I have spent the last few days gathering and organizing my photos and poems for my second book. It is finally ready I think! The hardest part seems to have been the organizing and the writing about myself ! Funny the poems came so easily !
After feeling for most of yesterday and the day before, like,I don't know enough about me to write the "about me" portion of my new book, This is what I came up with late last evening .
“If it is possible, I will do it .If it is impossible, it will take me a little longer Author unknown
I read this quote several years ago. And it spoke to me in its simplicity, and clear determination. This phrase defines the people in my life who were and are my heroes and the people I am proud to call family.
From my great grandfather William Horricks who settled on the old homestead near Edmonton and proceeded to build a life with his family, to my Grandfather George Horricks , who with his brother Charlie built and established Horricks Dairy, a formidable entity in its own right from 1927 to 1977.
Initially delivering milk to customers with horse and wagon, then in later years more modern modes. George served on the board of directors and as president of the Alberta Dairy Pool. Charlie, a blacksmith, of note, as he had only one arm as a result of a motor vehicle accident, and George, who also due to injury, had lost his hand, were two of the most able and capable men I have ever known! Teaching me that nothing is impossible, it just takes some “figuring”.
The farm continued with the growing partnership of George and his sons. Bud (Milton) Bill and Ron. They worked not only in the dairy, but in a large commercial cattle operation as well as grain farming.
This is where I grew up, and found my enduring love of animals and the land. And where I learned a work ethic, about family, loyalty and love.
The first “real job “I held was at the age of 10 washing bottles and delivering milk on the farm. I was so proud of the checks I received from Grandpa!
The bottles I delivered were plain, but the original Horricks Dairy bottles looked like this.
The Label Read
Horricks Dairy
“Natural Milk, Naturally the best”
A phrase coined by my grandfather.
My love of literature, and knowledge came also from My Granddad Blaine; he was an avid reader and shared his love of literature with us all. Again not one to let adversity slow him down, he returned to High school at the age of 42 completed his Grade 12 Matriculation!
I have kept the lessons of these heroes close to my heart, all of my life. At the age of 18 I moved away from the family farm to start my life on the ranch near Onoway. Caring for the stock and attending college to study Animal Health Technology. My path changed, as they often do and I found a career in Health care, working first with adult survivors of Brain injury , then later as I expanded my knowledge in health care as a Home support aid and finally as a Mental Health aide , providing support to individuals in my community .
Through all of this I have maintained a breeding operation of the beautiful Appaloosas horses I adore ,as well raising beef cattle ,first with my dad, and now with my husband Martin , whose support and encouragement for my writing has been outstanding .
My poetry is written, always from the heart, and about the life I live here at Fern Valley. About and for the wonderful people and animals who have been part of my life.
Any thoughts ?
Stay safe and warm
edited to add
I did take photos of the bottles with milk in them for the book on your suggestions, and Yes I admit it, I am a "comma criminal"
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