I used to write and think a lot about moving forward, this in relation to learning as much as I could about Icelandic horses. Now I am writing about balance, in relation to all aspects of my life, including horses.

I am getting there, slowly but surely. Today, again, I worked on Shelf Life. I have learned in working on this book that, yes, I can make the time to do what’s important to me. But this is not without consequence. Other things don’t get done. For example, the goat pen needs to be cleaned, the upstairs needs a going over, and my horse equipment and tack needs work. I am putting this out of mind as I work, which is easy once I put myself in what I call the zone.

Today I worked on Part III, right now called the Eagle Hotel – I am starting out talking about how Pete, Robert, and I found the place that now houses the project. I made some headway – the revisions that I made came easily to me. I got about half-way done with one chapter. Tomorrow I will work on the second half.

In this particular case, consistency, working some every day, is important – should I slack off I either will not finish Shelf Life, or I will resume working on it in a year. And now, time is of the essence. This book is going to open doors when I’m done with it. I am sure of it.

So I am going to leave some things undone while I work on it. I can fit no more into a day.

Pete and I also spent time with the horses today. We first took photos of Hrimmi and Tyra in their new saddles. And Pete took one of me on Hrimmi, reading a cowboy book. We’ll send the pictures of the mares in their new saddles to Synergist Saddles, for their newsletter and the one of me reading a book to the BLBP Facebook page.

Pete and I then went for a ride, with Pete riding Tyra and me riding Hrimmi. Hrimmi was somewhat grass obsessed, but did move out. After, I went for a solo ride on Raudi. She was somewhat grass obsessed too, but we had some really nice canters. She will pick up a canter from a walk if I give her the correct cue. We also worked on side passing and backing, this in preparation for next Saturday’s Trail Trials. I do not care how she negotiates the obstacles – I just want for her to behave. She has an undeserved reputation for being a difficult horse and I want to show those who think they know her, otherwise.

I noticed later that Raudi was lying down -- resting up – in her mind she expended a lot of energy on this ride.

I gave Pete an assist tonight with the garden. I worked in the hoop house, cleaning up last year’s detritus.

And I tried not to think about how I’d much rather have been on a long-distance trail trek.

Next: 151. 6/2/25: It’s getting Late