Hope

Finished the UC Hope and Courage chapter this weekend. Many thanks go out, yet again, to the fabulous Meg Brauch for her memories and input.

Horses have enriched my life so much. They helped the shy, insecure kid come out of her little shell and enjoy life. On the back of a horse, no one told me I was doing it wrong. It was just me and my horse and the sound of metal horseshoes hitting the arena sand.

On a trail ride, it was all about the wide open sky and the wind and the trees. My view from the saddle was a full harvest moon reflected on the marsh.

My horse always took me home.

Take the Big Leap--the one that thrills you and terrifies you at the same time. I will take care of you. I know the way home. ~The Horse (Helen Scanlon, 2011)

above image is me and Jamie enjoying a nice ride. Photo by Lindsay Murphy, 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.

The Inspiration

Here is two-time World Champion Morgan stallion, UC Ringmaster, the inspiration for my book. He is 33 years young and just adorable-- I took this photo of him yesterday.

I thought it would be great to write his story--so, why not write a book about all of the stallions and broodmares? Why not, indeed. Ring got the ball rolling.

Thanks, Ring.

If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, you must be the one to write it. ~Toni Morrison

Moving right along...

UC Ringmaster from many years ago--love the fall backdrop...this photo was given to me by Dr. Al Cowan.

I took a little break from writing this week to recharge my batteries. My laptop power cord picked a good time to crap out on me...

While I await the arrival of my new power cord, I've kept myself busy with planning studio events. My Holiday Open Studio is scheduled for Sat. Nov. 26 from 10am-4pm (come on down! Sound the Bugle Studio is located at 6 Kenyon Rd in GORGEOUS Hampton, Connecticut.)

I love my town, can you tell?

AND my artwork will be displayed at the Willimantic Food Co-op for the month of October. The Co-op is at 91 Valley St., Willimantic, Connecticut. My UConn Morgan paintings will be there, check them out.

It's my busy season, I love fall!

I am starting to feel the urge to write again, however--so hurry up, power cord. Let's get a move on!

My mom is visiting me this weekend and she asked if we could go visit my buddy, Ringmaster. She's smitten, too. The Great Red Horse still has many fans.

excerpt from The Teacher

...Breezing over the russet painted earth
We were joined by bridle, bit and girth.

~2011, by Helen Scanlon

farewell, UC Sonata....

UC Sonata, 1977-2011 by Helen Scanlon.

Painting...

painting UC Doc Daniels, photo by Roxanne Pandolfi.