Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Perserverance


When the world says, "Give up,"
Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."
~Author Unknown

Many people have a book in them, waiting to come out. Write. Do it.

Writing a book is hard work, but it has the ability to awaken your spirit. It is worth the time and the tears. Believe me.

Many things get in the way of the writing journey--day jobs and obligations eat into our most precious commodity: TIME.

Don't let Time slip through your fingers. It all starts with a single word. Then another and another. Soon, a sentence appears. Then another. And another.

Why did I wait so long to write a book? I knew at age three that I wanted to write and draw--that's all I ever did when I was a youngster. My pen and drawing pad were always near. I filled notebooks with horse stories inspired by Anna Sewell and Marguerite Henry. I studied CW Anderson and Wesley Dennis. I wanted to be them when I grew up.

As an adult, I abandoned my book idea for many years. Then, a few years ago, I got the tickle of my dream in my sleepy grown-up brain--why not write that horse story? Why not?

We love horses. Horses evoke long forgotten memories of the squeak of saddle leather and the hay-scented breath in our ear. The thrill of sitting on a horse for the first time, the glee illuminating your heart as your proud parents looked on. Then, the trot. You learned to post. You could barely walk the next day, but the smile refused to leave your face. You couldn't wait to ride again.

Horses are generous with their gifts. Please, remember the patient school pony that nuzzled your cheek, his whiskers light like the wings of a dragonfly. Don't forget how those reins felt around your fingers, the leather strong, yet forgiving.

Remember that one special horse--the one who taught you that you could do anything. Remember how brave you were!

Remember that time when your heart was young and a horse showed you how to live in the present; to feel the sun on your face, to really look at the sky and the cloud formations.

Remember.



4 comments:

  1. Of of those truly special horses was my UConn training project, UC Celebration (UC Doc Daniels x UC Holiday). I had her as an independent study for 4 full semesters. Probably not a good idea for UConn in the long run, as I know that someday soon I will own that little mare. Being apart from her now is indescribable.

    https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4183/222/75/1087560008/n1087560008_30344031_7982023.jpg

    https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4183/222/75/1087560008/n1087560008_30344035_6542028.jpg

    https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4183/222/75/1087560008/n1087560008_30344048_5302782.jpg

    https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/15440_1210538618760_1087560008_30663359_2320712_n.jpg

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  2. Liz, these are lovely pictures! I hope you and Celebration are together again soon. Thanks for you comment.
    Helen

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  3. Thank you, Helen. I have been a fan of yours ever since I saw your painting of Ringmaster in the Horsebarn Hill arena lobby. :) I love reading about what you're working on, and I get a little thrill every time I recognize a name you've mentioned. I was the sort of freshman barn rat who stood looking at the Morgan bloodlines board (in the polo barn) for HOURS, poring over all of the horses bred and born at UConn. Absolutely fascinating history. Keep up the good work!!

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  4. Liz, thank you so much, you totally made my day.
    I love horses, I love history--and UC Ringmaster told me I should write this book. :-)

    keep checking back!

    Best,

    Helen

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