first one! And it’s live on her website. How cool is that?!

This is my new secret weapon. I bloody love it!!

Road trip

I drove to my parents this evening. I had a good run through. A clear M25 is always a bonus let’s face it!!

I used to listen to music, but I’ve recently started listening to podcasts. I was listening to a couple by Dean Grazoisi on my way here. He’s a very interesting man. There were lots of snippets that really resonated with me.

Calm after the storm

It’s been a very windy, wet and sunny day here today. The kind of day that makes you want to go back into hibernation. My conservatory is the perfect place to watch the trees sway, the clouds blow by and the kittens tear around the garden.

Had a couple of podcasts to listen to so seemed like a good place to do that this afternoon. I’ve had a really productive week so far, so good to take a bit of time away from the laptop.