I have been methodically collecting furniture to makeover for the next MMSMP look book and for the Chapel Market in October. It seems like a long way away, but I’ve learned that I shop smarter when I have plenty of time. So, I’ve been trolling Craig’s List for pieces and scored a third empire piece…
…and it’s a beauty! It’s very sturdy and comes with some pretty hardware and the original key, which is pretty rare. The curve of the top drawers is really cool. I love craftsmanship like that.
The top is pretty badly scratched, so it’s going to be stripped down (just the top) and then I’ll go from there. I know it will be a challenge, but I’m picturing white for this piece…
We’ll see how that goes!
A few weeks ago, Jeff asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks. “What is something you want to do? For you. Not for me or the boys, the house or the business. Just for you.”
I sat back in my chair. I had no idea. I’ve done things for myself, like getting a massage, going clothes shopping, exercising, but I haven’t thought about something to do that was just for fun and just for me.
Jeff helped me out. “You enjoyed riding in Colorado last summer. Why don’t you start riding again?”
Yes! That’s it!
I spent my childhood and some teenage summers in the saddle and I always loved it.
(I remember those jumps feeling so big when I was that small.)
As an adult, I’ve been able to ride here and there…when we would farm-sit for friends, when I was invited by a co-worker with horses and most recently on a ranch in Colorado. I never really considered taking lessons again. I envisioned myself a little out of place in a class of 10 year olds, but that is just silly. Of course adults ride and take lessons, so why not me? Right? So, I took the plunge and scheduled private lessons.
I’m nervous and excited about it. It’s scary and thrilling all at once. How much of it will come back to me? Will I have a good rapport with the horse and trainer?
I went to shop for riding boots today and realized I’m so out of my depth. When I rode as a kid I always wore used riding boots and chaps passed down to me by older girls. I never actually went shopping in a tack shop, so I was really at the mercy of the ladies working there to get me outfitted.
They had a pair of English field boots on consignment that fit me almost perfectly, which is pretty cool, because the foot size, boot height and calf fit all have to be right.
They’re very different from the “riding boots” we all love to wear with skinny jeans. The lady at the tack shop said, “Well, these boots aren’t made for walking.”
Good point.
And, fortunately, they have zippers in the back, so they aren’t a total pain to get on and off.
My riding helmet(s) are gently used as well, but they belonged to someone I knew…
If you’re an original Star Trek fan, you’ll recognize her as Natira. Her stage name was Kate Woodville. I only knew her as Kat, my sweet sister-in-law’s mom, and Aunt Kat to my boys. (My oldest son was delighted and a bit puzzled to see her in an episode of Little House on the Prairie we watched recently.) She spent her last Christmas with us and I’ll always remember an afternoon of sledding we shared. The boys were tired, I was tired and Kat was still hiking up the hill to sled, energized by the snow and wind on her face. When she passed away last year, my brother and sister-in-law, who knew I once enjoyed riding, sent a few of her riding helmets along to me. They fit perfectly and it’s a special thing that I get to wear them now.
So, I’m all outfitted and ready to go. We’ve had to postpone my first lesson because of the rain, but I’ll hopefully have my first one next week.
What is something you want to do?
61 Responses
Good for you! There is nothing like the smell of a horse! nor the relationship of man with beast.! Xenophen said ” The outside of a horse is good for the inside of man.” I concur
Like you, I always wanted to ride. . . but more than that, I wanted to get to know a horse, care for it and ride it without using any tools that might hurt it. I didn’t want to coerce it to do what I wanted it to do, I wanted us to be partners, to do together what neither of us could do apart.
So, after much tooth-sucking and research, I found a barn where I could take lessons that didn’t use bits or crops or anything of the kind. The horses were, in the main, animals that had been rescued from feed lots, slaughterhouse auctions and race tracks. It took a long time – I was terrified! I couldn’t even walk into the drylot on my own to catch and bridle a horse. If they started to move around me, I froze in terror. I had a patient trainer and I really – really! – wanted to do this.
About four years ago, a QH from a farm nearby needed a new home. He was short, stubby, overweight, cranky and had “a reputation.” He had a chunk missing from his tongue where a bit had ripped it and he would no longer tolerate a bit in his mouth. I took him, gave him a new name and we haven’t looked back. It’s the two of us, partners in the journey. I am so grateful for this wonderful, sweet fella, love his personality and his small-man syndrome. It took four years, we had a lot of setbacks – I don’t even want to think about the money!! – but he’s been my therapy and my escape. I have learned so much. God has used a horse to teach me things about Him, horses and myself I never would have learned otherwise. I believe with all my heart that Roo is a divine teacher, perhaps even divinely appointed 😉
I wish you joy in the journey!!
Marian, it’s wonderful that you’re going to start riding again! I’ve been riding for 27 years, and though I spend way more time cleaning up after the horses than I do riding them, I wouldn’t trade it for anything! It’s so special that you have helmets from your dear friend–what a glamorous woman! Please do check, though, that the helmets have a tag inside saying “ASTM approved” and a date within the last five years. The protective foam that protects your brain from impact injury breaks down over time, especially if exposed to heat. Also, new technology and composite materials have come along recently that have made the newer helmets lighter and stronger. I’m sure the ladies at the tack shop can help you out if you need a new one. And the older ones will probably make wonderful photo props if you can’t actually ride in them! Are they velvet? Have a terrific time riding!
Thanks for the tip. Yes, these are new helmets. She rode up until a few weeks before her death.
Marian, I am going to second the warning to not use a used helmet.
I say this as a lifelong rider, 23 year owner of a horse, handler of many horses in an equestrian career at some of the more prestigious farms in the country, and as a mother .
My heart actually stopped when you said you would use these inherited helmets.
Besides their age, how helmets are stored can degrade the materials that protect your skull and brain, these include certain chemicals, being stored in a hot or cold location, and dropping it, as well as it being implemented in an actual fall.
A new helmet is WAY more important than boots and to use boots you need breeches, did you get breeches?] and way cheaper to buy new than a new brain.
You can probably get a quality, new helmet for less than your first lesson will cost.
You have a family, please, please, please get yourself a NEW, ASTM helmet and keep these used ones as props and as treasured mementos.
Here’s a great site to read up on what factors can degrade helmets and how to get the best fit in one… like feet/legs, heads come in all different sizes and shapes. A good fit is vital.
For example, I’m a long oval… unless the helmet I use is a long oval, it fits wrong and is not secure on my head.
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/aet12574
Angela, I really appreciate your concern, but these are new ASTM helmets, they just happened to belong to her first. I wouldn’t wear an ill-fitting unsafe helmet just to save a few dollars.
Not related to this post at all but I just ordered your book from amazon and it is AMAZING. Speaks to me on so many levels. Congratulations on all of your success, I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog and book.
Good for you! It’s important to make time for ourselves. It’s good for our souls. I started taking piano lessons as an adult a few years back. I never had the opportunity growing up but something I always wanted to do.
Every year my New Year’s resolutions is to do three things: 1) learn something new – I will decide what it’s going to be and stick to the plan; 2) do something life changing that is going to bring me joy; and 3) make time to do something I enjoy. The plan is made for these three things and I stick to it each year. It helps me to be a better child of God, wife, mother, Nana, daughter, sister and friend. If we don’t take time we get caught up in the life being to busy.
Happy for you and proud that you are doing this for YOU! You deserve it for sure!!!!
Oh how fun. I have only been riding a couple of times. My sister is the rider, she is very good I have been told, Olympic good, it is too bad she does not have enough confidence in herself. My favorite memory is riding with my sister in the fields near our house, she was riding my mother’s horse, a former race horse and I was on my sister’s horse. I never laughed so hard in my life, they were running so fast and I did all I could just to stay on. I hope you enjoy this for yourself. As for taking your house off the market, don’t give up on your dream, things happen for a reason and it will work out for you, you are a doer and you make things happen. Have a wonderful week.
Good for you! I started lessons in my mid 40’s and it is amazing. I had never ridden before but have always loved horses. Keep us posted on how it goes. I am looking for a new barn to take lessons at (I live 20 minutes north of you) as my barn sold their lesson horses!
I had to chuckle at your post… I’m 42 years old, rode all throughout my childhood and teenage years… but then it became difficult to ride in Jersey because of new insurance laws. I have missed it terribly. My 7 year old daughter just did a week at horse camp this summer (as I did growing up). It was her first time riding… not only did she *love* it, but she’s taken to it like a natural, and totally at ease with these incredible creatures. We really wanted to be supportive of her when she was enthusiastic about taking riding lessons… so I decided to start riding *with* her. We have our 2nd lesson tonight… just us girls – and our “other” loves. 🙂 It’s AWESOME to be back in the saddle. Enjoy!
Drawing lessons. I have always wanted to learn the fundamentals cause I love to draw but really don’t have a clue. You have inspired me!:)
I always want to see Colorado in its full glory of fall…yellow Aspens!!! I have been three times now and it never ceases to amaze me. We have a beautiful fall here in the Ozarks (worth the trip, especially during our fall craft weekend!) but the mountains and yellow Aspens and incredible blue skies just take my breath away.Maybe this year I will have to do a horse back ride through the mountains…THAT sounds amazing!!!!
What a strange question to ask myself…I mean, it shouldn’t feel so strange, but it does. It’s going to take some time for me to come up with an answer… I’m glad you (and Jeff) came up with that answer for you and it looks like you are going to love your “me” time. The helmet story is so special. Have fun!
On a different note, I just did The World’s Longest Yard Sale and kept finding things that reminded me of you…it was a fun experience.
Judy
judypimperl.blogspot.com
I am sooooooooo excited for you.
Looking forward to your posts about riding again.
Oh Yes Marian, congrats on getting back in the saddle! I started riding at the age of 32,and then I got both my girls into riding when they were practically babies. We currently have 2 horses our 3rd horse passed away 2 yrs ago. I have owned horses now for almost 17 yrs.
You will do just fine. It’s like riding a bike, it comes back to you 😉 Have FUN !
Man, your husband is shining like more of a gem each day! So he is not just the workshop guy and photo bomber? 🙂 I love that he asked you what YOU wanted. It is funny, with so much to do, that we think of our business as what we want. We do–but beyond that. If I were asked it would be to go to The Chapel Market or Country Living Fair. I am so thrilled about your riding again. This goes along with Marie Claire’s words just a day or so ago when she said to build/grow/live what you want now and not wait for a farm. Oh, this is such a wonderful step!
I agree with Kristin…what a wonderful man you have by your side. This is what I call a Godly man. I sense God led him to ask this question of you. Wow!
On the topic of riding horses – I love horses. My grandfather was considered a “charro” in Mexico and I remember his horse “Canela” (which means cinnamon). However, much as I love horses I am “deathly” afraid to climb on their backs and be that high off the ground on a moving object! Kind of like flying on an airplane. A dream I have is to ride a horse, flying through the countryside – I hope I don’t have to wait until eternity to do this (yes, I believe there will be animals in God’s heaven).
So awesome that you decided to take up riding again. Your sister-in-laws mother was such a beautiful women and she just looks like an actress. I am not a “Trekie” so I will probably never see her role in that series but its so great that you get to use her riding helmets. Its kind of like she is still riding through you.
Let us know how sore you are after you first few rides! ha. BTW….the glass pulls on that dresser are just gorgeous.
Those photos of you riding as a child made me smile. And oh how I can relate! My now 32 year old daughter became horse obsessed at a very early age and had her first (English) riding lesson at age 9. Our life has been horses, horses, and more horses ever since. (BTW, her dad and I don’t ride at all!) Nevertheless, 4 1/2 years ago we bought a 30 acre horse farm and now run a family owned horse boarding business. My daughter is the barn manager and one of two trainers. (Dad does the maintenance. I do the bookkeeping.) Daughter is also interested in entertainment animals (movies, TV, ad work) and several of her 6 horses have been used for print ad work, photography shoots, and one was even in a movie. If you are interested, you can see some short clips and the movie trailer here:
http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/07/tangos-movie-debut.html (The title of the movie was eventually changed to “The Columbian Connection.”)
Good luck with your lesson(s) and I hope you will keep us updated. 🙂
I’ve always wanted to take piano lessons again. I even have the baby grand piano (badly in need of tuning, works great for folding laundry or as a bar). But somehow I’d rather spend my free time painting furniture instead!
I took up riding for the first time when I turned 39 (I’m now 52) after being a horse crazy girl my entire life. I kept at it for a couple of years but I really didn’t like going around and around the round pen which was always crowded with other lessons going on. My trainer wasn’t a good fit with me and I left there feeling like I failed. I’m now 52. I’ve always loved horses, passionately so, and still want them in my life. My dream is to one day own my own and go at my own pace when it comes to learning, but for now, I’m here in NYC making a living and can’t make it work just yet. I look forward to hearing about your adventures in the saddle! As for me, I’ll keep dreaming …
I have been wanting to take a watercolor class for years – I painted as a kid, and did a lot of primitive and tole painting back in the ’80’s, but I would really like to paint again. Especially something other than furniture and walls, which I do often! We recently relocated, so I need to look around for a class this fall to make it happen!
Oh I’ve been trying to get riding this summer but it’s so busy! I started English at horse camps when I was a kid, then switched to Western when I took lessons in university.
How do you find the time to go? For me to get there, brush down and tack up, go on a ride, then brush again and untack and let the horse out and drive back home it ends up being about 3 hours! Very hard to find that time on a weeknight, since the ranch is usually booked up for public trails on the weekends.
I’m just making time for it. Just like exercising and getting a massage now and then. There was a time that I wouldn’t even take time to get my hair done or eat a proper meal. I need to draw some boundaries and say I can take 3 hours/week to do something I really enjoy.
Good for you! Horses are good for the soul. They are therapist, friendship and a personal trainer all rolled up into one wonderful package.
How wonder you can ride again
My gosh as busy as you are with your painting when will you ever have time to fit everything in your full life ?
which is all a good thing
Oh, I’m so envious of you! Your boots look lovely. I rode and showed the H/J circuit until I had to move to the city after college. I feel like I’ve only been half living since then. I got so desperate I bought a motorcycle to regain SOME kind of excitement. It’s fun. Honestly, it doesn’t even come close to the pure joy of horsemanship. No whiskers or warm breath on your neck; just smelling like exhaust and carb farts all the time.
And I’m glad your new (to you) helmets are new (-ish). Like you, I had hand-me-downs all through childhood. While there’s nothing slimmer or more elegant than a vintage, sun-faded velvet hunt cap with no chin strap, I sometimes wonder if maybe my parents should’ve shelled out the extra $50 for a certified helmet…?
Take lots of pictures for us!
Exactly what you are doing. I’ve loved horses my entire life. They are the most amazing beauties. My sister has horses but we don’t live in the same state. The fall should be a great time to do this. How sweet and thoughtful of your husband.
When I started homeschooling last year, I knew the time had come to force myself to do something that didn’t involve my kids (as much as I love them, I need a break!). I decided to take voice lessons, which I had always wanted to do. Believe it or not, I felt so guilty the first few times I went! Not because of my kids, but because I did something that was just for me. I’m so glad I did it though. At the moment our finances don’t allow it, but I find other ways to have some alone time, because I have come to treasure it. It keeps me sane and happy! So, good for you, Marian!
Eeeek! So excited to read this post! I am doing the same thing – signing up for riding lessons with the goal of bringing a few rescued horses home one day and I am older than you! Will have to go back and read through all of the comments later when I have some time…… Congrats! Keep us posted on how it goes.
How funny, I have wanted to take up riding again as well. As a matter of fact, earlier today I scribbled down the names and numbers of a couple of local stables for that very reason 🙂
Tara, I love your story and that is how I want to be with my horse (when I get one – we’ve lived in the city forever) and just be best friends. I do believe animals are heaven sent and can do wonders in our lives. We can learn so much from them. They just want to be loved and treated with kindness and respect. Good on you.
I’m so excited for you to get back into riding!! There is just nothing like it and I’m sure most of it will come back to you except for maybe your diagonal or remembering to breathe!!! hahaha! I hear that every week! ugh! It is so good for the soul. I’m glad your taking some time out for yourself and who knows, maybe your boys would take interest in riding one day. Keep us posted on your lessons!
Awesome!!!! I, too, grew up riding and had my last horse several years ago. I was one month pregnant with my twins when my old boy was ready to visit the rainbow bridge. Horses have always been an important part in my life. They are great therapy! Although we live on a few acres, we live within city limits and cannot have them BUT our backyard neighbor lives on 300 acres and wants me to ride their horses since they don’t ride. I cannot wait. All the groomed trails are canopied with trees and it is just breathtaking. So happy for you to get back in the saddle. Be prepared for the best sore feeling for two days after, girlfriend! xoxo Happy trails!
How wonderful for you! You must be very disciplined…… I quilt, or use too. When I retired I said I was going to quilt more and take piano lessons. I haven’t taken lessons and I quilt even less than when I was working. What is the problem, do we get lazy, saying there’s tomorrow? Maybe like someone mentioned above, I need to make a COMMITTMENT in the new year and just do it. Make time for me instead of vacuuming and dusting and laundry. Have fun!
This post is a great reminder to all of us to take time for ourselves, learning a skill or just pursuing something we think is silly or not productive to our daily lives. i have always found when I take that time it makes me a more appealing person to be around and everyone in the family benefits from it. Enjoy your time riding!
How exciting and fun for you! I used to ride when I was a tween and miss it. But I would love to do now is do rowing or crew. It seems so peaceful to be on a lake , just you and the water and the boat, sigh….one day
Have fun!
I would love to do that, too! I’ve always liked the rowing machine at the gym. Getting one is on my wish list for some day…
Fabulous dresser!! Can’t wait to see it all fixed up!
Have fun at your first lesson. I’ve always been a tad scared of horses. They’re so big and powerful. But, they’re beautiful. I’ve been on a horseback ride (trail) once, which was fun, but I was nervous the whole time.
I haven’t ridden since my horse passed when I was in college. I miss it. Enjoy! It’s worth trying again just to wear the boots!!! Speaking of, I always wanted to tap dance, but only if I could wear the high heeled tap shoes!!! I’m about as graceful as a horse though!
Wow!! To go back in time and do something you loved to do as a child often but just sporadically after that. Awesome.
Then to redo a type of furniture I’ve never seen before. And make it new and loved again. It’s how I used to feel when I’d sew for myself in high school and college and then for my girls. What an opportunity!! Be sure to let us see what you did but don’t rush on my account. I’ll just be happy to see your furniture makeovers.
I did pray for you. Maybe your disappointment? Was just kind of that breaking point of holding everything together.
Iand God sees down a road we don’t see. This is not a cliche but foundation of our faith in Our Lord. And maybe you will maybe God won’t reveal why you were not to move to those particular locations.
I want to learn how to surf but it’s kind of intimidating. Maybe we’ll try it out next summer.
Do it! I love it. . . Really, go and do it!
Sounds like you will have a lot of fun with your lessons, Marian. Besides, that would be some extra exercise. I don’t ride (always lived in cities – didn’t have a chance to learn), but I hear it requires a lot of strength and stamina on the part of the rider as well as on the part of the horse. Maybe someday I’ll learn how to do it, too… just Western style, not English.
P.S. The dresser looks beautiful! Can’t wait to see how you improve on that beauty.
What I’d really, really like to for me? That’s easy, I want so badly to take a MMSMP class! But I’m in SW Florida, and don’t know where I’d find one close by! Good for you, you deserve some Marian time!
I’m an original Star Trek fan. She was a beautiful woman. How sweet of your SIL to gift you with such a nice gift that you now will get to enjoy. Have fun!
No idea what I’d like to do. None at all.
Well, I think you need to think of something! 🙂
Marian,
Your JEFF is a Jewel ! Not many husbands out there who take the interest and time to ask if there is something you really find lacking. You are a very lucky Lady… which I’m sure you probably already know!
That’s wonderful! I hope you really enjoy it. And what a special story about your other riding gear! So… what would I like to do? Hmm… Well, I really need to go clothes shopping, but I don’t enjoy that. So… Hmm… (I’m thinking here). I think maybe I would like to paint. I really enjoyed painting in my high school art classes. Oil was my favorite. So, yeah. Painting. 🙂
What a fun post! First, I am SO impressed with your husband that he would pose that question to you….he sounds so caring and supportive. Secondly, those photos of you on the horse are adorable!! Could you display them in a small vignette in your home, maybe including one of the riding helmets or something? They are too cute to store away! And thirdly, I just saw that Star Trek episode a few weeks ago and looked up that actress on IMDB.com because she looked familiar. She was so beautiful. And you knew her! I wonder what she thought of William Shatner?! LOL
Good for you! Riding is a wonderful thing…although a little addicting. I rode up through college, but now have four little darlings and have gone twice in eight years. As much as I love it, it’s not the season I’m in now. I have plain boots (not field boots) so do wear them occasionally with a skirt, but you’re right. They are NOT made for walking! Have a blast at your lesson!
Oh and one tip- this week before your lesson, stand on the edge of a curb or stair with just the ball of your feet on the edge. Stretch your heels down and loosen up your calves slowly over the week so you’ll have a chance at keeping your heels down for your first lesson! Best to you!
What a good and thoughtful man to ask you the question. You are spot on to carve out time for things that bring you joy. I have been enjoying your website for a bit over a year. I share an appreciation for items with a history to them. Thanks for sharing your style and bits of your faith and life.
Good for you for getting back in the saddle! I have been riding my whole life and take lessons all the time. I do general horsemanship lessons now, but I’ve also taken barrel racing and English lessons in the last few years, too. There is nothing better for my soul than being around or on a horse. I put on barrel races in my area and I have a contestant who started barrel racing at 60 just for her because she always wanted to. She is now in her late 60’s and still going strong. She just goes at her own pace and enjoys it. You are going to feel so good afterwards and I’m so happy you are doing this for yourself! I wish you all the best!
Ok, first of all, what a very special husband you have. I never, in 28 years of marriage, had mine ask me something like that. He’s definitely a keeper. And second, I’m so proud of and happy for you. You go girl! As for something just for me? Hmmm I’m working on it.
You have an amazing husband. I have been a stay at home mom for 10 years, and my husband travels and is gone from home days and weeks at a time. I can assure you that in all that time my husband has never even thought about what I might like to do for myself….Having said that, I am so glad that you have something for yourself so that you can step away from the house and work and children. Self love and self care is so important….
I’m thinking about buying a 1967 red convertible Mustang. When I die, it’ll go to my nephew who is Mustang crazy. Come farm sit for me and you can ride my Curly horses -lol-.
I want to take guitar lessons. I haven’t because of the money and the time. Just the other day I wondered again about asking the worship team at church if they know anyone who gives guitar lessons – so I could learn the kinds of songs that I want to play.
So awesome! I grew up doing Western riding, but now as an adult my first and only real collection of vintage items is English riding hats. I only have four, but I still look for them whenever I’m out picking. I hope you can enjoy riding again- there is nothing better than connecting with a horse. 🙂