It’s The Simplicity Of It All

Well, I do believe it has been a while since we last chatted. Our last talk, we were working on

the barn. We now have it finished and completed with fans and misters. I am so close to having my whole barn done that I can taste it. It is the same with my land. I am so close to having it all completely fenced and more pasture area added. I can see the end. I am so close! Before I started all this, I wrote down goals. I had ideas in mind as to how I envisioned my hopes and dreams. My dreams and goals were quite simple compared to so many others. I wanted my land completely fenced, my barn closed in and turned into a working barn, and animals to fill my land and my heart. I also wanted a truck to have for farm uses that were needed here and there. I didn’t need anything fancy. I simply wanted it functional. I am proud to say I have a truck, My barn is 3/4 of the way finished, and my land is also 3/4 of the way complete. It is a work in progress that I welcome. I am so proud of how far we have made it.

For many many years I have supported my husband Jimmy with his endeavors all the while being a wife, and a mom, and a banker, and a runner, and a accountant, all the things a stay at home wife/mom does. That is a hard job. One of the hardest. Fellas that may by chance read this don‘t forget to show your wife some appreciation. She needs it so much more than you will ever begin to realize. If she know she has your support and that she is appreciated, she will be a much happier and light hearted woman. Things will definitely work in your favor. Marriage is a two way street.My issue has always been communication. I didn’t always vocalize that I felt unappreciated. Once, I mustered up the courage to tell him how I felt about a lot things, he understood things much more clearly.I had to tell him I felt unappreciated, and that I struggled with finding peace. I told him I felt tormented at times. Jimmy wanted to know what he could do to help me find peace. After Cypress’s accident I struggled severely trying to find peace. Jimmy was reminded of my love for animals and the outdoors. We wrote my goals down and a timeline. Funny thing is, some of that has slightly changed, but the overall picture I have in mind remains the same. My dream (although in today‘s society is costly) is honestly a more simple one. Any dream or goal you set for yourself does require hard-work and dedication. I am so proud of how far I have come in meeting my goals. I am so close to being finished with some of them. I know have a few new ones to work on. I’m excited to see how those play out.

As of recently I acquired a new recruit to the MisMatch crew. He is a little paint horse named Whiskey. Right now, He looks a little rough. He is skinny. He needs worming, vetting, some groceries, and lots of love, but he will fit right into my crew. I honestly believe where I am at right now mentally, he is just what I needed. He is a slightly older gentleman at 18 years old. If I may so, in horse years that isn’t too old. He is quiet. He carries an air of mystery with him. How I would love to know his story. I don’t know that I ever will. As for now I give him all the love I can in the present and try my best to give the best future possible. I hope he knows while he is here he is safe and loved.

As of right now in my household, we are battling covid. That retched virus is back. I refuse to be held back. My animals don’t understand that either. They depend on us for everything. So up and at ‘em it shall be. I pray it leaves and goes away just as quickly and unexpectedly as it arrived. I swear this virus here is the devil‘s work. Jimmy is positive. Bubba is now running a fever. I haven‘t tested him, but I have suspicions. I keep testing negative. So far my girls are ok. Hopefully it will be gone soon.We have also been having lots of rain here lately. My pastures are nice and green, and it feels a little cooler as of lately. I am enjoying it. The boys are too. I have been spending more evenings out in the pasture reading a book and loving on my animals. That quiet time I get with them to me is so precious. It is a bonding time with them. I truly believe that you need to do more than just work them all the time. They need to trust you. It is good to bond with them. I like to go out and just sit out there. More often than not they get curious and approach and sometimes even plop down with me. This, This is the life I seek. A life where my kids can learn compassion, understanding, responsibility, and a love for something or someone besides themselves. There is a huge dynamic in it. At the same time, it is just so simple. It’s kind of beautiful if you ask me.

The girls have asked to continue homeschooling this year. They have done so well this past year. I am so proud of them and how far they both have come. As their mother, I believe in teaching them independence. I help as needed but try to remain hands off as much as I can. I help and guide when and if needed. They get up and tackle their schoolwork all themselves. They have grown to become strong, independent, and responsible young ladies. I am so proud of them.

My house is far from fancy. You won‘t find it in any magazine. My barn isn‘t fancy, and may not be up to some people‘s standards.I however am so proud of what we have worked to accomplish. Gosh was it a lot of work as well. Jesus Christ have we worked our butts off to be where we are now. We aren’t done yet. Not by a long shot. However, we are so close. I can just about touch it. My life isn’t nothing extraordinary. You won’t find anything fancy about it. The fanciest thing I own is Leo. Once you witness him eat. That goes right out the window too. My life is simple. My joys are simple. It is watching my kids sneak out for morning and evening cuddles with the horses.Its seeing Leo come running when I call, just because he loves me. It is watching him stand guard over River when he is near as if he were made of glass. It is watching Cypress color and play dress up, and witnessing her million watt smile shine brightly over something silly. It’s seeing Rosey sneak out to lay down and cuddle Rip when she needs her moment of peace. Or, Lillie hop on Leo’s back and take him for a spin, going from my wait for permission little girl to take charge on a large animal and handle business. Chickens appearing after a long 21 day absence with new babies. Pigs wallowing in the mud on hot days for some relief. My happiness and peace lies in the most simple and mundane tasks and accomplishments.I love the simplicity of every bit of it. It is a lot of work. It absolutely can be extremely chaotic. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

People pay so much money for the therapy that I have found here on my farm. The love and the devotion my animals give me are sometimes all I need on a bad day. A lot of times problems that can appear complicated are really simple. It is us who makes it difficult. I have always been outdoorsy and an animal lover. It has taken both of those to get me to the much more content and happier place that I am now. God has put me right where he wants me. He keeps his hand on my shoulder and remains close by as I take each day second by second. (Yea not even day by day) Everybody’s dream is different. Some maybe more intricate and more complicated than mine. At the same time, its really simple. It is just where you want to be and where you see yourself heading. That is it. Then you work to accomplish it. For me, its the life I live here with my husband, my kids, my dogs, and this little farm I am building from the ground up.Is it hard work? Absolutely. But at the end of the day, all those simple things are what keep me going. I do love the simplicity of it all. I have found peace and tranquility in all of the simple things here. Now I keep it, maintain it, and work to protect my peace. For when you have found true happiness and peace. Your protect it and don’t give that up for nobody. That is a true gift to have. This is my life. This is how I live. I proud of it. I am truly blessed to be here in this place. At the end of each day, I thank God for all the simple things.