Sunday, June 26, 2011

little horse, big heart

Finished the Ledgemere Bounty chapter. Many thanks to Bob and Patti Brooks for sharing their memories with me.

His was a fun chapter to write! Patti shared a humorous "at home" story of Bounty that is just fantastic. I really want my readers to know the essence of these great horses. They are so much more than just a name and a color-- they are souls.

Love it!

This is somewhat of a short blog entry because I've been writing the book all weekend and I think I have callouses on my fingers. My keyboard has been clicking away....

Okay, time for some stretches and a snuggle with the kitties. It's too early for bed...but I am so tired..YAAAAWN.

Next, I will learn all about the mares UC Taffy and Salem Sentana. Can't wait!

Thanks for sharing this wonderful book journey with me.

Until next time, I will leave you with this:

Ah, steeds, steeds, what steeds! Has the whirlwind a home in your manes? Is there a sensitive ear, alert as a flame, in your every fiber? Hearing the familiar song from above, all in one accord you strain your bronze chests and, hooves barely touching the ground, turn into straight lines cleaving the air, and all inspired by God it rushes on! ~Nikolai V. Gogol, Dead Souls, 1842, translated from Russian (above is combination of translations by Bernard Guildert Guerney, Richard Peaver, and Larisa Voloklonsky)

Saturday, June 25, 2011

meeting another legend...


UC Ovation is a daughter of the beautiful UC Sonata, another UConn legend (be sure to read my June 8 blog post on UC Sonata)

UC Ovation's big, gorgeous eyes looked right into my heart. My first impression was "what a perfect Morgan mare face!" Lovely. I could see her dam in those eyes.

I patted her sleek neck and ran my fingers through her mane as she munched on her hay. I could instantly feel her kind, patient energy.

Thank you for a great visit, Mama O.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

writing writing writing and after that, writing.

...that's what writers do, after all.

All of my summer weekends are booked for writing and research (with occasional forays into my garden). How cool would it be to actually get the book written this summer? I mean, DONE. Then I can illustrate my heart out....Bliss!

I am giving myself a year to have the book done and ready to go. Publisher suggestions? Support? Encouragement? French fries? Send 'em my way!

Since this book is non-fiction, I can send proposals to publishers before it is completed. But, I am pulling the reins in on that for now and I'm just going to write. Cross the bridge when I get to it and all.

I want to have the manuscript pretty much done before I do the ol' peddle-to-a-publisher. When I work at my own pace, I can hear the muse nicker in my ear.

To my family, friends, interviewees: I really appreciate all of your unwavering support.


Watch this space!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

UC Sonata


34 years young and totally beautiful, UC Sonata is a legend. Look at her wise and gorgeous face!
That large brown eye...the strong, sound legs....that equine happy smile.

This mare stole my heart. *big smile*

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

voice from the past

I received some archives today that nearly moved me to tears. History has that effect on me sometimes; it is profound and inspirational.

So many questions, answered. So many details, added.

A voice from a dear departed arrived in my e-mail inbox this afternoon. Many, many thanks to the messenger. My gratitude is boundless.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Saturday, June 4, 2011

UC Toronado




UC Toronado, aka "Gideon," 2011. 14" x 18" acrylic on canvas.

I gave the mighty black stallion of UConn a red and orange background to match his fiery spirit. What an amazing creature he is....(click on the pic to see color and detail)

Colors in his black coat include: burnt umber, deep magenta, cobalt blue-- and deep cadmium red-- like smoldering coal embers.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Productive research

A lingering question was answered last night! Thank you!

What do I like most about research? The interviews. I love talking with the people who were there. The people who actually touched the great horses of UConn.

...The people who can describe their rich color, their unique personalities, their floating gaits. They were there, they saw it as it all happened....

It inspires awe!

History is important. I am listening, and I am writing it down.

It is an honor.