What is a blessing?
To Boo, it is that which comes to us, when we need it most and expect it the least.
It can be as quiet as the first breathe we take in the rays of the morning sun or the pride we feel when a job is well done. It's all the little events in life, all rolled into one.
Sure, we are quick to recognize the larger blessings, as they are bestowed upon our lives, but how often do we break it all down and truly give thanks for the precious little ones?
​Like a lifetime broken down into singular years, if we invest the time and recognition in our blessings, why, I'll bet we all find we a handful or more that are new every single day. For Boo, the greatest blessing is that of life itself and all it brings each day. the smallest of which is not seen or heard, yet is felt in every way.
One of the blessings that comes from Blizzard could be compared to the reassuring touch of kindness and support from a loving friend. Boo doesn't have to look to see it, nor hear a single word. It's there and so apparent in this photo, can you guess what blessing was, without sound, truly heard?
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It seems standard that when the holidays draw near, our hearts are drawn to our families and dearest of friends. This year, the days were closing in on the anniversary of my dear Poppa's passing. For some reason I thought maybe googling his name might pull a photo or a tidbit of information that would ease the ache of missing him. I never expected my action to inform me of the passing of two other family members who I dearly loved. Tears fell like rain as I began to search for the one rock I could always count on when family seemed so far away. 
Historically, when I was a young girl, I had an album full of wonderful country music that I played over and over again until I wore it out. I can recall the brillant colors on the cover and the name Gary Lee Brock and the group Western Echoes. This amazing music and the voice that soothed all my worries was none other than my cousin. I don't know what ever happened to that album, but I have never forgotten the way I could sit for hours and listen to it over and over again as it melted away every concern and fear.
Today, I searched until I found his new website and I would be amiss not to share his wonderful voice and message with you. With mountain sized pride I present,
​Gary Brock. God made a good one in this man!
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It did my heart good to see this stretch and reach just to climb upon his pedestal at the Gilpin County Fair. Just a few shorts weeks back, Blizzard was visited in his pen by a not so friendly RATTLER. While we at first could not determine the exact point of contact, further investigation revealed the snake bite. By the time we headed for BLackhawk, Co. and this fair appearance, we had been soaking his seriously inflamed right front leg and hoping that time would ease his discomfort.
The fear of permanent damage loomed in the midst as we worked him very little in preparation for the fair and the ride up. Practice sessions were nearly non existent and the reality that we might put too much strain on him was forefront in our thoughts.
Blizzard made the trip up to the mountains around Blackhawk, just fine and as the fair performances inched ever closer, Blizzard let us know in his own loving way, that he would be just fine. This photograph truly brought it home to me when I realized just how long his stretch was to mount his pedestal. It took a large amount of weight shifting on his snake bitten leg, as well as his good one to bring his rear end up on top the pedestal. But like the champion performer he is, to him it was nothing and he stood tall on his pedestal for an extended period of time, searching the crowds for cameras to smile at.  Gotta love this "camera ham" baby. 

As the summer season slowly begins to fade and the crispness of fall is touched by the morning sun, Blizzard and I find time in our schedule to just be silly. Daily brushing is less about removing the dirt and more about the "itchy-scratchy's" that Blizzard loves so much.
We are continuing to enjoy performing and visiting with folks all over southern Colorado and are grateful for all the new friends we have made this year.

This month's fun news is Boo's acceptance to University of Northern Colorado, where she will be pursuing her dreams of decreeing in Sociology and pursuing every concentration related to better understanding of society. What makes all of us so similar, yet so different and, how can we celebrate those differences in a positive light?
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Today as I was reading through the general tweets and Facebook postings, I stumbled across a statement that rang full of truth. It said that most people who need  FRAX assessment (bone density assessment and scan) don't get one and most that don't need it DO!
I couldn't help but think of the puzzled looks I received when I first asked a doctor about getting one. I didn't get one at that time because I was "too young."
Never did understand that response, "too young" - is there an age requirement for our health?
I hope that as you are reading this, that you will at least consider taking the time to ask your doctor about an assessment. What are your personal risk factors?
It is much better to know if you are at high risk, before you get there, then to get there and learn that it's potentially beyond repair. Or even worse, to find out about it AFTER a life changing injury. 
My risks included lifelong overactive thyroid, and congenital lactasia (severe lactose intolerance) combined with small frame, family history and others. A person would have thought that all of this would have set off an alarm somewhere along the way. 
So I am here, requesting that you (women AND men) please ask your doctor if you are at risk for developing a premature onset of osteoporosis and take steps to delay it's evil appearance. "Slow it down and keep mobility around!"
Contrary to a somewhat popular feminine belief, osteoporosis is NOT caused by menopause, but can be deeply affected by it.
I wish you all healthy strong bones for every day of your life. Remember the importance of weight bearing exercise and be kind to your body.

Today I learned something wonderful. it seems that there is a center for bone research here in Colorado. I am looking forward to contacting them and learning more about the potential treatment options for Osteoporosis.

Ever been hugged by a Texas longhorn?
If Blizzard hadn't been hugging me for years, this most recent one might have startled me just a bit.

I had just dismounted and "Doc" was mounted to ride Blizzard for a bit. When I started to step away and off the boulder I was standing on, I had let it slip that I hadn't hugged Blizzard or kissed his nose.
 So, I was abruptly reminded. 
Blizzard wrapped his horns completely around me and squeezed....

At that point, if I wanted him to release, the only option was to lay completely across his neck and squeeze him tight. I truly am blessed to have such an amazing steer in my life. He ALWAYS remembers that after we ride.... we hug and show love.
(Doc was able to catch the photo as he observed the hug from the saddle)