Live your moments

I've been doing some thinking lately at just how very quickly time passes - in fact, whizzes by.  I've not been comfortable with how fast time goes for quite some time now, and live in hopes of slowing everything down.  I'm fearful that I'll fall asleep, only to awaken and see an old woman in my reflection.

How do you manage it?  Slow down the years, months, days - moments? Personally, I don't think it's by cramming more and more into the days.  Always hoping to do more, see more, be more, accomplish more.  Quite the opposite really...

I think the answer lies in savoring the moments, really being aware of all the beautiful, simple little things in life that make up those days.  It's about living in the moment, taking in all those sensory delights that give those moments their unique blueprint.  And maybe more important than anything else, feel those moments.  Become fully aware of all the sights, sounds, emotion and beauty in everything, everyday.  Only by realizing their beauty and recognizing every event as a blessing, a gift; will we ever learn to be fully present in our own lives and live our moments.  Not always an easy feat...



We had the most amazing time on our mini vacation away.  Oh, how I wanted to stay longer!  The weather, our campsite, the horses, the drive, everything was just about perfect!  It felt so good to get away.  I really, really wished we could have stayed a few days longer.  But I'm so thankful we went when we did because oh, how our weather has changed!

Our first storm of the season has blown in and has gone.  We had a lot of wind and so much rain.  I'm already done with the rain.  Seemingly overnight we've gone from summer to winter.  We've passed over my favorite season with only a blip on the calendar, and that makes me feel sad.  I actually enjoy each and every season for its' uniqueness, but so often in the Pacific Northwest, we just go to winter mode, which means wet, wet, wet.  And around our house that means dealing with the never-ending mud and dashing from one dry spot to another to avoid the deluge of water dropping from the sky.  I just can't help from asking myself again, why do we keep postponing our move to the drier side of the mountain??? I only wish I knew...





We had such a beautiful spot to camp.  We were right beside Jack Creek, and watered the horses there.  The horses seemed to enjoy the peace and tranquility as much as we did.  Had it not been for the chipmunks, all would have been serene...  :)



Seeing the big guy out on the trails, with my hubby aboard just makes my heart sing!  Ladde did splendidly and enjoyed himself so much.



Our riding partners.  We had completely forgotten that it was rifle season, and frequently heard shots ring out across the forest.  



Missy listening...



I'm so glad I listened to my wonderful readers' advice and took my girl.  She was absolutely perfect in every way, every day.  I was able to completely relax, take in the scenery and shoot pictures without a care in the world.  I of course, couldn't help but imagine me and Eagle on these trails too.  But we'll have our day, this trip it was me and my sweet Lil' Miss.  



Charlotte and Ruby had a blast!  Jack Creek was a perfect place to frolic and play, chase chipmunks and run around to their hearts' desire.  



Black Butte, an ancient volcano cinder cone.  




This was Charlotte's first trail ride with us.  She did very well, and had a blast! I've never had a trail dog before, so this was so much fun.  Can't wait to do it again.



One of my most favorite views in the world...how can such a big horse be so darned cute!?  This was the little dirt road that led back to our campsite.  We saw one truck and three hunters walking in the entire time we were there.  And not a single other horseback rider.  Perfect!






I'm not sure what kind of luck the hunters were having, but we saw two different groups of deer.  One group of 8 and one group of 7.  In this one, there was a forked horn buck and his harem of 6 does.  They weren't afraid of us at all, and watched us while we were watching them.  :)



I simply can't say enough good about the weather!  No jackets required, a flannel shirt and vest or a sweatshirt in the morning and a lighter layer in the afternoon.  Perfect!  That's the beautiful Metolius River behind us, what a lovely backdrop.



We've ridden most of these trails before, but were quite surprised at how much the trees have grown since we were here.  It made everything seem fresh and new.  My most favorite place to ride because the terrain is gentle.  Most trails have land on both sides of you, and nothing horribly steep.  Just right...










And back home to our private, little campsite.  The main Jack Creek is in the background by the bushy tree line, but a smaller diversion went right through our camp.  No worries about dog water either.  

I would have been pleased to have stayed another week, but as always, it felt good to get back home.  Home to see our other horses, our cat and a hot shower.  Oh, and our own bed.  Such luxuries that we take for granted every day.  We feel rich and blessed indeed!  

We got home just about dark Sunday evening, and as we were turning the lights out in the barn we heard the first of the raindrops on the metal roof...little did we know what was coming.  Talk about perfect timing!

As always at this time of year, I can't help but feel a little bit sad at the close of another riding season.  I'm hoping to keep riding at least once a week indoors, but can hardly contain my anticipation of riding here again.  Next time, me and Eags.

Blessings all,
Lorie