Friday, February 20, 2009

My kingdom for a horse

Sometimes when I open my mail and read comments on posts I've done, it just flat out makes me grin and chuckle. But today, when I came home from work and read my mail, I was actually blown away by your outpouring of support and mutual love of an animal that I just happen to miss. I wrote yesterday that I miss horses. And reading your comments brought tears to my eyes.

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Last night, when I sat down to write the next day's post, I realized that I had absolutely nothing. I had nothing to say, I had no pictures I felt inclined to be sharing, and I was wondering again why I do this every day. I really don't wonder that very often, but I must admit that I was doing it last night.

Well, I then began looking through my photo files and came across the pictures of the horses I posted yesterday. On a lark, I opened several up in Photoshop and began to play with them, and before I knew it I was putting my feelings down in a post and it was writing itself.

Reading your comments today stressed upon me one of the biggest things I have learned since beginning this little blog in December 2007. And that is That I Am Not Alone. I'm not alone because you are here. And I'd like to thank you for that.

I'd also like to thank those of you who have written me privately with your stories of living with cancer, and specifically those who are or were in the past caring for a spouse who either has cancer or some other form of disease. We are not alone.

I also received a comment today from someone congratulating me on being one of David McMahon's "Post of the Day" contenders for my Hike to the Light post on my photoblog. Well, thank you very much, David. David's Authorblog is not to be missed. He lives in Australia and has led an interesting and adventurous life. He's also committed to encouraging others. Check it out.

Oh, and apparently I'm now famous. (not really). I've been interviewed and you can read it here. Have a great day, all.

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

31 comments:

Shelley said...

That horse in your photo seems so magical - just a beautiful image overall! I read your interview and I agree with what you said on writing what you know. Also wanted to let you know that I enjoy your blog, the photography and George. This is a great place to visit!

Mental P Mama said...

That foal is precious! You are definitely not alone. Not in the least....

Pony Girl said...

Did you use photoshop to create that photo on this post??? It's really cool!
Glad you have such a supportive group of readers. Blogging is so amazing that way!

Char said...

gorgeous processing and editing on this shot. and no, we are never alone...

Coloradolady said...

Beautiful photo. I always enjoy your pictures on your blog, very nice.

Ellen said...

I'm glad we are blog friends. You'll have to let me know if you have a day off - I'd love to meet you some place - like Longwood or Winterteur.

Cindy said...

Wonderful use of textures!! It makes him seem mysterious, like in a cloud...

You're famous! You're famous!! Nice interview.....and I love visiting your blog because of the calm, intelligent way you write and post your photos. I've learned a few techniques here. Thank you!

This is the best about blogland, you write your journal, and get feedback from people you know nothing about and they are behind you 100%. Makes something that sometimes is so hard, not so hard at all!!

Thank you, Kate, for your wonderful blog!

Annie said...

Ah, good to read your interview Kate. And to catch up here. It is indeed nice to know we are not alone...!

Your photos are always wonderful Kate...and your last post was quite poignant. You and your hubby, not to mention George must indeed miss the horses! I do pray with you that there will be a way for you all to connect with them again!

Annie

Egghead said...

Love the foal. Kate I admire how you handle all that you are going through. It certainly is not easy and you are walking this walk with your husband so graciously. You ARE NOT alone....we are all here in heart with you.

ELK said...

when you look at a face like that miracles happen! ELK

Jeanne said...

We have 5 horses and we are forced to board them somewhere besides HOME and I miss having them in our back yard, listening to them whinnie at me when I came out of the house, smelling them sweaty in the barn and most of all listening to them munch on their hay. I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL, and it isn't a fun feeling, the difference is we go see ours all the time which you must not be able to do. :( Thanks for sharing. Jeanne

Country Girl said...

Oh, thank you all so much. Yes, Pony Girl, it was Photoshop. I sent you an e-mail about it and where I got the texture for the background. Time to go to bed.

~ C.G.

Astaryth said...

Beautiful photo... love the photoshop addition of the texture, makes a wonderful photo spectacular.

When I have to be away from my guys I miss everything about them. To me the smell of 'home' is the barn.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

What absolutely gorgeous photography! I'm technologically impaired, but finally figured out how to get my photo on with my post today in a tribute I wrote about my dad. Hopefully, I'll get some photos of my daughter's farm and horses soon! V.

Hilary said...

Another beauty.. the photo and the post.

Kristina said...

This picture is gorgeous! I'm glad you don't feel alone :-)

Skogkjerring said...

I love the honesty in your blog Kate- it's as if I'm sitting down having a cup of tea with a friend and she is telling me little things that are going on and showing us the beautiful artwork she is working on- because that is what photos like you are posting are- artwork. Really lovely. I'm in awe of the photoshop tricks you do, I really don't think I'm that technical even though I admire it- but I'll never say never because life is full of suprises!! What I would like to know is how some people get their photos to be so big- when I upload photos on here I have clicked the biggest size but they are still small? And how do you add things like you have on the side- your photos all collected in one place and such? I'm so new to this...well, no pressure to help me but if you have time and nothing better to do...
Have a super Friday- give George a belly rub from us...

The Weaver of Grass said...

So glad you are feeling so upbeat - the only way to go is forward. I have been there and am now in a happy and fulfilled life so I know I am right. Hope horses feature again in your life before too long and that your husband's health is good again.

Kat Mortensen said...

I just happened upon your blog (your Shakespearean title grabbed me). I will now be one of your followers.
As you are a lover of horses, you may find this poem of interest:

http://hyggedigter.blogspot.com/2008/02/unwanted.html

Beautiful blog (and I love the subtitle).

Kat Mortensen

Country Girl said...

Dear Amy,
I don't have an e-mail address to respond to your question but will tell you that I use Windows Live Writer, primarily because it makes the photos larger. If you do a search on this blog site for it, the link for the directions will come up! For the stuff down the side, I use Blogger widgets. They're available on your layout page. Hope this helps. If not, e-mail me directly katydid56@gmail.com and I'll try to help!

~ C.G.

cottage farm villa said...

Oh Kate.....this photo is so gorgeous! I love the texture you put on it...... One you should blow up and put in your home to look at daily! Just beautiful girl!

xo Cheryl

Daryl said...

Cool.. I recommended you for that interview ...

Alone? Honey, you're in a crowd of supportive gal pals!

Jennifer said...

I sure hope the horses find a way back into your life at some point...love your blog and photos!
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

I will have to check that out!
You are right we are not alone! It is nice to know how many people are standing behind you when you need them! It makes it a little easier sometimes when the pressures of cancer try to get you down. Wheather it is a loved one you are caring for or, you yourself! Bless you Kate!

Mary said...

Oh, how did I miss yesterday's post? I just went back and read it. I know I've told you in the past how much your horse pictures send me back to my childhood, and that is something for which I will always be grateful. I can understand how much you miss them, and I hope that your husband especially has the opportunity to be near them again.

And yes, this is the most amazing community. And I love the texture on that photo. ;)
xoxo,
Mary

Anonymous said...

You are indeed not alone, we all support and share your thoughts, hoping as a unit, we can at least help along the way.

CJ xx

Anonymous said...

We don't own horses, but my sister does and she feels the same way you do about them. Her husband died suddenly of cancer in 2006 and so she has had to downsize her horse count from 15... she now has 7 left and will most likely slowly sell them as well. It's just too much work as a single woman...

Have a beautiful day
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Krystina said...

Rest assured knowing that no matter how alone you may feel at any given time, you never are truely alone. And that there is always someone else a little worse off. Unfortunately. In the short time I've been blogging I'm learning more of who I am. In a world scared off by stolen identities, and covering up who we really are, you go against the grain and show a more vulnerable side, full of hoensty. One reason why I enjoy your blog so much. Plus you and Photoshop just work wonders together! That foal is amazing! Keep up the good work, but don't be afraid to take a break if you need one. I'm sure we'd all understand. Happy Friday! :)

Sue said...

Kate...you are far from being alone.

Woman in a Window said...

You touch people. Your photos, your stories, your husband, your George, your perspective. You draw good energy. I hope it keeps pouring your way!

Chocolate Cat said...

I love the photo of the foal. It is just gorgeous. Do you sell any of your prints???? This is magical.