Friday, August 31, 2012

You know you were lookin'....

Notice the change around here? I know, I know I have changed a few times. But this time it for real! I love it. A big thank you to Britt at designed to inspire. She made it so easy and listened to exactly what I wanted. We literally communicated over email for like a day and a half and came up with this. She gave me different options along the way and I chose my favorite elements. If you need help I suggest heading her way. 
TEXT HERE

Thursday, August 30, 2012

I asked politely

So Riley is my little rescue. With issues. Major issues. You can read all about him here. Yeah, secretly I am a crazy pet blogger. Sorry, not sorry. I am trying to make a difference and talk people into rescuing like crazy. Anyways, over the last couple years I have noticed little things set phsyco Riley off. 

Example: Tonight is my night home alone, because our mean old boss my dad (love you daddy!) has Chris scheduled to work Thursday nights. I actually kinda enjoy these nights. Proof is here! Tonight I had plans to read and snuggle with the dogs in bed. No big deal. Nothing wild and crazy right? 

I went to get in bed but Riley was laying in the middle. I gently scooted my hand across the bed and said "Riley move your booty." I never touched him. I didn't move fast. There was nothing threatening at all. He freaked out. Majorly. He jumped up and ran backwards across the bed and fell off of it backwards. He managed to pull all the sheets off the bed, yank my iphone charger out of the wall and land on the min pin. He then sat there shaking and looking at me like I had done something. 

What little man looks like right now. It breaks my heart


I picked up everything and acted like nothing happened and he seems okay. He won't get back in bed but he is wagging his tail again. It's so weird and kinda scary how quickly things. One minute he is okay and the next he is going off the deep end. Anyone else have a weird rescue? Am I handling this right? 

  Oh and min pin survived although she is pissed. Diva dog does not like to be awoken from her freaking slumber. K? 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

When I grow up...


When I grow old I want to be like my parents' future neighbor. This woman is a southern bell through and through. She is a tobacco heiress and comes from a great family. She is sassy as all get out and very outspoken. I haven't met her, I have just heard stories and I already love her. 

Here is the conversation that my mama had with her the second time she met her... 

Mama: "The couple that lives in the house I am buying, they are older. Correct?"
Ms. Tobacco Heiress: "Lord no honey! They are about my age." 

(Mama said the woman is like 77ish) 
I love how she still sees herself as a young woman. She still gets all dolled up and everything. How cute is that? I will never complain about getting older again, because if mid 70s isn't old, then I am a baby!

Next gem from the lovely lady....
Okay so some how they were talking about how we have a cattle farm in south Georgia. Apparently, Ms. Tobacco Heiress loves cows! Her family always had horses and cows too. 

Anyways... They were talking about our herds and the breeds and the bulls and she says at some part, "Well  honey our cows are bred better than some of the family." 

Haha... okay for those of you who aren't southern bred, your family name is everything in the old South. . That is how connections are made. If your family is wild and steals and gets in trouble with the police, you aren't going to get far in some social circles.

I have just never heard it quite like this little southern bell says it. I will have to remember that when one of my rowdy cousins decides to ask why I tend to avoid them. (Not to sound snotty, but some of my cousins have very questionable morals.)



Monday, August 27, 2012

Stalking my lovely ladies!

So I have some new lovely sponsors that I adore. Seriously, they are amazing. As always I stalk read as much of my ladies blogs as possible and let me tell you, Ms. Buckeye Belle is entertaining. 
She is a college student, who truly loves God. She is a beautiful person inside and out. Another interesting thing... she actually uses her Pinterest pins. I pin stuff and forget about it. She takes the crafts and makes them! She mentions some of those projects here. The canvases are adorable. She also cooks and organizes and still manages to blog. Amazing. Check her out!

The next lovely is Amanda. 
thisISmyrealhair
She is a creeper. Her words, not mine. That's one of the reasons she is great. She can laugh at others and herself. Her and her BFF are hilarious. Seriously, everyone needs friends like these two. She also has a fur baby that she is obsessed with like me. 

I honestly think that if these girls lived in Georgia we would be friends. I am obsessed with both their blogs. Check. Them. Out. 

Sunday, August 26, 2012

H is for honey


I am obsessed with honey. It can literally go on anything. It is also so so good for you. Sorry if this is like an infomercial for honey, but if you want to know me then you have to know about my honey obsession. 

Recently I have looking for all recipes containing honey. I found honey cupcakes, that I have still not made but the look great. We have been drizzling honey over our biscuits and pancakes. I have been sweetening our tea with honey. I found out that if you take butter pecan ice cream and drizzle it with honey it is heavenly. Seriously. I have put honey on watermelon. I have put honey on feta cheese. Honey on air-popped popcorn is amazing. 

Not only is it tasty but there are so many benefits. Got allergies? Grab some local honey. I did not have a single allergy problem. That is an amazing thing for a Georgia girl. My dog has severe allergies as well. We started drizzling honey over his food and his allergies have improved greatly. 

More benefits?... 
-Increases sexy time. They claim your libido goes through the roof. 
-It helps fight obesity, cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Did ya'll see that? I can lose weight with this stuff. I may start drinking this stuff like water. 
-It helps with colds and arthritis. 
- Your immune system will be rocking. 
- It helps with infertility. As a sufferer of PCOS this caught my eye. 

We are blessed here with an amazing farmers market. There are several booths there that just offer local honey. It is kind of expensive, like $9- $15 bucks a bottle, but it is so worth it. Wildflower honey is my favorite. Clover is good as well. It all depends on your tastes. 

If you have any amazing honey recipes let me know! 

Friday, August 24, 2012

I got a big girl desk!

We got new desks at the office! So we spent all day moving furniture and organizing. I am OCD so that is all up my alley, but it stresses me out all at the same time. I never felt like it was all perfect. We literally worked all day, even through lunch. I am exhausted and grouchy so today is a day off for me. Sorry. I promise I will be back tomorrow with a post worth checking in for!

Night loves!
M

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

My boyfraaaannn! (a girl can dream)

I am in love. Celeb love. Hubs knows about it so don't even try to tattle,not that you would. My celeb crush is cute, funny and can drive anything. Our relationship is very laid back. He never asks me to cook dinner or clean the house. Mainly because he has no clue I exist. Whatevs. Little details. 

Who is this sexy man you ask? Tanner Foust from Top Gear. 
Yum, Ya'll. Yum.

It helps that the show is pretty funny. And he is gorgeous. Did I mention that? Right now he is talking about how his smart car is like a small dog that doesn't know how small it is and is growling at the big dogs. I told hubby he was witty. Now that I typed it out not so much. Love makes you blind. 

This post was pretty worthless. Sorry. But seriously, who is your celebrity boyfriend?

Ya'll he just camo-fied a smart car. And yes I just made up a word. 

I am off to watch Mr. Wonderful!
-M 

Monday, August 20, 2012

It Ain't all Peaches and Cream ...

I have heard a lot of you ladies complaining about how a lot of bloggers have seemingly perfect lives and are afraid to get real. I hear ya. Loud and clear. It's ridiculous. Today hubs and I had an argument and I kept thinking well this is ruining my blog mojo. No happy here. Well that's crap. If you don't want to hear a vent turn me off right now, but if you like real stick with me a minute. 


That's what I would LOVE to say to the butthead, but instead it comes out $$%@! Why are you so mean?! And $%@%$@ Stubborn?! I can't stand you today! $#$#!#$#$#!$#%$%$^&*&!!!!!! And then I cry. I hate crying. It makes my head hurt, it makes me snotty (sexy, huh?) and it makes me not wanna eat. It does make my eyes greener. Like Scarlett O'hara emerald green and I love that fiery southern belle. My ex used to make me angry just to see them change colors. I digress.
A woman who knows all about sass and class. 


Any who, the argument tonight was about work. I sent him on a particularly hard assignment. I knew it was going to be a pain but I got all the info I could possibly get to make it easier. I spent an extra 30 minutes setting it up, collecting clues and calling around. I was ready to pull my hair out. By the time I felt confident that I had made it as easy as it was going to be, it was hubs turn. I sent him to downtown Atlanta in rush hour traffic to get a car out of a parking deck. He loves me. Well, as it happens the customer lied. Everything was more difficult. Hubs drove to Atlanta for nothing. 

I texted him to see what he wanted for dinner and got " Don't talk to me." REALLY? I have dealt with pissy people all day, and just wanted snuggle time with him and he is mad? He got in the car and made one snappy comment and I lost it. Like yelling, driving like a maniac professional Nascar driver, lost it. We got home and he realized that he should leave me alone. So he sent my puppy out to greet me. Riley and I sat in the yard (sans leash! And he was good!) and drank a wine cooler before we went in. 

Hubs made me dinner and we are okay now, but I think it's important to remember it is okay to argue! If you never have an argument someone's feelings aren't being heard. It's normal to not have a perfect life. It ain't all peaches and cream. 

Ps- Sorry to all the people on 400 who saw a lot of this....


I was having a moment. That is allowed!

- M


Friday, August 17, 2012

Exhausted and such

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Dear ghetto us, I love when we office ladies get ghetto. We crack us up. But I have I mean might let it slip in front of a customer.
Sincerely,
Totally Proffesional

Dear Friday, I am so glad you are here but you are kind of wearing out your welcome. It feels like it has been 36 hours long.
Sincerely,
Ready for the Weekend

Dear bank, I understand we have to prove where we got our money. I get that you don't want any drug money or whatever. Wait, why are you a pain in the ass? But seriously, I have to prove that the check the insurance company gave me, is legit? I am pretty sure they are legit. I mean they aren't buying drugs or sex or anything. I think...
Sincerly,
Frustrated as Hell

Dear Baby Kyleigh, You aren't here yet but tomorrow we are throwing you an amazing party. Lots of pink and teddy bears. Will you please get here soon? I want to see your cute face.
Sincerley,
Your loving aunty (cousin) Mal

Dear hubs, I know you are frustrated too, but it will all be worth it. Also, thanks for the suprise date Tuesday night. That was very romatic like.
Sincerly,
Your wifey

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Always. Sometimes. Never - Baby edition

The Daily Tay

It's the Always. Sometimes. Never Blog hop! I loved this one last week so I am back for more. A big thank you to the ladies who host this one.

My cousins baby shower is Saturday and I have been helping throw this thing. I love planning events. LOVE IT.  However....

I always plan way to many details.
Sometimes this stresses me out as I try to rush to put it all together.
I never get it all done. EVER.

This time around I decided to make the cupcakes and teddy bear cake myself. My aunt and I decided we were pretty crafty individuals. But...

I always get icing all over me. I smell like a giant cupcake right now.
Sometimes, I forget I am not on cupcake wars.
I never fail to provide quality entertainment to those who get to watch me cover myself um... the cupcakes in icing.

My family can throw a pretty mean party though.

We always get it all pull it together.
Sometimes we think we should plan events professionally.
We never let it go past being just a thought.

I mean when you plan other people stuff you don't get to partake in the games. Pssh... If I planed that shiz you can bet I will always be on the dance floor doing the "slow chicken dance". Thank you New Girl.
I will sometimes have too many cocktails. oops
I will never be the first to leave.

That's right. I ALWAYS come to rock it. Sometimes I think I am an a list celebrity. I never meant to get this far off topic.

Okay, so baby shower... we are doing this SATURDAY! We still have a ton to do. Wish us luck! I will post pictures. Later.

Out.

Mallory



Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Mingling around despite the fact thats work is chaotic!

I hate payroll day. There for I am taking a quick break to mingle! Check out the link party. All ya gotta do is stalk I mean click around!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

My post is late, but "F" is for future.


We are buying my parents' house. The house my grandfathers built and I was raised in. This has me thinking about the future. A lot. I decided to show you what's been flying through my mind at 100 mph. 

Ideas for my future barn...
I want this sign




Not going to happen but this is nice. 

My future sunroom....
Lots of comfy seating please!
My future Front porch...
I must have rocking chairs.




And the scariest thought going through my head right now. We have a house... we could totally have kids. 

And this is so stinking cute! I am to selfish busy for babies right now though. Maybe one day. For now the fur babies are just fine.





Monday, August 13, 2012

Monday the 13th... Seriously? A Monday? and the 13th?

I just had a feeling that this was gonna be one of days. I mean come one... Monday the 13th? That just screams ruh roh raggy! That was Scooby talk if you didn't catch it. Yeah I am lame awesome. So this Monday... I was dreading it, however I work for dad. That means I can't call in sick, because being the daddy's girl I am he would come check one me and find me feeling A-ok at the pool or something. So I got out of bed and grumbled all the way to work. Looking like this....


Now, at this point I am running on 4 hours of sleep because my body is dumb and has days and nights confused. See the lovely bags? I walk into work and get bombarded with questions. I work/help run the family's towing company. This means I have 18 men that I am in control of at all times. It's not as glamorous as it sounds. I love them to death, but they whine and bicker and complain and ask you to repeat yourself 156646 times a day. It's like teaching Pre-K, seriously. Bless their hearts. (If you say that in the south it makes a negative comment instantly nicer.) Remember that. 

This morning it was "my new phone sucks can I have my old one back?" and "I don't want to go on this call." or my favorite "Will you order me breakfast?" Do I look like your mama? Then more questions... "Can I have new log sheets, I spilt something on mine?" , "I have a GPS, but will you look up directions?" , " You look grouchy? Are you grouchy?" At this point, I was probably turning red. I mean seriously, I got there an hour early to play online in peace get some extra work done ! And because hubs and I carpool but that's besides the point. 

Then one of my driver's calls me and his phone is messing up (should have let them keep their old phones) and all I can hear is ran...front of me.... I... hit them. I am thinking he has hit a person! I said (a little angrier then intended) "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?" Well, ends up someone turned in front of him and hit him head one. It wasn't his fault and everyone was okay. Thank God.  At that moment dad walked in and I had to say a quick "Good morning. Oh by the way, one of your trucks just wrecked could ya go get that out of the road. Oh, and happy Monday daddy!"

First road bump taken care of. Ha, get it road bump? Then I realize it is hot. Like 88 degrees hot. In the office. Our AC was out. It's the middle of August in Georgia, ya'll. I thought I was melting and I was running on very little sleep. I was lovely. I am grouchy when hot. And sleepy. And people GROWN MEN are whining at me. We set up an emergency cooling system a.k.a fans every where! We had like 8 fans in our office. You couldn't hear a thing.
Look how ghetto I looked with my big box fan on my desk. I didn't care. I even stripped down to a black spaghetti strapped tank top. Not work appropriate? I didn't care. I couldn't hear the customers on the phone because of the big fan. I didn't care. Usually my desk is spotless. Look at that clutter! Again didn't care! 

You guys should have seen the post melt/aggravated photo. I took one but it was so bad I wouldn't even let the hubby see. I am feeling much better now that I have a shower and now that its a cool 70 degrees out. Hoodie weather in Georgia. Oh and the AC guy showed up and fixed it at 5pm, ya know when it was time to leave. He is still my hero though! 

Here's to a Happy Tuesday!




Sunday, August 12, 2012

Down south, crafting dog lover with a sense of humor

That's what you would get if you combined these 4! My sponsors this month are amazing. I recommend you check these ladies out!


Holly, is a fellow southern lady and she is great! Her blog makes me want to jump on a plane and get to Louisiana ASAP. She also has some amazing recipes. I am trying that Lemon Icebox Pie soon!

A Sweet Southern Mess

Anna is adorable. She was the first one to sponsor me and I thank her a million times over. She is super crafty (look at this scarf she made!)and super sweet and I think she will be an amazing teacher. 

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Lauren is a freshman in college who has major fashion sense. I love everything she posts pretty much. She also loves her dog as much as I do mine! That's pretty hard to accomplish. She also introduced me to frozen grapes!

The newest lovely sponsor! Her name is Lyzz (love the spelling). She is hilarious, seriously read her post about old photos. She is even brave enough to put them up! I don't think the world is ready for my throwback photos! lol 
So these are the sponsors I am showcasing this week. Check them out! You won't regret it. 

Social Sunday- Food talk!

Sunday Social
1. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Potatoes. I love them fried, baked, twice baked, au gratin. YUM
2. What’s your guilty pleasure/comfort food?
I am so southern, give me chicken and mashed potatoes any day for comfort food. When I am sick I crave it. We are trying to cut down on meat products and it sucks. 

3. What’s the weirdest/craziest thing you’ve ever eaten?
I don't really eat anything weird. I eat authentic southern cuisine. Sometimes that can be weird and questionable.   

4. What foods do you avoid at all costs?
Yogurt. I can't do the texture. I really wish I could. Oh and catfish. Gross. 

5. What meal reminds you of your childhood?
Cornbread and pinto beans. 

6. Share one of your favorite recipes and the story behind it.                                                    My mama's potato soup. mmm... WARNING- It's addicting and sticks to your thighs. 
1 box Velveeta, 5lbs potatoes, 1 bag of the broccoli/cauliflower/carrots mixed, 1 large tub of sour cream and salt an pepper. 
You boil the potatoes until they are just about done. DO NOT DRAIN THEM. You need the broth. Add the box of Velveeta  and the veggies and the sour cream. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve. Heaven in a bowl folks!


Saturday, August 11, 2012

Hit hard. Again.

Today was my papa's birthday. I have only half-cried once, but I have a feeling when I lay down to sleep tonight the sobs will hit. Hard. 


My dad and I were the closest to him and in his death we have leaned on one another through all the ups and downs of the emotions.
Today, when I went to take care of Casper dad walked out and asked if I remembered what today was. I said yeah, I had thought of it first thing and then shut my eyes really hard like I would push away the pain. It didn't freaking work. Dammit! It still freaking hurts. 

Well papa, happy birthday. I love you and miss you and oh God does it still hurt. Right now, I have one of those lumps in my throat that feels like its going to burst and suffocate me. Ironically, this week I am at the point in my book where I have to write about losing you. I literally get out a sentence at a time and then lose it. Angry sobs, yelling and shaking sets in and I have to stop. Chris isn't even affected by the tears anymore. He has learned just to let me cry it out. 

 It's hard to spend everyday with someone, and then they are gone. Not only were you my grandpa, but my coworker, my boss, my best friend. I came to you with any questions or problems, be it work related, money related, education related or relationship related. You taught me so much. I strive to be who I think you would want me to be. Sometimes I lose my way, but then I go to the memorial garden and talk to you and regain focus. 

I just hope you are celebrating big in Heaven. I feel like you are with me or at least smiling down at me. Did you know dad is selling me the house you built? I am so excited to raise my kids in the walls you put up. I can't wait to tell them stories about the amazing man that the people of Alpharetta and Roswell are still talking about. I am proud to be your granddaughter. Your Princess. Your baby. 

I love you papa. Happy Birthday. 

Love, 
Your baby girl
Mallory

(I didn't really edit this. I can't read back through it. Sorry for errors and sorry for the sad post)

Organize like a boss...

I am forever organizing. I live to organize! Today I created a blog planner and I figured I would share with ya'll! Feel free to use it, just give me a shout out. It's a shared Google doc. Let me know if you have any problems. Here is the Link!

Here is what it looks like! 

I think it will work well and I am super excited to start planning! Let me know what you think. 


Friday, August 10, 2012

Friday finally showed up!

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Well, we made it through Friday! That means it is time for some Friday letters. 



Dear Riley, Why are you a wild man tonight? It's cute, but when you annoy Lacey and she attacks your face I am not going to discipline her. 

Dear Mortgage guy, Got the paperwork you needed me to sign today! You had the wrong address on all the stuff. I don't think the people in Midville would be happy if I signed the papers on their house. I don't even know where Midville is. 

Dear followers, Thank you. Your comments and emails made my day. You have no idea. I hope I can continue entertaining you. 

Dear Mama and Daddy, Thank you. I cannot even begin to repay you for all you have done for me over the years. I love ya'll.

Dear summer thunderstorm, I am loving you right now! I have a feeling I will be sleeping well tonight. This will probably make waking up and going to the office on my day off, just to hang with hubby even harder.

Dear Eyes, Can we stop with the off again/on again pinkeye-type crap. Seriously, I miss my contacts and I look like I am hungover and haven't slept in 4 day. 





Thursday, August 9, 2012

Linking up- Always.Sometimes.Never

The Daily Tay

The girls up top had a stroke of brilliance for a link up and I am joining in!

I always say I dread Thursday nights because Chris works.
I sometimes enjoy it because I can have wine and rocky road ice cream for dinner.
I never tell him this.

I always plan on getting in bed early on Thursdays.
I sometimes make it to bed.
But I never go to sleep early, because a book is usually waiting there.

I always lock all the doors and avoid windows,
because sometimes I think I hear creepers at the door.
I never actually tell the hubs I am scared. He would laugh.

Now, it's time for me to find that bed and go to sleep!

I always love blogging with ya'll.
I sometimes check my social networks and blog too much.
I never want this to stop growing, so follow me!



Wednesday, August 8, 2012

If you really new me from a different point of view. Check this one out please

I know, I know... another post? Really? Yep. Ya'll get a lot of me tonight. I'll be brief. 
I am a pitbull lover and voice. I took a different stance on the "If you really knew me" posts. Check it out Here


Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Today I will be a follower. So, If you really knew me.

You know this is going around the blog world like a wildfire. I figured, it's my turn. I have seen several different people credited with beginning this. Whoever you are... thanks!

If you really knew me you would know that... 

I am really insecure. I come off as loud and confident but inside I am shaking. 

I cry at ALL animal movies, even happy ones! It's really pathetic. Horse movies are the worst. I am usually crying within the first 30 seconds just knowing there is going to be a horse in it. I have such a love and pride for horses, even those I don't know. Honestly, someone could produce a movie about animals that eat dinner and crap gold and I would cry. Sad, sad, sad. (I'm sad, not the movies)

My biggest fear is losing loved ones. I have faced this fear several times here lately. I lost my grandfather 2 years ago and my great-grandmother on my wedding day one year ago. This is why I want to keep everyone I love in a safe embrace forever. Seriously, my family lives within 5 minutes of one another. My parents are moving 20 minutes out and I am not 100% okay with it. 

Things that have sentimental value never leave. Even the smallest trinkets. I am not a hoarder, I am actually very organized, but I am very sentimental about things. 

My dogs and horses are my kids. Sometimes I think I might wait on the kid scenario so that my dogs can have more mama time. Weird? Nah...

I used to be terrified of snakes. Then I worked at a wildlife preserve and got over it. Now, I am okay with alligators, crocodiles, tigers, lions and bears... but I am scared of the tiniest spider. I won't even kill them. 

I love the taste of yogurt, but HATE the texture. I wish I could get over it. 

My grandfather and I used to dance to George Jones. I still get teary and make everyone in the room go silent if a George Jones song comes on. 

Sharks amaze me. I think they are beautiful. Same with alligators. 

I love rain. I love playing in it. I love hanging out in the barn while the horses munch and the rain pours. I love snuggling in bed with a book while it hits the windows. I love being dry in the car watching it fall. I LOVE it. 

I could go on and on, but that's enough. Maybe I will spill more "secrets" another day! 


Sunday, August 5, 2012

Terrified

We are buying my childhood home, from my parents. I was really excited at first, but now I am hitting the nervous point. Is that normal? 

Here's the scoop. The house is being sold to us at about 30k more than what our budget was, but it appraised at 60k more than that! It only will raise what the monthly payment $200 more than what we wanted, but that's $600 more than what we are paying now. It's just a little over 30% of our income, which is what all the financial experts say it should be. After all our bills are paid and we have gas and groceries we should have $400 left over at the end of every month. We just have to follow our Dame Ramsey budget to a T. No exceptions. 

The house is big and gorgeous and it has a barn and riding arena. It's close to work ( we will be saving 200 bucks in gas alone). My dad said we could drive a company vehicle back and forth except for days off ( we are off 10 days a month). We now eat out almost every night. That is almost $500 a month. We will live 5 minutes from work instead of 35 minutes, so I will be able to cook all of our meals. Also saving money.

 So why am I scared? Is this normal? Should I stop while I am ahead? Were ya'll scared? Should I just drink a glass of wine and let it all happen? 

Saturday, August 4, 2012

"E" is for Equestrian.

My first show horse- Gracies Boston Star Aka "Casper"

I am an equestrian. I have been riding as long as I can remember. My mom even rode while pregnant with me. My grandfather rode, my great- grandfather was an honest to goodness horse whisperer. People all around called him. He managed some of the largest show barns in the Southeast. It's in my blood. I was destined to do this. It is my one talent. I may be clumsy and awkward in any other endeavor, but put me with a horse and I become graceful. It's a natural God-given talent that I am thankful for.

I got my first pony when I was 3. I rode that little thing all over my grandparent's property. Then when I was 9 my great-grandfather was killed by a horse. It was not the horse's fault. She was spooked and stressed. I stopped riding for a year or so. Then I found a barn that did dressage lessons. 
This is dressage (My sister and her horse Rifle)

I bought that gorgeous boy up top, Casper, and started showing. Against the big times. And we were winning. These people had huge, fancy horses and had been practicing for years. I had a little quarter horse that I was training myself, little by little. I had been riding dressage for 2 months. We won the state- reserve champ title that year. Talk about under dogs. 

A few years later Casper threw me off during a ride and broke my elbow. I healed and he quickly threw me off again. This time it was a compressed tailbone. I called the vet to have him looked at because it was very unlike him. We found that he had scar tissue built up in his hips. The vet said something that broke my heart to pieces. I can't even type it without crying... he said, " This horse has more heart than I have seen in a long time. He has carried you with this issue for awhile, but kept going because he loved and trusted you. You can continue to ride him, but it will be to hard to show him." I lost it. I decided to retire Casper. He now lives like a king in my barn, playing in the fields and greeting kids. He is pretty happy. 

Casper in his blanket
Greeting kids, like a king
After his retirement I rode a few others but never really showed. Then I got back with my old trainer. She helped me get over my fears and I met this guy.
Monnington Soul aka "Soul"
We fell in love and went to the Grand nationals and the world championships after only 3 months of practice. We ended up being 2nd in the state, 2nd in the region, 9th in the nation and 11th in the world. It was amazing. We made magazines and were household names in our division. I fell in love with Soul and our life.  Big time trainers were asking who I rode for, would I ride for them?  People I looked up to were complimenting me on my riding and talking about how I had feeling and compassion for the horse. My confidence issue (read my B post ) went away. 

We aren't showing this year because I am buying a house, but I am still an equestrian. I go see him from time to time and ride. I teach on the side. It's my confidence boost, my passion, my outlet. 
"E" is an equestrian. I am an awesome equestrian. 


Love ya'll, so leave me some love!, 






Friday, August 3, 2012

Friday Letters- Home edition

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Dear Childhood home, 
Hey you! I haven't slept under your roof in 2 years. It seems like forever. I miss you. I miss your fireplace, the divot in the 6th step up, and the view of the valley behind you. I miss your convenience, your warmth and the cozy kitchen. I miss your quiet street, your loving neighbors and the laughter echoing off the walls. My parents designed you, my grandfathers built you. Their hands built those stairs, trimmed those walls and laid the brick hearth. You are worth 4 times what my parents paid to build you. You are in one of the most valued areas in the state. This is all great and many people look at you as an investment. I see the sentimental value and beauty of you. 
I have been looking for a house for about 8 months now. I have seen many, some old and some new. None of them felt right. None of them felt like a home like you did. I was losing hope. Then daddy called. He wants to move. I was devastated. You were perfect. Why would he want to leave? But then I learned  he wants his future grand-kids to feel your warmth.  He wants a change, but he wants the house to stay in the family! He offered you to me for a steal! Can you believe our luck? The hubby and I are discussing it this weekend. It's a little more than our budget, but we feel you are worth it. I hope and pray things work out. I will budget like a beast. Maybe we will be back together soon. 

-Mal

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

hump day = pinterest dreaming


Linking up with Michelle at the vintage apple for another Pinteresting Wednesday. 

Ain't that the truth? 

I want an anniversary band for year 5. I want something like this but without the round stone. Ya'll tell the hubs. K?

This chair with a great foot stool and my well worn copy of Gone With the Wind.

Its 10000  ok 100 degrees, I need a new tea picture. 


Red velvet Cheesecake?! Heaven on a plate folks.

Gorgeous dress. 


Okay, that's all for tonight. There is a thunderstorm coming in, so I have a terrified min pin, a bed and a book calling! In the mean time leave me some love and enjoy my blog awhile.