A New Year Upon Us

Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday.~John Wayne

Last New Year's eve, coming into 2011, I was relieved for it's start and a new beginning.  With going through a year of ups and downs with my step father, his passing in October, 2010 from a brain tumor, I wanted to take that big sigh and move forward.  I knew it would be a hard year of firsts for all of us, especially my Mother.  I didn't get too far into 2011, before another heart break.  My father passed away on January 31, 2011.  I remember the phone call at work from my step mother, her barely able to tell me through her own tears that my dad had another heart attack and did not make it this time.  I felt like I was just getting to my knees finally after my step father, and those words felt like a boot to my face knocking me back down into the dirt.  I think my co-workers had thought I was being murdered in my office, for all the screaming and crying I was doing, as they all came running in, to realize I was on the phone and things were not good.  My hope of a new start in 2011 didn't quite turn out how I had hoped.  

Who knows what 2012 will bring to myself and my family.  I know that I have big plans for Sis and myself.  I truly hope we can make an impact.  I am really excited about meeting some of the families that are going thru or who have gone thru the same type of year we had back in 2010, and to give them a fun night out watching my favorite sport, rodeo.  I want to be able to take their minds off things for just one night, and to show them there are people out here, perhaps strangers, fighting for them as well.   I am really excited and pumped up for 2012!  Although, the last year and a half has been very hard, I feel that something good has evolved from going through everything.  That being, the revelation of how I can stop feeling helpless everytime I heard the words, "cancer" or "heart attack".  To take something that I enjoy (barrel racing) and turn it into something that can help others. (hopefully!).  Regardless of how much money I win though, I will still be able to meet some brave kids and their families and show them how much the cowgirl/cowboy community looks out for each other and have huge hearts for people in need. 

2012~~New beginnings can not be relived or restarted, but anyone can start today and have an impact on the ending.  January 1 is your new start! Don't overwhelm yourself. Just take one step...make just one change in your life or in someone elses'. 

War Horse

Today my family went to see War Horse, along with my sister and my mother.  It really was a good story.  It put me in the mind of Black Beauty a little bit, and all the owners that a horse sometimes goes thru in his/her lifetime.  Of course, it was a tear jerker at times, but also some very good parts as well.  Certainly a must-see for any horse owner, even though some may be afraid to see it due to some of the sad parts.  To me, it's heart wrenching no doubt to see or rather to think that horses in those times were killed or injured or treated badly, but it is apart of history, the history of horses as well as our own.

The horse in the movie looked almost just like my Sis.  She will no doubt be my own "War Horse" in 2012, as we "fight" in our own way for cancer and heart disease.

Merry Christmas

It's not the presents that
make Christmas so special,
it's the presence of those you love
whether they are with you in person, or spirit
Have a wonderful day with family and friends.

Coincidences?

Ever feel like things just are falling in place? I watched Pure Country 2 today with my kids, and this song just really felt like it hit me. As if somebody wanted me to hear it. I keep thinking, I am off my rocker, thinking too big with all this "dreaming of three" stuff. Then, so many things happen, like it was meant to be. Alot of coincidences, that perhaps just aren't.. My printer for my shirts, Dogpound Printing-donates to THREE animal rescues themselves. Chelsea Toy, who did my interview on The Barrel Racing Blog-lives in Colorado, where I'll meet my first little girl that I'll take to the rodeo.  She has alot of contacts in that area to help make this a special night for Amy.   Brad my hat sponsor, at Star of the West, knows the Coors Rodeo people as well. I watch this movie-and it has sat here for probably 2 months unwatched-just when at times, I think I am thinking way too big for my own britches.. I decide to finally take the time to watch it....that song..DREAM BIG- just felt like somebody above was wanting me to hear it-to listen to the words. DREAM BIG!!!  DREAMING OF THREE. Maybe I'm nuts, but... (k don't answer that..lol)

DREAMING BIG!

There comes a time in every bodies life when you destiny is born
There's no doubt what your all about is there without a warning
When it comes you gotta take it and believe your gonna make it through
There's not a challenge you can't face
There's not a rainbow you can't chase
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricenter.com/e37607-katrina_elam~dream_big_lyrics.html ]
Dream Big
Reach high
Don't ever be afraid to spread your wings and fly
With a heart full of faith a whole lotta luck and some love to see you through
Dream big and it just might come true

Always know what the future holds is in the hands of fate
And don't forget that when times get tough the gift is worth the wait
And when it finally comes together your star will shine forever more
And it could give hope to all the rest
Show them how to be the best

Dream big
Reach high
Don't ever be afraid to spread your wings and fly
With a heart full of faith a whole lotta luck and some love to see you through
Dream big and it just might come true

Oh with a heart full of faith a whole lotta luck and some love to see you through
Dream Big and it just might come true.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1O8BL9UhVI

Touching Brave Children's Lives, One Rodeo at a Time!

Chelsea Toy just gave me some wonderful news about Roper contacting her for some donations for AMY!!! Thanks Chels! It is wonderful how so many are wanting to support me in this effort to touch the lives of brave children one rodeo at a time!

Part 3 of Barrel Racing Blog Interview

Via Chelsea Toy at Barrel Racing Blog:  Kick Ass Cowgirls' Jackie Luffey Harris is doing big things. She plans to bring a little girl to watch the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver next month, and she's putting together a fabulous package to give to the 10-year-old girl in need. If you'd like to get involved in making this a special night for this little girl, let me or Jackie know! And Jackie, see you in Denver!
http://thebarrelracingblog.com/2011/12/23/1443/

Part Two with Barrel Racing Blog

If you're looking for a way to find meaning this holiday season, look no further than my friend Jackie Luffey Harris and her Dreaming of Three and Kick Ass Cowgirls. They running barrels, fighting disease and making the lives of very ill ch...ildren better, one rodeo at a time. I'm grateful this team is in the barrel racing world, and here's the second part of our series with Jackie on The Barrel Racing Blog. http://thebarrelracingblog.com/2011/12/22/kick-ass-cowgirl-jackie-luffey-harris-part-2/

FedExing the Tickets to Rodeo and gift card from Peoples Gas for Amy Today

I am really excited to be mailing out the tickets for the rodeo and the gift card to Olive Garden from Peoples Gas today to Amy!    I really want this to be a special night for her and her family. 

"Maybe you can't change the whole world, but if you have love in your heart you can make small differences every day, which really does change the world, one life at a time."
Kristina Koncz

Part One with Barrel Racing Blog

http://thebarrelracingblog.com/2011/12/21/kick-ass-cowgirl-jackie-luffey-harris-part-1/#comment-2345

DogPound Printing

It is amazing at times to me how all things fall into place.  With everything that I have been doing to prepare for 2012, there are times when I am afraid that I'm going too far with things.  But, as with DogPound Printing, I realize it's all meant to be.  I was referred to DogPound by my friends at Kick Ass Cowgirls.  They use DogPound for their printing needs as far as their own shirts.  I never really thought about the name-but then when I wanted to link them to my facebook page, went to their site, I realized that they too, are donating portions of each of their sales to THREE animal rescues!  Not one..not two..but three..  So, how amazing is it, that "Dreaming of Three", hooks up with a design company/tshirt printing company, that also believes in paying it forward-and paying it forward to animal rescues!  They are doing a wonderful job in helping me with these designs!  Please, check them out at http://www.dogpoundprinting.com/  I always thought of opening up my own business some day, and taking portions of sales and donating to a charity.  Just like DogPound!  I think it is awesome to pay it forward as such!  So, here is sneak peak #2, for the women.  Not sure it can be done like such around V..  but hopefully. 

Post Card #2 For Amy

Thank you Shannon!  How beautiful, Amy will certainly love it!  You can see more of Shannon's pieces at http://www.artworkbyshannon.com/

My IPRA CARD!

Finally-A dream come true. I have a decent enough horse that I felt it worthy of getting my card! After 2 horses that passed away that were gonna be my Super Stars-and many others that we just didn't click...shwew-Im 43 but oh well. Better late than never!

Sneak Peak!

I am working on a couple designs of T-shirts to sell in order to raise funds to take the kids fighting cancer or heart disease to the rodeos!  The more I sell, the more families I can take, and the more I can make it an awesome evening for them!  These are just a little preview..not totally finished.  I will keep all posted!

Donations for Amy

I want to thank several people that have stepped up and will be donating items for Amy's goody bag.  Bradley Black will be donating cd's to go into my rodeo kids bags.  You can visit him at
http://www.bradley-black.com/.  Lope for Hope will be donating an item as well.  You can visit them at http://lopeforhope.com/.  Shannon Fleury is also doing some beautiful pieces for her - I've posted some of her work, but you can also visit her at http://www.artworkbyshannon.com/.  Also, Horsehair Bracelets by Candace will be donating a piece.  You can visit her at http://braidedheartstrings.weebly.com/   Also, received just today a beautiful piece from Southpaw Beadworks!   Visit them at http://www.southpawbeadworks.com/  THANK YOU!  We are certainly going to shower this little girl with alot of love and support!

Artwork for Amy

I have so many big hearted friends.  One of which is Shannon Fleury who is a wonderful artist!  I am including a book on "How to Draw Horses" and a sketch pad, and some colored pencils with my goodie bag for Amy, therefore, I thought how great would it be to include some pieces from another artist.  Shannon stepped up to the plate and is making me tear up with her pieces!    You can check out her beautiful work at http://www.artworkbyshannon.com/

Accomplished the FLAG!

I went with a goal in mind, as I didn't want to head down the rodeo trail without being prepared for the "worst", carrying a flag!!! aaah! My worst nightmare on Sis I thought! But, as you will see, we conquered that task with the help of Patrick King!   http://vimeo.com/33805475 

Patrick King Horsemanship

What an AMAZING DAY!  We had a rough start yesterday, as Sis was not real pleased with me taking over the leadership role, and she did manage to kick me in the gut to prove her point.  But, by the end of the day yesterday, we had her rethinking that mindset.  When I arrived today and went through the exercises we were taught yesterday, there was no hesitation on her part and seemingly a new found respect between both of us.  Unlike the day before with the rearing and striking or falling over backwards.  That transformation alone was very cool to see. 

Today, was tarp and flag day.  I knew heading to rodeos there is a chance of having to carry a flag.  NO WAY did I want to go into that blindly or not prepared.  Patrick worked Sis for quite a while getting her used to the tarp, until finally she stepped on it and stood there without worry.  Very entertaining to watch no doubt!  Then, came the flags.  He rode her while carrying a smaller flag, and she wasn't real happy with that new added piece of equipment.   But eventually, it was like second nature that it was flapping around above her.  Then, the larger flag as in rodeos.  Some side stepping, but not very long before she relaxed and did not care that it was there.  

I got on her, with flag at that point.  No side stepping, or spookiness at all. We even loped around the arena several times, with the flag flapping.  

I feel so relieved that we conquered this hurdle!  I will continue playing with flags through winter, until she thinks they are just part of wardrobe.  I now have the "tools" in my back pocket to work with her and have confidence that I am reacting properly. 

I look forward to my next session with Patrick, and all the new things he will teach me.  We as equestrians, never stop learning about the animals we love so much.  There is an endless sea of knowledge out there, you just have to be open minded enough to take the first step in learning it all. 

 

Amy LeClaire's Story. The first little girl I'll be taking to a rodeo in January.

Amy LeClaire’s Story

Amy, our spunky and active 7 year old daughter, had been complaining of stomach pains for awhile, and we had thought that she possibly had food allergies. Her appetite had become minimal, and she was starting not to feel well in general. We brought her to the pediatrician several times and then ended up at a Gastrointestinal Specialist. She went from an x-ray, to an ultrasound, to a CAT scan in one day. After the imaging, they found that she had a mass the size of a Kleenex box in her small abdomen.

On February 26^th 2009 our little daughter was officially diagnosed with a malignant abdominal tumor following exploratory surgery. Initially, they could not confirm what kind of tumor it was, and they had to send the biopsies away to be evaluated. They told us it was a “nasty” tumor, and they started very aggressive chemotherapy on March 4^th. She ended up staying in the hospital for over a month. The tumor was disintegrating so fast because of the chemo, it caused a bowel obstruction. The tumor had been adhered to the intestine, and as it was shrinking, it pulled the intestine into a 90 degree angle and caused the bowel obstruction. She had surgery to correct this, and it took awhile for her to start eating. She also had intermittent hospital stays for various reasons, but she always had a positive attitude, and usually a smile on her face!

They did determine that the huge mass was a Wilm’s tumor, which is in the kidney. Usually this tumor will grow into the kidney, but, Amy’s tumor grew out from the kidney, and this is very unusual. She has had many ups and downs with the effect of chemo and her body recovering from such a large tumor. The tumor and her kidney were removed May 24^th, and she had 6 days of radiation therapy after the removal. Her last day of chemo was be September 14, 2009. We are beyond grateful for her recovery, and for the research that has gone on for decades prior to Amy’s Wilm’s tumor. Without it, there would not be the expertise needed to treat her and allow her to have a complete recovery.

 

Amy continues to have a quarterly MRI and CT Scan to make sure that she is “clean” of any cancer. She had her first in February, and received a clean status, and her next one was November 10, 2011 and she is still CLEAN! Amy’s oncologist, Dr. Julie Zimbelman, never says Amy is cured of her cancer but forever in remission.     

We have been affiliated with a group called Heroes Forever. Here is a brief story about them:

In the beginning of May 2009, we were invited to attend a Heroes Forever weekend at the YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch in Winter Park. After all Amy and the rest of us had been through, this was a weekend that gave us all hope that life could become normal again. We found support, peers, and a new found trust that everything would be “OK”. We were so grateful to have this opportunity to be with others who had gone before us, and others who were in similar situations. Heroes Forever made a big difference in Amy’s outlook, and continues to be a group and community for Amy, her twin brother Ben, and her parents to belong to, and do things with on a regular basis.

In the future, if you wish to take more kids to the Rodeo, Heroes Forever has many children that they help, and could give you a list of more children affected by cancer.

Amy & big brother Jeff, while going thru chemo.

Amy now, after she has been given the "clear", with her twin brother Ben.

National Western Stock Show & Rodeo

The Christmas after my step-father was diagnosed with a brain tumor, was no doubt rough.  I thought long and hard about what to get a man who has just been given 12-18 months to live.  Things, possessions, didn't seem to be important any more.  So, I looked around online, and found the Jersey Boys play was in downtown Pittsburgh.  I decided to purchase tickets for him and my mother, and give them a gift card to Mortons Steak House as well, for a night, that I know now was a wonderful memory for him and my mother.  They really enjoyed that night out and loved the show. 

As I sat watching the NFR, the commercials for St. Jude's Hosptial really got to me.  I'd find myself tearing up watching all those children fighting cancer.  I thought how horrible it must be for them and their families to watch such a young soul fighting that horrible fight.  These children I feel I am racing for as well in 2012.  However, I thought how I would love to be able to meet some of these children that I feel are so brave and strong beyond their years.  So I thought, why not do for a couple of these children what I did for my step father, give them an experience!  So, when I head to rodeos, I will figure a way to find a family with a child fighting cancer or heart disease and purchase tickets for them to come out to a night at the rodeo.  I'll make up some goodie bags to give them as well to remember their night. 

I'll be headed to Denver for work in January, and going to the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo.  Although, I'll only be a spectator at the rodeo, I thought I would start the New Year off with this awesome rodeo.  I have a friend that knows such a family, and she is going to contact them for me.   I think experiences in life are the most valuable.

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude." -Denis Waitley

NFR 2011

As I watch the NFR barrels, I constantly think "sure wish I could put some of our Northeastern horses up against those that are running.  See where how we all compare".  Those runs at the NFR are awesome runs no doubt and of course it makes me NOT want to take a 3 month break.  However, the cold air, darkness, and mudd everywhere, tends not to be real enjoyable keeping a horse fit this time of year.  Then of course, if you do try to keep one fit through winter, races are constantly being cancelled due to ice or snow.  Anyway, back to my to my thoughts of which arena do we compete in up here that is similar to that in Vegas.  Buckhorn?  I think it's close, but perhaps a tad larger pattern at Buckhorn.   There are so many awesome horses up here that every weekend make beautifiul runs, just as those during the NFR.  Just wish some of us Northeastern cowgirls could be thrown into that World of NFR, and see if we can hang, or if we are left in the dust.  I suppose I will get my reality check next year, when I try to compete at a few rodeos and see if my first division horse can hang with the IPRA girls or if I am left leaving with my tail between my legs.  I'm excited to find out however.  In my lifetime, I've come to realize that you can't depend upon other people for what you want. You can't be scared to go out and get it. You have to dream big, wish hard & chase after your goals, because no one is going to do it for you.

New Logo!

As you can see, I've created a new logo.  My thought process in creating a logo to begin with was that once I determine the rodeos that I will attend throughout the year, I will ask for families that have a child fighting cancer/heart disease to let me know that they are in that area.  I will draw a winner and will buy tickets for a family of four to attend the rodeo, and make up a prize basket.  I wanted something there for the child for them to remember their day, and to remember that there is somebody out here fighting for them.  So I wanted to perhaps make up some t-shirts, or something to give to them. Hence, here is the design!  I am in the process of designing some t-shirts as well.  One a regular T, and another a kinda of rock n roll/Harely chic/cowgirl type of feel to it.  I will also sell these shirts, with all proceeds going to the three charities.   

So, I continue to brainstorm, as I wait for Spring.  We'll see what other ideas come into my head within the next several months!  Stay tuned!

Natural Horsemanship

Well, from the several chuckles and rolling eyes when it comes to Sis rodeoing (I know, she can be a handful at times-and I know it's just as much my fault as owned her 9 years!), I decided to take my time off to improve "our" attitude (if possible), get her used to flags, etc-but of course I need help. So, headed to Patrick King Horsemanship in another week! I'm excited! Trying to polish everything up before Race for a Cause. Goin to hit a barrel racing clinic hopefully in the Spring as well.