tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87487177971011701972024-03-13T04:25:14.842-06:00HOOVES & HIGHCHAIRSAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-14203372023885655882015-04-21T12:05:00.002-06:002015-04-21T12:05:05.644-06:00Leasing a Horse - The How-to List<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: purple;">This is part 3 of my 3-part series on Leasing a Horse. Please, if you missed the first 2 posts, check out the 2 previous blog posts. Thanks, and enjoy!</span></span></h3>
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So, you've decided leasing a horse is the right option for you? Congratulations! I want to help your search to be fruitful and successful. Thus, I've created the following list. You might, in your search, come up with a situation that I don't necessarily address here....if that's the case, please feel free to comment below and I can either assist you with it in the comments section further, or add it to this list. Your interactive use of this list is recommended and <span style="color: red;"><i>encouraged</i></span>, so I can continue to assist others down the road. </div>
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<li>Start by writing down your "wish list". Keep it handy as you start your search. Certain things to consider:</li>
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<li>How much can I afford? </li>
<li>Do I want to ride Western or English (do I know? If not, consider this link: <a href="http://www.equisearch.com/article/english-vs-western-riding-17557" target="_blank">What's the Difference? English vs Western</a></li>
<li>What level rider am I (or is my child)? Beginner, intermediate, or advanced? Be modest when you are determining this - if you rode dude ranch horses as a child 20 years ago, you are not an intermediate rider. Consider yourself a beginner. Trust me on this (from painful experience) - you will be so much happier with your horse selection if you underestimate your abilities!</li>
<li>How many hours a week do I want to commit? Remember, it is NOT just showing up, jumping on the horse & riding, and then getting down & going home.....you need to spend time catching & grooming the horse, getting the tack from the barn and saddling the horse, letting the horse warm up, cooling the horse after a hard workout, brushing the horse post-ride, and feeding grain/supplements. If you have a required lesson to attend, your instructor will probably ask you to be ready to ride 15 minutes before the lesson start time. These are all considerations that you should think about when determining your time commitment. </li>
<li>Do I want to be able to take the horse "off-site" for showing, competing, or trail riding? </li>
<li>Do I want a "hands on" lessor, such as a private owner who keeps their horse at their property, or a more hands-off approach like I would find at a boarding/lesson barn?</li>
<li>Do I have any tack? Will I need a place to store it? </li>
<li>If some of these questions seem overwhelming, get a very experienced friend, or a professional, involved to help you. </li>
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<li>Do a pretty open search. Don't try to just find "the horse" - keep an open mind as your searching, remembering that the right horse for you might not end up being what you think it to be. Also try to remember, the way the horse is "described" might not include all the fine details, so if the horse matches most of your prerequisites (and at least the most important ones, such as temperament level, experience level and pricing.....) then give it a chance and at least go to look at the horse. </li>
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<li>Here are some places to start your search: **look in your local newspaper, **call/visit the website of your local barns, **search on craigslist (find your town or region, and then search "horse lease"), **<a href="http://www.dreamhorse.com/" target="_blank">Dreamhorse.com</a> (This link can be a little complicated, but once you find what you are looking for it is awesome. I will try to guide you: click on the advanced search link, scroll down to your location and enter in that information and the miles away you are willing to travel - <span style="color: red;"><i>do not hit search yet </i></span>- scroll down to sale type and click on the down arrow, select "show NOT sold only", then check the box "must be for lease" slightly below it, then click the search button. Pricing for each lease should be in the description, or there will be a link to the website where you can find more information). Check also with local riding groups (check on facebook, and do a google search on horse clubs in your area) - this is a great way to find a private lessor that maybe is not advertising outside their group. </li>
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<li>Don't commit to the first horse you see in the first half hour of your search. Keep your emotions in check. Most likely it will not be leased out from "under" you if you are in the looking phase, and even if it is.....there is always another, just as great, animal waiting out there for you! This decision should involve a level head....because your safety (or your child's) is on the line. </li>
<li>Once you find an animal you like, GET A VET CHECK! Do NOT skip this step. Make sure there are no lameness or hidden health issues that could not only limit your riding time but also possibly come back as a liability issue on you if not identified before your lease begins. </li>
<li>Once you are ready to sign an agreement, make sure you get insurance! Protect yourself should, heaven forbid, the horse be injured or killed while in your custody. It is <i><b>so</b></i> inexpensive compared to the benefits it offers. Here is a pretty comprehensive <a href="http://www.equinelegalsolutions.com/equineinsurancebuyingguide.html" target="_blank">Insurance Buying Guide</a> where you can get started. </li>
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Here is a link to a generic horse lease, although the lessor will most likely provide with a lease form that they prefer:</div>
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<a href="http://www.equine.com/help/legal.aspx" target="_blank">Horse lease and other legal documents</a> (The obligatory disclaimer -- this link isn't intended to be legal advice and I am not an attorney. Make sure to consult a duly trained professional in your state for any legal advice!)</div>
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I sincerely, truly truly, hope your new journey into the horse world is as wonderful and upbuilding as mine has been. I thank you for taking the time to read my directions, opinions, and experiences! Please stay tuned in the future for more "Hooves and Highchairs".<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-35899128221809226682015-04-13T10:56:00.001-06:002015-04-13T10:56:20.437-06:00Leasing a horse - The Pros and Cons<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><b>Post 2 of a 3-part series. I am sooo sorry it is a week late. My computer's power cord fried and I had to wait for warranty to send out a new one. :-/ Sorry, sorry, sorry!!</b></span></i><br />
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The first time I leased out my mare, I found the absolute ideal person as my lessee. She was a young lady in her mid 20's, finishing up nursing school and she had moved to Colorado from back east. She had grown up riding competitively but had to leave her own horse back at her parents' home. She wanted to ride in my barn's arena a couple times a week, paid her fee on time every time, had tons of experience and her own tack, and had NO drama to bring to the table. I was so spoiled!<br />
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The second time, it didn't go quite so well. I was pregnant with my first child and during my sixth month injured my tailbone (not on the horse, by the way). Since I could no longer ride for at least a few months, I wanted to make sure the mare got her necessary exercise. I was duped into leasing to a man who claimed he had a lot of show experience. He probably did, but he also had a lot of horse drama experience and got so full of himself he tried to move my mare to another barn without my approval. He bought tons of equine items without consulting me first, then wanted to subtract their costs from our lease agreement. I received at least a couple emails from him every day for two months, usually with a new demand or complaint. It was a ton of emotional stress on a soon-to-be new mom who just wanted someone to come out and ride a couple days a week. The lease barely lasted three months. In the end I learned a lot about who I am looking for when I lease out my horse.....and who I am NOT. <br />
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Please understand, I am not sharing these stories to vent my complaints or to "school" a potential lessee. I share them to open everyone who may be new to horse leasing to the very real possibility of a happy arrangement, or not so happy one. Each are equally possible. That is why it is IMPERATIVE that you do as much due diligence as you can before you sign your name on a lease's dotted line. <br />
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From this point forward, I am writing this post from the viewpoint of the lessee (you who are looking for a horse and may want to consider leasing before you buy) so that you might learn something new you perhaps were not considering. Remember, these are just IFs...possibilities...and IF you do the work to ask the right questions of a potential lessor or seller you can work to negotiate an arrangement that is best for your situation. <br />
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So, below is my bullet list of the good and bad (and perhaps ugly) of leasing. Read on.....<br />
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LEASING - PROS:</h3>
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<li>Obviously, the biggest pro of leasing over buying is out-of-pocket costs. Besides your initial layout for the horse purchase, you can save around $400/month over owning and boarding if you get a part-time lease (2-3 days per week) for $250/month. </li>
<li>You get a built in "try before you buy" option. Since you are not buying the horse, you are not burdened with the possibility of buyer's remorse should you find the experience either isn't what you expected or not as enjoyable as you thought (or your six year old daughter suddenly decides she wants to take dance lessons instead of riding lessons!). You can and should negotiate any lease as a month-to-month arrangement that allows you to cancel the lease with a 30-day notice. </li>
<li>If you live in an area with quite a few larger boarding barns nearby, your lease options may be pretty extensive. Professional barns tend to offer their lesson horses as leases year-round since these horses need to be exercised daily to keep them in top lesson form. Larger barns could have 6 to 10 horses at all different experience levels to choose from. In contrast, if you want to buy a horse you may be limited by how far you are willing to travel to find the right horse for you, and since you should ALWAYS do a "test-drive" on any horse purchase (at least a two week trial period, during which you should have a vet do a general health & soundness check) that could limit your options even more to only the animals available locally. </li>
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LEASING - CONS:</h3>
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<li>IT'S NOT YOUR HORSE. I have heard/read stories about lessees enjoying their horse one week, and the next the horse is no longer available and the owner didn't give them a chance to say goodbye. If you have bonded with an animal that can be a pretty tough situation. Now that example is extreme, but even I had one lessee, when we were moving out of state, who I tried to give every opportunity to say goodbye and have some "alone" time. She still had a hard time letting go. </li>
<li>Most leases limit the time you can ride by the day(s). Be prepared to fit into the lessor's planned schedule, especially if it is a horse at a lesson barn. You may only be able to ride on Wednesdays and Fridays between 4pm & 7pm. My lease is more open-ended, allowing the lessee to ride any day during the week. Then again, I require a rider with much more experience since my horses are not "lesson" horses or necessarily "kid broke". </li>
<li>IT'S NOT YOUR HORSE.</li>
<li>The lessor will probably have some specific training requirements to follow, especially if this is your first horse. Expect to be required to take riding lessons from the lessor's selected trainer at least once a month. In truth, if this <i>is</i> your first experience with horse ownership/leasing then you would be pretty crazy <i>not</i> to want lessons. This probably should be viewed not so much a con as a realistic expectation. </li>
<li>You are limited to the tack the owner makes available. If your rider is a child, the owner may not have the appropriate size gear. You may have to invest some money into tack that is sized both for your rider and the horse (saddle, or gear that adjusts any saddle to a child). If you decide horses aren't for you be prepared to either eat these costs or sell/consign this gear online or at a local tack shop. The good news is high-quality riding gear in good condition has a high resale value, is usually in demand & typically easy to sell. </li>
<li>If the horse gets injured while under your care you may be held liable for vet costs. If your lease doesn't require you to buy insurance you may be out some big money. Just buy the insurance. It's usually around $200-$500 a year (depending on the value of the horse) and is soooo worth it! </li>
<li>You may get along great with the horse, but find the owner is another story. Ask lots of questions before you sign a lease agreement, and don't let emotions get the better of you when looking at or riding the horse. If you have any reservations working with the person/barn, don't sign. It's just not worth the headache, and you w<i>ill </i>find another horse that you love just as much. </li>
<li>Did I mention IT'S NOT YOUR HORSE? Sorry to beat a dead ....uh ......horse but this is your biggest consideration, especially if you are considering leasing for your child. You WILL bond with this animal and most likely you WILL at some point have to say goodbye. Be emotionally prepared, and help your child to do the same (which is expecting a whole lot if this is a young child....). </li>
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I certainly hope this list helps you decide whether or not leasing is right for you! This is by no means an exhaustive list of what ifs.....I really just tried to hit the basics and big deals. If you have any further questions <i><span style="color: red;"><b>PLEASE do not hesitate</b></span></i> to comment below, and I will be happy to answer them for you! </div>
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If after reading this post in my 3-part series you have decided to give leasing a try, please stay tuned for the last post in the series. Next, I will guide you with a "to do" list to help you foray into a successful lease! Thanks for reading and stay tuned......</div>
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<i>~ Keep calm & ride on, Denise</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-38830868398009183922015-03-27T15:48:00.000-06:002015-03-27T22:18:30.228-06:00Leasing a Horse - You can DO that?!?!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Part 1 of my 3-part series on Leasing a Horse vs. Owning:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lately I have recommended to some possible 1st-time horse owners to try leasing a horse first, so that they can make absolutely sure horse ownership is really for them. I was surprised to learn that most had never even heard of this possibility. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"You mean, you can actually <i>do</i> that?!?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes, you can! And it is a <span style="color: red;">great</span> way to "try before you buy" - especially with an animal that, once you <i>do</i> buy, is a very big commitment. Even more especially if you are considering this purchase for your very excited - and <i style="font-weight: bold;">fickle</i> - young(ish) child (because let's be honest....even us "older" kids can be ridiculously fickle when it comes to horses!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Unless you have a property with plenty of acreage (at the very least 3 grazing acres per horse), nice natural foliage for the horse to munch, good sturdy fencing, and at least one open shed for shelter, the cost of both <i>purchasing </i>& <i>caring for </i>a horse can quickly become overwhelming. You can certainly keep a horse on much less acreage (I believe our local town's legal requirements are 1 <span style="color: red;">total acre</span> per horse, which would include the land on which your house is built), but your feed costs will go up exponentially as you will have to provide <i>all </i>of your animal's forage needs. Consider this chart:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now add into that the purchase cost of the animal. This is a number that can be <i>very</i> hard to pin down. A well-trained, beginner's level horse should have quite a lot of hours & experience which should be reflected in the price. From my recent searches, I have seen prices ranging from $500 to $7,000 - quite a gap, right? Now you see the problem. For argument's sake, let's say you found the perfect horse and its price was split right in the middle of that range: $3,250. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>ON A SIDE NOTE: BEWARE OF THE "FREE" HORSE! </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There really is no such thing. Even if the owners have the best of intentions in giving away a precious pet that they just can no longer afford to keep, "free" horses almost always need extensive training "tune-ups" at $35-$70 per hour (a basic tune-up usually requires a good trainer 30 - 60 days, depending on the horse, and they will give you a bulk rate for leaving the horse with them for that period.). A "free" horse's vet costs are usually higher as well, as oftentimes they have not seen a vet or farrier for some time and will need some recuperation costs invested to get them back to optimum riding health. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Also, keep in mind that costs to own & keep a horse can vary wildly based on where you reside, the age, size and breed of your horse, what use/exercise you intend to give your horse and other factors. The above chart was calculated using my actual costs (I live in the Denver Metro area, where boarding and hay costs are on the mid-to-high range, but finding used & relatively inexpensive tack or trailers is not a problem. My horse is of average size and exercised moderately). It is also based on the following criteria:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>BOARD FEES:</b> I board at a very clean, but basic, barn where my horses are kept in an open paddock that they share with 6 other animals. I keep my board fees reasonable this way, at about $300/month per horse. You can get cheaper board rates, but buyer beware - you get what you pay for. The average board rates around my area are closer to $400/month for a 4-horse paddock with shelter. The "fee" under the lease column isn't really for "boarding", but for an actual lease contract. It is a 4-day-a-week lease @ $200/month.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>HAY: </b>Based on an average consumption rate of 20lbs per day, at $8/bale for a 70lb bale. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>GRAIN/SUPPLEMENTS: </b>I feed Purina Strategy, 3-4lbs per day, at $17/50lb bag. I also use a daily glucosamine supplement and Sand Clear every other month. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>WATER: </b>Based on a consumption rate of 10-15 gallons per day. Will be higher in warmer climates. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>WASTE REMOVAL: </b>This number can go down to pretty much zero if you have the ability and space to compost. Also, it is GREAT for your soil! :-) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>VET CARE: </b>Includes (1) annual health exam, (2) vaccination shot sets and basic deworming needs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>DENTAL CARE: </b>Includes (1) visit that encompasses both exam and teeth floating. Will be a lower # if vet determines teeth do not need floating.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>FARRIER: </b>Includes 6 trims and 3 sets of shoes - front only. This number is high(er) for the lease option as most leases will cover basic hoof care needs only. If you want the horse shod and it is not deemed necessary for basic hoof maintenance by the farrier your lessor will probably require you to pay the extra. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>INSURANCE: </b>Another number that varies wildly. I based my calculation on my actual costs to insure my 15 year old mare at a value of $5,000 against mortality/major medical, with a $2,000 colic surgery rider included. EVERY lessee should get insurance coverage.....it is so inexpensive relative to the cost of replacing the horse or paying the vet bills and will cover your butt in case of accidents/illness/anything. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>TACK/GROOMING: </b>Most horse leases include use of a saddle, bridle & reins, halter & lead rope and basic grooming supplies. If you are considering ownership and have to buy these items, I suggest you go to craigslist or social media sell sites and find something used. If you are afraid of buying the wrong thing, take someone knowledgeable with you. Also, consider hiring a <a href="http://www.saddlehands.com/" target="_blank">professional saddle fitter</a> to make sure you buy a correct fitting saddle (to the horse, not you) - it will cost around $100 and be one of the best things you can do to <i>prevent damage to your horse's back!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>TRAVEL: </b>If you are going to buy a horse, you will need some kind of trailer to transport your animal when necessary (and it WILL be necessary, eventually). Yes, you can borrow a friend's, but only until you wear out your welcome with them. :-) You can pick up a simple stock trailer or 2-horse front load, used, for around $2,000. It probably won't be all that pretty but it will get the job done. If you are leasing, this isn't an issue. You typically will not be able to transport the horse off the property via trailer unless you have made some type of special arrangements with the lessor. So the only thing I included here is compensatory fuel costs if you make arrangements to travel off-site with the horse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As you can see, it can make sense financially to lease your first horse, if that is a viable option for you. There are, however, pros and cons to consider for both owning and leasing. I will cover those considerations in part 2 of this 3-part series, which will be posted next week. <i>Stayed tuned.....</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-51149314754017331872015-03-18T13:22:00.002-06:002015-03-18T19:46:01.264-06:00My first video blog - isn't that a vlog? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Introducing........my first vlog! </div>
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Woo hoo!!</div>
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It is a video interview with:</div>
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a fantastic trainer I met at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo.</div>
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I was privileged to be a participant in a program called "Ride with the Expert," where we could bring our horses to the Expo and actually get real time, hands on help from the saddle. I wanted to get help with two issues: despooking and picking up the left lead. Van and I discuss that briefly in the excerpt below:</div>
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Van also mentions his podcasts - <a href="http://www.vanhargis.com/blog/" target="_blank">Ride Every Stride</a> - which are incredibly helpful. Check them out! I know you will like them. </div>
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Cinder and I had <i>such </i>a great time at the </div>
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<a href="http://www.coloradohorsecouncil.com/index.cfm?id=C0B1B68B-DDA5-4036-9667ED5D5157DCA4"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJprd-mMbwc/VQnXIoHk_PI/AAAAAAAAItA/l_AlYTEo4-Q/s320/NEW%2Brocky%2Bmountain%2Bhorse%2Bexpo%2Bno%2Bdate.JPG" /></a></div>
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It was this past Friday through Sunday, March 13-15th. Cinder and I participated on Friday, and on Saturday I got to watch the </div>
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Stay tuned for my next post, which will be filled with pics and video from that Challenge. IT WAS <span style="color: blue;"><b>GREAT</b></span>!!!!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>~ Denise</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-56573513158493113162015-03-17T09:48:00.000-06:002015-03-17T09:48:19.428-06:00What is my Passion? For a while now, I have been thinking "What do I <i>really </i>want this blog to be all about?" My posts have kind of been hit or miss. Some about daily life, some about the kid, some about horses - some here some there, some everywhere. <br />
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But that doesn't really serve you, dear reader. I want you to feel as if reading my blog creates value in your day, time well spent. So I asked myself, "What is my PASSION?!" I want my readers to connect with <i>me </i>& the things I am <i>most passionate</i> about in life.<br />
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What is my PASSION? <br />
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Two things - my family, and horses. My husband, my daughter, my four-legged girls. Simple. These things bring me the greatest joy in life. <br />
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So, from now on my posts will be strictly guided by these things. If the post doesn't serve family, horses or my daily joy, then it won't serve you. <br />
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So, coming up in the next few days and weeks are post DEVOTED TO MY PASSION! <br />
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First up will be my 2 fantastic days spent at the <a href="http://www.coloradohorsecouncil.com/index.cfm?id=C0B1B68B-DDA5-4036-9667ED5D5157DCA4" target="_blank">Rocky Mountain Horse Expo</a>. I am working on some great video footage, fun pictures, and wonderful stories to serve my fellow horse enthusiasts (especially those of you in the Rocky Mountain Region). <br />
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After that are some fun family posts coming up about Threenagers, and the seriousness of not judging parents, or ANYONE for that matter, without having all the facts. <br />
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I sincerely hope you will stay tuned.......Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-51280413769881612082014-11-14T12:07:00.003-07:002014-11-14T17:18:36.251-07:00Thanks for asking, but NO I do NOT qualify for the senior discount...<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">...a.k.a. why my Silver Fox Odyssey has ended!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is one of those dilemmas that most women have to face at some point in their lives (and most men don't understand). Grey hair. To go "Silver Fox", au naturelle, grey and gorgeous.....whatever you want to call it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tried, I really did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have been following my posts at all, you know that I have been trying to grow out my natural hair, which includes a lot of grey for my age (I am in my early 40's). I felt empowered by other women and their silver journeys. If you are on this "journey" you know very well that it is an emotional roller coaster! For a wonderful support blog for this "change of life" (and yes, boys, it is THAT BIG OF A DEAL to us of the feminine gender) I suggest you visit <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/104172806733419740009" target="_blank">+Lauren</a> at </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><a href="http://howbourgeois.blogspot.com/">howbourgeois.blogspot.com</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, the journey has ended. For now, at least. I had been fighting through the "skunk line" 2" growth, the "candy corn" hair look (because, in part, I had 4-5 different colors on different lengths of hair), the thinner grey hairs, even the "oh....you started your family LATER IN LIFE" rude comments. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But there was one comment that did me in. Yep, it was ONE....SMALL....COMMENT. Said innocently enough. I was in a beauty supply store, buying semi-permanent clear gloss with daughter in tow (who, by the way, was very clearly calling me MOMMA, not grandma). When we went to ring out at the register, the sales associate asked me, "You don't qualify for the senior discount, do you?" And that. <span style="font-size: large;">WAS. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">THAT!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't care what anyone thinks of my vanity. I had had enough. I realized at that point that this Silver Fox was looking simply like an old grey mare. And I couldn't accept that. I was done with anyone mistaking me for Charlie's grandma. I am not emotionally ready for that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think, in my particular case, my aged look had to do mostly with my redhead background. I am too light in complexion and get washed out too easily (which ages us terribly!). I tried wigs with the goal of covering up while the grey grows out - nope, not for me! I tried gently glossing the greys with a little blonde, washable color - also a no go. It all just looked silly. Too obvious a cover-up. The color crayons worked for a while, but once the growth was a good 2-3" out it was too much work!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The picture above was taken today. I am not wearing ANY makeup. I visited a salon last week that put Goldwell brand semi-permanent color (washes out in 6-9 washes) on as a base (using my natural dark as a color match) and some blonde and caramel highlights in the front only. I walked out of the salon looking - and <i>feeling - </i>10 years younger. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cost of coloring is still a factor for me, and we will see where that leads me in the next few months. But I love getting ready in the morning again! I love walking out the door in my bling jeans and cute tops. Simply put, I love my hair. It really, really means that much to me and to many (most?) other women too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>With love (and brown hair!) - Denise</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-63626266143583306412014-11-12T18:13:00.000-07:002014-11-14T11:34:45.455-07:00Why do kids love the snow?<h3 style="text-align: center;">
...cuz it's cold, wet, and slippery! What's not to love?! </h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, today was our first big snow. We broke a record today for lowest temp. Ironically, just a couple weeks ago we broke a record for warmest temps! LOL</span><span style="font-size: large;">And what does a 3 year old want to do on the coldest day on record? Go outside and play in the snow, of course!! Hee hee. We got to take her sledding today, what fun that was!</span></h4>
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<b>Thoughts about the snow - </b></div>
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<li><b>Make sure you take the time to actually GO SLEDDING WITH THE KIDDOS! It is so much fun, and once this day is gone, it's gone. Don't ever say, "I wish I had......" </b></li>
<li><b>Watching a 3 year old play in the snow is like reliving your childhood all over again. She LOVED simply running through the snow and kicking it, as well as sledding and making snow angels.</b></li>
<li><b>You can't make a snowman in fresh powder. </b></li>
<li><b>If you have a dog over 40 lbs, he probably will not sit on a saucer sled on your lap. He DEFINITELY won't if the 3 year old is also on your lap. </b></li>
<li><b>Take a video of the 3 year old sledding, both from the top and the bottom of the hill. Rewatch that video every day! You will never want for laughter!!</b></li>
<li><b>Saucer sleds go faster the colder they get. They are significantly more fun than straight sleds. </b></li>
<li><b>When finished playing outside, drink homemade hot chocolate. <i>Yummy!!!</i></b></li>
<li><b>When done drinking hot chocolate, you will probably need a nap........like me (and dog! Thanks, hubby, for the flattering photo!):</b></li>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy sledding! Denise</span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-39135299135490342122014-10-20T20:37:00.000-06:002014-10-20T20:41:36.120-06:00Have you seen.....Odysseo by Cavalia?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Have you heard of Cavalia yet? Watch this:</span></i></div>
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<i>Pretty cool, huh? </i></h3>
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<i>This show is currently in Denver, Colorado through this Sunday. If you are or will be in the Denver area, then</i></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>DO...NOT...MISS...THIS...SHOW!!!</i></b></span></div>
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<i>Tickets are still left but going fast. </i></h3>
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Click on </span><span style="color: red;"> </span></i><i><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.goldstar.com/signup?p=F463945RP" target="_blank">@@THIS LINK@@</a> </span> </i><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">to get to Goldstar Events website and search Odysseo to find discount tickets.</span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span> (No guarantee that any discount tix are left. It worked for me on Saturday, so I thought I would share the link on the off chance some discounts were left). </i></h3>
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<i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Here is the main website for the production company, Cavalia:</span></i></h4>
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Just thought I would share the wealth, and help others get affordable tickets to the best show they will ever have an opportunity to see.</div>
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<b><i>~Denise</i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0Pepsi Center / Elitch Gardens Station, Chestnut Place, Denver, CO 80204, USA39.748568 -105.0099660000000239.747805 -105.01122650000002 39.749331 -105.00870550000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-86528449347873540892014-09-02T11:59:00.000-06:002014-09-02T11:59:44.854-06:00Daddy's little girl......<h3 style="text-align: right;">
......................there is <b><i>NOTHING</i></b> as sweet!</h3>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;">This song makes me cry: </span></span></i></b><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/IheODRwalEw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I adore taking pictures of our daughter with her daddy. I have never met a man who was more meant to be the daddy of a girl. He dotes, and guides, and shows her love and respect....in short, he does all the things I hope her husband will one day do as well! He is teaching her, every single day, how a girl should always be treated. And he is not shy to tell her that, either.<br />
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The day we found out we were having a girl, he went out and bought a shotgun. I~KID~YOU~NOT! Heaven help the boy that falls in love with this daddy's girl!! And, there won't be enough help in heaven or on earth if he breaks her heart. <br />
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Minutes after Charlie was born, hubby changed her first diaper. He LOVES to tell the story - she weighed 5lbs, 2oz at birth. Skinny and long! Within 5 minutes, she pooped out a seriously huge (..um..) load, which he got to clean up. When the nurses re-weighed her she was 4lbs, 12oz! Hubby said, "That's my girl!"<br />
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Hours after she was born, he introduced her to our friends and family. I don't think he put her down for 5 hours, and he could not stop staring at her pretty face and touching her long, delicate fingers. <br />
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2 days after she was born, he took her home and has continued to love her every day since. He can't stand to be away from her for more than a couple days. When she was 3 months old, hubby went to Texas for a week for work. When he got back, I thought his heart was going to bust out of his chest! <br />
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He held her while she got her ears pierced at 3 months old. He had no idea what he was in for! ;-) Charlie has always been a tough little cookie and to this day does not typically cry if she gets a bump or bruise. Of course, I <i style="font-weight: bold;">knew</i> this was going to be different, but hubby had no clue. They pierced one ear at a time, and a moment after the first ear "punch" went <i>click...</i>she let out a wail so forlorn and surprised...and daddy IMMEDIATELY hugged her close and started to tear up. Poor guy! Nothing like a little 10lb bundle of sweet and beautiful wailing her heart out to make him cry! I think I got to hold her for the second ear, he just couldn't handle it. (Point of note - by the time we got into the truck to go home, she had forgotten all about the ordeal. He still hasn't, 3 years later).<br />
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He is really just a big kid at heart, so having a child is a natural extension of his very being. He does not embarrass easily, and will fully break into song and dance anywhere with this girl if it will make her laugh (he is banned from more than one Starbucks -- JK, don't boycott Starbucks, they're cool with his goofy dance and out-of-tune songs). He cannot bear to have her unhappy, which....I must admit...does not work too well in the discipline department. Yep - I am <i style="font-weight: bold;"><u>BAAAAD COP</u></i> most of the time. ;-) I am okay with that, though....if it means she has a loving, caring, courageous daddy to show her what life is all about. <br />
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<i>Here's to you, Daddy!</i></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-32935584709750724922014-08-26T10:21:00.001-06:002014-08-26T10:21:45.560-06:00What is all this "Showmanship" mumbo jumbo?During this last season, Cinder and I had a ton of fun competing in all different horse show classes, but by far our most successful class was Showmanship. As I told my many,<i><b> non-equine-obsessed</b></i> friends about our fantastic summer, I noticed a recurring pattern of questions.<br />
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"How does showing a horse work?"<br />
"Are you riding the horse?"<br />
"How (or what) do you win?"<br />
"Wait....'Showmanship'? What exactly is that?"<br />
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So, I invite those interested in horses, horse competitions, fun activities for horse enthusiasts, and stuff to do outside of brushing the horse's hair, to read on! <br />
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There are many different "classes" of horse shows, which is just a fancy way of saying you can pretty much show a horse in any way you can think of, both on the ground and in the saddle.<br />
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There are English shows, in which you have to wear English riding clothes, use an English saddle and tack, and practice "English" riding styles.....kinda looks like this:<br />
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In English classes, you can specialize in pleasure riding (riding around the arena, showing how "pleasurable" it is to ride your horse), equitation (showing how excellent your control of your horse is, through very specific maneuvers), dressage (think Lippizaner riding - sort of), hunter jumper (just what it sounds like), cross country and more! <br />
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In Western riding, you wear Western attire, use a Western saddle and ride very specifically "Western" (duh, right?!). You can show, "in saddle" (which means riding the horse), in pleasure riding, equitation, reining, trail riding, Western dressage, obstacle trail, pairs, and more. Here is a picture of me and my horse, Cinder, competing in our county fair:<br />
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This year, Cinder and I competed in Western classes only. We competed both in saddle and "in halter" (which is on the ground). Our favorite class was Showmanship. Showmanship is an "in halter" class, where the focus is heavily on the handler. The horse and handler need to complete a preset course (for example - walk horse from cone A to cone B, trot horse in circle from/to cone B, stop and back up 4 steps, walk to cone C, pivot horse clockwise 90 degrees, setup horse for judge's inspection, walk off). It sounds much easier than it is!!<br />
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<a href="http://horseandrider.com/video/train-your-horse-for-showmanship" target="_blank">--THIS LINK-- </a> is an excellent article teaching you the BASICS of Showmanship.</div>
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Many judges say that Showmanship classes are getting so competitive that "personality" and "intangibles" are what are winning the classes today. I certainly experienced that at one show in particular this year. The judge kept doing things to test our Showmanship savvy, and NO ONE in the class (about 15 of us) was dropping the ball! Poor judge - kept saying, "You guys aren't making this easy!" <br />
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Here is a picture of Cinder and me competing in Showmanship (sorry, not so great a picture...but you get the idea):<br />
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You can have shows with all different kinds of competition levels.....from easy-going to cutthroat. The stakes can be quite high, especially on the regional, national, and international levels. Our circuit was fun, but definitely competitive. Everyone was very helpful to each other, trying to encourage and assist all to have a successful show. Check with your local, bigger boarding barns and/or riding clubs to find out about fun "schooling" shows in your area. You usually do not have to be a boarder at the barns to participate in their shows, but the riding clubs sometimes require you to join and pay a nominal membership fee for their shows. <br />
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There is no age limit to competing, or even to starting in competition. This was my first show circuit summer, and I am 42. My horse is 14, but you can start with a very young horse or use and older, more experienced show horse.<br />
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If you are interested in getting started in the Horse Show world, the biggest thing you should consider is <i><b>COST</b></i>. To enter a show, you will have to pay your entry fees which usually aren't that bad. You have to pay the general entry fee, and then an individual fee for each class you want to enter. You also will need to pay for a daily stall fee, if the show is a multi-day affair and if it is far enough away that you cannot trailer your horse back and forth each day. My show fees for a two-day show where I entered about 10 classes each day and stalled my horse for one night was around $130. For a 1 day, county fair type show, my fees would have been around $40.<br />
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But then, you need to add in training costs (for both you and the horse), show clothes (for Western, this includes shirt, pants/jeans, belt, boots, and hat), show tack (including halter, saddle and bridle, saddle blanket, etc), fuel and feed, hotel costs (if you don't just sleep in your car - like I did), and miscellaneous costs like cleaning/showing tools to make and keep your horse looking nice (including shampoos, shine sprays, combs and brushes, clippers, face masks, sleazies or blankets, spot sprays, fly sprays, hoof polish, farrier fees, etc). I cut down on some costs by borrowing a few things I didn't have yet - a show halter, clippers, a saddle blanket. Consider doing this, of course, but REMEMBER to be appreciative and considerate with these items - keep them very clean and well-maintained, and if you damage the items either fix it to the owner's satisfaction or replace it! <br />
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You can get items "economically" for many of the local, smaller shows.....or you can spend the moon on the high-glitz shows! In our little corner of Montana, we had the whole gamut - people showing who spent very little on horse grooming beyond a shampoo/brushing.....to those (like me!) who glammed their equine partner to the moon. ;-) I just figured - hey, I am a perfectionist and I won't be happy unless I strive for the BEST. LOL But then again, I had a <i style="font-weight: bold;">VERY </i>accommodating husband. Thank you, honey! <br />
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Here we are, glammed up and ready to shine:<br />
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Our "end-of-season" tally:</div>
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I hope this helps you out in your desire to find fun, challenging things to do with your equine partner. Feel free to comment here or message me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hoovesandhighchairs" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a> if you should have more questions. I am always happy to help! </div>
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~ Denise</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-8021466144337253912014-08-20T09:44:00.000-06:002014-08-22T10:38:47.557-06:00Facing up to reality (aka "As the Grey Grows")......<div style="text-align: center;">
*******UPDATE: I USED THE FOAM IN COLOR, AND NOW HAVE <b style="color: magenta;">PURPLE </b>HAIR...........GRRR.......TO BE CONTINUED*******</div>
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I just don't know if I am <i style="font-weight: bold;">ready </i>for so much reality being thrown at me! Perhaps I am just not that strong. I imagine myself as Wonder Woman - forever in that hot unitard with the shiny gold belt and those curly, <i>perfect</i> auburn tresses.<br />
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Perfect = Auburn. Grey = NOT. </div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>I.AM.NOT.WONDER.WOMAN.</i></span></div>
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I tried on a couple wigs this last week, to test out what I look like as a full fledged "silver fox".....</div>
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I feel like a grey turtle. No offense meant to turtles.</div>
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I looked in the mirror and saw my mom staring back at me. No offense meant to my mom, either. It's just, my mother is 72. Thirty years older than I am. Up until now, I thought I would grow out this grey and be the hip, stylish mom who wasn't afraid to rock her natural hair. And still be perceived as young(ish). The reality? The grey is aging me, very (<i>very</i>) quickly. </div>
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In the last month I have heard "Oh, you started your family <i><span style="color: blue;">later in life</span>, </i>huh?" a half dozen times. Prior to this grey grow-out, I had never heard that. NOT ONCE. Could it be just a cruel coincidence? </div>
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Which reminds me.....it is <i style="font-weight: bold;">JUST PLAIN </i><u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">RUDE</u> to say that to any mom!<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>Please read this question and answer link:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.babycenter.com/400_im-an-older-mom-how-should-i-handle-rude-comments-about-my-a_500453_1.bc?startIndex=50&sortFieldName=" target="_blank">I'm-an-older-mom-how-should-I-handle-rude-comments-about-my-age?</a></b></span></div>
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Back to my question....cruel coincidence? Maybe. I admit that I actually like a few of my grow out shots above. Especially the one in the middle! Haha, I am a silver rock star!! ;-) And before I was growing out the grey I admit I did get called Charlie's grandma. But only once, and by someone who had an obviously limited perceptive ability. They are fully forgiven. </div>
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As I analyze the grey look, the real me, and the (however unfair it may be) perception of grey hair...I keep coming to the same awful conclusion. I am not 50, or 60, or 72. I am 42. What do I need to do to look, and <i>feel</i>, 42? </div>
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I want to look like <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/104172806733419740009" target="_blank">+Lauren Stein</a> - <a href="http://howbourgeois.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">click here for her blog -</a> who still looks the beautiful late thirties that she is! </div>
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Not....happening....</div>
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I know there is inevitably some out there who are saying (and sighing), "Geez! You are only as old as you feel, so....get over it, be 42. No matter what your hair color is, just deal with it. If you don't like it, color it. Either way, we don't want to hear you whine. There are bigger problems in life!"</div>
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Yes, indeed. There are bigger problems in life. But in my life, at this very moment, this "minor problem" is becoming a major obstacle to my daily joie de vivre. I am faced with the question of "can I accept this reality" every time I see the bathroom mirror (which, with a 3-year-old who is in "advanced" potty training mode - there is an oxymoron -, is about 10 times every hour). </div>
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I was made fully aware that the grow-out period, especially where I am right now (about 4" of outgrowth) is really, really tough. I haven't given up, not just yet. Next step is a color-in foam product. Going to try:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvQJwXmIbLU/U_OVugx7R0I/AAAAAAAAIVk/yDppvtDkqgM/s1600/color%2Bmousse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvQJwXmIbLU/U_OVugx7R0I/AAAAAAAAIVk/yDppvtDkqgM/s1600/color%2Bmousse.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found it at my local <a href="http://www.sallybeauty.com/" target="_blank">Sally Beauty Supply</a>, so I will be posting pics shortly of the finished look. After all, this IS a blog about the experience. Good, bad...or even ugly, if that is how it turns out! ;-) But, this has gotten good reviews....so we shall see.</div>
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<<<<< STAY TUNED >>>>></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0Denver, CO, USA39.737567 -104.9847179000000239.346987 -105.63016490000003 40.128147 -104.33927090000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-89457141920080382812014-08-09T09:13:00.000-06:002014-08-09T09:14:43.729-06:00Help needed in the Highchair department!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First, I just had to share this picture I found at the Equine Photographers circle here on google+</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I added the quote:</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUN3blwcWUo/U-Y0bGLOXHI/AAAAAAAAIUI/Nhq3FbbycMw/s1600/amotherslove+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUN3blwcWUo/U-Y0bGLOXHI/AAAAAAAAIUI/Nhq3FbbycMw/s1600/amotherslove+copy.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Child is definitely testing this notion this morning. She cannot stop touching my face no matter how many times I ask her to, command her to, BEG her to, or discipline her because of. What IS IT about 3 years old that wills the child to ABSOLUTE refusal of all things good and obedient????</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yep, this sums it up.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">OK, so I need extra patience......or extra medication.....or both. Prayers help me......at least to refrain from child homicide. (Just kidding! Please, PC police, do not sik the local authorities on me. My child is very well cared for, I promise). Actually, that reminds of a joke I once heard:</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: orange;">An old, wonderful couple were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. 60 YEARS!!! Could you imagine the experiences, the love, the stories this couple could share? Well, one of the celebration attendees asked the couple, "What is the secret to your marriage longevity?" and the wife replied, "During all of these years, whenever we had a fight, <i><b>not once</b></i> did I ever....ever consider divorce an option."</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">"Murder, on the other hand........"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Been there, thought that. Numerous times. Last night, for example! But we will save that story for another time. Just rest assured that hubby (and child) are still alive and well. Thankfully, Jehovah God answered all my prayers! ;-) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.....just let me get through this day without losing it, entirely. A little "losing it" is ok, I can survive that. We all have seen that. It may not be very pretty, but it is survivable. "That which does not kill us, only makes us stronger." Right? I just wish I weren't getting so darn strong all the time! ;-)</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-18068714604998556892014-08-05T14:49:00.002-06:002014-08-05T14:50:24.014-06:00Silver Fox - The Dilemma of the Wig<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">OK, so here is a recent picture of the "progress" made in the attempt to go "au naturel". I happen to think it looks <i>significantly </i>better than the orange popsicle look from April! LOL </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SoZf2gcvUv8/U-EvWgNbKKI/AAAAAAAAIRA/wChn8Ryma0s/s1600/IMG_20140801_121031_604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SoZf2gcvUv8/U-EvWgNbKKI/AAAAAAAAIRA/wChn8Ryma0s/s1600/IMG_20140801_121031_604.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, only a minor "skunklet" look, easily covered</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is the orange look that I hated and that started this whole silver movement into motion:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i93DP1kl1N8/U1slflyvemI/AAAAAAAAGQQ/bvHR9-Bapzw/s1600/DSC_0223+with+dla_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i93DP1kl1N8/U1slflyvemI/AAAAAAAAGQQ/bvHR9-Bapzw/s1600/DSC_0223+with+dla_2.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>YUCK!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>(So, I know that this picture isn't really THAT bad......it was professionally done, so that helps a lot. But that orange was so ugly, so unnatural and harsh.)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yep, I have a stripe. Yep, it is a little challenging. But I have found a product that I really like to help camouflage the skunky look. Here's the link: <a href="http://www.mimiccolor.com/sales/" target="_blank"><b>Mimic hair makeup for grey hair.</b></a> It works so well! :-) The only complaint I have about it is it feels a little chalky, but I am super sensitive so I think the "average" user wouldn't notice. And the chalky feel isn't so annoying that it would cause me to stop using the product. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>This stuff would work great, even if you aren't going to go grey but just want something that works in between root touch ups! </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish I had an exceptional shot where you can see the look with the Mimic product on my hair, but I wore a hat for most of this summer so I lack good (and <i>hatless</i>) pictures. ;-) I will try to focus on that for the next post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It helps that my hair has "layers" of color in it, including (but not limited to....) blonde, light brown, grey, red, strawberry blonde and dark brown. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hubby LOVES the grey - tells me that all the time, and he is being genuine (i.e. says it without any prompting! Haha!). I am blown away by that, and must admit that his "approval" makes this process easier. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most days I am fine with the grow out. I usually wear a feminine baseball cap or a cowboy hat and when I don't I can cover up the line easily enough at this point. But I can see it is going to get more difficult, as the line creeps further south and yet isn't far enough along to go with a shorter hairstyle. Hubby won't go for a short cut so I am starting to look at hair falls and other "alternative" hair options ---- yes, A WIG! I found some that are...intriguing. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ARj3sw7TnG8/U-E-enCSmpI/AAAAAAAAIRQ/Q_4pGkmdMcQ/s1600/wig+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ARj3sw7TnG8/U-E-enCSmpI/AAAAAAAAIRQ/Q_4pGkmdMcQ/s1600/wig+page.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The plus</b> - I can go any color and I can cut/shape a wig to any style I like. Some are even heat resistant so they can be curled with a low set curling iron. I can also be "someone else" for a day! ;-) Maybe hubby would like that?! Heh heh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The minus</b> - it is a wig....a WIG....hmm, am I ok with that? There is a certain stigma attached to wigs, less so in big cities but definitely in the "small town" community where I live. The notion that only women who "need wigs" (insert inappropriate stereotype here) wear them is most certainly alive and well in rural Montana! Can I rise above that? I like to think so, but I am considering the wig in the first place because of my own insecurities regarding my hair. That fact is unavoidable. Would a wig actually ADD to those insecurities? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>To be continued (soon, I hope!)......</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-35610481397947176932014-05-22T10:05:00.002-06:002014-05-22T10:22:07.403-06:00How could I have said no to THAT?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiKvKaZCUSE/U34kIApfz7I/AAAAAAAAGrE/xZeRsFY4B-s/s1600/4421_94488588409_5699295_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiKvKaZCUSE/U34kIApfz7I/AAAAAAAAGrE/xZeRsFY4B-s/s1600/4421_94488588409_5699295_n.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Dating hubby was <i>so</i> much fun! He had a glass top C3 Corvette and we met in July. Heh heh - yeah, you know <i>exactly </i>what were <i>my </i>priorities!! Another reason why I love Colorado so much, is that is where I met, dated and fell in love with hubby. It is where we first said "I love you." (<i><span style="color: #a64d79;">He said it first and I wasn't quite confident enough to say it in return, so I answered "Thank you." I tell ya, I am just not the quickest car on the track.</span></i>) And where our entire engagement took place. Well, that's not entirely true. Our entire engagement did not take place on the ground. It began in the air.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had only been dating for about 5 months when we both knew we were going to get engaged. It was just so right, we were both outgoing, fun-loving, outdoorsy and shared our emotions freely. (<i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Little did we know that meant we were both certifiable, Type A problem children with tempers to match. Let me put it this way - I am surprised we both lived through our first year of marriage, much less stayed married.</span></i>) By the time the sixth month (December) had rolled around and he hadn't asked me yet, I was starting to get a little nervous. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Could he possibly have changed his mind and didn't want to get married <i>now</i>, or maybe <i>at all</i>, or (the worst of my worries) <i>to me??</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I already had my ring all picked out (<i><span style="color: #a64d79;">for heaven's sake, I worked in a jewelry store at the time...what was I supposed to do in between customers other than find the perfect ring?</span></i>), my wedding colors decided, even my bridesmaids and their dresses chosen (and, I will shamefully admit, my dress bought). <b><i>He is going to ask me...he just </i>has<i> to ask me...if he doesn't ask me soon I am going to DIE!</i> </b> I was out a $600 dress if he didn't. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyone that has worked retail in December can tell you, it's nuts. I have worked in several retail environments, and jewelry - in December - was hands down the craziest. I swear, nobody buys anything until the LAST last minute, so by the 21st I was exhausted, and just a little distracted. That might explain why I wasn't even slightly curious when my friends invited David and me to a high end restaurant for a dinner "celebrating their remodel finish." We were all really, really poor...going to a restaurant of this caliber was reserved for only the most memorable of occasions. Like, oh......I don't know......an ENGAGEMENT?!?! Duh. But I was blissfully unaware. </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Side note - My friends were driving, and more specifically Lee, the husband, who is a very affable and easy going kind of guy. We were running a little late, and so hubby (to be) asked Lee to go a little faster. Down the highway we go....speed limit about 65, Lee going about 70-75. But...every time we all started talking and Lee would join in, he would also start to let off the accelerator. 68.....65.....63.........By the time we actually made it to the restaurant, hubby (to be) and Allison, Lee's wife, were both close to having coronaries!! </span></i><br />
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So...we get to the restaurant, we are late for our reservation and it is the busiest time of the year for them....finally we get seated and order. At almost the exact same moment that our appetizers arrive, a guy in a puffy blue winter vest shows up at our table and asks me, "Are you Denise N?" "Um......yeah......" "Your helicopter chariot awaits you, ma'am." <i>WHAT?!</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yep. The reason we had to go to this particular restaurant (almost an hour away) was because it had a helipad. We bundle back up (<i><span style="color: #a64d79;">and forego dinner, which was really tough because we were all very, very hungry!</span></i>), walk outside, and climb into the waiting helicopter! (<span style="color: #a64d79; font-style: italic;">OK, so yes...by now I am fully aware something is up.</span>)<span style="color: #a64d79; font-style: italic;"> </span>As we ascend and turn right, hubby (to be) starts giving Mr. Blue Vest directions. Go north, fly over Kipling (Avenue), a little further, and....yeah, right about here. Lee and Allison are running a video camera, and I look out the window....to see, written in white lights in the snow....<i>"Will you marry me?"</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-size: large;">And I was immediately breathless! </span><br />
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<i>to be continued...</i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-25314151494649696162014-05-16T18:52:00.000-06:002014-05-16T18:52:20.827-06:00<h4 style="text-align: center;">
What I Love in my Life </h4>
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Recent Pictures</h4>
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Just a quick post to share some recent pictures that just make me happy or represent my viewpoint. Hope you enjoy!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYfgmMknOY4/U3ao0Z0eyuI/AAAAAAAAGl4/TQhbNgHxDyw/s1600/IMG_20130921_182252_743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYfgmMknOY4/U3ao0Z0eyuI/AAAAAAAAGl4/TQhbNgHxDyw/s1600/IMG_20130921_182252_743.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><i>.....Our farm at sunset</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsTVovmNXUs/U3aoyZG_pbI/AAAAAAAAGl0/4szfD0F31Zg/s1600/10007067_658203964238125_1757893112_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsTVovmNXUs/U3aoyZG_pbI/AAAAAAAAGl0/4szfD0F31Zg/s1600/10007067_658203964238125_1757893112_n%255B1%255D.jpg" height="313" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>My precious girl and her keen fashion sense...</i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nyag4kJUlwg/U3ao2kyLD4I/AAAAAAAAGmA/OhpsWfq5pMY/s1600/IMG_20140515_093304_106-1_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nyag4kJUlwg/U3ao2kyLD4I/AAAAAAAAGmA/OhpsWfq5pMY/s1600/IMG_20140515_093304_106-1_2.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Tc8TuRSwCw/U3ao4VjCzPI/AAAAAAAAGmI/f5VDotYktfw/s1600/IMG_20140515_093321_612-1_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Tc8TuRSwCw/U3ao4VjCzPI/AAAAAAAAGmI/f5VDotYktfw/s1600/IMG_20140515_093321_612-1_2.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">TWO OF MY GREATEST JOYS</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s40xnpxoOYQ/U3apWakb_RI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/DOmUTGViETk/s1600/IMG_20131003_171426_383+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s40xnpxoOYQ/U3apWakb_RI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/DOmUTGViETk/s1600/IMG_20131003_171426_383+%25282%2529.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><i> ...Momma and her sleeping beauty</i></div>
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<i>Three generations of family, love...</i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_K1X6_X_S5I/U3aqA7cyV2I/AAAAAAAAGmY/6b3dROfJsCA/s1600/IMG_20140505_173919_458-SMILE+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_K1X6_X_S5I/U3aqA7cyV2I/AAAAAAAAGmY/6b3dROfJsCA/s1600/IMG_20140505_173919_458-SMILE+%25282%2529.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QpME9aBXKfY/U3aqVBhLHdI/AAAAAAAAGmo/DU7qSfw61ic/s1600/IMG_20140515_093106_914_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QpME9aBXKfY/U3aqVBhLHdI/AAAAAAAAGmo/DU7qSfw61ic/s1600/IMG_20140515_093106_914_2.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a><i> ....Playing goat tag!</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csMVQyNuh2c/U3aqRT9CNfI/AAAAAAAAGmg/SZL366zVe9Y/s1600/10177879_10152363536489035_6161472601100558207_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csMVQyNuh2c/U3aqRT9CNfI/AAAAAAAAGmg/SZL366zVe9Y/s1600/10177879_10152363536489035_6161472601100558207_n%255B1%255D.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">AYYYYY-MEN!!!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8e-SCsKwmA/U2BvNejwvQI/AAAAAAAAGUw/LB6RgKaYpec/s1600/show+riding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8e-SCsKwmA/U2BvNejwvQI/AAAAAAAAGUw/LB6RgKaYpec/s1600/show+riding.jpg" height="330" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-1862528126596239542014-05-09T10:54:00.000-06:002014-05-09T13:35:44.167-06:00Stay little, little one....<h4 align="center">
A Momma's 1st Poem</h4>
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<em><span style="color: #a64d79;">{Written for Charlie Walker, when she was 7 months old}</span></em></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 months old</td></tr>
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Stay little just a little while longer.<br />
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Yesterday, I held up your head, and I cuddled you on my shoulder so you could see the world.<br />
Today, you are almost crawling and you sit up all on your own, laughing when you tumble over.<br />
Tomorrow, you will be running into your daddy’s arms. You will shriek with laughter as he tickles you with kisses. You will ride the wind on the back of your horse, soaring over the fields as your beautiful long hair flows behind you.<br />
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Please, just stay little a little while longer.<br />
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Yesterday, you needed me to hold your bottle to your lips. You suckled as I cooed and sang to you.<br />
Today, you hold the bottle in your own tiny hands. You pick it up from the floor, pop it in your mouth and suck out the last precious drops. You swing in your swing, trying hard to keep those blue eyes open, and then lull peacefully into your morning nap.<br />
Tomorrow, you will hold the spoon all by yourself, not caring that more of its contents end up in your lap than your mouth. You will want to be a big girl - but you will still love to snuggle and hold my hand as you nurse in my arms.<br />
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Please, oh please. Stay little a little while longer.<br />
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Yesterday, I waited for your sweet smile as I dangled a toy from above. You tried so hard to reach out, while your arms made tiny spastic arcs and you whimpered in frustration.<br />
Today, you overturned the toy basket as you searched for the pink pony you love. A blue plastic triangle lies at your side, discarded suddenly when you found something else to pound. How you enjoy the noise that makes!<br />
Tomorrow, you will pull out my pots and pans for a drum solo in the kitchen. You will be spelling your name and “mommy” and “daddy” with plastic letters on the refrigerator door. You will adore Bubble Guppies and Dora and Pet Patrol.<br />
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Oh, my darling daughter. Stay little, just a little while longer.<br />
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I will cherish every milestone, every special step you take in your childhood journey. I will be there when you pull yourself up to stand, when you take those first careful steps, when you run and jump and fly. I will wipe your tears when you cry, kiss your knees and elbows when you stumble, help you to stand and try again & again. I will always be there to support you, cheer you, encourage you, comfort you. But just for today, just for this moment when you are my baby girl, just for now………please, just stay as you are, just stay little….for a little while longer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VdBXy21bizY/U20t6AuI5OI/AAAAAAAAGhw/cV-RXBvhKhI/s1600/10245436_10152467104883410_482073057911431191_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VdBXy21bizY/U20t6AuI5OI/AAAAAAAAGhw/cV-RXBvhKhI/s1600/10245436_10152467104883410_482073057911431191_n.jpg" height="146" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today </td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-88938524511537226392014-05-03T12:16:00.001-06:002014-05-05T09:27:40.106-06:00Uma-Boshi and the Joy of (eating) Squid InkWhile my dear husband, beautiful child, and lovely friends are out enjoying a most <i>SPECTACULAR </i>Saturday in Denver, I am stuck inside recuperating from "the general crud". This short-n-sweet post is the result! Enjoy...<br />
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The Inspiration</h4>
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Upon perusing my google buddies, I came across +Lauren Stein hilarious post about her interesting culinary experiences with Japanese food. Having lived there for a year, I too have a couple anecdotes to share. First things first, though - must pass "props" to Lauren...so, here's the link to the original post that inspired me:</div>
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<a href="http://howbourgeois.blogspot.com/2014/04/that-time-i-had-to-eat-pureed-monkfish.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HowBourgeois+%28How+Bourgeois%29">How Bourgeois: That Time I Had to Eat Pureed Monkfish Liver and Two More Appetizing Recipes</a><br />
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OK - here we go! The "Uma-Boshi" story.....</h4>
The Japanese have some amazing culinary treats, and one of the favorites of "gaijin" (foreigners) like me is ume-boshi. NOTE: that is <i>ume</i>-boshi, which is a pickled plum. It literally translates to "plum balls" (ume is plum and boshi is ball {<i>you can probably see where this story is heading. huh?}</i>). This yummy snack is somewhat akin to sweet gherkin pickles - tart enough to make your cheeks pucker, but with a sweet aftertaste that causes INTENSE cravings. Ume-boshi are highly addictive. They come in Costco-sized glass jars that'll last you about a week if your addiction isn't completely at crack-level yet. Seriously, there needs to be a recovery group for this stuff. I can see it now..."Hi, I am Denise...and I am an ume-boshi addict.....(<i>Hi, Denise!)</i>."<br />
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Back to our story. One of my co-gaijin at our school had the addiction pretty bad. I don't know if she has come clean about this yet, so let's just call her "Jane," shall we? Jane went to the fridge to get another crack-ball out of the glass jar and it's...(GASP!)...empty, so she jumped on her bike and pedaled down to the nearest grocery store (which, in Japan, is on every corner). She rushed into the store, found the nearest clerk, and asked in her best 1st year Japanese, "Uma boshi wa doko desu ka?" Which, of course, she thought meant "Where are the pickled plums?" Except......Jane said <i>uma, </i>not <i>ume. Ume</i> is plum.....<i>uma</i> is horse. I will let you do the translation. <br />
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Yep, she was<b> thoroughly</b> embarrassed. Once the clerk got the "OMG-you-ridiculous-gaijin-do-you-know-what-you-just-asked-me?" look off of his face, he politely directed Jane to the pickled plums.<br />
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And...The Joy of (eating) Squid Ink story..... </h4>
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This one's pretty much to the point. Spaghetti made with squid ink. <i>Ewwww! </i>It tastes like....well...spaghetti dipped in pen ink. Thick, textury pen ink.<br />
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Maybe I am just not an exotic food fan. I mean, I feel the same way about caviar and avocadoes. But come on....really?? There are restaurants in Japan that are solely dedicated to this one gross adventure. Think about that - every single person in the restaurant, talking, laughing, eating and drinking, with <i>these blackened teeth and tongues. </i>Yuck. Actually, kinda funny too! We laughed at each other so hard we cried! It was a fun experience, but truly, truly gross. ;-) Hmm...I have just had a minor epiphany - since the Japanese have a great sense of self-deprecating humor, maybe that is the draw of it?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-70684939189691199762014-05-02T09:54:00.000-06:002014-05-02T10:07:15.521-06:00Kerry is so very.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In just a few weeks, I will be going to a clinic taught by Mr. Kerry Kuhn (yes, that's him in the picture above, and <i>no </i>that picture is <i>not</i> photoshopped). I cannot, cannot, cannot, <i>cannot</i> wait! </div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Will I be gator wrangling? No......trippin'....way!!!!! </span> </h4>
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I will, however, be learning a lot and hopefully sponging up all the horse sense (pun most definitely intended) I can in three days. </div>
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Kerry Kuhn is a champion colt starter, a wild-card competitor in the <a href="http://www.roadtothehorse.com/wildcard/kerrykuhn.html"><span style="color: purple;"><b>2015 Road to the Horse Competition</b></span></a>, an instructor on <a href="http://www.hrtv.com/hrtv-debuts-new-weekly-series-with-noted-clinician-kerry-kuhn/"><span style="color: purple;"><b>HRTV</b></span></a> and has appeared in the "Ask Our Expert" section of <a href="http://www.westernhorseman.com/sections/horsemanship/2027-ask-our-expert-kerry-kuhn"><span style="color: purple;"><b>Western Horseman Magazine</b></span></a>. But that is not why I decided to go to his clinic. For me it was actually an issue of geography - his clinic was close enough I could trailer there easily! :-) I guess I just lucked out that he traveled out this great northern way last summer.</div>
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I went to his clinic in North Dakota in August 2013 and had a <i><b>fantastic</b></i> time. Let me tell you something - I don't care who you are, how much experience riding/training/petting a horse you have, or how advanced you think you might be, in regards to horses...there is always much more to learn. The more experienced a horse person is, the more ruefully aware s/he is of how little s/he really knows.</div>
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The Bible teaches us that "by iron, iron itself is sharpened." In other words, if you want to get better at something, go interact with others in your chosen field whom you respect. I respect this man, tremendously. <br />
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Here is why: (1) He knows his stuff and it shows, in the way he rides, carries himself, and communicates with his horse from the ground, (2) he is humble enough to admit he is not the end-all be-all in the equine world, and yet (3) he is confident enough to know when he is right. His instinct with the horse and rider is spot-on and he also is a good communicator with the person - this is often a skill sorely lacking in the equine clinic world, which just leaves me <i><b>scratching my head</b></i>. So many clinicians love the horse but "hate" the human, and will patronize and criticize their clients, sometime even screaming or cursing at them. Why would <i style="font-weight: bold;">anyone </i>pay a person to treat them that way (regardless of their "credentials")? I mean, I get it - we humans can be monumentally stupid and stubborn and especially so when it comes to our horses. We often get overconfident, which can (and usually does) lead to us getting injured. But just as no horse deserves mistreatment from its owner, <i>no human (however stupid) deserves to be mistreated by a clinician. </i>Kerry gets that, he remains calm on the outside, and takes the time necessary to help his clients learn, understand, and <i>really </i>put his training to practical use. <br />
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Can you tell I am excited?!?!</div>
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That's because he helped me last August take a horse that had 4 rides on her (and two nice buck-offs) from an unsure little filly, to a soft, sweet and willing mare in FOUR DAYS. She was a horse that another trainer had told me "had problems", and I went against my own instincts and believed her. I was wrong, wrong, wrong!! Kerry helped me, as the rider, to learn to read my horse clearer and gain <i><b>tremendous</b></i> confidence in my own abilities.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coco and me, listening intently!</td></tr>
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I knew the techniques - read your horse's behavior to tell you what they are thinking/feeling. I had heard it a hundred times, and I had read it a hundred times! But I hadn't yet seen what that <i>all</i> could entail. He worked with me on that. I wish I could effectively communicate how much he taught all of us attendees - the really cool part about it was we were all at such different levels of skills, from novice riders to three professional trainers, and yet he knew how to assess us all and give us the skills we <b><i>individually needed!</i></b><br />
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Have you been to a natural horsemanship clinic in the past? PLEASE share with me, what worked? What didn't? If you would like, please share your clinician's name. I learn from my friends and readers! I <b><i>want</i></b> to learn, more and more. That's why I take the time to write to you. Iron is sharpened by iron! </div>
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I will most certainly be posting pics and thoughts from Kerry's May clinic. Here is a <a href="http://www.kerrykuhn.com/"><b><span style="color: purple;">link to his site</span></b></a>, if you would like more information. :-) Happy trails! </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-54732886343356183152014-04-25T21:39:00.000-06:002014-04-25T21:39:39.837-06:00{Silver} Fox on the run...Update - As I was writing this post, I was simultaneously continuing my internet quest for silver fox advice, and looky looky what I found:<br />
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<b> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://howbourgeois.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How Bourgeois</span></a> </span></b>- "Going grey? Hooray!"<br />
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I <i>love </i>this chick; she is so cool and her hair is just gorgeous, exactly what I am aiming to achieve.<br />
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<b>Thursday:</b><br />
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Lately, I have been scouring beauty magazines, pinterest boards and celebrity websites, searching for a solution to an age old problem hardly unique to little ole moi. Just this morning I spent over an hour looking through a tangled internet nest for my particular silver egg. That bird just wouldn't sit, it seems. I still have no idea, short of Jamie Lee Curtis-ing my long red hair, how to gracefully transition into the inevitable. I have grey hair and plenty of it, so I want to "go grey" and escape the hair color whirlpool in which I am starting to drown. Am I ready for this? No clue, just yet. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqJKMsXsJ8w/U1shkIK8sQI/AAAAAAAAGP0/_XEmjfbOFy4/s1600/as+the+red+vanishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqJKMsXsJ8w/U1shkIK8sQI/AAAAAAAAGP0/_XEmjfbOFy4/s1600/as+the+red+vanishes.jpg" height="184" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay - time for you all to just curb the eye-rolling and "oh please" groaning. This is a <i>very</i> big deal! I am the mother of a preschooler and I have twice already been called her "grandma". S..M..H!! How much worse will this get when I silver fox the locks? I live in a rural town of about 5,000 where, I kid you not, the average age of a middle school mom hovers somewhere around 30. When Charlie starts the 6th grade, I will be 52. There goes <i>that </i>bell curve. Yikes. Perhaps hardest of all for me to swallow, I got my <i>first</i> grey hair in the fall of my freshman year in college, when I was barely 18. The same month the Berlin Wall came down. <i>That was 25 years ago.</i> I still remember the very moment. Not when the wall came down, oh no...when I saw that grey hair in my right temple. My priorities were then and perhaps still are pretty well (un)balanced, don't you think (insert my hardly contained smirks and snickers now)? <br />
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Please, dear readers (including two of my own former hairstylists and some great friends who are color professionals), allow me this one guilty obsession. The truth is, I am neither afraid of the aging process nor interested in unsuccessfully struggling to maintain a look that no longer works for me. It is just that I really, <i>really </i>like my hair color. It has hovered somewhere between a shade of auburn that appears sun kissed in the summer and a lush mahogany/brunette in the winter, for the better part of the last 17 years. When people would ask me if the color was natural, I would always answer, "yes it is, but with a little enhancement!" I would usually either lighten it a little or add dimensional high and low lights. They always pulled a little red, so even when I went darker I had very pretty auburn glints within the layers. However, this last year has been a hair color <i>disaster</i>. I am now grey enough that my hair feels much more coarse and wiry. I have tried blonding it up, going (way too) red, adding more low lights and one overall color effect that I termed "the zebra". <i>Not</i> attractive, no, not in the least. All the while, the greys just keep on appearing, marching in a tiny but clearly visible line from my forehead to my crown like albino ants heading off into follicle oblivion. My temples are almost solid white, now, and any colorist worth their salt will warn of the risks of those hairs over processing, causing one to look a little too much like a certain fast food clown. Been there, suffered that. To make matters worse, we are on a well that has some nasty mineral deposits that can cause my hair to look and feel like sunburnt straw. At this very moment, I have tricolor hair, and not in the beautiful multi-dimensional-looks-like-she-was-born-that-way hair. Nope, my current color looks more like candy corn, with a top inch of blonde that didn't fully process over the grey, followed by red that was so intense I had to strip it out and it is <i>still</i> noticeable, followed finally by a horizontal line of highlights and lowlights that would probably look fine on me, for about the first week following a professional service. Then the troop of albino ants again repeat their march. On Monday, I have my first appointment with <i>another</i> new stylist (the fifth in two years) and I feel as if I am going to an oncologist, only to get the "bad news" I already know - this particular case of greycell follinoma is incurable and the prognosis for remission is not at all looking good.<br />
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<b><i>My Goal: </i></b><br />
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<b><i> </i></b><b style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></b><br />
Desperate for help, I have started googling "grey hair at 40," "going from red hair to grey," "going grey gracefully," and a plethora of other particular phrases that all essentially mean "I give, hair." I found one very interesting blog in the process -<br />
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<a href="http://goinggrayblog.com/" title="Revolution Gray"><img alt="Revolution Gray" src="http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o747/revolutiongray/783fa6ea-3963-4028-b848-242805d306f7_zps828e1ef4.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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I am ready to give in to the beauty of age. Even if this grey is premature for a 42 year old. Even if I have a two year old who I do <i>not </i>want mistaken for my grandchild. Even if I am living the life of most women half my age (especially for that reason, because I am <i>not </i>half my age and I am proud of that fact). I am a wonderful mother and wife, and that is in large part due to my life experiences. I am calmer, wiser. I am more capable & confident to "be the change" I want, as well as to stand up & embrace within me the kind of woman I desire my own daughter to be one day. I celebrate my next life journey! If that is really true, <i>really </i>true, then it shouldn't affect me to consider going short and letting the grey come in completely <br />
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natural, right? But you know what? I just don't agree with that notion. Not yet, anyhow. I have gotten my feet wet, even stepped into the pool up to my knees. But I don't know if I am fully prepared to take the plunge. Maybe I will be, come Monday...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-48570453144178446532014-04-19T10:37:00.000-06:002014-04-19T10:37:08.698-06:00Music moves my soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am not writing this blog to change the world. I simply want to share my thoughts and emotions. It is cathartic for me and I need the mental outlet. While it may be a selfish motivation, I honestly believe I can help others, and if I can give even one person out there in this great big world some hope, humor, or diversion then I have achieved something worthwhile (and maybe I have affected a change anyhow). <br />
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So this post falls under the "I am a music nut and think you should be, too" category. Music has such power, you know? If I am down, I can turn something great on Pandora radio and be uplifted in a matter of minutes. I love sitting here in my reclining chair, typing away all of my stresses and swaying a little while Howie Day tells me, "I somehow find you and I collide..." I adore most '70s and '80s hip hop, arena rock, and new wave music. However, I can <i>so</i> get into a good jazz or bluegrass tune as well. And, yes, I do admit it...I just love love <i>love </i>disco and country (even some of the older cheesy stuff, like <i>Whose bed have your boots been under?</i> My humble apologies, Shania, for calling your work "cheesy." But, really? Who chooses such a dumb title for a song?!)<br />
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Pandora radio is such fun! To date, my fave stations I've created include Enya, David Wilcox, PM Dawn, Little Big Town, Steve Miller, Robert Plant, The Cure, The Ocean Blue, Blue October. Now I need your help. I am getting stuck in a "Pandora rut," where the same songs are starting to come up over and over. I started listening to Spectrum Radio on Sirius XM and I have come across some new (to me) bands that are just amazing. Lorde, Adele and Birds of Tokyo are the first musicians that pop in my head. <br />
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So, can you please help out a music junkie? I need a serious fix. Post a comment below, with one or two of your favorite "new finds" in the world of great music. Please <i>do not</i> share any musicians that regularly use vulgar or explicit language. I love great harmony, lilting tunes, fantastic drums or guitar, and anything that sounds like it was written for the healing of heart. The songs that bring tears to your eyes and chills on your neck. I can't wait to see what some of you share! If you cannot share below, post a comment on Facebook. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-12873890565949538922014-04-17T19:13:00.001-06:002014-04-17T19:13:09.343-06:00Tornado Charlie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Introducing.....miss Charlie! She is almost three ("two n-a haff!" as she likes to announce), She is my love, my inspiration, and my reason for getting out of bed most days. She is growing like a weed and her brain is a sponge and then some. She is her daddy's little princess, and the most beautiful girl in the world. All is as it should be. </div>
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Did I mention she is almost three? As in...still two? Those of you who have had children can collectively groan now. You all know what is coming.....oh-my-GAWD what a holy terror! Just now, she announced to me, "I'm cleaning out your purse, momma!" I am afraid to look. </div>
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My day starts with cleaning and ends with cleaning. When daddy comes home from work, he starts cleaning. Yet my house is never, <i>ever</i> clean. It is not just a little bit disheveled. It is not slightly out of sorts here and there. It is a MESS! Seriously. She is a true whirlwind, jumping bean, and exhaustion production specialist. Aye yai yai. </div>
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Today, we are having the beans battle. Charlie is insistent on having beans. Every opportunity she gets to ask, beg, or demand beans she has taken. Only, we are not discussing the legume variety here. Even with the stinky toddler toots that satisfying such a desire might produce, I would still gladly give her beans if she wanted them. Beans are high in antioxidants, fiber, protein, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and zinc. Beans are good for you. M & M's are not. </div>
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Charlie is currently having a meltdown in the middle of the living room because here daddy will not give her any more "beans". These "beans" are the itty-bitty, mini M & M's that come in a toddler hand sized tube with a cap that she can open (what am I saying? She can open <i>every</i> cap. It's us adults that struggle with the child-proof packaging). Hubby is sighing and groaning in the kitchen. <i>Charlie, you are driving your daddy NUTS! </i>We hear that at least four times...every hour. He is exasperated. I am just happy she is terrorizing him right now, and not me. </div>
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Hubby is trying to cook dinner, whilst Charles is upset because he won't jump on her little trampoline with her. When he finally finds a spot to take a break and come jump she has already loaded herself up into her high chair and announces that she is now ready for dinner! Sheesh!</div>
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Look, I <i>understand </i>all of this behavior is normal, just part of the growing process, and indicative of her healthy brain learning independence, problem solving skills, emotional control, and new vocabulary. I <i>understand </i>that every parent on the planet has gone through their own version of Tornado Charlie, some several times more than we have or ever will. I <i>understand</i> that we are not unique! I just want it to stop. Now, please. Please! It's not cute and it does not endear me to her in any way. It turns me into someone I do not like very much. Either I lose my temper and start to yell, or ignore her completely. Either way, I morph into a modern incarnate of the evil, psychotic mother from Mommie Dearest. No.... wire.... hangers... EVER!!!!!!!!!!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-11670632233192877032014-04-08T09:46:00.000-06:002014-05-05T13:05:45.173-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-33839787791923008202014-04-03T20:03:00.001-06:002014-04-07T15:52:47.738-06:00From House to House, part 1We have changed residences twelve different times since getting married in January of 1997. Let me repeat that...<i>twelve</i> times in seventeen years. During one 2-year stretch alone we moved six times. I don't recommend this to anyone. It sucks - pardon my lack of delicacy but that is the only accurate term. We have lost friendships because of our moves. No one has deliberately written us off (or at least I don't think they have). I theorize some people just couldn't keep up. Most of those years were, after all, pre-Facebook, pre-Twitter, pre-social media of any kind that let us to know instantly that GOOP and Chris Martin had "consciously uncoupled." We did have email, and online chat if we plugged our computers into a phone line and waited for the dialtone. We had never even heard of a "U-S-B cord." The late '90s were a different time, kids. A simpler time, when nobody (gasp!) had heard of sexting, let alone did it while driving. I'm old, remember?<br />
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Twelve times we moved, eleven times within one state. Colorado. It is my hands-down favorite state of all those I have visited (my current count is 31). I advertise it as "the only place I know where I can roller blade in January and snow ski in June (other than the southern hemisphere, obviously)." If you haven't gotten a chance to go there yet I highly suggest you put it on your bucket list. Here's even a link to get you started:<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kbo5280/colorado-bucket-list/" target="_blank">Colorado Bucket List - Pinterest</a></div>
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Our first home was an adorable second story condo in Denver. We paid eight hundred dollars a month for seven hundred square feet and a one car detached garage. I loved the place. <br />
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It had two bedrooms - the master was on the main floor in the back with a deck off to the right, and upstairs was a cute loft bedroom with its own little bath and a perfect landing for a large philodendron. The living room had a twelve foot high vaulted ceiling and wonderful, east facing windows that drenched you with morning sun. </div>
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We moved after only one year. </div>
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A large part of the problem was trouble with some of the neighbors. The guy who lived directly below us was an <i>un</i>-recovering alcoholic. He would come home after the local bar closed and start playing music at obscene levels. How can I describe what I mean by obscene? Think "Achy Breaky Heart" on a split-your-eardrums sub-woofer with the volume knob buried (the song alone could be considered the obscene part, right?). I am not exaggerating here, this guy was a serious piece of work. Local law enforcement hated dealing with Achy so much that after the incident below the prosecuting attorney agreed to a plea deal, where the town would not pursue the charges if the guy would just leave. Colorado. Yeah, the whole state. <br />
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The really weird part about it was, in the daytime hours, he was the meekest, mildest, most helpful and generous man you could meet. He was a particularly exasperating case of Jekyll and Hyde. And he would remember at least part of his escapades each morning. He would be so apologetic to us and his apologies seemed so sincere. I imagine for any of you with a family member struggling with alcoholism or addiction, this behavior is all too familiar. On one particular evening, the situation reached its boiling point. <br />
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2:20 am: Here comes Achy Breaky Heart. Oh, I forgot to mention...he would play just the one song over and over and over and over and - well, you get the idea. Hubby gets up, puts on some jeans and goes downstairs to <i>pound </i>on Achy's door (not to be a jerk, but so Achy could actually hear the knocking over the <strike>noise</strike> music). <strike>Noise</strike> Music stops. Hubby comes back up stairs, takes off pants, climbs into bed. <br />
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2:38 am: Achy Breaky Heart. Hubby repeats previous process. <strike>Noise </strike>Music stops. Hubby comes back to bed.<br />
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2:49 am: Achy Breaky Heart...along with some choice descriptive words for hubby yelled above <strike>noise</strike> music. Hubby repeats previous process. No answer at door, but <strike>noise </strike>music stops. <br />
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2:56 am: Achy Breaky Heart. Choice words. And the kicker - he starts threatening to kill us. No joke. I start going ballistic and quickly phone the police. Hubby is just frustrated that he can't pull this weasel out of his hole and "beat him within an inch of his life" (his words, not mine - please understand, hubby's all cowboy, although I don't yet know what all that would entail. Think John Wayne). Dispatcher sends out a squad car. Achy won't answer door for police. Police call in backup. Police knock on our door. After we give our statements to the officer he gets set to leave, but before he does he tells us, "you both should probably go upstairs, just in case any bullets start to fly. We know he owns at least one gun." Wait, <i>what</i> did he say?!?! <br />
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We looked out one of our east facing, sun loving windows and down in the yard are a dozen plus police officers surrounding the place, all with guns drawn and trained on Achy's windows and front door.<br />
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Thankfully, no gunfire was exchanged that night. And no injuries reported on either side of the law, other than (I assume) one bruise in the shape of a kneecap, placed squarely in the middle of Achy's back. Achy was whisked away by his personal chauffeur service, the SWAT team members cleared out as silently as they arrived, and after our adrenaline finally subsided we enjoyed a peaceful, no, <i>blissful </i>night's sleep.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-57000716490638623402014-04-02T17:51:00.002-06:002014-04-03T20:47:55.154-06:00Highchairs, Part 2<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was an interesting day, to say the least. I peed on the stick at, oh, around 9:30 in the morning. So, by 9:36 I was calling hubby. He was 45 minutes north in downtown Denver on a construction site. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"We need to talk. Can I meet you somewhere?" <i> (Uh, sure hon. I can meet you for lunch.)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"No. Now." </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>((Long pause.) Uh......Oooo-kaaay. Can you come up here?)</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Yep. I'm on my way already." I really was too. I had already driven 12 miles down the highway. My family and friends call it a serious case of impatience, but I like to think of it as efficiency. I mean, I am <i>going </i>to see him. Now. There is no debating necessary. Gee, I guess that's more of the stubborn vs. determined argument, isn't it? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hubby would later tell me that he spent that half hour trying to go over in his mind every possible thing he could have done to make me so upset that I would "need to talk." I was just surprised he had to use the entire half hour. I mean, what all have you done that I don't know about, honey? That is a pretty significant amount of time to use up. Three years later, he still hasn't confessed. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was in the parking lot waiting for me. I pulled up and he was already at the truck's door, and the look on his face said he was seriously scared. Not worried. Scared. I had used that half hour trying to calm my mind and focus on how to tell him. We had been married for almost 14 years at this point. We had had the family talk many times during those years - at first neither of us wanted kids, we enjoyed our freedom too much, the world was too screwed up to bring another child into it, we could always adopt, my health issues could go haywire with a pregnancy, our life was settled the way it was. I tried to convince myself, especially in the later years, that I was really okay with the idea of not having kids. <i>Really</i>, I was. My medical conditions were too serious to risk throwing all my hormones out of whack (another future post discussion, but it is a biggie so I have to muster up some courage for it). How would I possibly survive post partem if I couldn't take care of myself, much less a <i>baby? </i>What would that do to poor hubby? I couldn't risk putting him through that. And he resolutely expressed, every single time, that he did not want kids.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But the previous September I had been really enjoying life. I was outside soaking up a beautiful Colorado summer's end. I was riding my horse four to five times a week, training her for some fantastic opportunities, such as possible shows or parades and maybe even drill team work (those shows you see where several ladies riding perform intricate patterns choreographed to music). I was also going out dancing with my girlfriends at a local Western bar - nothing flirtatious or inappropriate, but pairs dancing with men at the club who knew how to dance. Very, very well. I had discussed with hubby ahead of time and got his okay. I wanted him to know it was for my emotional health, not a risk to our relationship. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Turns out, it was quite a boost instead. One of my favorite partners, a dear ex-rancher in his early 70s, told me something quite memorable during those days. He said, "if he really wants to romance a woman, a man should learn how to dance. Close. Strong. Traditional, with your own brand of confidence." He was the best dancer I had ever partnered with, because he made <i>me</i> the best dancer. He was such a strong leader I <i>couldn't</i> take a false step, and that made me relax and dance my heart out. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It also released in me a ton of romance. Not the rancher.....the dancing! A <i>ton </i>of romance. I just <i>love</i> to dance, and I would come home <i>in love.</i> I don't think hubby minded that too much. As long as I was in love with him.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Flash forward 2 1/2 months. I am getting out of the truck. As I do, I hand the pee stick to hubby (who is still completely confused), look up at him, burst into tears and cry, "I'm sorry!" I kid you not, that is how I announced to my husband that we were going to be parents. Not exactly a confidence builder, is it? </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800892330043391999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8748717797101170197.post-61499881916649451452014-04-01T20:55:00.000-06:002014-04-03T20:47:55.157-06:00Highchairs, Part 1...<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><em>...also known as the "pee-stick story".</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">December, 2010 - It all started with a Sunday drive. Not a normal Sunday drive or what most of us think of when someone says, "We went for a Sunday drive." It was an eight mile drive down a switchback filled curve fest from our house on the side of a 7,500 foot mini-mountain to the town center of Castle Rock, Colorado. Hubby was driving and to this day I maintain he was going a wee bit too fast (we were running late -as usual- but that is another post for another time). I was looking down but I can't remember why, probably trying to put my makeup on and digging in my purse for one of the seven lipsticks I perpetually keep in it. Suddenly it came over me. Completely. A wave of "eeeeeeewwwwwww." It was a deep-in-the-gut nausea, like being on a dinghy in the middle of a windy lake for 15 minutes. Not a full-on wanting to launch breakfast feeling, but more of a "man that is just...not...right" queasiness. With each curve hubby maneuvered it got a little worse, and me being me I could not keep quiet about it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"<em>What </em>is <em>up </em>with your driving?!" (<em>What do you mean, </em>my<em> driving?) </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Man, could you just <em>slow down</em> around the curves???" (<em>What is wrong with the curves? This is how I always take 'em. Don't look down!) </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Well, your driving is making me sick!" <em>(Silence from hubby.) </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Jeez, David! Slow down! I am really getting nauseated!" <em>(More silence. And a singular, very deep breath.)</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It is important here for me to point out that I actually used the term "nauseated." Nauseated is how one feels when one has not taken Dramamine on a cruise. Nauseous is a cruise without Dramamine. Blame the English language maven in me. It's a curse really, especially in this text-happy-let's-throw-every-good-vocabulary-and-grammar-rule-right-out-the-window world in which we now live. Granted, there is probably an English major out there having a small fit regarding my overuse of quotation marks, periods, commas and italics, but this is <em>my </em>blog, therefore <em>my </em>rules. I feel so empowered! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Back to my story. I blamed hubby for my nausea for a week. Yes, an entire week. It wasn't until I realized I had been doing all the driving since the "eww" incident, with no significant decrease in said "eww," that I began to suspect more might be up. Most of my women readers know exactly what came next. Getting out my calendar, counting backwards, trying to remember which day was what and did I or didn't I, eighteen days ago (or was it twenty-two?). A virtually pointless and futile attempt at trying to pinpoint the exact date whence last came "Aunt Martha's Visit." Sorry, I have no idea what the kids are calling it these days. I am seriously <em>old,</em> and I think that term pretty much proves it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, ok, not that old. The day I bought two generic brand digital in-home pregnancy tests with up to 99% accuracy I was 39 years, 3 months, and 14 days old. The day I peed on two generic brand digital in-home pregnancy tests while in the restroom at a Safeway Starbucks. The same day two separate, generic brand, digital in-home pregnancy tests announced, with up to 99% accuracy, that yes I really, really, REALLY was going to have a baby. My first baby. At 39. </span></div>
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