Winter Horseback Riding Wishlist

Since I started working at Columbia River Tack, I've been living and breathing horses... except it's been forever since I've actually done more than pet my own horse. I've been keeping her at an adorable little barn since last spring, but because I'm planning to go back to school next quarter, I need to save money so I'll be bringing her home in a week or two. This means I have a lot of warm, waterproof riding gear on my Christmas wishlist.



I just bought the waterproof exercise sheet (middle) the other day, but haven't had a chance to use it yet. It'll keep Andie's back and hindquarters warm and dry, and hopefully most of my saddle and legs. I hope to do quite a bit of riding this winter, but it can be a bit of a drag when it's consistently cold, grey, and pouring. Here's to hoping I'll have enough motivation to stay in the saddle!

The rest of the items on my wishlist, from left to right, top to bottom: Kerrits Power Stretch Full Seat Tights, Mountain Horse Berkeley Jacket, TuffRider Unifleece Full Seat Breeches, Centaur Exercise Rug (which I already have), Kerrits Horsin' Around Hat, and the most expensive item on my list, Ariat Volant Tall Lace H20 Boots. Horseback riding is such an expensive sport. I absolutely love it to death, though, and it's 100% worth it.

On a related note, I recently found a website very similar to the beloved "Post Secret," but with a horsey twist. Naturally I've become instantly obsessed. Here are a few of my favorites:

Changing of the Seasons

Sunshine is good for my soul. I love the warmth on my skin, the fresh breeze, blooming flowers and budding trees. Spring is undoubtedly my favorite season. Full of hope and anticipation for summer, new growth, new beginnings, and fresh starts.

It is definitely not spring outside.

It's dark by 7:00, the skies are consistently grey, and everything is dying. Naturally my mood starts to take a downturn this time of year (especially after my birthday in September), so it takes a little bit of work to keep my spirits up. I have to search for things to appreciate. I have to constantly remind myself that there are good things in the world, even during the fall and winter months when my horse is constantly muddy and is a hairy beast rather than her gorgeous, sleek summer self.

Today I had my violin lesson, which is always fabulous for putting a smile on my face. My two students, Fiona and Maddie, are always smiling and happy to see me. Of course I'm always a little happier when they've practiced during the week and can impress me with how much they've improved in the span of just seven days.

After my hour and a half lesson with my two favorite girls, I went into town (can you tell I'm a small town girl?) to pick up some yarn for a shawl I'm working on as a gift. Unfortunately they still don't have the color I need stocked, but I picked up some more yarn for some other projects I'm going to start working on. Last time I was in the fabric store I picked up a copy of Interweave Crochet Magazine, which has some gorgeous designs that I can't wait to try.

And of course I couldn't resist going to Starbucks since it's right down the street from the fabric store. It's amazing how a simple cup of coffee can really cheer you up.



Ever since I started drinking coffee, I've pretty much ordered only a few drinks. My first choice is a caramel macchiato, but every once in a while I switch it up with a caramel latte, which has a bit of a different flavor. Today I really stepped outside of the box when I ordered a salted caramel mocha (sensing a trend here?). It's amazingly delicious. It has a very distinct flavor, but of course is still within my caramel realm. During the winter months I really switch it up and get a white chocolate peppermint mocha, which is heavenly and decidedly a Christmas drink. The salted caramel mocha really speaks "fall" to me though, and reminds me that yes, there are things to appreciate during this time of year.

How do you find encouragement when there's no sunshine?

Puppy Portraits

It was a typical Northwest autumn day today. I woke up to see sparkling, golden sunlight shining on the thundercloud plum tree outside my bedroom window, but by around four o'clock the skies had resumed their normal shade of grey. I took advantage of some of that nice lighting while it stuck around, though, to take some photos of my brother and sister-in-law's dog, Bentley.











Puppy love. <3 My mom with Bentley.

Everyone in my family just absolutely adores Bentley. He's about a year old now and has the most hilarious, goofy personality I've ever seen in a dog. I'm especially fond of him, and whenever he spends the night at our place, he gets to sleep in my bed.

Seeing as this is my first post here at Brambles & Birds, I'll tell you a little about my camera set up. I've been shooting with an ancient Nikon D70 for years now, and just a couple weeks ago my dad and I finally upgraded to a Nikon D7000, which is equivalent to Canon's 7D I believe. I've got an 18-200mm lens on it, which is amazingly versatile. It's basically a wide angle and telephoto in one, and its got a decent f-stop too.

Today was the first time I've really used the new camera, and lets just say I'm in LOVE.