I have written about this sometime in the past. I then wrote that I had two personas, the first being that of a horse owner with a strong interest in the mind/body relationship, and the second being a writer/reader. Then the horse owner was the person most knew. I added that when I talked about writing or reading with horse people, their eyes glazed over. So I kept the fact that I wear two hats to myself.

I still have two personas, and they are the same as before. But oddly enough, my more literary side is taking precedence, mainly because of my getting the Bright Lights Book Project going. In talking with other readers, my many years of being a

Alys and Tyra

reader seems to come to forefront of my consciousness. Yesterday, for example, I was talking with my friend Bea Adler about what she’s going to read at the Palmer Festival of the Books. She said she was going to read from Merle’s Door by Ted Kerasote.

I said that I’d read that book, which is about the life of a dog, sprinkled with anecdotal information from canine behavioral specialists. Bea then said that her copy of the book had been left out in the rain and molded, and that she’d done everything she could to save it. I then said that I had two copies (which I do) and that I’d give her one copy. I added that I’d also pass on to her a copy of Kersote’s Pukka’s Promise, the Quest for Longer Lived Dogs. Bea, hearing this, beamed.

This sort of thing happens all the time. It’s nice to be able to interact with people about literary concerns.

For some time, my persona as a horse person was more evident. I was a Centered Riding instructor, and I had numerous horsey friends. I even got instructor certification. I am not sure what happened, but I lost credibility in the local horse community.

I had just a smidgeon of credibility in the larger Centered Riding community. This credibility was mainly in the eyes of one individual, Susan Harris. She was my mentor and friend. I no longer foresee remaining a member of this organization.

I’m continuing on my own to study and learn what I can and put theory to practice with my own horses. This, in and of itself is very gratifying. I have an excellent rapport with all four of my horses, both on the ground and in the saddle.

Today I rode for three hours on our trails. And then I took Tinni and Shadow on an outing. The sun was almost shining, and we were all glad to be in one another’s company.

Tonight, I talked with a woman, Linda, who recently purchased an Icelandic gelding, and is having saddle fit issues. We met her here at a BCHA gathering. She’s coming over on Sunday, and Pete and I will talk with her about her options.

And too, we might go for a trail ride. So during this visit the horse persona will take precedence.

I am okay for now with primarily wearing the literary hat. Change is good, and change is a constant. This right now is my persona mantra.

Next: 305. 11/4/21: The Best and the Worst