Meet April & Hawthorne the Fab Draft Horses Farm Tour/Harvest Festival Sat 10/1 10am-4pm

"A Good Mother"

April & new-born Hawthorne.   April's hormones kicked in after Hawthorne was born, and she became a very protective mother.  At one point she charged Henry, my husband.  She eventually relaxed and pushed Hawthorne to Henry for an introduction, which was a really special moment.

Hawthorne

The Teenage Draft Horse Sticks Out His Tongue

Hi Everyone,

Since I sent out my announcement to my newsletter, a couple of people have contacted me with questions about the event.  Which made me realize, that I probably wasn't clear enough.  Here's a quck overview of the event.

Farm Tour/Harvest Celebration is an event sponsored by Friends of the Field whose mission is "To preserve and protect sustainable agriculture in Clallam County, Washington, ensuring the availability of local food and the quality of life that our rural setting provides."  The purpose of the Harvest Celebration is help the public get to know their local farms.  Several farms open their doors to the public and present their services and goods.  The cost is roughly $10 per car which pays for entrance to all of the farms. 

We will be at Freedom Farm with April and Hawthorne from 10am to 4pm.  Henry and I will be available to make informal talks and answer questions about horse adoption and PMU/Premarin horses.  I will also have my art on display and for sale in a tent next to April & Hawthorne.

We have a long-standing connection to Freedom Farm.  When we first adopted the hugely pregnant April, we realized that we were in waaaaay over our heads.  So we decided to board April at Freedom Farm with Mary Gallagher and Jerry Schmidt and have their support for the happy day.  Freedom Farm is a stable which practices natural horsemanship and the most beautiful horse facility that I have seen - ever!  Mary and Jerry were wonderful - generous with advice, and they slept in a trailer by the field as April was nearing birth.  

Warning - Hathorne has proved be an "extreme ham" at the events - the first year, I went out to check on them and found him was leaning against the fence and spreading out his (then) 1700lb body so that everybody in the small crowd of admirers could pet him.  Last year, we were informed that he was licking babies!!!  He has grown so much - from being the newborn pictured above. That's him on the side bar sticking out his tongue.  I taught him how to do that as a game, where he sticks it out and I pull it, which means that whenever I go to take a picture of him - that's what he does (sigh....)

We hope you can make it out - Farm Tour/Harvest Celebration is a great event for a great cause.  Friends of the Fields has done so much to ensure that Sequim and Port Angeles keeps its farms, which is a vital part of our quality of life on the Olympic Pensinsula. Having the support of knowledgable horse people has been a key element of a successful horse adoption experience - Freedom Farm offers a great facility for boarding, and lessons in Natural Horsemanship.

Best Wishes,

PS - Freedom Farms is offering FREE pony rides for the Harvest Festival!!!!! 

Farm Tour Information Flyer & MAP

Freedom Farm Map/Directions:  http://g.co/maps/8y7cq

Friends of the Fields:  http://friendsofthefields.org/

Farm Tour:  http://www.cascadeharvest.org/community/harvest-celebrations

Freedom Farms:  http://www.freedomfarms.net/

Getting Off The Struggle Bus

Naissance (Birth)

Breaking out of a shell isn't easy - and while it may be difficult, and uncomfortable, it's a necessary transition to a new life. The baby dragon is the birth of a new idea and phase in life. The Red Dragon can be understood as either the protective mother or as the baby matured into a powerful adult. 

I was in a dark place when I did this piece - really worried about a work situation, but kept painting anyway. Then I realized - that it was going to be OK.  Because the dragon is a symbol that I have identified with since very early childhood.  

It symbolizes self-nurturing and celebrating a new phase in life.

Hi Everyone,

It has been an incredible summer with many personal and professional breakthroughs. My website has been completely revamped with new galleries that work on android/smart phones, and the iPad, and a store with cards on archival card stock and original art which will be updated with new items every few days. Any feedback is welcome and appreciated.

To thank you, I am offering 25 computer desktop images. They are divided between crackle milk paint images, "circus poster" works and photography. I am launching a short newsletter of newest work, inspirations, and anything funny, often involving our animals (Yes, it's true. Hawthorne, our 1800lb gorgeous black Percheron draft horse drools and sticks out his tongue! He also licks babies.) I've decided to use a more professional mail server called Mail Chimp so that the layouts can be more pleasing, and to ensure that it's a better managed, clean list.

This past spring, I felt stuck and knew that I needed to do something different. I decided to take a class in how to "Uplevel Your Business" by Christine Kane. It changed how I looked at my art and life.  One of the many "Ah-ha!" moments was when I realized that I cannot continue to teach full-time+ hours and pursue my passion as an artist.  I successfully negotiated to work half-days this year.  It was a scary decision - but also a relief. I felt like I was getting off of the "Struggle Bus."  Another realization was I could offer so much more than I had in the past:  better service, inspiration, funny stories, tips on creativity and breaking through blocks and updates on new work.

One thing that has really kept me going was having your support. That you are interested, and care about the kind of work that I do. Even if you couldn't come to an opening, the kind things that many of you wrote, really helped. Just knowing that you were willing to let me keep you informed is a vote of confidence. 

Please go to my website and sign up for your newsletter and 25 computer desktop images. Again, I can't thank you enough for your support and am looking forward to sharing this chapter.  As always, I will never, ever sell or disclose your email address.

May you enjoy the last days of warmth and have a beautiful fall.

Best Wishes,