Happy 2016!  Oh, it's been a long time since I posted on my blog, even after I got this most wonderful message from someone on my Facebook page about how my blog inspired her.  Well, I was a big slacker with my blog…since, um, 2014.  It's a new year, so time to start or rekindle habits, right?  Yes!  

The year 2015 had many, many changes happening in my life and quite frankly, while I could have paid attention to my blog and expressed myself along the way, it was not at the top of my priority list.  I went through a divorce, which led to moving to a new town, out to the country, and right next to the barn where I had boarded my horse for three years.  It was a LOT of change, adjustment, happiness, crying, questioning, affirmation - and it's all for the good.  I am finding myself and looking forward to see where my path leads me.  

The same month - the day same actually - as my divorce was finalized, I said good-bye to my horse Luxor.  He had been my friend and family member for eleven years.  Luxor had struggled to keep weight on after the spring grass was gone last year, and was suffering from the effects of Cushing's disease.  It was one of the hardest things I had to do, but necessary.  He was in pain, and I didn't want him to suffer.   I was second guessing myself the night before, wondering if I should just let him live until he fell asleep forever one day.  But God gave me a good talking too that evening …after a quick thunderstorm rolled through, the most amazing double rainbow appeared over the tree line, just beyond the horse pasture where Luxor had his final evening grazing with Charm.  I knew it was going to be ok and Luxor was ready to cross the rainbow bridge.  

Luxor

Life has had its ups and downs since then, with a few constants:  the most important one is loving and being there for my kids, as they are traveling this new road with me.   Another is that horses have been relief, therapy, and a new equine love has entered our life - Bella.   This sweet girl was adopted for us (what a gift!) from Heartland Equine Rescue.  She is quite the love, and I've been training her with the help of the folks at Split Ridge Rocky Mountain Horse Farm.  

The other constant has been photography, with many blessings and celebrations!  

Fall was so beautiful for photo sessions, with many wonderful families enjoying the colors of the season - definitely blessed to have been able to capture so many moments for so many people!  

I received my first cover on a magazine! Yes, it's real - the cover of Endurance News.  October 2015 issue.  Me.  The photographer.  Cover.  

Richie Wingfield.  Heard of him?  Well, he's one heck of a natural horsemanship trainer and educator, certified by John and Josh Lyons.  I got to photograph two of his clinics in the fall of 2015.  His son Layne is an amazing horseman as well.  Those clinics were paced well for participants and their horses so they could learn by watching, then learn by doing.  I highly recommend attending one of his clinics if you get the chance.   

What else have I done with horses?  Well, I got to ride a Clydesdale in a parade and then ride a paint in another parade with the folks from Cedar Creek Drafts.  My daughter takes riding lessons there and she loves it.  I was able to ride Hal after a few of her lessons, a beautiful Morgan at their farm, which got me practicing my posture and posting in an English saddle again.  I so needed that!  

I also celebrated my fine art work being accepted as a part of the Louisville Photo Biennial.  There are so many amazing photographers that I was able to meet and see their work in Louisville and Southern Indiana - I am very honored to be a part of such a collective.  

Let's fast forward to 2016, shall we.  It's winter, it's cold, it's a great time for blogging, and here I am.  I am so thankful for the people in my life in so many different circles, as they bring blessings with them.  Thank you for sticking with me through this post to see what I've been doing and where I am in life...

Life is better.  Life is happy.  Life is healthy.  Life is family.  Life is good.  Here's to capturing it in photographs.