Allie is a ham, but Monterey was fun.

The ocean is a wonderful place.

The air is cooler, the sky is cleaner, and the breeze is something you wish would fill your whole being.

I ditched my family and walked Point Lobos solo to clear my mind and found peace.

The sunshine was that hazy daydream glow, almost like golden hour but at noon.

It felt like I was wandering a path made just for me.

The wild flowers were dead, but the remains were lit up and glowing.

The ocean was lulling and calming in the background, but then roaring when the trees faded away.

Oh! the trees! The limbs were mangled and worn like old sailors.

It is amazing to think of the things they have seen.

The old whalers coming in from a long bout with huge sea creatures.

Imagining how brave the early explorers had to have been to wander through unknown places with no guarantee is nuts.

Today I am going to see my horse, take some pictures of the Westmorelands, and sew a horse on a stick for Josh's nephew.

Thoughts;

I can't wait for Fort Bragg!

I want to be a cattle driver just to ride in hilly pastures.

Chico starts soon, ahhhh

Anouk

not forgetting my tripod

arg

Snow Flurries

It is winter.

For the first time in my life that I can remember, it was snowing.

I have been to the snow.

I have played in the snow.

I have thrown, eaten, and rolled in lots of snow.

I have had a few snow drops fall on me, but never has it really snowed while I was awake to enjoy it.

Yesterday at Josh's cabin, it was magical.

I couldn't stop smiling.

Too bad I was the only one besides Muffin, the dog, who enjoyed it.

I have been working with a trainer to get Tuesday into better shape.

It is stressful and I want to throw in the towel at some points, but she is coming along.

Last night I made vegan lavender ice cream.

It was delish.

All you have to do is bring 1 1/4 cups milk (I used almond) to boil, then toss in about a cup of lavender buds. I like mine strong, if you wanted it to be more mild you could use less. Once you add the lavender, remove the pot from the heat. Let the milk and lavender steep for 20 minutes. Then whisk in a 14 oz can of whole fat coconut milk and 1/2 cup of sugar or agave or honey, whatever. I used honey and powdered sugar (so I guess mine wasn't vegan). Pop this mix into a Tupperware (covered, I guess you could use the bowl and saran wrap) and leave in the fridge for a few hours. Mine sat for about 8 hours. Then fire up your ice cream maker ( I got mine for $30 from Lowes online, free shipping!) and follow the maker's instructions. 

I thought the ice cream would have an icy texture, but it came out just like ice cream! I added two drops of red and two drops of blue food coloring to make a faint purple color. This made about 1 quart of ice cream.

Seriously, all about fresh snowfall and lavender.

Oh, and we decorated my house for Christmas with the stuff I gathered from the woods. It looks rustic and was free. Yay!

Thoughts;

moss

snow

candles

DIY presents

map bunting

feathers

twigs

trail rides

Tuesday

thankfulness

DONE

Done with this semester.

I only missed 24 points out of 700 in my Plant Science class.

I didn't even need to take the final to pass.

Ha. Didn't even buy the textbook.

Yes, I know I am a nerd.

Now it's all Chico State paperwork.

Maybe I'd rather study for finals...

Fog

There is something magical about fog.

I like not being able to see far away details.

It is calming.

All there is is what is in front of me.

My camera, my dogs, the street lamp, dead leaves; that is it.

I am excited for Chico to start, very excited.

Thoughts;

I've been feeling jumpy lately.

knitting

DIY gifts

watercolor

sea grass

apparitions

scholarships

binoculars

star gazing

Out where I keep Tuesday the stars flock.

I counted 3 falling stars just on my way to put her back in the pasture.

I think I found my new stargazing spot.

hope.

redemption

Rain and lots of it.

Josh's family had a tree fall in their living room.

Spent a lot of time with Tuesday on my week off.

I really like the guy I am working with.

He's teaching me how to train her and work with her.

I've learned so much since August, especially pertaining to horses.

I know a green rider and a green horse are a dangerous pairing, but I have learned so much.

I like that she is beginning to trust me and remain calm around me.

I like that she is still free to be a horse.

I like that there was a rescue.

A redeeming.

A pulling-up from the muck.

A new name given.

A new purpose declared.

Love.

Sounds familiar.

She is a ghost.

I am a ghost.

Thoughts;

compassion

rain

cleansing

healing

peace