Author Archives: Melissa

happiness

Old time memories

I went into the Home Hardware in town today to get burlap sacks that could be used in a sack race to be held during a party we are holding at the Hall this weekend. Thank goodness for Home Hardware – the store that holds everything – because those sacks are harder to find than one might think.

I was explaining to the store clerk that I needed them for a sack race and she said I haven’t done one of those races since we used to go to the horse show at Beaupre years ago. I said I used to go to those shows too! And then we were standing in the aisle for a good half hour sharing old time memories.

I’ve done a lot of showing over the years – including some A circuit shows and had a few turns at Spruce Meadows (in their smaller rings) – but to this day my favourite memories are of going to shows like the one they used to hold at Beaupre. There were “real” events like flat classes and some over fences stuff, but the best ones were the “fun” events like pole bending, musical tires (how we didn’t all die during that one I”ll never understand), and potato sack races. SO MUCH FUN

And so easy and simple. Just a bunch of crazy kids and our horses – and equally crazy parents who got up super early and got us to the show. Good times. Happiness.

 

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Waterton memories 

Waterton has long been one of my favourite places. I first went there on a school trip when I was 9 and it’s had a special place in my heart ever since. 

In recent years it’s become a happy place the kids and I have shared. There is a certain kind of peace we find in those mountains that we can’t find anywhere else. 

So today, as our beautiful haven is on fire, we spent some time with our happy memories of a place we love. It’s a special place for many of my friends as I’ve noticed them putting up some of their favourite Waterton photos. 

Nature will heal itself, it always does. But in the meantime we pray for the people and animals in the way of the fire. And remember all the happy moments we have spent in this magical place. 

It is my happy place. 

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45 degrees 

In huge personal news, I lay down this morning to do some of my exercises and I was able to move my arm to about a 45 degree angle! This is a huge improvement from having no mobility at all after I broke it. There’s still not a lot of lateral movement and it still hurts like a fother mucker but it’s an improvement. 

Happy dances all around. 

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Fly me to the moon 

My boy got a chance to show me how much he loves to jump today. For the first time I put him over some cavaletti- at first he thought they were the scariest things in the world, but in very short order he was running around, jumping them of his own accord. 


The boy can jump! I love to jump. Soon we will do this together. It’s passion, passion is happiness. 

On that note, I listened to the boy talk about his hopes and dreams on the way to town. It’s an exciting time with the whole world ahead of him. I hope nothing ever happens to crush his dreams, that he never lets that passion fade. Mostly that will mean not listening to the people who tell him it’s not possible. There are lots of dream killers, with both good and bad intentions. 

Listen to your soul. Let your heart sing. Find your dharma. That is the road to happiness. 

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Small things, big changes

I got to share a little bit about what I’m learning and what I do with someone today. It is exciting to be able to share that more with people now and feel more comfortable as I keep moving ahead with it. 

I’m learning how to teach people how to change habits so that they can live a happier and healthier life. 

From small things big changes come. 

It’s happiness. 

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Friends who balance 

I was having a pretty crappy morning – it felt like everything that could go wrong was. 

I got a text from one of my best friends as I was having a personal pity party. This woman is amazing and brave and has lead the way on a path we never thought we’d be on when we met years ago (and were both playing be role of Stepford Wife. Whatever we are now we are much more authentic versions of ourselves). 

She could feel my angst and stopped her world for a few minutes to help calm mine. It’s amazing what a huge difference a little act of kindness can make. Soon I was feeling balanced and peaceful again. It changed the mood of the entire day. I’m so grateful for her, for all of my tribe. We aren’t made to walk through this world alone.  

It’s happiness 

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Fall changes 

It’s still 35C and I’m going to enjoy all that summer has left to offer.  There’s so much smoke that it’s hard to forget how badly we need moisture. 

I got my fall ‘do done today. I have the best stylist and she’s a good friend as well as being amazing at her craft. It’s always fun to catch up with her. And it’s even better to have someone help me feel better on the outside when I’ve been feeling kind of crummy on the inside. It brought me a much needed energy lift, and as an added bonus I had time to do some soul healing reading while I was getting the colour done. 

Both the appointment and the reading reminded me there is only love or fear and I need to choose which path I’ll walk. Timely given that my own personal source of evil has decided to go on the attack again. It’s important I handle it in a healthy way for me and for my kids. 

Here’s the fall look

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First day 2017

We were back at it this morning. For the first time in 6 years the kids are going to the same school again and I am thrilled. The girl was pretty nervous – worried about being the new kid yet again. Her brother was so good about letting her know he’d stick with her until she knew were she was going. 

It ended up she had 2 friends from her old school also transfer and made one new one – so as she said she already has a group to hang out with. 

After school they were both full of smiles and excitement for the year ahead. It al just makes saying goodbye to summer ok – almost. 

I’m so proud of these two turkeys. They are happiness. 

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Labour day 2017

Going to the Cochrane parade is one of my favorite events of the year. It’s kind of bittersweet because it means the end of summer, but I’ve got a lifetime of awesome memories attached to that parade. 

My friend in low places was riding in the parade this year. We used to ride in it every year with our Pony Club back in the day. She was a little more professional now 


But even though the parade has grown and we have grown up it’s still the same good fun. 

We sat with my cousin and her family and caught up and shared some laughs. We have been laughing and making bad decisions together our entire lives. 

Happiness. End of summer happiness. 

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