My Arabian Legend

GaZi  has, in the time I’ve gotten to know him, introduced me to a whole different dimension when it comes to horses. I see myself growing along with him, both as an equestrienne and as a person. I have noticed he is more dependent on humans than Picken is when I first brought her home. He is confident and bold, but would much rather prefer to please his handler with whatever is being asked. Everyday everyone who encounters the progress he is making is impressed. But next to all his talent, beautiful looks and charm is a gentle, sweet horse. “Why do you need a third horse?” In our albeit short time , I love him… he needs a confident rider or else he’ll take charge. He is teaching me confidence. Everyday I learn just what else he is capable of. Each day we make more and more progress.

My temptation didn’t get the best of me yesterday. I really wanted to just hop on Billy and ride, but I knew it wouldn’t be a good idea. I’m still trying to find a trainer that can get on him, when he’s ready, and test him out. At this point I don’t know how he would react. I feel safe with this horse, more so than some other horses I’ve worked around and rode. So much for a crazy racehorse..

Endurance n my opinion, is one of the hardest forms of riding. Horse and rider are faced with a challenging course filled with different terrain . Even the ever trusty Wikipedia’s definition of endurance includes a nod to the Arabian as the horse of choice. And while a complete newbie, have found the endurance “family” to be an incredibly supportive bunch. But I digress.

I think three things (among many others actually) are essential to an endurance partnership with your mount. They are stamina, strength, and courage. Good characteristics to have and nurture as we trot into the New Year

Stamina - Horses need loads (when I say loads, I really mean loads ) of stamina before they can really be comfortable at the distance(s) required. Did I say stamina. Lota miles.. hit the trails together
Strength - Strength is needed in both horse and rider when doing cross-country. Riders need the strength to stay on, and horses need the strengthand energy to press on regardless as we say through hill and dale. Be strong and of good courage. Which brings me to the third item

Courage - Courage is crucial to being a good endurance horse and rider team. Courage is needed way more then strength and stamina. You can’t do well if you don’t have courage! A mutual trust has to be there… The horse needs to know that you will not put him in a dangerous/fearful situation and I need to trust him to move forward. I have that with Picken… while she has her PMS moments (persnickety mare syndrome)… in the thick of it… she always comes through. I’m sensing that Billy-Meister and I will have that similar bond.

Each day we bond, we build with them, and then I come to realize… they were the teachers all along… we learned respect (courage!), trust , and yes how to treat each other. Yes, a picture painted by the grace of G-d’s hands.

I’d rather ride wild horses amid
snowflakes and storms
in a forest
than walk about urban blight or
suburban destruction…..
I’d rather see a flock of birds
in the thousands than
than fly in planes……..
Plant life……..Plant trees ……..
Bette.M.11/01/07/

Happy New Year Trot on friends, trot on.

Programming the Passenger

A huge part of being a good rider I’m discovering is that aspect of developing a partnership rather than being a passenger. A different experience for both horse and rider.

As Roland my massage therapist said “picture the ride you want to ride, feelings, sensations, the smell of the trails how your legs feel and step into that picture.

Wikpedia defines Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) as a personal development system developed in the early 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder . It uses a toolbox of strategies, axioms and beliefs about human perception and subjective experience.

NLP’s core idea is that an individual’s thoughts, gestures and words interact to create one’s perception of the world. By changing one’s outlook, therefore, a person can improve his attitudes and actions. These observations can be changed by applying a variety of techniques.

I knew a trained NLP therapist back in New York days and while I only dabbled in its techniques a combination of applying the principles and “visualization” have helped me alot in competition and “riding the ride I want.”

NLP teaches that a person can develop successful habits by focusing on helpful behaviors and diminishing negative ones. Positive change can come when you are the behaviors and beliefs of successful people (called ‘modeling’).  Trust me, I’m going somewhere with this.

Some of its presuppositions include:

There is no failure, only feedback (what a great formula for life!)

NLP does not view communication in terms of success and failure. No, not all actions are expected to “work”, rather they are intended to explore, and the results should be utilized as a source of valuable learning and new focus, rather than cause for negativity and despair. Do not dwell unnecessarily on the failure, instead explore what you have learned for the next time  How liberating and empowering is that!! That alone can help in achieving the outcome. Instead of beating yourself up… it’s an “opportunity in work clothes”

Choice is better than no choice (and flexibility is the way one gets choice)

As a self-admitted “control freak” this is key. A large part of basic NLP is recognizing “stuckness”, “One choice is no choice, two choices is a dilemma, three [or more] choices is choice”. The ability to change the process by which we experience reality is more often valuable than changing the content of our experience of reality.

How much does the mind have to do with becoming a good rider? What is the connection between what we think and what we do? Is it possible to change our mental programming, allowing us to enhance our awareness, learn new skills, become confident riders, all without leaving the comforts of home?

A good example . When you are hungry driving home from work, you begin to imagine what you might have for dinner. As you review the menu in your mind, your mouth begins to water. Perhaps you visualized the ingredients you would need for your meal. You picture going through the motions of slicing the fruit, grating the cheese, opening the can or even pulling up to the drive thru. Chances are the more you thought about it, the more hungry you became.

The mind cannot differentiate between reality and what is imagined. When you visualize something, your body responds as if you were actually doing it.   Our muscles can actually learn new skills and refine the mind-body connection through visualization. Obviously you can’t increase muscle tone daydreaming in your bedroom, nice try though, but you can use the power of imagination to help  create what you want to accomplish . You can do this in sport or the night before a business presentation if you got those jitters.

One of the main things research has shown showed was that almost all of the world-class athletes and other peak performers are visualizers. They see it; they feel it; they experience it before they actually do it. They begin with the end in mind. I’ve used this technique with great effects on my races.

That sounds great, think positive, imagine the perfect ride… blah blah blah… but how can I put it into use in a practical way. Can I imagine my self riding the perfect dressage test, do an I dream of Jeanie folded arm wink and ride in to reality? No, not exactly, at least not that simply or that quickly. Successful visualization and mental practice still takes practice. Start a little smaller.
For me, this is key.. since I’m discovering tis mostly the pilot .. Hailing from a musical family, the best analogy to describe it is that for Gazi you must ride piannissimo with cues and aids.. while Alle, is a fortissimo type of mare. Ride her with lots of leg. If I dont differentiate,  I’ve found that either Gazi and I are  taking the fast route to Arizona  or I’m coming in for an unforced dismount.

The night before, or morning of your next ride/meeting.. fill in the blank give this a try…
1.Clear your mind - I usually do this in bed, when its quiet and there are no distractions. Use whatever works for you to clear the clutter. Some people like to mentally rehearse after relaxing exercise - yoga, tai chi, or even just stretching. Its not important how you relax, but relaxation and ability to focus are absolutely essential.

2. Bring forward what you want to learn - overcome - Use all your senses. Visualize every detail. The clothes you’re wearing, your tack, the weather outside, the footing in the arena. Imagine your state of mind (positive and relaxed). Same for your body

3. Now begin to imagine your ride. I feel how the horse du jour (see above)  feels, this rhythm and cadence. Repeat it as though you were actually doing it. No detail is too small. Visualize the end of your perfect ride in just as much detail including putting the horse away

As we’re starting a new year, what “programs “would you like to change?

As Gandhi said: ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’

Some post ride oats for my horse and some for us. Down on the Farm Flax cookies

Ingredients
1/2 cup (125 mL) butter, softened
1/2 cup (125 mL) packed brown sugar
1/3 cup (75 mL) granulated sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp (2 mL) vanilla
1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (175 mL) quick-cooking rolled oats
2/3 cup (150 mL) flaxseeds
1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda

Preparation
In bowl, beat together butter and brown and granulated sugars until light; beat in egg and vanilla.

In separate bowl, whisk together flour, oats, flaxseeds and baking soda; stir into butter mixture until soft dough forms.

Drop by level tablespoonfuls (15 mL), 2 inches (5 cm) apart, on ungreased rimless baking sheets. Bake in top and bottom thirds of 350ºF (180ºC) oven, rotating and switching pans halfway through, until golden, 12 minutes. Let cool on pan on rack for 2 minutes.

Transfer cookies to rack; let cool. (Make-ahead: Layer between waxed paper and freeze in airtight container for up to 1 month.)

Trot on friends, trot on.

Unlocking the Keys to Innkeeping

As 2007 ends, reflecting on our innkeeping business; things that went well, things that could have been let’s say handled differently to make a better new year for our guests upcoming.

Without further adue:
Most folks select a B&B for a special occasion getaway. They are looking for romance, luxury, elegance, relaxation, and comfort, in an environment that promises to provide all those things and more. Gracious hospitality, feeling like you’re at home; without having to do the dishes!

Key 1. Use the KISS technique (Keep it Simple, Sister). Most bookings now occur thru the Internet . A key website should be simple yet complete, with brief, easy-to-read text and quick-loading graphics. Navigational tools should be prominent and clearly labeled, so that the prospective guest does not have to click repeatedly to find key information on rates, location, room photos, and so on. Make it too confusing and folks will just give up. Remember, just because it’s obvious to you, doesn’t mean it’s obvious to them.

Key 2. Prospective guests are looking to have their needs met; they are not looking to meet your needs. In other words, (and with credit to the late JFK): “Ask not what your guests can do for you, ask what you can do for your guests.” If a portion of your potential guests want to make a reservation at a time that suits their schedule (not yours), offer online availability and/or real-time reservations,  Is there anything more exasperating than telling someone what you want or what your problem is and then discovering that that person hasn’t been paying attention and needs to have it explained again? From a customer’s point of view, I doubt it.  Letting the guest talk and show you’re actually listening… you’ve won a friend .

Key 3. Emphasize value. While we don’t want to be (and arent) the least expensive B&B in town, we always want to offer the best value. Customer loyalty is created by building relationships based on trust, not on price. If guests are satisfied that a stay at your inn is a great value-because of the four “Cs” of comfort, caring, convenience and coddling-you’ll get repeats, referrals, and wonderful comments like “it may have cost a little more, but it was worth it.”

Key 4. Build trust and confidence by answering all questions with care,and clarity. Welcome guests to your website as you would welcome them to your inn. When it comes to directions for finding the inn, for example, don’t assume that providing a map is adequate. Many intelligent folks cannot read maps, and rely on step-by-step printed directions. Print out the directions on your website, and see if you can read them while driving in the dark of night to your inn. Have you included a comment like this: “You’ll know you missed the turn if you go past the 59 mile Highway Marker. ” Since we ‘re in a great rural location, if we get calls and it’s after dark, Dan typically drives down the road to meet them and give them a lighted escort!

Key 5. Keep your sense of humor… My year end Jeff Foxworthy-ism … you might just be frugal (or would that be resourcefull?)

• You look forward to ironing just so you can warm up your hands on the ironing board when you are done (free heat).
• You look forward to the day you’ve save up enough for that big ticket item at the thrift store.
• You check the coin star machine at the grocery store to see if anyone left any extra money in the machine.
• You collect sugar packets and use the sugar for your baking. - naaah… we dont do that either
• You wear worn out shoes or no shoes in the house to save wear on your “good” shoes.
• You’ve found a way to reuse dryer lint.
• You don’t throw away a pencil until it is smaller than a thumbnail.
• You save spare loose threads from your clothes to darn your socks.
• You cut up your plastic grocery bags into strips and crochet pot holders with it.
• You save the crumbs from cereal boxes to use as a topping for baked chicken.
• You save the salt from the bottom of a bag of bargain pretzels to use on your own homemade pretzels.
• You take baths and showers in the dark to save electricity.
• You boil your eggs in your chicken soup stock to save money on gas or electricity.

Onward and upward for 2008. Trot on friends, trot on.

Cheers for Amazing Customer Service

Service that delights is the only thing that counts today-everything else is window dressing.” – Unknown

Did you know that having twenty-four hour room service and a concierge is all you need to call yourself a “luxury hotel”? Seems like that would be the bare minimum, doesn’t it?

According to Price Waterhouse Coopers global hospitality and leisure analyst, Bjorn Hanson, you still get the best service from a bed-and-breakfast. “The owner lives on word of mouth and can’t afford an unhappy guest,” says Hanson. Amen.

It’s because B&B owners take initiative to put the little “something extra”, something that no one asks them to do – the service that surprises and delights a customer.

The good news is that anyone can up the service of any business simply by taking the initiative to look for ways to surprise the customer. The following stories are personal examples of just such service and are intended to give you ideas that you might use to wow your clients

When we couldnt couldn’t decide between two tractors , the salesman hauled hem both to “test drive” so we could choose.

Our phone rang on a Monday night past eleven. A couple driving through had underestimated the drive time to Bozeman having stopped off during the day for sightseeing. He took a chance and rang us up from the highway exit. Groggy but awake, but of course, directions given and Dan even drove the 1 1 /2 miles to the end of the road to “light the night” for them. Choice of a cold beer and hot coffee awaited !

Definitely gave new meaning to going the extra mile. But I so enjoy doing it, because it delights and I’m always plum amazed when I’m the recipient as well.. I find if I can be the customer ; put myself in their place and live the life of the guest and experience what they do And it doesn’t have to be extreme . Service that delights is in the simple acts of random kindness.

Dan’s always amazed how just after meeting folks whether as guests here or even at the gas station, I start engaging them in conversation and it most always ends out to be a great encounter. It’s probably part of the “innkeeper’s manifesto”… be interested, not interesting. And especially during the holiday season when we’re at social gatherings and fumpfering around for the right thing to say. Try these seven icebreakers instead of the the “nice weather we’re having”:

• Ask for an opinion. People love to give them. “What do you think of the (restaurant/spinach dip)?”
• “How do you know the host?”
• “Have you traveled anywhere recently?”
• “What are you working on?”
• “What are you doing for the holidays?”
• If you’re traveling in a different city, bring up the local headlines, sports teams, or attractions. Or talk about your last bad travel experience — everyone can relate.
• And, finally, you can talk about the weather, but just make it more personal. Instead of saying, “Isn’t it cold out?” say, “I can’t stand this cold weather because I grew up in Florida — how about you?”

Cheers!

Recipe for a Happy New Year

Take twelve whole months.
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness,
hate, and jealousy.
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or
thirty-one different parts,
but don’t make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day
- one part of faith,
- one part of patience,
- one part of courage,
- one part of work.

Add to each day
- one part of hope,
- faithfulness,
- generosity,
- kindness.

Blend with
- one part prayer,
- one part meditation,
- one good deed.

Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,
a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,
and a cupful of good humor.

Pour all this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy,
garnish with a smile,
and serve with quietness,
unselfishness, and cheerfulness.
You’re bound to have a happy new year!

And dont forget your roadmap.. directions courtesy of “Joaniland”
DIRECTIONS HOME
I really like this one. Someone spent a lot of time on this…
,//// \\\\, ___________
*’o oo`* /__/ _/\_ ____/\
“`)”(”’ | | | | | | | || |l+-+-+-+-|
,,.-*o’ ,,.-*~*~*-., , `o*-. :oo *~*~*-..,,

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
DIRECTIONS TO OUR FATHER’S HOUSE.
Make a Right onto Believeth Blvd.
Keep straight and go through the Green Light, which is Jesus Christ.
There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith , which is over troubled water.
When you get off the bridge, make a Right turn and Keep Straight.
You are on the King’s Highway - Heaven-bound.
Keep going for three miles: One for the Father, One for the Son, and One for the Holy Ghost.
Then exit off onto Grace Blvd.
From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane
Keep Straight and then make another Right on Prayer Road .
As you go on your way, Yield Not to the traffic on Temptation Ave.
Also, avoid SIN STREET because it is a DEAD END.
Pass up Envy Drive , and Hate Avenue .
Also, pass Hypocrisy Street , Gossiping Lane , and Backbiting Blvd.
However, you have to go down Long-suffering Lane , Persecution Blvd. And Trials and Tribulations Ave.
But that’s all right, because VICTORY Street is straight ahead!

And a recipe of the edible kind to fuel you on that journey adapted from Cooksrecipes.com

Apple Raisin Pie
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds (6 to 7) Golden Delicious apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch ground cloves
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
Pastry for one-crust (9-inch) pie

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In large bowl combine apples, raisins, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves. Mound mixture in 2-inch deep 9-inch baking dish. Dot with butter.
3. Cover apple filling with pastry; seal and flute edges. Cut several vents in top crust to vent steam.
4. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until crust is golden and apples are tender. Cool at least 30 minutes before serving. Makes 8 servings.

Do i hear an amen?

Merry Musings from Montana

Christmas is a time for Love; a time for Joy and Peace;
A time to trim the Christmas Tree and a time to stuff the geese.
It’s a time when we can come together, however far or near;
To shed a little hope into a world of sorrow and fear.

Yet Christmas could be all year ’round, if only we would try
To gently wipe an old man’s brow or soothe a baby’s cry.
If we could smile throughout the year as we do on Christmas Day;
Just think what happiness we’d shed along life’s way.

To give a gift of Hope to one who otherwise has none;
To be a Friend to somebody whom everyone else has shun.
To be Forgiving of our faults, and of our sisters and our brothers;
To Live in Peace and Harmony with ourselves and with each other.

Ah, don’t you see that Christmas is more than opening up the gifts;
It’s more than singing Christmas Carols and rolling in big snow drifts.

- Author Unknown

When I was young, it was all about the presents. Now that I am a little older tis is about spending time with family and having some laughs. Merry musings from us in Montana

Christmas day is a day of joy and charity. May God make you very rich in both.
- Phillips Brooks

Do I hear an amen?  Trot on friends, trot on.

Twas the Night Before Xmas- Innkeeping Style

When you think about it… Christmas is just plain weird.
What other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree in your living room eating candy and snacks out of your socks ? But I digress

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the inn,
Not a guest was registered, you could hear a dropped pin.
Two lousy days off in a calendar year,
It was my full intention to hold this day dear.

I stretched and I yawned as I tuned to the quiet,
Of no need to cater to some fat lady’s diet.
I booted the ‘puter to check what would matter,
At B&B dot.com or the horse forum chatter.

There I was in my snuggies and old Manor cap,
With no need for food prep or pre-check-in nap.
At ease at the keyboard my fingers did fly,
To see if friends of the inn-biz stopped by.

Though the wind did howl, montana style
A wondrous site loomed in the ‘puter screen’s glow.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a java-streamed sleigh pulled by red-nosed reindeer.

With a red-robed driver so perky and quick,
I knew in a moment…it was St. Innkeeper-Nick!
He was rosy and happy and perfectly quiet,
And clearly no threat for the Atkins diet.

He wore a stained old apron and his hair was askew,
But he whirled through the kitchen and knew what to do.
He could juggle all tasks from the least to the most,
As he mixed up the muffins and slid in the toast.

His right hand cracked eggs, and his left hand set table.
And I gasped as I marveled at what he was able.
He never complained as he tirelessly worked.
He looked happy and blissful as the coffee was perked.

On phone, on plunger, computer, front door,
On vacuum, on laundry, on clean kitchen floor,
On blankets, on robes, TP tucked and sealed,
On bacon, on Splenda, on omelets congealed.

He made reservations, he handed out maps,
He won all his chargebacks,
More rapid than eagles his hands did the chores,
While making small talk with insufferable bores.

And just as I wondered and doubted my eyes,
And considered this all rum and eggnog lies,
I spied on his belt a 24-hour beeper,
And I knew he was truly a Santa Innkeeper.

But whoosh, in only one simple mouse click,
Away flew the reindeer with my Innkeeper Nick.
As he flew off the screen he said to me plain:
Merry Christmas to innkeeps…
And to all the insane!

But in the Xmas spirit… you gotta get ready… so some fortutious Fish Creek Finds.

Looking for ideas for your Christmas holiday entertaining? Gourmet Magazine’s website epicurious.com offers a collection of their best recipes, drinks, and how-tos for your Christmas party and more. From epicurious.com, see these Christmas cookie recipes from Gourmet magazine. Plus, these holiday cookie recipes from ‘02 Gourmet magazine.Visit Cooking Light’s website for their cookie recipe countdown - a new cookie recipe a day until Christmas.

Adding Sparkle to the Season

Alle did this afternoon as Kim and I rode out in a beautiful blue sky montana sunshine day, temps of 22. When I came to retrieve Alle, she was alternately eating (what else is new) and sunning herself so while she looked up, she didnt walk over to me like the other horses did. But without incident, I collected her and tacked her up. When I went to bridle her; again very sweet, helped me out and even Kim was plum amazed. After I made the final adjustments in her bridle, I found myself holding her head in my hands and singing to her the Hebrew Blessing, The Shema

שמע ישראל י-ה-ו-ה אלהינו י-ה-ו-ה אחד
Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Ehad.

Translation: Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God! The LORD is One. A sparkling moment for us.

Kim took what seemed like forever to warm her Cookie up before we headed out. Alle trotted out fine and we got way ahead (on purpose) and all of a sudden, she wasnt liking it and doing her “i want to go back routine”. I remembered how Patrick had made me give her ALOT of leg and the minute she moved forward—- release. I also know Joani’s told me I have to ride her strong as well. We did that and got through it in fairly short order. Again, the good thing for me, I didnt get frustrated or annoyed. The rest of the ride she was wonderful and what I’ve always found oddly amusing; is that coming back to the barn she walks, trots beautifully; never hurries. Not what one would expect from a horse that occasionally has a “balking” moment.

But the sparkling season is in full swing. Once upon a time, in what now seems a former life, I worked for Seagrams when I was still living in New York. In particular, during that stint, before they transferred me to the West Coast, I worked in the wine division. Had the opportunity to visit alot of the wineries as well as natch, sample many of the French wines and champagnes. We were the house for Mumm Champagne , so never a weekend without Mimosas.

Since tis the toasting time of year, why not do so with some bubbly rather than the usual Chardonnay or Merlot? But with the dazzling array of champagnes, it’s hard to know which kind to serve when.
Here we go - a very brief primer

Sparkling Wine is just that, much like traditional wine. Grapes are fermented in much the same process, in a tank but sparkling wines undergo a second fermentation in the bottle; where the gas is captured ; hence sparkling wine. Wines that are labeled “Brut” are dry and those labeled or Extra Dry” hare sweet; seems counter-intuitive.

Sparkling wines have enough versatility to either be used with a meal (the less sweet varieties and Blanc De Blanc (white ) grapes to simply raising a glass for a toast.

The holiday tip for today most appropriately is How to Pop a Bottle of Bubbly

• Make sure sparkling wine is chilled to at least 45 degrees before opening. Careful, since the cork of a warm bottle is more likely to pop unexpectedly
• Hold the cork with one hand while removing the wire hood with the other . Five or six twists ought to do it.



• Almost goes without saying, point the cork away from you and others within firing range!
• Hold the cork firmly with the one hand and use the other hand to turn the bottom of the bottle - you’ll get more leverage that way rather than just twisting the cork.
• Continue until the cork is almost out of the neck. Slowly let the cork continue to work itself out of the bottle,if you want that celebratory “pouf” . Or you can just git ‘r done but shaking the bottle vigorously, leave your cork hand go and celebrate!

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.
Roy L. Smith

A Clean and Green Conscious

Nope, it’s not the warnings about the “holiday season spread” we all hear about each year… both on the table and your waistline. Naah, you’re probably being barraged by friends, relatives, internet, etc. I’ll spare you

But I do warn you if you need to be reassured of human nature, dont hang out too long  at True Green Confessions . Today’s Fish Creek Find another one of those sites where you can make an anonymous statement… but this site is specifically for the world to read about your sins against nature.

Reading through a few of the entries, we’re reminded that we have a long way to go before green behavior becomes second nature.

There’s a search function, so you can see how many others share your particular foibles.(We’re relieved to know that there are at least 17 other helpless paper towel addicts out there.)

By reducing my role as a consumer, couldn’t I help myself and help the environment? Here are some strategies that I’ve developed to help me accomplish both goals at once:

• Reduce your consumption — buy less stuff. Such a simple notion, yet so powerful. The less you buy, the less money you spend. When you buy less, you’re also reducing your environmental impact. Buying fewer things means a little more money in your pocket, and a little less pollution in the world.
• Reuse the things you have. . Before you buy a new bicycle, consider taking your old bike in for a tune-up instead. If you currently buy disposable diapers, disposable razors, or paper towels,(see above!) consider switching to re-usable alternatives.
• Recycle the Stuff you no longer want or need. If you replace your 1996-era 19″ Sony television with a new widescreen model, don’t set the old TV out in the trash. Find another home for it. Put it on Craigslist. Set it outside with a “free” sign on it. If you really want to save money, place yourself on the other side of the equation: look for Stuff that people are getting rid of. You can find nearly everything you need for much less than you’d pay new. You just need to know where to look!

So fess, up What are your favorite confessions you’ve found here and what will you admit to? And wondering in the “thoughts that make you go hmmmm” segment… how enviro friendly is the top kahuna of the season.. Santa?

1. Travels in a reindeer-powered sleigh. Totally carbon neutral.
2. Powers an enormous manufacturing operation with that warm cozy feeling and the spirit of Christmas. While this seems suspicious, all signs suggest he’s working off the grid.
3. Has started accepting present requests via email, significantly reducing paper waste.

Cons:

1. Forces an untold number of elves to work ridiculously long hours without pay or health benefits. This probably doesn’t hurt the planet, but the Fair Trade people might have something to say about it. Not to mention the elves.
2. The dyes and plastics in wrapping paper, combined with all that sticky tape, make it difficult to recycle — creating an enormous amount of waste every year.

Just make sure you have some organic cookies and milk when he does come crashin’ down the chimney. Methinks he’ll like these (i’ll have to make extra since they’re a favorite here)Nothing quite like the aroma of freshly-baked oatmeal cookies, especially when they’re made from scratch. With healthful nutrients from rolled oats, toasted pecans and real butter, these delicious cookies are little morsels of organic, wholesome goodness. Adapted from Bon Appetit

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) organic butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons organic canola oil
• 1/2 cup organic Sucanat, evaporated cane juice
• 1 organic egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup organic rolled oats, either quick-cooking or regular (quick cooking will make a finer textured cookie)
• 1/4 cup organic wheat germ, preferably toasted
• 1 cup organic whole wheat pastry flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup organic raisins or chocolate chips or carob chips
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 375°°F.

With a wire whisk, combine the softened butter with the canola oil until completely blended. Whisk in the Sucanat, egg, vanilla and salt. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine the oats, wheat germ, pastry flour and baking powder.

Add the dry ingredients to the liquid ingredients and stir well to combine thoroughly. Stir in the raisins or chips and the pecans.

Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto 2 baking sheets, either sprayed or lined with parchment paper. Bake the cookies, one sheet at a time, for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

And to all a good night

Horse Sense

They are very conscious beings. I didnt thinks so to begin with. They are open and not judgemental. Calm and really spiritual beings. It’s like being held in G-d’s arms somehow That’s how I feel with my two mares Picken and Alle and the Man of the House.. Gazi

Time now is more divided between Alle getting ready for a winter show and my Ga-Zi man as we continue to bond and get to know each other as well as cover some serious country. GaZi is so responsive though… you give him the correction and within two tries he’s like “okay mom, i screwed up now I got it .

I even take my handy dandy Garmin Extrex GPS to start getting a read on mileage and pace. Getting more mileage in for our upcoming endurance extravaganzas..

Between that and a big horse show with Alle in Feburary, I have my horse buckets full

All you need to know about life… thirteen lessons learned from my horses

1. Eat plenty of roughage.
2. Great legs and a nice rear will get you anywhere in life. Big, brown eyes help too.
3. In times of crises, take a poop.
4 Act dumb when faced with a task you don’t want to do.
5. Follow the herd, that way you can’t be singled out to take the blame.
6 Love those who love you back, especially if they have something good to eat.
7. When in doubt, run far, far away.
8. You can never have too many treats.
9. Passing gas in public is nothing to be ashamed of.
10.Ignore cues, they’re just another prompt to do more work.
11. Never run when you can jog.
12.Never jog when you can walk.
13.. And never walk when you can stand still.

Trot on friends, trot on.