deviantART: by:whinneysgirl

Sorry for disappearing

~whinneysgirl — Sun, 31 May 2009 09:58:30 PDT

...I didn't really. I visit DA pretty regularly to look at other people's artwork and read journals. I just don't always visit visibly.

A lot has happened in the last few months. My parents got a new puppy, who is freaking adorable and who I got attached to in only a week. I try to call her "my parents' puppy" or "my sister's puppy" because I won't be at home to interact with her most of the time. Her name is Nellie and she's a mutt; chocolate brown with white and the prettiest hazel eyes. I will have to take some pictures when I get home.

I say "when I get home" because I am on week 2 of a 6-week study abroad program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It's an advanced Spanish program, which means people who have completed 4 or more semesters of Spanish at Southwestern. I'm continually terrified by what I've gotten myself into, because I don't think my Spanish is that good, although everyone tells me it is. Fortunately two of my close friends are also here, so we've been having fun and been less scared cuz we're together.

I also have some photos stockpiled that I need to add, from various points in the semester and from here. I'm hoping to go to the racetrack (Hipodromo Argentina) while I'm here, and some other places that will give me some amazing shots.

Devious Journal Entry

~whinneysgirl — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:08:21 PST

I haven't been taking very many photos lately. Thank you to everyone who has continued to watch me and fave my old work. I haven't had much new stuff lately because I haven't had a lot of opportunity to take pictures except snapshots with my friends. The good news is that I will be going to horse shows with ROCK this spring and I'm still going to visit my friend Julie up near Fort Worth sometimes, and I always get good pictures up there.

The bad news is, and it's long overdue, is that my beloved Shadow, my baby girl and my favorite non-horse model, had to be put down in December. It was unexpected and only a week before I flew home for Christmas break, so it was hard then and still emotional now. She's the dog featured in Feeling Good and Seven-Year Eyes, which to this day are still two of my favorite photos I took with my film camera. She was amazing, my first dog, and I miss her so much.

But overall life hasn't been too shabby lately. I'm just plugging along...

Looong time

~whinneysgirl — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:13:56 PST

Wow, so it's been months since I've done anything proactive on DA. I haven't been taking many pictures lately, either...no time! Between classes, 2 jobs, and 2 extracurricular activities, life has been crazy. However, next semester I'm dropping 1 job and 1 extracurricular, so that should give me more time for photos. I miss it! I've resorted to taking snapshots with friends, which are cute and fun, but not my passion.

Thanks to everyone who has recently faved my work/watched me. The continual support is very encouraging, and I hope to bring you more soon.

I'm thinking features soon...so stay tuned!

Gallery Overhaul

~whinneysgirl — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:06:50 PDT

I'm going to be completely overhauling my gallery so that it's more of a portfolio of my best work. A lot of images will be scrapped or deleted, depending on how much I like them and their popularity.

My Flickr account is going to take over as my primary gallery, so be sure to bookmark me! I got some amazing shots from a cutting competition this last weekend.

I'd also like to thank all my watchers -- your support means so much to me.

remember: PEACE&harmony

Hrrmm...

~whinneysgirl — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:33:19 PDT

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

I'm currently in a coffee shop in Rockford, Michigan. This weekend was my workshop and testing for my NARHA Registered Instructor Certification. I've had about three hours to sit and stew, and I still have another hour and a half to sit and stew...so even though I don't have to do anything else, I have lots of knots in my stomach. I tend to psyche myself out, and I keep worrying that I did worse than I thought I did, or that I missed something really important and that I'm not going to pass. It would really suck if I didn't pass.

I know I haven't been the most active on DA lately, and I apologize to those who care. Things have been very crazy for me. My grandfather had hip replacement surgery and is not recovering well, so I've had to be moral support for my mom and grandma a lot lately. I've been setting up my summer session at Project RIDE (and if I don't pass my certification I don't know what I'm going to do about that...), and that's going to be six weeks this summer. I've also started helping out at PEC again. It's so pretty out there, I wish I had time to bring my camera. I probably will in a couple weeks when we start getting into a regular schedule. It's been so erratic lately.

I got a 3.3 GPA for my second semester at college...yay. I get to keep my scholarship for another semester.

I'm also thinking about letting my subscription expire in August and pay for a pro account on Flickr instead...I really want that unlimited sets and collections part. It wouldn't really detract from my DA experience at this point.

Anyway, back to my sitting and stewing...

remember: PEACE&harmony

Things change fast

~whinneysgirl — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:07:39 PDT

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. Nothing terribly exciting though, for the most part.

Today though, Tina at Project RIDE e-mailed me and since I talked to her last week, things have changed quite a bit. I was originally going to be the fourth instructor teaching there this summer, and since I'm only teaching in the summer while I'm home, I've been having to work around the other three instructors. Well today Tina told me that one of the instructors is no longer there, and so I might be able to teach there almost full-time. That would be so awesome, because I would get paid to do more of what I love. I'm still looking for a second part-time job, though, because I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket. As my mom said, things change fast and I still might only get part-time hours at RIDE. And even if I get full-time hours, having a second mini-job might not be so bad because I'll get experience with something else and another job to put on my resume.

In other news, I'm going to the Spring Gathering Horse Show in Houston next weekend, which is a really big hunter/jumper show that comes right after the Pin Oak Horse Show. Julia and Sophie and a bunch of others from Kings Bridge are showing there. I'll probably be pretending to be Sophie's groom, but I like her so that's ok. There's a $50,000 Grand Prix and all the other classes, so it will be photo opps galore! I'm very excited. I haven't been to a horse show in ages, and I love the atmosphere. Hopefully next season I'll be able to do some showing of my own.

Dubai World Cup is this weekend! Too bad I don't get TVG here...I'll have to read who won before I can watch the video.

remember: PEACE&harmony

Devious Journal Entry

~whinneysgirl — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:34:12 PST

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

I think I need a new CSS. Ideas?

I finally have some new pictures! I went to the barn with Julia yesterday, and it was fantastic. The light was beautiful and everyone was going so nicely. Julia's mare Sophie continually takes amazing portraits. I maintain that those pictures are beautiful more because she knows how to take a great picture rather than my talent as a photographer.

Life has basically been crazy. We had our competition for Mock Trial a couple weeks ago. We did pretty well. One of our teams won an Honorable Mention for the sportsmanship award, and I got an All-Region Witness Award, which was pretty cool. I'm also now an official member of Alpha Xi Delta, which is awesome! I have so much candy in my room from initiation it's ridiculous.

This weekend I'm staying with Julie and teaching some classes at Wings of Hope. NARHA is going to let me use the hours I already have for my Instructor's Certification, but I wanted to teach some more because I haven't in a while...who knows what I've forgotten? So I'm leaving on Friday. I'll bring my camera because goodness knows I could get some amazing pictures at her house and at Wings, but I can't guarantee I'll have time to take any.
Oh, yes, and I'm almost officially going to my Instructor Certification and Workshop May 30-June 1 in Michigan. The woman I've been e-mailing seems very nice and I'm so excited to be finally getting my certification! Now I just have to finish all my pre-req stuff for it...oops. Haha.

And then in one week and one day I'm flying home for spring break! Yay!

Hope all is well.

remember: PEACE&harmony

hooray for procrastination...

~whinneysgirl — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:55:02 PST

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

I have lots of reading and Spanish homework to do, but of course, I would rather not.

I've decided to be ambitious and save up [for the next ten years] to buy . What do you think? Does anyone else have any experience with this lens?

This weekend I went to Houston with Julia and we went to the races at Sam Houston. It was night and even with the floodlights the light was really bad, but I got a few good ones that will be uploaded shortly. Her mom is a photography enthusiast, so we were taking a bunch of pictures. Be sure to check out her gallery!

In other news, I finally had another jumping lesson last week. I'm still sore, but it was so good! Between Anchor's laziness and my confidence issues, we started out turning six-stride lines into eight-stride lines, but by the end we were doing seven strides and everything was regular and comfortable and I even got flying lead changes! I'm so proud of myself. Hopefully next week Julia will be done riding in time to take pictures of me, because I really want pictures of me riding...I don't think I've had any taken of me really riding since I had Ranger.

Which reminds me...I've decided I want a horse. I miss having Ranger. I see everyone with their horses, and that bond they have, that there's just the two of them and they get along really well, and I want that back. The problem? I'm a college student and we can barely afford my tuition as it is. Guess I'll have to get a high-paying job when I graduate so I can get a horse. All of you with horses -- you are so lucky, but then you should know that already. Give your ponies extra kisses next time you see them!

remember: PEACE&harmony

Favorite Features

~whinneysgirl — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:12:56 PST

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

My life has been crazy very stressful lately, so I decided to mellow myself out by perusing my gallery of favorites and featuring a few that speak to me today. Some of them are really old!

Go visit them!

remember: PEACE&harmony

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

I made it to 3,000 pageviews! Just wanted to share that milestone.

I'm very proud of myself. Since I only had one morning class today, I used my time wisely and got all my reading done, and for the last hour I've been trying to occupy myself with random things. Go, me. I probably won't be able to do it very often.

This last weekend was recruitment and I got a bid from the sorority I wanted, so I am now a sister in Alpha Xi Delta! I'm so excited. I love all my sisters, they are amazing, unique women and I know these next three and a half years will be all that much better because of them. Plus, for the next six weeks while we're doing a bunch of initiation things and such...all us newbies get lots of presents. That's a big plus.

The weather has been miserable lately, so I haven't had many photo opportunities. But hopefully on the weekend of February 1st Julia and I will be going to Houston, to see one of her friend's band play and go to Sam Houston Racetrack. I will at least get pictures at the track...I'm not sure I want to lug a big ol' camera to a rock concert. Then, hopefully the weather will be nice and sunny, and when I start riding again I will get some good pictures.

remember: PEACE&harmony

Yay! I'm in Texas!

~whinneysgirl — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:36:09 PST

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

It's the second day of spring semester, and I'm already dying. I'm only taking 4 classes (13 credit hours), but that doesn't mean it's going to be easy. It's also very, very expensive, especially for a girl who doesn't have a whole lot of money right now. I've spent $200 on books already, and I have five more to buy for my Environmental Philosophy class. Obligations are starting to stack up, too. Tonight I have a Mock Trial practice and a Megaphone meeting, and tomorrow rush starts, which means my weekend is going to be very busy.

In other news, I'm getting published. I think. I entered Loose Rein in an online photo contest, and they told me I'm a semi-finalist in their big contest and that they want to publish my photo in a coffee-table type book. I honestly have no idea how many people would buy the book, but yay for me all the same!

I also made the Dean's List last semester.

I uploaded a couple photos from Chisholm Challenge that I deemed DA-worthy enough. I'm trying to upload the rest to Flickr, but Flickr is not cooperating. If you want to see those, I'll post the link to my Flickr gallery when they're up.

I hope everyone is having a good new year!

remember: PEACE&harmony

I should be in Texas...

~whinneysgirl — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:19:58 PST

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

I'm grumpy. I should be in Burleson, Texas right now. I was going to fly into Love Field today via San Diego and El Paso. Not the worst flight, really. But a massive storm has been blowing through the northwest, and the Sacramento area got hit fairly hard. We get to the airport and they tell me that all flights into and out of Sacramento have been cancelled. Aargh! So, I rebook for Sunday morning but I plan to try to fly standby tomorrow. A few hours after we get back home, my dad calls Southwest and gets me a flight for tomorrow. Whew! And then, Dad tells me the best part: The flight I was supposed to be on today left Sacramento at 1:10, only two hours later than it was supposed to. Apparently, "all flights cancelled" was only a temporary grounding while the worst of the storm passed through.

So, I should be in Texas right now, seeing Julie and Seth and John and Julie's horses, and getting ready to help out at Chisholm Challenge at the Fort Worth Stock Show. Instead, I'm stuck in my room avoiding my younger sister's belated birthday party. I get to be around a bunch of sugar-hyped fourteen year olds all night.

I just had to complain.

The good new is, the storm should be basically over tomorrow, and I have a guaranteed spot on a flight, not just standby, so I'll only be getting to Texas one day late. It could be worse. And Chisholm Challenge is going to be so much fun! I'm thinking lots and lots of photo opportunities with lovely ponies and wonderful kids. I miss the NARHA stuff while I'm at school.

remember: PEACE&harmony

Christmas Break

~whinneysgirl — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 12:26:30 PST

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

Well, I'm home for break, and it's been crazy! I don't think I've had a single day of just vegging out. I haven't had any opportunities to take my camera out anywhere, either. I want to apologize to all my watchers and thank everyone! I also want to thank everyone who faved my photos recently -- I just don't have time to tell you individually!

I got my grades for the Fall 2007 semester -- four A's and one B! I almost fell over, I was so shocked. How did I pull off an A in Spanish? But I did, and I have a 3.7 term GPA. Yay! Hopefully I can keep it up for next semester.

I visited both Project RIDE and PEC. It was good. I got to ride a bunch at RIDE. Got to work with Charibe, who apparently they haven't been using as much even though she's awesome and I love that mare. I'm going to tell Dennis that if he decides to take her back, he is NOT allowed to re-sell her -- he has to save her for me so I can ride her when I come home. I love that mare so much, even when she's being a pig. I also got to ride Poncho, who's learning to go in a frame instead of with his nose in the air. He's doing pretty well, considering, and it hasn't ruined his disposition yet. Still the same sweet boy. I also got to ride a new horse, Patty, who was trained Western Pleasure so she goes really downhill. Interesting. PEC was also really good. I'm going to go back out before I head back to Texas to ride. I'm so excited!

Christmas Eve is now two days away. My family has a big dinner on Christmas Eve with my grandparents and close friends, then do our own thing on Christmas morning. Since I'm a broke college student, I decided to just bake things for people for their presents, so tomorrow I'm going to spend all day in the kitchen baking. I'm also making the rolls for Christmas Eve dinner. I'm going to be a regular domestic goddess over the next couple days.

Happy Holidays everyone!

remember: PEACE&harmony

Finals Week

~whinneysgirl — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:58:09 PST

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

So, here's how my week looks.

MONDAY: Studystudystudy.
TUESDAY: Stats final at 8:30 am. Studystudystudy.
WEDNESDAY: Anthropology final at 8:30 am. Studystudystudy.
THURSDAY: Spanish final at 8:30 am. Pack, go present shopping for little sis.
FRIDAY: Fly home!!!!

I'm procrastinating right now, as I've been studying for Anthropology all morning and I need to study stats more next. I'm actually going to go by my professor's office to pick up my take-home test from last week, see how badly I did, and see if I can get help with that stuff. I'm just praying I passed that test so that I can get away with a C or maybe a B on the final. In Anthropology I'm pretty sure that even if I didn't study I could pass, but as it's my major I thought I would put in more effort. And I'll be appalled if I don't ace Spanish, considering I've gotten A's on all the tests in the class without studying at all.

But, to make things harder, I either got a really bad cold or my allergies came back...in December. We've had some weird weather; Saturday was hot and muggy, yesterday it was freezing. So I have a sinus headache, stuffy nose, and sore throat, just in time for finals.

The good news is, last Thursday I jumped a mini course that included a line! It wasn't pretty by any means, but I'm doing so well for only 3 jumping lessons after several years of no jumping. I really like Anchor. I think he's good for my confidence. And on Saturday I almost rode piaffe on Gomez. It wasn't perfect, but considering that I had never ridden it before and had no idea what I was doing, I consider it quite an accomplishment!

God, I can't believe I'm going to be home in four days...I'm already making all kinds of plans. I'm going in to Project RIDE, visiting Mari at PEC, Lynae out at my old barn, and of course hanging out with my high school friends who I haven't seen in way too long. Not to mention it'll be Christmas.

remember: PEACE&harmony

RIP

~whinneysgirl — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:53:28 PST

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

Julie's wonderful Border Collie Oreo had to be put down yesterday. The vet thinks she had some kind of obstruction that was causing her a lot of pain. I believe she was 14 years old. She was a great dog. I can hardly believe that I was just playing around with her a week ago.

RIP Oreo

On a happier note, I jumped again yesterday! It was a fantastic lesson. I'm still over the moon about it! I rode Anchor, who's a fat palomino with a slight attitude but overall a good work ethic. We jumped little gates that I think were about 2', which is way better than the nano-crossrails I did last time. Everyone said I looked really good and Beth, the young woman who taught my lesson, was really surprised when I told her it was only my second time jumping in years. So yeah, I'm feeling pretty good about myself right about now. I'm definitely going out again next week (weather permitting) and hopefully I can keep it up!

These next two weeks are going to be crazy in general for me, though. On Monday I have an oral assessment in Spanish. On Tuesday I have one last unit test in statistics, part of which is take-home. Tuesday is also the first night of Hanukkah. Wednesday or Friday my group will be presenting for Anthropology, then our final project is due on Friday. Also on Friday I have the last test for Hebrew Bible, and then I'm done with that class. Then the next week is finals week. Tuesday morning I have the stats final, Wednesday is the Anthropology final, and Thursday is the Spanish final.

And then on Friday I fly home! That means in two weeks I'll be home sweet home.
But I'll be exhausted before I even get there.

Today I'm going with a couple people on mock trial to observe the first round of a competition at Baylor. Should be interesting at the very least. It had just better be worth the hour drive. Rawwr.

remember: PEACE&harmony

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

So I didn't have a lesson yesterday, but my group for anthropology did go out to Out Back Stables for our project. That's where those most recent pictures are from. The woman was really nice, and she had some pretty sweet little horses. So if anyone is interested in riding Western (or English) in the Georgetown area with a woman who is very nice and very affordable, I recommend Out Back.

I am so amazingly glad that it's Friday! Classes are done for the week, and I only have three classes next week before leaving for Thanksgiving. I will bring my camera to Julie's, too, as she has her lovely babies in that nice big pasture. And with Julie, who knows where else we might go with ponies.

Tomorrow I'm going to Brookstone with Natalie. Hopefully I'll get to ride, but it's never guaranteed on Saturday, even though Carol owes me a couple lessons. Then Natalie and I are going to the CenTex Fall Formal dressage show to watch because there are supposed to be some big names there. I will definitely be bringing my camera to that. Silver Hills is supposed to be really nice, from what I hear.

So yeah...that's what's going on with me.

remember: PEACE&harmony

Stress

~whinneysgirl — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:48:09 PST

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

I think I might be stressed. My face started breaking out in the last couple of days, and I've been having problems sleeping. Aargh.

Basically, we're getting down to the end of the semester and all of the professors are realizing they're not quite where they want to be, so they're rushing us through a bunch of stuff. For anthropology, I'm supposed to finish reading an entire ethnography by tomorrow, and I'm not even close. We're also doing a mini-ethnography ourselves in groups, which is turning out to be super hard. My group is going to a western barn to study western culture (because Natalie and I are English girls). But the three of us are having a really hard time coordinating our schedules, because no one is available the same days as other people. And the project is due the first week of December.

In the midst of all this, I'm trying to ride a little. I'm lucky if I can ride once a week, let alone two. I got to ride Duke, the Grand Prix horse, this weekend. I think I like Gomez better, but I don't dislike Duke -- he's just more work. Somehow I communicate better with Gomez. I have a lesson at King's Bridge on Thursday (yay, jumping again!) and hopefully I can go out to Brookstone at least one of the days this weekend.

I have a Spanish test and a Stats quiz today, also. I'm not too worried about Spanish, I just have to look over the vocab again. But I am not understanding stats. I think I know what I'm doing, but then I check my answers and they're always wrong. It's so frustrating!

I can't even tell you how much I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. One week left! Then I might actually not have to stress so much. And I'll get good turkey. And I'll get to see Tank. And I'll get to get away from everyone here...not that I hate all of them, but people have been getting on my nerves a little. It's the stress.

Hope y'all are more relaxed than me!

remember: PEACE&harmony

I Jumped!

~whinneysgirl — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:14:35 PST

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

That's right, I jumped! Me, the nervous little dressage girl, actually jumped.

Granted, the fences were maybe a foot high, and I was riding one of King's Bridge's old school horses that they put the tiny kids on, but who cares? I jumped and I loved it!

You have no idea how proud I am of myself. I just told myself, "You can do this." I got on, I walked, trotted, and cantered like I don't have a care in the world, and then Holly had me hop over these little crossrails. I'm sore as hell, but I'm loving it.

Just had to share.

remember: PEACE&harmony

Devious Journal Entry

~whinneysgirl — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:04:29 PST

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

I registered for classes this week. Because first-years are basically at the bottom of the ladder, I didn't get a lot of the classes that were my first choices. However, the beauty of a liberal arts college is that there's almost always good classes. And the beauty of college in general is that you can pick what classes you want and when you want to take them. So my schedule for Spring 2008 looks like this:

MONDAY and WEDNESDAY
10:00-10:50 Spanish II (with a professor everyone seems to like)
11:00-12:15 Social Patterns & Processes (basically intro to sociology, with a professor everyone says is really cool but gives a lot of work)
2:00-3:15 Anthropology of Development (dunno about this one...he's a visiting professor, I haven't heard anything about him, and it's a special topics course)

TUESDAY
9:30-10:45 Environmental Philosophy (taught by two professors who people say are really nice and very into what they teach, although again, they give a lot of work; the class sounds cool anyway)

FRIDAY
10:00-10:50 Spanish II
(and then I'm done for the week!)

So, for a first year, I'd say that's a pretty good schedule. Next year I'll have to start worrying about my arts and fitness requirements, but I have three more years. No worries.

I finally set up a lesson at Kings Bridge for tomorrow. It's just a private, let's-see-where-you-are lesson. I think I'm an interesting case because on the flat, I'm pretty advanced, but as a jumper I'm a beginner because I haven't done it in years, at least not very consistently. Last time I jumped I took Layla out for some cross-country schooling and we did some Beginner Novice stuff (I think that's 2'3"), but then she dumped me. So I just need to get back in shape and work on my confidence some more. I went out with Julia again last night, and she and Sophie were doing courses at some crazy height...I think Steve said 4'5" or 4'9". Either way, that's pretty crazy. I'm not looking to go that high, just to get confident at 2' or maybe 2'3".

And in the meantime, I'll still be working and riding at Brookstone so my dressage improves. And hopefully I'll get to start going out to R.O.C.K., although I haven't even been able to go to any volunteer training yet. I basically know how it works, but they need to know that I can do what I say I can -- plus every place does it a little differently, so I have to figure out what's different at R.O.C.K. from R.I.D.E. and Wings of Hope and All Star. Ay.

Chin up! Only two weeks until Thanksgiving!

remember: PEACE&harmony

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

I never remember how much I love dressage until I start doing it again. I'm still dealing with confidence/fear issues, especially at the canter, but Brookstone has some really awesome horses that will be great for me to work with. Natalie and I had a lesson this morning on Evelyn's old boys, Beau and Ted. I rode Ted, who I also rode a couple weeks ago. He's this big Thoroughbred who, when he's standing, really looks like a Thoroughbred, but then he starts moving and he's got these long, fluid strides that are taken right of a Warmblood. It's pretty cool. It felt so good to be riding again, and Carol is a really good confidence builder, too. "You girls have improved this much from last time," she said when we finished, holding her arms really wide. And I felt really good, too. My seat was good, my leg was good, and even my upper body felt better.

I'm going to call King's Bridge about lessons so I can ride during the week sometimes, too, and so I can maybe get back into jumping a little bit. I also need to find someone who wants to go to R.O.C.K. at the same time I can, so I can volunteer in classes and ride some of their horses, too.

Brookstone also had a judging workshop today, sort of a mock show. I took lots of pictures, only a few of which I posted here. I have more I'm going to eventually upload to Photobucket or Flickr or something, so if anyone is interested in seeing more pictures, just let me know.

Now, time to do homework! Bleech.

remember: PEACE&harmony

My daddy!

~whinneysgirl — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 15:02:43 PDT

16 down, 84 to go: The 100 Challenge

[EDIT]Went back and updated the 100 Challenge with a couple photos. If it takes me five years, I swear, I will get all 100.[/EDIT]

My dad is coming to visit me this weekend! He's flying into Austin on Friday night and staying until Tuesday, since I have Monday and Tuesday off for holiday.

On Saturday we're going to drive down to watch the races at Retama Park near San Antonio, instead of Lone Star Park, because Retama has Thoroughbred racing and a good handful of stakes races that day. Can you say photo opp? I can wait to see what kind of pictures I can get at the track with a digital camera and my zoom lens! Last time I went to the races (Golden Gate Fields), I still had my old film camera. There were some good pictures, sure, but I'll be able to take so many more and hopefully more of better quality. Good times!

We're staying in San Antonio Saturday night, so Sunday we'll go to the River Walk, too. I bet that will be a great place to take some cool pictures.

Yay! My daddy's coming!

remember: PEACE&harmony

Brookstone

~whinneysgirl — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 11:59:54 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

I rode for the first time at Brookstone today. It was fantastic! I only walked and trotted a tiny bit because the horse I was riding, Gomez, has an absess that is healing, but it was fantastic anyway. Carol told me I have really good basics and a good seat, and even though I know my leg position could have been better, she didn't harp on it. Gomez is a great professor. He's trained to the T, and unless you signal him exactly, he stops because he can't figure out what you want. We did all kinds of movements at the walk, including a bunch I had never done before, like half-pass and renver. That horse is awesome.

I also took my camera out back and took a few quick pictures, which are up. I'll try to get pictures of Gomez and the other old guys next time. I'm going out tomorrow, too, assuming I can move tomorrow!

Oh, I also have to get pictures of Hippo. That horse is sooo cute. And sweet.

I'm submitting an article for the Opinion section of the Megaphone this week about the Jena Six thing. I hope it's sort of different than what everyone else has been riding. I don't think there's much question that the whole thing is pretty racist, but the article is more me getting pissed about racism in general than about this particular example. Plus some more.

remember: PEACE&harmony

18

~whinneysgirl — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:29:29 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

I turned 18 today.
It rocks.

'Nuff said.

remember: PEACE&harmony

2,000

~whinneysgirl — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 20:24:10 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

Finally got to 2,000 pageviews. Maybe I can get to 3,000...?

College has been a crazy roller coaster ride. I have good days and bad days; bad days that become good days and, like today, good days that become bad days. I'm still really enjoying my religion and anthropology classes. I'm behind on the reading for religion but she mostly lectures about what we read the next day in class, so it shouldn't be a problem (knock on wood) before I can catch up.

But Spanish has been kicking my ass. My other classes have so much work, I keep forgetting about Spanish. I don't know why that would be the class I forget about, but it is -- all the time. So today I got an e-mail from the "early warning system" saying that my professor is worried about me because I haven't been turning in assignments and/or haven't been doing well on assignments. At first I wanted to cry, and now I just don't care. I figure I'm only four weeks into the semester, I have plenty of time to make up the two assignments I didn't turn in.
And stats is, well...stats. It sucks no matter how good I do on my assignments.

But, on the bright side, I'm doing a lot of other things, especially with horses. I'm going out to Brookstone this weekend, and I'm probably going to start taking lessons at Kings Bridge Farm. My friend Julia rides out there, and I went out with her a couple times this week. Her trainer started talking to me and I started really wanting to start jumping again. So yeah. Like I have the time or money, but whatever. (Maybe that's why I'm forgetting about Spanish...?)
I'm also going to start volunteering at ROCK on the days I can get a ride. I'm going to join the schooling team and work in lessons and, hopefully, later start teaching some classes again.

Oh, yeah, and I'm on the new Mock Trial team and the Megaphone.

I guess it's no wonder I forget about Spanish, but I never feel that overwhelmed. I don't know. But that's the way it's going and I guess I'll just have to figure it out.

You can see pictures of Julia's beautiful mare Sophie that I most recently posted. I have a few more from her lesson today that I haven't uploaded yet, but if there are any decent ones they'll be up here, too.

BTW, thanks to all my watchers! You have no idea how much I appreciate your support.

remember: PEACE&harmony

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

I'm leaving for classes in a few minutes, but I have some time to kill.

I contacted Brookstone Farms and asked about a working student position. They seem very open to the idea, so as soon as I find someone to take me out there, I'm going to talk to the woman, Carol, more, and set up something regular. I'm very excited about this! Not only will it be great to work and ride at a real dressage stable again, like I was at PEC, the stable is beautiful, with open fields and woods and some very nice horses. Can you say pictures?

My first article and photos for the Megaphone will appear in the paper this week! I'm very excited, especially about the part where I get paid.

I'm also joining the Mock Trial team. I was hesitant about it because of the time commitment. I had thought that I would be doing a lot more with the Equestrian Club and team, but as it turns out, I don't think I like it that much. So I'm going to replace most of that with Brookstone, and give Mock Trial more of my time. I did my high school Mock Trial team one year and I loved it.

Well, I guess I'd better meander off to class. Urgh.

remember: PEACE&harmony

First week of school

~whinneysgirl — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 21:55:31 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

First week of classes is OVER. I am exhausted.

I'm leaving tomorrow morning to go with my suitemate Stephanie to her aunt's ranch. I will be bringing my camera. It should be very nice and green since we've had some rain. It will feel good to use my camera again. I don't think I've taken any pictures since my last day at PEC.

I am also definitely joining the SU Equestrian Team, even if I don't compete. I talked to the coach today and she seems very nice, and exactly the kind of trainer I need to fix my riding problems. I'm really really excited.

remember: PEACE&harmony

Southwestern University

~whinneysgirl — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 20:03:28 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

I've been at school all of 11 days, and I'm already voluntarily loading myself down with stuff to do! Classes started this week, and although for the most part I think I'll enjoy them, it's a lot more work than I'm used to. The first day of class, I got assignments in three classes. It was so hard to get through them. In fact, I've only gotten through the readings for two of my classes; I'll be working on the statistics homework tomorrow to turn in on Thursday.

Plus, I'm applying for both a photographer and writer for the school paper. If they hire me, it's a paid position, and it will give me more experience in another area that I've been interested in, but have never experienced before. For the photographer position, I'm submitting "On Her Way," "Cold Play," and "Friendship," all of which are in my gallery. I personally think they're some of my best photos, and showcase my ability to photograph a variety of subjects and settings. If anyone has any other ideas or pictures they think would be better, let me know!
I'm also going to submit my admissions essay for the writing position. I don't have it on DA, but it's definitely one of my favorite things I've ever written, and it really shows my voice as a writer. Maybe I'll submit it so people can see it.

Also, I'm going to be looking into the equestrian team on campus. I need to talk to the coach, but I might even get back into competing in some hunt seat classes. I would loove that, because I like competing, it was just never super important to me like it was to my old trainers. To me, it was fun; to them, it was all about getting to the top. I guess we'll see what happens.
I'm still going to look into volunteering at R.O.C.K., because the therapeutic riding is absolutely something I want to continue with. My advisor also told me about a center a little further from campus that uses horses to help at-risk youths. I've never been involved in anything like that before, but again, it's something I've always been interested in, so if I can find someone to give me a ride, I'll probably be doing that, too.

So, as of now my year could possibly consist of: 15 credit hours, the paper, the equestrian team, volunteering/teaching at R.O.C.K., and volunteering at this other center. That may not be as much as some other people I know, but for me, it's A LOT! Wish me luck!

By the way, I opened an account with Imagekind: [link] in the hopes of selling some of my prints without having to pay to open an account with DA. I doubt I'll sell enough to really matter, if I sell any, but so far it's free so I figured it can't hurt to try. Anyone want to buy prints? *wiggles eyebrows*

remember: PEACE&harmony

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

Today is my second full day in the dorms at Southwestern University. I am having such a good time; everyone is so nice. I'm already making friends and I've only been here two days! I will definitely be getting some good use out of my camera here. The campus is gorgeous with trees and limestone buildings. The countryside is down the road one direction, and the cute little historic district is down the other way.

I'm so excited!

remember: PEACE&harmony

Features! & new in my life

~whinneysgirl — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 18:42:37 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

FEATURES

1.
My favorite works:

2.
My favorite works:

I'll still do three more features! Just comment.

...

These were my last two days at PEC. I worked myself into the ground yesterday, tacking and lunging and riding horses. I had a lesson in the afternoon, which totally kicked my butt but it felt so good when I got it right. Today I was sore and tired and my back kept tightening up painfully, but I rode Wagner for a little before letting Mari get on me. And guess what? He is an FEI horse! We put him in the double bridle and he was doing tempi changes and going so pretty once Mari beat him up to get him going. Then I got on and did some really nice canter work before my back spasmed. But it was a great ending to a great few weeks. I really hope I can do it again for a longer time next summer. Mari was so nice to me and when I was leaving today I wanted to cry because it started to hit me that this time next week, I'll be two time zones away about to start the next huge phase of my life.
Scary.

Once I get there, though, there's a stable called Brookstone that I visited that I might do some working student stuff at while I'm at school. I'll have to figure out how to balance my studies, riding, and the therapeutic riding, all without having a car, but I'll find a way. I have to find a way. Brookstone would be a great place to work because it's beautiful. There's a river and woods and meadows with wildflowers and some truly gorgeous horses. Can you just imagine those pictures?

I have six days left here and I still haven't finished my homework.

remember: PEACE&harmony

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

I leave for my first year at Southwestern University on August 16th! That's 9 days from now, when I'm writing this journal.

Anyone want a feature? Due to lack of time, I'm only going to feature the first 5 people who reply to this journal. I'll go through your gallery and pick my three favorite works and post them in a journal.

I just got back today from a two-day trip to Safari West in Santa Rosa. I got tons of pictures and have posted the best ones (the ones of the ring-tailed lemurs are particularly cute!). They had tons of different animals there, although sadly the only big cats they had were cheetahs. Those were very cool; you were basically standing three feet from these beautiful cats with only a fence between you. The giraffes were also very cool and very friendly; a lot of the time they came over and stuck their heads over the fence right in your face!

On a horsey front, things have been going pretty well. I've been so busy actually working with horses I haven't had the chance to take many good pictures! For the last couple of weeks I've basically been a working student with Mari at PEC, which has been awesome. I've been able to work on my dressage skills again, which I needed, and I'm learning lots of new things. I've gotten to handle babies and broodmares, which I haven't done much before, and have also helped do some ground manner training with a yearling filly named Willa. Mostly it's been go-go-go. I get there around 9:00 and immediately start tacking up horses for Mari to ride, or lunging horses, or grooming/bathing horses. If I'm lucky, four or five hours later Mari will have time to do a lesson with me, at the end of which I'm usually wiped because I'm so out of shape! But it's been great, and definitely something I want to do again next summer when I come home.

Pine Trails has been harder because it's further away (almost a 45 minute drive), but Michelle has been very nice and very understanding, and I've been doing some more mellow riding when I can out there. I'm going to try to go out there once more before I leave, hopefully get a lesson and drag my camera around all day.

Meanwhile, I'm still trying to finish my reading for my First-Year Seminar class in time to complete all the written assignments that go with it. I have 10 days, right? I'm also hoping to go to a local hunter show this weekend to take pictures, but I don't know if I'll have the time.

remember: PEACE&harmony

Devious Journal Entry

~whinneysgirl — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:54:15 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

So as of today, I'm working (or something like it) at three different barns. Shesh.

First is Project RIDE, where I've been teaching lessons Tuesdays through Thursdays. It's been going swimmingly. My horses have been perfect and several of my kids are making huge progress. I've been teaching most of the more advanced students, and I have a couple who are starting to post, which is really hard to learn under normal circumstances. So I'm quite the proud mama.
My project horse, Charibe, started in lessons last week and should become one of our best. So far she's been able to handle every level of rider. Now all I have to do is get her in shape in a week and a half before they close for two weeks! Any suggestions?
Speaking of new horses, we have four coming in over the next few weeks. I don't know much about them, but there are two that both Julie and Kim are really excited about.

Second is Pine Trails, which has been hit and miss because Michelle has been having some health issues, but last I heard she's all better and I will be going back out more regularly, if I can. I've already been able to work with some fun new horses, including a tiny little pony who is learning voice commands so they can teach her to drive. Michelle has been very sweet and is willing to work with me on my confidence, which has been an issue for me for several years. It's a great, relaxed atmosphere -- plus, I get to visit with my old horse Ranger (the guy in my avatar).

Thirdly is Pacific Equestrian Center, which I just started at today. Mary, the owner, is a dressage trainer and the facility is just gorgeous. I have fond memories because my very first horse show, light years ago, was at PEC only a couple of years after it opened. I know several people who ride there who told me she could use a groom and suggested I call her. So I did. I went out today after Project RIDE and helped her tack up and groom horses. I got to lunge her three-year old German import (who is gorgeous), ride a very sweet and very pretty black-and-white paint called Bo, and even groomed her stallion Williams, which was very cool. I'm going back out on Friday morning and for the next few weeks will be helping her out with her horses. The farm is beautiful and the horses even more so, so I will definitely be bringing my camera and using up all the space on the memory card.

And then, in a month, I'm leaving for college at Southwestern University. I'm flying out on August 16th into Austin, and the next day dorms open. Then I will basically be plunged into this new world of all-day studying and very little free time. I'll probably need to learn to like coffee. But I'm beyond excited because I have loved everything I've heard of and seen of the place, and I got into the co-ed dorm. Teeheehee.

Oh, and go look at my good friend Tess' account: . She just posted some new stuff and there's some good ones. Plus she's just a very cool chick.

remember: PEACE&harmony

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

I graduated from high school. It was anticlimactic, really.

I'm leaving very early tomorrow morning to visit my friend/mentor in Burleson, Texas for a week. She's the one who owns Tank, Ibin, and Sara Lee, who are the mustang, the Arab, and the mule that I took portraits of a while back. The camera is coming with me, and I'm carrying my camera bag with me, so I will take lots and lots of pictures. Julie says she's also going to take us to the Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth, and there's horses all over the place so I'm sure I will have many many pictures to submit by the time I get back.

The Budweiser Clydesdales are also coming back to Project R.I.D.E. at the end of the month, which I am very excited about because I can get even more pictures. I'm thinking I might try to convince them to let me sit on one of them, because that would be awesome.

remember: PEACE&harmony

three...two...one...

~whinneysgirl — Tue, 29 May 2007 20:30:35 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

I didn't get to any photo opps this weekend, but I did see Pirates 3. It was way better than the second one, but we all know that nothing will ever be able to hold a candle to the first.

I think Pine Trails is going to be awesome this summer. On Sunday I lunged two horses, an Appy mare named Sonnet and a gelding called Doc who I think is a Thoroughbred. Sonnet has some weird scarring in one of her eyes, so it's cloudy and looks like she's blind although I think she still has pretty good vision out of it. I'm planning to play around with getting a picture of it. She's very sweet and has a great work ethic, so I hope I get to work with her some more. Doc was a huge goofball and Michelle said I'd probably like him, too. I'm just really excited about doing this because it's different from what I've been doing.

And I have a new project that if I remember, I'm going to do it. Tomorrow is my last day in class as a high school senior, so I'm going to take my camera (it's already in my bag) and take portraits of all my friends who are willing. Just have them strike whatever pose they think is best, and snap the picture. You know, memory-making, photographer style. Because I would always forget to bring my camera to events.

Gosh...One day of school left. It's crazy.

ETA: I finally gave in and ordered a new lens, the Sigma 70-300mm Macro Telephoto Zoom lens. It looks like a good lens for a very low price, so, here's hoping!

remember: PEACE&harmony

Allergies, Lenses, and Graduation

~whinneysgirl — Sat, 26 May 2007 16:34:05 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

I have a new favorite song: "Boats and Birds" by Gregory and The Hawk. It made me cry because it made me think about graduation and where we're all going. Everyone should go listen to it because no matter who you are, where you are, sometime in your life you have had or will have an experience that fits that song.

I have some allergies that randomly get really bad and then go away, so that's made my life a little difficult. I was going to go out to another Paint Horse show this weekend, but I don't think that's going to happen. Hopefully, however, I will be going downtown with Tess and taking some pictures. Tomorrow I'll be going out to Pine Trails to ride, so I'll bring my camera and see if I have time to get any shots.

Speaking of my camera, I think I finally have enough extra cash to order a telephoto zoom lens, specifically the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras ... What do you guys think? Is it worth it at the price? I really can't afford to go much higher than that, but it seems like a decent lens for the low cost.

I also have a plan for a big photo project this summer. I'm going to steal my film camera back from my sister, buy a whole bunch of black and white film, and experiment with developing my own prints. I got a gift card for Easter from my aunt and uncle for a black and white photo lab not too far away, and I was inspired by some of my friends' portfolios for their photography class. I'm thinking my emphasis will be on portraits, but I want to experiment with the effect of light and shutter speed, also.

Oh, and I have a little over a week until high school graduation.

remember: PEACE&harmony

More Shows

~whinneysgirl — Fri, 18 May 2007 22:04:54 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

Tomorrow my parents are giving me an early graduation party. Yay! It's going to be awesome. And hopefully I'll get lots of money and gifts, haha.

I'm finally finished with all my AP testing. The Econ tests actually weren't so hard. I'm going to be optimistic and say I passed, although I don't think I got high enough scores to get credit at my school. Doesn't matter, though, I knew more than I thought I would, and that makes me proud.

But my teachers are slave drivers and I still have a bunch of work to do if I don't want to fail my classes before graduating. I have a speech for English, a paper for Government, a group project for Calculus (which you know I'm going to do all by myself), who knows what in Econ, and a painting for Art. Ay!

On Sunday I'm going to try to go out to Starr Vaughn for the last day of their big dressage show. They're going all the way up to FEI levels, so I should be able to get pretty good shots. And the place is gorgeous, too. If anyone in the Sacramento area hasn't been there, you should go, because it's pretty incredible.

remember: PEACE&harmony

Summertime Blues, Pt. 2

~whinneysgirl — Sun, 13 May 2007 21:24:09 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

"Sometimes I wonder
What I'm gonna do
'Cause they're ain't no cure
for the summertime blues"

If you've ever heard that song, it's about having to work and stuff during the summer when you want to be doing otherstuff. So actually, what I'm feeling is "Maytime Blues," I guess. Basically, there's two weeks left of school, and I still have my AP Economics tests, a paper for Government, and a graduation speech to write for English. Gaaawwwd.

On the bright side, today I discovered RAW format, and it's just one more thing I love about digital cameras. Once I found all the software to edit and convert the files, I was in heaven!

I'm also experimenting with how I want to display the pictures. I've added a watermark, more as a preventative measure because the only problems I've had are of friends copying pictures of themselves. It's also promotional because over the summer I'm going to set up a website and start selling prints. Woohoo!

Right now, however, I have to go discuss something with my mom and do some stuff for assignments that are due tomorrow. I have a "sales" presentation for my ROP class, and basically I'm going to try to recruit people to volunteer at Project RIDE. I haven't even written out a script. My ROP non-class is so remarkably stupid. I'm one of two, maybe three people who take AP classes, and I easily take the most. The only reason I took the stupid class was so I could go to Project RIDE during school hours. Aargh.

remember: PEACE&harmony

AP Testing

~whinneysgirl — Mon, 07 May 2007 17:25:49 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

I had my first AP test today, in U.S. Government & Politics. I don't think I did as badly as I thought I would.

Wednesday I have Calculus, and Thursday I have English Lit & Comp.
And then next Thursday I have Micro and Macro Economics. That one I know I'm not passing. Crap.

My Canon is still doing me well, although I haven't had as many good photo opportunities as I would like. Sarah brought her minis to Project RIDE today, and although they're adorable, I couldn't get many good pictures because the lighting and the surroundings are not very good. There were some decent ones, though, which I posted, and here are couple I scrapped:

I really am planning on giving myself more good photo outings. It's show season, and there's lots coming up that would be great for taking pictures. There's a SJPHA show this weekend, a dressage show at Starr Vaughn next weekend, and various other events throughout the summer. I think I'm also going to try to go to one of Sarah's mini shows, and I'll be taking lots of pictures at Pine Trails this summer, as well.

It's good times.

remember: PEACE&harmony

I <3 my Canon!

~whinneysgirl — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 22:44:40 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

Yes, I've added the stamp, because I'm in looooove, baby. I love this Digital Rebel, despite its being used and an XT. Who cares? It's so much fancier than my poor old Minolta (which has been kidnapped by my little sister).

I went out to John's today to ride Jill again. I love that mare. I didn't do a whole lot with her except work on her bending and suppling her neck, but she did so well. She's got a great work ethic and is just so sensible. I got to play around with my new camera, too; Jill is very photogenic and John's neighbors have a pasture with a cute couple of ponies.

And can I say that I am so excited about this summer? Everything is coming together. Kim got her NARHA certification so my summer session at Project RIDE will be coming together shortly. I'm planning on doing that three days a week, and then two or three other days going out to Pine Trails, where my old horse Ranger is at (he's the one in my avatar). Michelle, who owns the place, is just an incredible person. She knows I have some fear issues still when I ride, and is completely willing to help me work through them. She suggested starting out working smaller horses and working my way up. She also asked me if I'd be interested in therapy (rehabilitating injured and rescued horses), which I of course said yes to. So mostly, I have a bunch of horsey things going on this summer that I am sooo excited about. And the best part? No summer reading because I'm going to college!

I think this weekend I'll also go out to my old trainer's barn to visit. She has two new foals so I'll bring my camera. I bet they're just adorable.

remember: PEACE&harmony

New Camera!

~whinneysgirl — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 16:09:49 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

Yes, that's right, I got a NEW CAMERA!
Well, actually, it's a used camera, but who really cares? Because it's a CANON DIGITAL REBEL XT -- the model prior to the one I've been saving up for for the last five months, and anticipated saving several more months. Now it's mine!

My uncle had it and just bought himself a new XTi with some fancy extras. We were having brunch for my mom's birthday, and I wound up getting the best present of all! If it weren't raining right now I would have taken it out in the field already. There have been patches of sunshine, so if I get all my homework finished early enough, I might go take some pictures anyway.

Woohoo!

remember: PEACE&harmony

Art in Action

~whinneysgirl — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 22:26:44 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

I'm in Art I at my high school this year. I was not looking forward to it because, honestly, I could barely draw stick figures. No joke. I wanted to take theater or photography, but I didn't get in to either of those. So, I resigned myself to taking Art I with a wacked-out teacher and all the delinquents.

We had our Art in Action contest at school tonight. I had three pieces entered -- two First Places, and one Honorable Mention! I was stunned. I'll probably be sending at least one of my firsts to the County Fair, possibly even the State Fair. I'll also try to get scanned copies of at least my stippling one, but I don't know how soon I'll be able to take it home.

I'm going to the Clinton Anderson Horsemanship Clinic on Saturday with a big ol' group from Project RIDE -- rest assured, I'll be bringing my camera. Hurray.

remember: PEACE&harmony

Summertime Blues

~whinneysgirl — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 20:22:55 PDT

14 down, 86 to go: The 100 Challenge

"Summertime Blues" in that summertime isn't here yet. Only 74 days until graduation [including weekends and vacation].

I'm also testing out some CSS layouts. The journal might look screwey for a while.

Senioritis has got quite an impressive hold on me right now. I tend to spend most of my time thinking about how tired I am and how I can get away with doing the least amount of schoolwork possible. It's kind of catching, too -- most of the class is starting to go a little stir-crazy, and we still have an entire week before our one-week spring break.

But, thinking so much about getting out of school makes me think about what I'm going to be doing when that time comes. I will be teaching regularly at Project RIDE; one of the other instructors has asked for the entire summer off, so I will be working with a lot of the kids that she usually works with. That's a lot of the more independent riders. My plan is to give them all more individual attention than they usually get so they can really develop their riding skills.
And the best part? I'm getting paid for it.

I'm also hoping to get a part-time office job working for one of the RIDE board members, just to get some more pocket money. Office work is not my favorite, but he's supposed to be great to work for and the office is approximately two blocks from my house. It's decent pay for a very flexible 8 to 10 hours per week.

I'm also trying to line up a part-time volunteer position working horses at the barn my old horse is at. I love the people and the barn, and it would give me an excuse to go see Ranger. I miss that horse so much sometimes it physically hurts.

In current news, Charibe is finally coming in to the barn next week. That's Dennis' mare who is on trial with Project RIDE, who is extraordinarily unfit. Dennis has specially requested me to work with her because her training is a lot like my training, and he seems to hold me in very high esteem when it comes to the horses. I'll be working with her as regularly as possible. She's really an awesome little horse -- trained to the T, sweet-natured, and so comfortable it's like riding a rocking horse without the extra effort.

Oh, and I'll be getting paid to teach one half-hour lesson for four weeks this spring session. It's not a whole lot in the way of monetary compensation, but I'm so glad that I'll be teaching it -- one of the riders has been on the waiting list for quite some time and I've been pushing to get her in the program, the other little boy has been coming for a few years and his mom wanted him to come back in. It'll be fun.

Oh, and one last thing -- I got into Willamette. Now I'm just waiting to see if they offer me some money.

remember: PEACE&harmony

College!

~whinneysgirl — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 21:41:03 PST

12 down, 88 to go: The Challenge

It's so close, I can almost taste it. No, I really can taste it, which makes it that much harder. Graduation is on June 4, and the days just don't go by soon enough.

I applied to four schools and so far I've been accepted to:
* Sonoma State University
* Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
* Southwestern University (with a $10,000 per year scholarship)

I'm waiting to hear back from the last one, Willamette University, but honestly, I can't imagine I wouldn't get in. Not to sound bigheaded or anything, but Southwestern's standards are basically the same, so I would be nothing short of crushed if I didn't get into Willamette. But regardless, my first choice right now is Southwestern in Georgetown, Texas. I've heard so many good things and so few bad things about it, and a big plus is how far away from home it is. I'm going to visit the campus first week in April. Don't worry, the camera will be coming along, because from what I hear, the blue bonnets will be in full bloom and the area is big horse country. Who's excited?

I am anxious to...well, go somewhere else. Home is great and all, but as I'm growing up and things change, some of the stuff I was enjoying just don't bring the same feeling of peace as they used to. Like Project RIDE. It's an amazing program and I love it and I love the people, but a lot of personal drama and weird politics have been destroying the atmosphere. It's so depressing for me to see that happen -- it's been my second home for so long, feeling like I don't want to be around it is disconcerting.

In other news, show season is starting which means more frequent photo opps. Next weekend is Pickwick, Starr Vaughn is starting its various events, and I think there's some Quarter Horse shows around, too. Plus, I finally found 800 speed film (around the corner at Longs -- who would've thought?), so more action shots! My poor Minolta needs all the help it can get.

remember: PEACE&harmony

New pics

~whinneysgirl — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 18:24:00 PST

12 down, 88 to go: The Challenge

My black and white came back. The best ones were of ~kaleidoscope26 and her horse Chance, so that's most of what's up. The only other one worth posting was a weird one of a tree trunk that looked like it had a face. There were some ones from Christmas that were cool, but posting them in February would just make me sad, honestly.

I'm actually sick. I've been out of school all week. I'm hoping to be better tomorrow so I can catch up and also be at Project RIDE to earn some cash. What are the odds of that happening right now?

1,000

~whinneysgirl — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 18:14:18 PST

12 down, 88 to go: The Challenge

So, after approximately ten months, I finally got 1,000 pageviews! Go me.

I'm waiting for my black and white roll (that I finally took in) to come back. I dropped it several days ago, so I'm expecting the call any time now. You wouldn't know it by how long it took me to bring those pictures in, but I can't wait to see them. There are some on there that I'm sure are just fabulous. :crossfingers:

I think I'm also going to drag someone with me out to the river or the delta to take some pictures. I was thinking today how pretty it can be out there, although since it's winter, it might be not as pretty. I guess that's on the list for spring and/or summer.

I might also be getting sick. I blame calculus.

Thank Goodness!

~whinneysgirl — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 16:29:19 PST

12 down, 88 to go: The Challenge

I just got my acceptance notification to Sonoma State University via e-mail. It was my back-up school, and I can't tell you how good it feels to know that I do have somewhere to go!

Now I'm just waiting on Cal Poly SLU (hopefully this month) and Southwestern University and Willamette University, both of which I probably won't hear from until March. Hopefully both with a large scholarship, as well.

In Memory

~whinneysgirl — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 11:20:48 PST

12 down, 88 to go: The Challenge

Another horse had to be euthanized at Golden Gate Fields yesterday, and possibly one more.
Pictures from yesterday have been posted.

Golden Gate Fields

~whinneysgirl — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:12:41 PST

10 down, 90 to go: The Challenge

and I are going to Golden Gate Fields on Sunday for a photo outing. It turned into a family thing (at least for me), as my parents made reservations for us in the Turf Club. Not a bad idea, except now I have to wear nice pants!

In other news, new semester started this week. I'm taking one more class than last semester, and a grand total of four AP classes:
Art I
AP English (Literature & Composition)
Calculus AB (1/2 semester if I pass the test)
AP Economics (I think it's the same as Econ 1A/1B)
AP Government

So far it's not so bad except I'm more tired than usual because of drama that happened over the weekend. If I get too overwhelmed I'll drop the Government class, since I don't need it.

Project RIDE also has another new horse on trial, an Arab x Quarter mare called Charibe. She's been trained to the T, but spoiled to death, so we're going to work with her to get her where we need her. I rode her once last week, and after she figures out you aren't going to let her get away with anything, she's a dream. Her movement doesn't hurt my back at all because it's sort of rolly, swingy, and side-to-side instead of round-and-round or up-and-down.
Easy's trial is almost up and we're all pretty sure he'll work out. He's such a good boy.

I also rode Shasta today. A few months ago I had her going really well. She was a gymkhana pony before, so she basically knew stop and run with her head up in the air, and I spent the better part of three months re-programming her to slow down and go round. Then over the fall we got so busy with various things and drama and changes, that a lot of the horses fell out of training, and she forgot everything I taught her. So I was finally able to get back on her today and she was very good, considering. She didn't try to run away, and she listened to me, and in a nice frame in the walk. I was very proud of her.

So at this point, I've been semi-officially assigned various project horses for RIDE. Mind you, all of our current lesson horses are great in lessons, it's just when we get on them and really ride that things go a little crazy.
1. Charibe -- She'd be a lease-loan, and her owner, one of my good friends, specially requested of me to work with her. He said something about me working my "gentle hand" on her, and that I'd understand her training better than a lot of the other people because I'm dressage trained, like she is.
2. Bibi -- God, that pony. She's been pulled out of lessons for now to "desensitize" her, or get her used to everything. She's a little skittish, and has a thing about going from one footing to another, and is petrified of the wash rack and the clippers. Julie wants as many people as possible working with her, and I've been unofficially appointed in charge of her ground manners.
3. Shasta -- I sort of appointed myself, because I'm taking her re-re-programming personally. I'm going to get her there and keep her there, dammit!

I just noticed they're all mares. I should have expected that. Geldings are so much easier.

Julie also asked me to take "glamor shots" of all the horses to stick with their files. Dunno when that will happen, but I'll put those pictures up when it does.

New Horse

~whinneysgirl — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 14:13:33 PST

10 down, 90 to go: The Challenge

Project RIDE has a new horse on trial. He's so sweet, and so cute! He's an ex-racer Appendix QH named "Easy Chantel." We're calling him Chanti because I can't call him Chantel. I just can't.

We have assessments for winter session tomorrow, but I'll bring my camera and try to get some pictures of him. I really, really hope he works out.

I took my roll of color in to Walgreens on Monday, but their processing equipment was down so I won't get back until tonight at the earliest. Hopefully it will be tonight. I also have to get my but down the road to take my b&w roll in to Ritz.

That's all. It was kind of a ramble.

Blue, the Epilogue

~whinneysgirl — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 22:04:02 PST

10 down, 90 to go: The Challenge

Blue was put down on Tuesday. I braided a lock of his mane for his owner, but I wanted to keep it for myself.

I have a roll of color I'm taking in tomorrow, and another roll of B&W I need to have sent out.

Today was actually a good day, but it's late and I'm tired, and I've gotten all depressed. The communication around Project RIDE has been so bad lately that I found out about Blue because his name on the board was erased, and I just assumed, and then Tina asked me to braid the piece of mane. I've done it two times now, or maybe three. Blue, Jane, and possibly Cassie.

Happy New Years, everyone. I hope 2007 brings more health and happiness than 2006 did.

Blue

~whinneysgirl — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:35:38 PST

10 down, 90 to go: The Challenge

Tina told me today we're probably going to put Blue down. Blue was the horse that was recently diagnosed with EPM. See that journal here.
In a nutshell, we can't afford to treat him, and his owner has an injury that will prevent her from ever riding again. The company who makes the medication won't donate it or even give Project RIDE a discount, and his owner isn't willing to put out the money to save a horse who she won't be able to ride again. And apparently there's only a 30% chance that he will respond to the medication.
We'll know more next week.

The little (very little) ray of sunshine is that I might get paid to give Kim lessons. Tina has to run it by the board and they have to approve it, but $9.50 an hour for probably less than 6 hours total is really not a huge dent to the bank account, is it?

I'm also going to be insane and add AP Government to my schedule next semester. I'll be taking a grand total of 5 AP tests in May. Yes, insane.

Just in time for the holidays ...

~whinneysgirl — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:22:25 PST

10 down, 90 to go: The Challenge

The last couple of days have been the most depressing in my recent memory.

I found out a shocking and hurtful piece of news about one of the people I love and admire most. I'm not going to go into it here.

Blue, one of the Project RIDE horses, was diagnosed with EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis). He had been acting off for a few months, and we finally had the vet run a blood panel. She then checked for EPM, and there you go.

My doctor told me I have spasmed muscles in my back, and I can't ride or do any rigorous activity for at least two weeks.
She also said that my wrist, which has been bothering me for a few weeks, has spasmed muscles, and I'm supposed to rest it as much as possible for two weeks, as well, and then try not to "re-aggravate it." That's not so bad because then I don't have to do anything in art class (which I hate), and I may be able to switch to a different type of art if I can do that and still get all my art credits for graduation. I'm thinking photo, if possible.

On the bright side (or not), Cloud, a pony Project RIDE has been trying to sell for ages because she doesn't work for the program, may have found a prospective buyer. They live about six or seven hours away, but have called a handful of time and seem genuinely interested. If it works out, it's bittersweet, because it would be great for Cloud to finally find a good home with people that have time to give her the attention she needs and deserves. At the same time, I've been her primary rider and trainer and it would break my heart to see her go.
Also one of RIDE's recent investments, an Icelandic pony named Bibi, has finally seemed to turn a corner. For a long time she was very unsure of water/wet ground, the washrack, clippers, and a few other things, and was also rather disrespectful of her handler at times. But now, she's been in the washrack with little fuss, is maybe starting to accept the clippers, and has been doing so well in classes we've let some of our not-as-strong leaders handle her.
We might also be getting a new horse or two, since we've recently lost one horse, retired another, and Blue is sick. They were looking at a Quarter Horse gelding who has navicular but has been perfectly sound with eggbar shoes, and we're thinking about adopting a horse from one of the local rescue organizations.

So other than those first few whoppers, my life's been going great. If I can get my dad to pick up the pictures he dropped off for me a few days ago, I might even have some pics for people to look at tonight.

And I'm almost at 600 pageviews. Woohoo.

Submissions

~whinneysgirl — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 14:28:36 PST

10 down, 90 to go: The Challenge

Who's loving the new one-step submissions?

And I swear I can smell a Christmas tree ...

Vent

~whinneysgirl — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 08:44:34 PST

7 down, 93 to go: The Challenge

I'm not sure how the depressed emoticon is depressed, but the blue blob fits what I'm feeling pretty well.

I just need to rant for a bit.

I've been feeling a little -- or a lot -- suffocated lately. I love my family and everything, but since I'm starting to send in college applications, that next step is closer and closer, and I'm just so tired of this city. Fun fact: I live in the fastest growing city in the United States. And I'm a country girl, so you can maybe understand why I'm ready to get out. It's also started to make me almost resent the company of my family, which is scary because the holidays are coming, and I'm going to have to spend tons of time with them. I relish the time I'm out of the house by myself, and when I'm home alone -- I've been practically pushing them out the door lately. And I feel bad because they haven't really done anything, it's just me needing more independence than usual.

So I'll probably get out into the rural areas for a while today. It's overcast, but I might be able to get some interesting shots.

I think I'm also going to get a new film camera. I would love to get a Canon Digital Rebel, but there's just no way I can scrape together the money to get one, even used. So I think I'm going to get the Canon Rebel K2 film camera. It's not too expensive, and mom said she'd go halves with me. It's got a flash (woah), zoom, auto and manual focus, and other nice features that my almost 21-year old Minolta just doesn't. I'd also like to get a polarizing filter for experimentation, but I can't seem to find any that would fit a 35mm lens. Figures.

Breeders' Cup pics coming soon

~whinneysgirl — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 17:26:45 PST

7 down, 93 to go: The Challenge

Whew! So, I'm completely exhausted from my trip and its aftermath, not to mention the spankin' new cold I got yesterday that's gotten into my inner ear and made me dizzy. Fun stuff.

The Breeders' Cup was absolutely incredible, especially since I didn't hear about the Distaff tragedy until the day after, so it didn't put a damper on things. Our box was three rows back from the rail and only yards away from the eighth pole, so we were smack in the middle of the clubhouse turn. All the horses went by us on the way to the paddock and after races. I swear both Ouija Board and Lava Man looked straight at me. I also got to visit Three Chimneys, Adena Springs, and the Kentucky Horse Park, so I was in very close proximity with greats like Smart Jones, Point Given, Dynaformer, Slew O'Gold, Ghostzapper, Cigar, and my personal favorites, Da Hoss and Congaree.

I'm working on getting the pictures ready to post, and they should be up tonight or tomorrow, depending on how long the world stays somewhat motionless. Seriously, dizzy is probably my least favorite thing to be, and it's one of the first things I get when I'm sick. Sigh.

Oh, and I'm to 500 whole page views! Aren't you jealous?

Counting down [dot dot dot]

~whinneysgirl — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 17:43:36 PDT

7 down, 93 to go: The Challenge

EIGHT DAYS UNTIL I LEAVE FOR KENTUCKY!!

I'm so excited! I can hardly believe that next Wednesday, I'll be flying to Kentucky, and next Thursday I'll be seeing Congaree in person. I'll be seeing Ghostzapper, Alphabet Soup, Smarty Jones, Dynaformer, Point Given all in person on Thursday. And Saturday's the big day. That's right, I'll be seeing Spun Sugar, Gorella, Henny Hughes, Ouija Board, Wait A While, Cacique, English Channel, Bernardini, Lava Man, Invasor, Sun King, George Washington, Perfect Drift, all -- you guessed it -- in person. Provided everyone makes it to the race, that is. I think Ouija Board, Invasor, and a few others were still questionable. Still ... that's pretty amazing!! Tell me you're not jealous.

I also uploaded a pic I took of my sister lying on the front lawn. Ever since the leaves on our big ol' maple tree have started falling, I've been wanting someone to lay down on the lawn so I can take pictures, and I finally roped the lil' sis into it. The one up I took with our cheap-o snapshot digital, but I also took 7 or 8 on my film camera that I hope will turn out with a little more attention to DOF and lighting and everything.

Come on, tell me you're not jealous ...

Just stuff

~whinneysgirl — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 18:23:09 PDT

6 down, 94 to go: The Challenge

Wow, has life been hectic. Still very little time for photography. Or, at least, when there is, I'm too wiped.

But I am going to be riding out at Ironwood a couple times a week now, which will give me plenty of photo opps.
I'm also going to start riding Baron, a four-year old QH gelding owned by one of the instructors at Project RIDE. I went out to watch her ride him last night. He is so cute! He started as a trail horse and is now training dressage, so he's practically bomb proof and I understand dressage. He's work ethic is so great -- apparently last night was him being a terror, and let me tell you, it was more funny than anything else. And he's only FOUR. Pretty amazing. A huge plus about it is that he's stabled at Pacific Equestrian Center, which is this gorgeous stable that I actually won my first blue ribbon at. It's all tree-lined lanes, green pastures, roomy stalls ... *sigh* ... so many gorgeous photos just waiting to be taken.

PLUS there's only *counts on fingers* 20 days left until I leave for the Breeders' Cup! It's going to be so awesome. I have a tour at Adena Stallions; they stand Congaree, one of my favorite horses every, and amazing horses like Awesome Again and Ghostzapper. I might also go to the Three Chimneys open house, and they definatley permit photography. Whee! I'll probably also go to the Kentucky Horse Park, although I'm still working on figuring out whether they're giving tours of the Hall of Champions the week I'm there. On the day of the Breeders' Cup we're up in a box and it'll be absolutely packed at the rail, but I'll bring my zoom lens and do my best to take some decent pictures. On Friday, though, I'll probably be going to the track to watch those races, and I'll probably be able to get to both the paddock and the rail easier on that day. Hopefully.

My b-day!

~whinneysgirl — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 16:32:00 PDT

6 down, 94 to go: The Challenge

It's my birthday today! The unimportant 1-7. I keep telling everyone I wish I were 18, because then I could get my certification with NARHA and all of Project R.I.D.E.'s problems would be solved -- for a year, anyway.
I won't really be celebrating until the weekend, because I've got school and work and all kinds of stuff going on during the week.

So, pictures have not been a priority lately. I've been sooo tired lately -- my alarm has actually been waking me up, and that never used to happen. Mom thinks I'm anemic (sp?), and she's probably right, but I can never remember to take the vitamins that have iron in them.

Despite that, I'm thinking about getting another job. Yes, another one. Linda hasn't needed me out at Ironwood all that much because she's found some people who can come out more regularly. I'll talk to her some more, but if she doesn't need me on a regular basis, I may see if there are any competition barns around that need a part-time groom or exercise rider. I'll probably have to run that my mom, too.
No matter what happens, once I get my horse life more consistent, the camera will be coming with me pretty much everywhere.

Anyone know where I can find black and white film?

The road to hell ...

~whinneysgirl — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 16:42:47 PDT

6 down, 94 to go: The Challenge

Mood: uuuuggh
Listening to: Welcome - Christina Aguilera

So apparently the road to hell his paved with good intentions. I guess I'm halfway there. Newton (the Student Activities Director at school) said it to me jokingly, and I thought about it when I went to do this journal entry. Mostly because I lied, I didn't get pictures at the show. I was just too tired to even load the camera, let alone chase pictures.

BUT, I did use up my last roll of film taking pictures of Julie's horses. Julie is an instructor at Project R.I.D.E, a good friend and sort of mentor of mine. After three years of working there and living in a tiny tiny trailer, she and her husband bought some property out in Burleson, Texas. She's leaving in a little over a week, and next Saturday the R.I.D.E. folks are throwing a big party for her. I wanted to take some nice portraits of her three horses before they left for Texas today, and I'm going to get them printed and framed to give her her as a gift. My favorites of the batch are posted:

Opinions on them would be much appreciated. Remember, I'm thinking about how they'll look as prints, in a frame with a matt board. Picture them hanging on a wall in a ranch home in Texas.

Oh, fo' show

~whinneysgirl — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 20:06:46 PDT

6 down, 94 to go: The Challenge

Mood: Moo?
Reading: Walden - Thoreau

So for my mood I decided to select "Moo," just to see what that was.
Turns out it's really a cow. Is that a mood?

The first two weeks of school were still okay. They started to drag a little this week, but since I can be gone by 12:30, it's not tragic. I've already got a ton of projects in Poly Sci, though, the nearest one being a compare/contrast thing of Plato's The Republic and Aristotle's The Politics. Not the entire works, but so far there haven't been many ellipses (those are the dot-dot-dots ... for those of you not in the know). For that class I also have a paper on a current close political race due next month, some kind of book review due a little before that, the midterm, an oral presentation on a current social/political/economic issue, a constitution paper (haven't gotten details on that yet), and the final at the end of the semester in January. I'm already most prepared for the oral presentation, since I have my topic (alternative forms of physical therapy not being covered by medical insurance). But that's as far as I've gotten.

And tomorrow I'm doing another show on Chance, and this time I'll get to do the classes I want since I can be there in the morning. I'm looking at mostly Pleasure classes, since Chance kicks butt in those. [link] and I were talking about bringing our cameras. I will definately, at least, because Starr Vaughn is absolutely gorgeous and I want to get pictures of the ponies that show up at these shows. So cute!

Back to school

~whinneysgirl — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 15:57:39 PDT

6 down, 94 to go: The Challenge

Mood: "Dancing"
Reading: Walden - Thoreau

So today was my second day of my SENIOR year in high school. Cheers for the class of 2007!
Surprisingly, the past couple days have been ... well, awesome. Normally going back to school is awful for me because I don't usually enjoy being there, but so far the only class I can tell I'm not going to like is my Calculus class. But that was a given anyway. I have exactly the schedule I wanted: four classes, then lunch, then ROP, so basically at noon I can leave. I have to leave to go to Project RIDE, but I'm not complaining about that. I'm also taking Art I instead of Theater, so we'll see how some of my stuff measures up to those of you who actually have talent for drawing or painting. Supposedly the teacher can turn anyone into a fabulous artist by the end of the year, but this is the girl who screws up her flowers.

I also found out today that they want me back on the mock trial team as a witness, and that I can bump up the B I had last semester in U.S. History to an A because I got a 4 on the AP test. That means my GPA for last semester will be 4.2!!

I'm wiped from having to do stuff so early in the morning again, but it's great to see everyone again and to rub in their faces that I only have four hours of class ...

The pictures from the fair are up, too. I posted them yesterday but was too tired to do anything else, but they are up there. Most of the good ones were night shots, which really surprised me, because normally anytime after 6:00 it's too dark for my poor camera to see anything.