I just got back from Ondessonk. I didn't come back July 5th. I came back yesterday, Aug. 3rd. A month late. Oh well. I'm back living at my house now, instead of living outside in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. Being in the AC all day is weird now. I'm frezzing. I used to considering 90 degrees as "cool". I had so much fun this summer. I met a million amazing people and made numberous friends that I know I could trust my life with. Living among the hippies and peace loving tree huggers....I loved every minute of it and can't wait to go back next year. My typical day was waking up at 5:30, walking about a half mile to breakfast, then walking to the barn. Grooming and saddling about 30 horses, putting them out on their lines, giving at least three, three hour, anera lessons / trail rides to kids ages 10-15, untacking all the horses, running them out into the pastures, going to shower, inspection, then to dinner, then whatever the evening activity was; in bed by midnight. Hard long days, that wore me out like no other. Even though I have come home a month late, I actually came home a weeke earlier than I intended to. My body couldn't take the work anymore. No matter how much my heart wanted to stay and be there forever, my body was dragging. I was getting sick and the heat was too much. Sadly, I choose to return home a week early. But on the way I brought with me, countless memories, about 60 new friends, and two horses!
That's right. At Ondessonk we had roughly an 80 horse herd. I brought home 2 that they didn't need. Spark and Storm are mother and daughter. 22 and 17 years old. Both beautiful QHs that need a little training. I'm excited to begin working with them. I'll be working with my other two ponies who are about 11 months old now. And the other three are still going to need attention too. So in all, I have 7 horses to keep me busy. Plus 5 newborn kittens, and one 15 week old kitten.
I plan on getting another job soon, one that gives me some cash but also allows me to be at home with my family and animals and still go to school.
Schools in one week! My junior year is going to be tought but I'm pumped for it. I want to join the speech team this year and get more involved. I'm been looking at a few colleges as well (getting way ahead of myself?). Warren Wilson College has caught my eye.
I have a lot on my plate, but after this summer I know I can handle it. It was one of the hardest, but most rewarding summers or my life. I've changed a lot. Some people have told me the changes are strange and they don't like them. But honestly, how can you expect me not to change? I like who I am now, whoever that may be.



New pictures will be up shortly!