My last morning here in the valley started out before I did. It was early and I thought I was snoozing and then the pain came and I won't say what else happened. I rolled and wretched,took a shower and packed, and then thought about the two and a half hour drive to Nashville, the final fun stop on my journey here. Oh boy! Sights and sounds! Music and beer and then a plane ride! And then a three hour layover and then another plane ride!
Oh my dear God.
A couple of phone calls and $59 dollars later I was opening my suitcase and pulling out a pair of shorts to nap the afternoon away on the porch. I don't like changing plans, and I want to go home, but why don't you just admit that sometimes things change, and that is ok. Got it, Draze?
After a snooze, I took a walk around the pastures with two old dogs and three lovely horses, all of whom are now friends of mine and I am their friend, too. I have learned a lot about old dogs and horses these last few days, and while the brown eyes of those tall babies melt my heart, they do get bothered by flies, and so that is why today they are wearing masks. They didn't seem to mind when my girlfriend put them on them (god she knows her stuff about horses!), and they were instantly calmer, even though they look a little like bank robbers.
I rode one of them yesterday, he is my favorite. He is a Tennessee Walker and a worrier like me, and so we get along very well. He loves to snuggle and gave me neck nuzzles after our ride. And so I will excuse the lite bruise on my left cheek where he gave me a little nip as I walked away....
You have to groom a horse before you can ride him. We don't want any crusty dirt on their coat where any of the straps or girth will be - that will irritate their skin. Grooming involves a hard curry brush first to loosen the mud, a soft brush next to brush off the dust, combing out the mane and tail, and finally, digging the mud out from their hooves. I did not do that part, but I did all the rest. It is important to let them know what you are doing all the time, where you are, what your intentions are, and what comes next, and then they happily oblige, and will follow you, and trust you, and maybe even love on you.
I have learned a lot from these boys, and as in every new learning, look for the lesson that is hiding behind the moment.
Maybe my stomache flu is a flu, and maybe there is a bit more to it than that. And that is all I will say about that for right now.
Home home home, I am on my way to you. I thought I had left all anxiety behind when I started out last Tuesday, but today I find I am wrong, but perhaps a good grooming will dust you away when I get there.
I miss you!
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