(Sleeping beauties)
Been a busy busy year for me . Lots going on here at the farm and in my life in general. My folks moving, mom's health, and hospitalizations. Dad's hip surgery. And my Father in law's on going illness, and fading health . All of that, plus the day to day things here at the farm, and work added to chronic pain have conspired to make me a "mildly" stressed Jelly Bean.
I am running around all day most days just trying to keep my head above water. Accomplishing thing?? well yes, but not all I want to . Sadly for me when I get feeling stressed ,my instinct is to become hyper vigilant , and have a need to control every little thing in my space. I cannot control the issues of health my family is suffering , and I cannot control other people, but I wind up being very focused on my stuff, checking 2-3 times what I normally could look at one time and be fine. What does that achieve? nothing more than to spiral my stress level up and up!
So what to do about it? I cannot as I said control the world or other people , but I can control what I put on my "plate"
So while we have had a banner year here at Fern Valley with the foals. There will be no foals here next year. I am taking a year off from breeding mares , and going to have all of next spring and summer (after calving ) to do , well? whatever I decide to do.
I have been invited several times on a blogger trail ride, and have been unable/unwilling to leave with young foals here. I am lucky in that my brother in law is very good about watching over things for me ,but I feel to take off with 4 foals looking for a place to kill themselves is asking a bit much!
To the foaling contest winners from this year, I am sorry to be so far behind, I have not forgotten you ,and I will send out your prizes soon!
To the foaling contest winners from this year, I am sorry to be so far behind, I have not forgotten you ,and I will send out your prizes soon!
And as you can see I have no shortage of photos this year, may just carry me through!
Stay safe my friends!
12 comments:
Lots of cuties to photograph, but I'm sure you've got your hands full. My herd has finally settled down after all the herd integration issues and the fly mask ripping phase, so I was able to leave the house for half a day to help my son move, but had to leave early to get back to prevent the dogs from having accidents. Sorry about all the health problems going on.
I am sorry for your stress and family health problems . Sometimes ya need me time and that's just the way it is ! Lovely photos ! Hope all gets better for you all ! Take it easy and try to have a good day !
Oh I am so sorry I do understand this stress of things you cannot control especially the health of the ones you love. I also understand the need to control everything else in your life because you need to feel you are the one with the power. I have learned being a lot older than you that it does not matter what you can control or not control you HAVE to NEED to control your own health and frankly sanity it is sooooo important.
I do not have horses and foaling but we have decided their will be no winter calving this year for basically the same reasons you mention you are skipping a year of breeding.We will be calving but it will be in the warmer spring and much easier on me and my stress level. I do hope you find that balance you need and I will be rooting for you. My prayers to your family.
Remember take care of yourself the rest will happen the way it is supposed to and you will be needed. Spend all the time you can with the ones you love the rest will wait. Change what you can deal with what you can't. HUGS HUGS B (sorry for the long comment I do know exactly what you are going through and it is nice knowing I are not alone) Hugs again B
I certainly understand the stress spiral. At least you are aware and have a plan, that helps. Good job thinking things through and being aware of your feelings. Take time for yourself too.
Love the photos. You really did get great foals in your breeding program.
You must do what is right for you. You always have gorgeous foals, surprising how different but similar they are. I always look at them and think of which one I want if I were buying!! Right now my fav is Maks.
I am sorry about your plate having to be a platter :( - hugs.
The pictures are adorable! I love the babies sleeping one. They are really cute :)
Run Wild Missy, you deserve a break. More time for 'Words'? LOL
Another control freak here... and the more things are out of my control the worse I feel and the more running in circles I do!
I think it's a great decision on your part to take a season 'off' although I am sure you'll manage to fill the time with a ton of other activities and then wonder how you ever managed foals on top of it. :)
I love the one with the babies all passed out in a heap. Awesome!
Sometimes you just gotta say- Enough is enough! I'm not going to die trying to please anyone and everyone. To hell with that. I can only do what I can do and the rest will have to wait.
Done. Simple as that. Anyone who doesn't like it, knows where they can go.
Good for you girl! I soooo understand the hyper-vigilant stress mode, and seeing someone else dial it back helps me to follow suit! Thanks!
Good for you, FV, that's great to read that your decision lifted your spirits.
With all you hjave on your plate, it makes good sense.
Aw hugs! So does this mean we can plan a trail ride or two for next year? Yippee! How about one in BC and one in Alberta? I didn't breed Gussie this year, so next year it's all about getting out and enjoying the trails. I'll have a truck by then that can pull my trailer too (current truck is a V6).Janice was talking about riding down in the Porcupine hills- that's close to where Linda Peterson is now- and getting Terry Aris from Tired Ass Ranch to guide us. She has a gift certificate for a guided trail ride from him. Might be a really good kick off to the trails next year!
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