The website is pretty much done, the renovations are beginning to wind down with the biggest disruptions for this phase complete. Soon, we’ll take a break. There are big projects to come, but, frankly, we’ve had enough for the moment. Living in a renovation is not for the faint of heart. One of those big projects to come however, is the studio. But I can’t wait for the studio or Spring.
It has been suggested that when creative people are away from their work too long, they get depressed, grouchy and scattered. I feel I can relate to this.
My studio has been largely in these boxes (right) since July 2017. My plein air kit is the only box that got opened.
I’m itching to get back to it, but there has been a rather interesting diversion…
My neighbours had a family emergency out of state and needed some help with their horses. They have four. I know nothing about horses.
My experience with horses looks like this: I brushed one a few times and I have sat on one for a brief ride when I was a kid.
Suddenly, I find myself one of three caretakers. One does the mucking (thank you that’s not me!), one to do the feeding (that’s me) and one who does backup. Fortunately these ladies are experienced horse people.
After a two hour crash course, I am now spending a lot of time around horses and learning about their behaviour in the process. The feeding is involves setting hay bags – one each for the four. The bales are 50lbs and need to be placed in the hay bags like pillows in pillowcases and tied up off the ground. They get refilled roughly every couple days. The mares get a daily damp feed of beets and alfalfa (like Ru above). It’s hard work. I’m sore, particularly my hands, but the horse love and the learning experience is worth it.
There is no shortage of personality with two mares, a gelding and one stallion. They like carrots. I’ve been mugged more than once. I think they like me, but then I’m still easy to push around. The crunch of gravel under my feet on the way to the barn is enough for them to rush to the gate, snorting. They let me groom them (except for the gelding) and will follow me around – even when I don’t have carrots.
I read recently about the intuitive abilities of horses and how they can read your mood. It is a course in mindfulness to be around them. No matter what is going on before I step into the pasture, it is important to clear it away. It’s safer for both horse and human and it makes the time so enjoyable. It’s hard to be in a bad mood even while being mugged by 1200+ lb thieves.
So, the studio remains in boxes and it will likely take a little more time to get, even something temporary, set up. But the distraction is making great friends in the new community, both human and equine. And Spring is coming. It might be nice to have company when the paint brushes finally come out in force!
Horses are just like big dogs with bigger teeth :p great to just sit and watch to relax 🙂
LOL! I guess that is true! A lot of work to take care of though.
yeah lol a bit more work then taking care of most dogs. feeding, grooming,shoeing, vet bills and they do have a habit when they get hurt they get really hurt
Great post Michelle! The website really looks wonderful and I love that you are meeting your new neighbours. Beautiful creatures!!
Thanks, Anita! I’m learning how much work horses are and it is bringing together the neighbourhood.
I love your description of your crash course in horse care and friend-making. They sound like great characters. I can so imagine it. I like the mindfulness angle too. I used to look after the neighbour’s beasties when they were on holiday and miss it, even the freezing 6am wake-ups before heading off to school.
Yikes! 6am! They have a way of worming into your heart. Thanks…
What a beautiful horse! Glad you’re enjoying the horses and the neighbours.
It’s nice that we are getting to know everyone so quickly. Winter isn’t the usual time! And we have been so busy. I have work and the renovations. It has been a nice distraction.
Wonderful. Getting to know another species can open a universe of ideas…but I certainly “get” how itchy you probably are to get back to your studio. It all sounds very exciting. Hopefully the exciting will win over the aggravation.
Well my duties after 3 weeks are done and I am back to just carrots. I’ll miss such close contact, but I am exhausted! So I’m catching up on work and plan to start unpacking this week.