Wednesday, October 12, 2005

From biker to cowgirl in one day

It seems like it's been months since I took a really long horseback ride, but today it happened.  And it was glorious.  Horses are at their best in autumn; if you watch them in the pasture, they frolic and run with abandon.  When you ride this time of year, it seems their energy is limitless.

There are two ways to really enjoy nature:  taking a walk, or riding a horse. 

Vehicles are so noisy (not to mention closed-in) you don't hear the cottonwood trees rustling (I always think of the line from a song in an old movie, "Tammy":  "I hear the cottonwoods whispering above... Tammy, Tammy, Tammy's in love...".  Cottonwoods really do whisper, but this time of year they're louder, because the leaves are getting dry.  There are few birds left to chirp in October, but you can't help noticing the occasional bird-sounds that do fall on your ear.

Motorized vehicles move along so fast that you miss the lovely little things happening in the world:  a butterfly perched on a flower; the squirrel that sees you coming and scampers up a tree, half-spooking the horse; a pair of little birds flitting across the path in front of you.

If you don't have a horse, I advise you to take a long walk in the country.  If you're not able to walk, just find a peaceful country setting away from people and sit for an hour or so.  You'll be amazed at the beauty around you.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just reading your journal...if I lean my head back...close my eyes....makes me feel like I am right along with you....and can hear it all.....Hugs....Ora

Anonymous said...

I looked at the pictures before I read your journal.  When the cottonwoods came up, I started singing the song.  The Tammy movies were always some of my favorites.  The scenery in your pics is wonderful....even the "Scenic Byway!"  Love to you, PJ

Anonymous said...

The monarchs were here a couple of weeks ago. Now I am watching the leaves turn different shades. It's just beautiful.   Anne

Anonymous said...

Sure looks like Blue had a blast!!!  And I agree, Mandy wanted to roll around too.  I loved the pics, as usual you did good, girl.

Anonymous said...

Since I don't have a horse anymore :( I took that long walk in the woods Sunday. We saw a flock of about 20-30 turkeys.  They took wing when we got too close.  The weather was perfect for horse riding I sure wish I had been on one.

Anonymous said...

Well, I don't have a horse, but manys the time that I stop on the country road I drive home from work on, and just sit and look at the beauty all around me.  It's the only 'real' country road left in these parts, and while I could take the expressway home, I alway opt for the country road.  Takes me a little longer, but I never tire of the hills, and farm houses, the occasional tumbleweed (no matter where you go in Southern California Desert Communities you will always find a tumbleweed SOMEwhere..lol), and the scampering of coyote, rabbits, squirrels and other little animals.  It's my little piece of nature that in no way compares with where you live, Mosie.  I love the east coast and it's beauty!
Thank you for sharing those pictures!  Loved them!
Jackie

Anonymous said...

A good day.

Anonymous said...

I'm looking forward to the migration of Canadian geese coming through our area.  The sound they make while going over my house at night is so gorgeous that I've been known to get a little teary-eyed while lying in bed.  Gotta love those birds!!

Russ

Anonymous said...

I love walking in the woods in the fall! But I don't ride horses anymore! I think you are one of the bravest women i know!
love ya,
carlene

Anonymous said...

Oh the pictures you paint, makes me wish I could go back to when I didn't live in the city. One thing I miss....the stars at night. You could actually see them where I use to live. Some of my best memories of me and nature were from the time I lived in Arizona.

Thanks for the verbal pictures hun. You paint them so wonderfully.

-Raven

Anonymous said...

I live in the country as well and I think we get more into the spirt than most.  Why? Because we have more room for the grave yards.  lol
Dianne

Anonymous said...

For anyone who's wondering, my dear mother Mosie has a problem.  Her PC died (may it rest in peace) and she's trying to find someone to repair it at a reasonable price.  Maybe tomorrow.  *sigh*

Anonymous said...

You are so blessed to live in the country !  And to have a horse.  I see the country going to and from work each day and as you say , I go to fast in a car to enjoy it.  I guess that's why we always enjoyed camping.  I'm going to visit my kids that are camping this weekend in a beautiful spot here in Ohio.  I can't wait !  Thanks for you sharing your 'little bit of heaven' .  'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

Wow! I don't think I've ever seen a horse roll on the ground like that. It's hilarious. Kind of like an overgrown dog. I used to love horseback riding when I was a kid. I haven't been in years. :-) ---Robbie

Anonymous said...

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FMGruber@aol.com