Blog

Horse Shopping
August 31, 2010

Horse shopping is hard. The idea of going around and trying lots of different horses may sound like fun, but it is exhausting mentally as you go through the checklist of requirements searching for the "one". Currently I'm not shopping for a horse myself, but rather am helping a friend look for a horse and am searching for horses for a therapeutic riding program. We're looking for long term horses, not projects that will be resold. So not only are there physical attributes, but the emotional ones as well. Will you be able to live with this horse for a long time? It's a relationship just like you have with a close friend or spouse. Of course if it doesn't work out you can always sell the horse, but that's really not the direction we want to go. We start the search with our budget and criteria but we quickly realize that we're not going to get everything on our list in our budget. So we begin to negotiate with ourselves - what we absolutely have to have and what we can look past. It's relatively easy to figure out if the horse is NOT what you want, but how can you decide if it's the right horse after only two or three rides? You do the best you can with the information presented to you and go with your gut instinct. I've found that it won't steer you wrong, but in the end it's all a gamble. You take a leap of faith that the horse will be good physically and mentally and will suit your needs. Hopefully it will work out for the best, but saying "Yes, this is the right horse" is tough. For all of you horse shoppers out there, I feel your pain. Good luck and try to enjoy the journey.

Cheers!

Dressage Clinic with Steffen Peters
August 23, 2010

I had the good fortune of attending the second day of the Steffen Peters clinic held at Hassler Dressage on August 21 and 22. I'm sorry I wasn't able to attend the first day since apparently he rode more of the horses that day. But still, I enjoyed myself immensely just being able to watch one day. Despite periods of heavy rain, the day was a success. It was great fun to see Steffen so close to his WEG competition. The rider/horse combinations were all fourth level and above, and even though I'm not that level of rider, I was still able to gain plenty of insight from the clinic.

Before the lunch break, Steffen took some questions from the auditors. There were a wide variety of questions, but here are the main points I took out of that session.
· Don't make any movement too complicated.
· The horse should yield to the most minimum pressure. If there is no response, make your point immediately.
· Keep your standards high, but simple.
· Preserve the horse by not overschooling movements.
· Anything you force into a horse at a young age, you will have to force out at a later time.
· The horse should stay even on both legs and both reins.
· It's all about opposites. If the horse is too low, ride him higher. If he is too quick, slow him down, etc.
· Frustration and fear in the rider can lead to aggression.
· On showing, he said to try and make it as positive an experience as you can.
· He finished talking briefly about the pressures of showing. First there are expectations you put on yourself and your horse. Then there are expectations of others (in his case he mentioned horse owners, the U.S. team and even the country), but we have to listen to the horse. It is important to do what is best for the horse so you both can have a positive experience. And of Ravel, he simply said, "I can't thank my horse enough."

We ended the day with a huge cheer of good luck for Steffen and Ravel at the upcoming World Equestrian Games. But no pressure…

Cheers!

If I Knew Then What I Know Now...
July 22, 2010

I stumbled upon this great list published by the Maryland Horse Council while doing some research. It is a bit funny but at the same time oh so true. If you are just starting out in the horse business, or thinking about getting started, keep these ideas in mind. If you are an experienced equine business owner, it's a good checklist to see if your business is operating as well as it could. And if you happen to live in Maryland, consider joining the Maryland Horse Council. They do a lot of work for horses and horse owners in the state.

The Top 10 Things Owners Wish They Had Known BEFORE They Started Their Horse or Horse-Related Business

10. “That most other barn owners are willing to support a new barn owner and give them advice.”

9. “That I could buy in bulk.”

8. “The reality of Labor Laws, and how Ag Labor Laws are different.”

7. “The necessity for good bookkeeping and for an accountant who understands the horse business.”

6. “The difference between an expense and a cost.”

5. “The importance of both a business plan and a marketing plan.”

4. “The importance of forming a business or corporate entity.”

3. “How much – and all the various types – of insurance needed to own any business, but particularly a horse business.”

2. That the people are more destructive to a farm than the horses.

…and the number one thing?

1. “That I no longer will have quality time with my horse!”

(a.k.a. “The number of hours it would really take to run my business.”)

Your Working Space
July 12, 2010

My office has been bugging me. It's way too disorganized and cluttered. I keep telling myself that I should take one day and get it organized but then I don't feel like I'm doing the work necessary to produce income. On the other hand, I know I would be more productive in a better environment. It's a viscous circle. But with a possible new business venture on the horizon I think it's time for a cleaning day. Out with the old and in with the new I suppose. Are you working out of a home office? If so, here are some tips I found that you might find handy.

1. Write goals down – It's so easy to get distracted and with no boss looking over your shoulder, it's also easy to let yourself off the hook. Keeping your calander in front of you as well as a daily list of tasks helps keep you focused. When you finish a task, scratch it off your list. That's a great feeling!

2. Stay away from email, the phone, Facebook, etc. - Constant interruptions are not good for a writer. Maybe when you're researching but not when it gets down to cranking out that article under a deadline. Keep your message reading to certain times.

3. Tidy office – Working surrounded by piles of papers and month-old to-do lists will only drag you down. Have a big tidy up once a week and you’ll feel so much better. (I'm really going to try to stick to this one.)

4. Music – This is not for everyone, but if it keeps you motivated then go for it. I personally work in silence most of the time.

5. Daily Schedule – Even though you are working from home and don’t have to follow the usual office rules, try and set a daily plan for yourself. Start at the same time, have lunch at a set time, etc. It helps to have a daily routine.

6. Just Start – Have a job you really don't want to do? Try to get it done first thing. Scratching that one off your list feels like a weight being lifted off your shoulders and brightens up your day.

7. Close your door – If there are distractions at home, like people watching TV or noisy kids, make it a rule to not be disturbed when your door is shut.

Even More Ideas
July 5, 2010

As you can see from this post and last week's post, I've been spending more and more time generating ideas for myself and at the request of magazine editors. Every week I need to come up with a fresh list of ideas. At first I was a bit worried that I would run out, but actually I think I'll have plenty to last a long time. An exercise I just learned to help determine what "job" you could pursue is also a good one for generating ideas. Try listing out everything that comes to mind that interests you. Don't worry about being broad. You can start with one large topic and then think about what specifically can come from that. Then make a list of the major tasks you have done in your current and previous jobs or tasks you would like to pursue. Look at those lists and see where you can generate ideas. Consider combining the lists to come up with even more options. Here's just a random sampling from me.

Topics of interest: horses, horse racing, dressage, chocolate, music, Impressionist art, European travel, hiking, skiing, reading, designer fashion, wine, cheese, Mexican food, volunteer work.

Job responsibilities: writing magazine articles, producing newsletters, presenting to writing groups, reading to children, grantwriting, data entry, customer service

Multiple ideas can come from every one of those topics. Then you can even combine them. For example, you can pitch grantwriting tips to nonprofit equine organizations, write about volunteering for children's groups, the best places to ski in Europe and pairing wines with cheese. Hmmm...there are some good ideas here that I'll have to add to my own ongoing list.

Cheers!

A World Full of Ideas
June 28, 2010

When your goal is to generate numerous ideas every week, just where do all those topics come from? Why from real life of course. The sayings "Truth is stranger than fiction" and (as my husband is fond of saying) "You can't make this stuff up" are both completely true. The best ideas come from what happens in our everyday lives. Many of my horse topics come from my own experiences and desire to learn more. When my first horse died as a result of botulism, I didn't know much about the disease. Several articles came out of that one scenario. I also generated features on building your own run-in shed because of the shed my husband and I constructed. Then from time to time I will have other people in the horse industry request an article on a certain topic that they want to learn more about because of circumstances that have happened to them.

I also carry a notebook with me to jot down ideas and bits of conversation as they happen. Now, I'm not advocating eavesdropping on other people, but there are circumstances that occur that make it hard not to overhear. The following are two of my favorite quotes I have stored away for future use. "Don't ever leave me on a bench with your mother again," a wife said to her husband in an amusement park. The second was a man at the racetrack who said to his wife/girlfriend "If I just win this race we'll have enough money to pay the rent." Both quotes elicit a distinct emotional response and are really good.

In addition, I get article ideas from conversations with other people. Just last week I was talking to someone who lost his job last year. He and several other people who worked in the same profession but also were laid off starting meeting informally but now it has turned into a monthly support group meeting. I thought that was a great idea to write about in a magazine article. Briefly profile the men in this group followed by tips on how to get past the anger, frustration and depression that comes with losing your job.

The bottom line is that ideas are literally everywhere you go. Everyone you encounter has a story to tell. The key is to take the time to see who and what's around you. Tune into the world with your senses and be aware of your surroundings. If not you miss so much.

Cheers!

Getting Motivated
June 22, 2010

I noticed that I haven't written on this blog for over a month. Ugh... I knew I got away from it but I didn't think it had been that long. Somewhere along the line I lost my motivation. At the same time I also lost motivation for exercise, but I seemed to increase my desire for eating and drinking. Not a good combination. Next thing I know I've gained weight, lost fitness and wondered how it all happened so quickly. I find it tough to write without motivation. Sure, when faced with a deadline I will sit down and knock out the words, but they don't come easily or freely. Every sentence is a struggle. I've been getting it done but I know it hasn't been my best work.

Then last week I had one of those light bulb moments. For years I said all I wanted to do was sit at my computer and write. Well, recent events have made it such that being a full-time writer could be a reality. Suddenly I was excited to get going. This was my chance! When I began to put systems in place and figure out how many queries and ideas I needed to produce in a week to generate subsequent articles (and subsequently money), it quickly dawned on me that this would not be so easy. It's going to be quite challenging as a matter of fact. But now I'm motivated and ready to take on the challenge. I've even gotten back to exercising, but darn it I still want to eat and drink too much.

Cheers!

Encouraging the Arts
May 17, 2010

Last week I sat down with a group of teens in the Teen Coffee House group put together by the Williamsport Public Library. This is one of numerous library sponsored teen and adult writing groups I've talked to. Basically I give them some tips and allow plenty of time for questions and discussion. More than anything I want to be supportive and encourage all of them (especially youngsters) to keep writing. It's amazing how much better people feel knowing there's someone else out there that has been through the same struggles.

I applaud the libraries for their attempts at cultivating young writers and artists. They may have to play a larger role as some public schools (including those in nearby Chambersburg, PA) are curtailing their music and art programs. Now, I know writing isn't on the chopping block as it is taught in English classes. But I see creative writing, dance, music, theatre and visual arts all intertwined. Heck, they are mixed in with the more "traditional" studies as well. Learning rhythms and time signatures in music is certainly mathematical. Quarter note, half note, eighth note. These are all fractions, no? Designing in perspectives use math and science skills as well. And kids need the opportunity to find out where they excel. I learned at a young age that words and music were my strong suits...not drawing or painting. Unfortunately if schools are not able to provide these opportunities, other places, such as the local libraries, will have to or the arts (as well as all the future artists) will suffer. So go support your local library and arts council however you can.

Cheers!

Who are Your Neighbors?
May 3, 2010

This weekend's lesson for me was take time to get to know your neighbors. In July 2010 my husband and I will have lived in our current residence for 10 years. Other than my childhood home, it's the longest I've lived in any one place. And I know my neighbors. Well, at least I know who they are. Now granted, we all live on acreage so our houses are not right on top of each other. Our house sits back from the road so unless I go to the road, which I do several times a day with my dog and frequently riding my horse, it isn't simple to interact. We smile and wave, say hello and chat briefly but mostly go about our days in our own worlds. Then Saturday, I was signing Goats with Coats at the Washington County Library's Reading Day at the Valley Mall in Hagerstown. And wouldn't you know it but also at that event was my neighbor, Austin Gisriel, who was there with his first book, Safe At Home. Who knew he was also a freelance writer? We laughed at the fact that we actually did more than mow and weed whack. Austin had talked about forming an informal writer's group in Williamsport but had no idea we could do one in our own neighborhood! As if I needed any more proof, it is indeed a small world and you have no idea how you will make contacts with others. Had I taken the time to really talk with my neighbor I probably would've found out about this a long time ago, but I'm glad I learned about it now. Who knows where this connection might eventually lead. I think I need to go talk to my other neighbors.

Oh, and fellow writers need to stick together. You can learn more about Austin's book Safe at Home and read his blog here.

Cheers!

Literacy for Children
April 26, 2010

Last week I had the good fortune to read Goats With Coats at the Marshall Street School's first ever Literacy Night. It was a lot of fun and I met some very kind people. In a time where electronic gaming rules and writing has been reduced to LOL, TTYL some may lose sight of literacy. Of course as a writer I think it's very important and I love the idea of a literacy night for young people. It's a great time for family, fellowship and to learn something new. The school provided some great tips that I thought were worth sharing. By doing just a few of these we will help form the next generation of great writer.

Literacy Activities to do at Home:

Read to your children before bedtime every night.
Bake our favorite recipe and cook meals together.
Tell stories to your children about when you were growing up and about when they were born.
Tell traditional stories about your culture.
Play games together.
Look at family photos together and talk about them.
Take lots of pictures and do scrapbooking.

Tips for Parents on Reading:

Let them see you reading.
Share books together.
Point out the print that is all around you. Look at street signs, grocery store labels and posters.
Choose a book from the library or from your home. It's even better if you let your children choose.
Take turns reading aloud or tell the story by looking at the pictures.
Talk about what's happening in the story.
Help your children with difficult words.
Praise your children for reading.

Tips for Parents on Writing

Let your children watch when you do basic writing tasks such as filling in forms, paying bills, writing birthday cards and writing shopping lists.
Let them put a scribble or drawing around their name on a greeting card.
Encourage them to scribble and draw (in appropriate places of course!). This is the beginning stage of writing.
Make sure you always have writing materials available. This includes lots of paper, pens, pencils, crayons and markers, old envelopes or greeting cards for kids to copy, little blank books for children to make their stories and a box to keep all the materials.

Good luck!

How Do You Think?
April 20, 2010

I think in words. I constantly have an internal dialogue going through my head about what to say, how to say it, what words I would use to describe something. (This doesn't make me crazy, does it?) I find myself trying to anticipate the dialogue while watching movies and TV. When I read, I take note of the words used to create tone of voice and a sense of space. I can get so involved in that aspect that I lose sight of simply reading the story. My husband says that when he designs and draws he sees everything in 3-D and can picture the completed project. Picturing things in my mind is difficult. I was never good in the spatial relationship portion of those standardized tests we took in school. For me it's all words, which is I guess why writing has always come easily to me. So one might think I learn well by listening or reading, but that isn't the case. Sure, I can read and understand a concept, but until I do the work myself it isn't solidified into my brain. I am no doubt a kinesthetic learner. Not sure what that means if anything, but I find it fascinating how people think and how people learn. It's such a challenge as a teacher to be able to determine a student's learning style and develop methods to meet those needs, especially if it is a style different from his/her own. And then when teaching disabled individuals, like I do with therapeutic riding, it can be even more challenging. In many cases these students can't tell you how they think and how they learn so there ends up being a lot of trial and error.

Give it some thought. How do you think? How do you learn? What goes through your head and how do you visualize? Ask these same questions to your family and friends. Chances are you will hear lots of different answers and you may realize why some people are talented in certain areas.

Cheers!

In Memory of Charisma
April 12, 2010

Fifteen years ago a yellow tulip was in bloom at Avery Ranch in Colorado. That same day, a golden palomino filly was born and, since the colors matched, was given the barn name of "Tulip". Two years later I bought Tulip, whose registered name was now Cowboy Charisma. I felt this dynamic filly needed a fancier barn name so I called her Charisma. I spent ten wonderful years with Charisma, and in that time she taught me more about horses than I ever taught her about riding. Twelve years and one day following her birth, I had to have Charisma put down because of a chronic illness that was causing her to be in a great deal of pain. Because she was insured, I was required to take her to a facility where they could perform a necropsy. When my husband and I returned from that sad journey a group of tulips had opened up for the first time. They were all yellow. The last two years this same group of yellow tulips bloomed first. Later we would have other tulips of various colors open up, but the yellow group stood alone. This year deer or rabbits or something ate young tulip growth so it was obvious there would be no beautiful flowers this year. But somehow a bulb got relocated and last week two tulips opened. They are yellow so once again I am fortunate to have my annual reminder that Charisma is still here in spirit. I know that somewhere she is hanging out with her pony Minnie and they are enjoying all green grass they want.

Rest in peace my friend.

Encouraging Others to be Creative
April 7, 2010

Yesterday I spent the day as a judge for the Washington County Free Library's Easy Picture Book Contest. This is the second year I've been asked to judge the entries. It is so fun to see that there are indeed some very creative, talented individuals out there. And it is equally good that the Library holds this competition to showcase them. There are five divisions - 2nd and 3rd grade, 4th and 5th grade, 6th to 8th grade, 9th to 12th grade and adult. The vast majority of the entries come in the first two categories, and some teachers make this a class project. I'm a little sad that there weren't many entries in the 6th to 8th grade division (although the quality was excellent) and there were no entries in the high school division. I suppose the reason for that is by that time kids are into so many activities and unfortunately writing isn't one of them. I think back to when I was in high school and that's when I did a lot of writing - teenage angst of course but writing nonetheless. Could it be they are all spending their time playing video games and texting their friends? I don't have kids so I'm certainly not the one to figure it out, but it still makes me sad. I am concerned that people are leaving the arts behind. Here in Hagerstown, MD they have the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, a public high school with (obviously) a strong arts emphasis. That is a wonderful and I'm sure there are other schools out there like it. Of course, I also wonder why no one from that school had an entry, but I digress. I hope that we are able to keep the arts in children's lives. If public schools cut them because of budget issues I would hope that parents find a way to encourage them. Kids have such wonderful imaginations and absorb information like a sponge. When we get older it's very easy to lose that creative edge. It needs to be developed and nurtured in young people. Here's to opportunities like the Picture Book contest.

Cheers!

Random Horse Facts
March 29, 2010

I do the vast majority of my research online. I vaguely remember the day when I had to go to the library and look up articles and books and take notes directly from there. Then there was interlibrary loan when the book I needed wasn't carried by my local library. And now most everything is at our fingertips. All we have to do is "Goggle it". Of course with the advent of blogging and anyone being able to post whatever he/she likes (kinda like this blog right here...) one has to be very careful about what is used for sources. Using accurate, reliable sources and fact checking should still be a vital part of research. But it's also very easy to get distracted when you are researching online. Invariably I will start clicking on interesting looking links and before long I'm somewhere completely different from where I started and where I should be. I guess it could be considered online ADD. And one of those times I found some interesting horse facts that I thought I'd share. Oh...and FYI...the source that was sited there was The Encyclopedia of Horses and Ponies, by Tamsin Pickeral.

There are about 75 million horses in the world.
Horses younger than 4 years can concentrate for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Horses sleep 2 1/2 to 3 hours a day, but only lay down about 45 minutes a day.
A horse has approximately 205 bones.
There are over 350 breeds of horses and ponies.
Horses have 2 blind spots. One is directly in front of them. The other is directly behind them.
Horses can drink up to 10 gallons of water per day.

Cheers!

Getting Started with Writing
March 22, 2010

Are you at the point where you want to have an article published? Whether you are trying to break into a print or online venue, established publications usually like to work with published authors. So then how do you get established if no one will take a chance and publish your work? It can be a frustrating catch 22. There are websites that will publish most any content, but I'm not sure how much influence that would have for websites and magazines that emphasize content that has been proofed and fact-checked. A well written blog could certainly show people that you have the technical skills and perhaps creativity, but won't necessarily go into the depth that a publisher might need for a specific article. Another option is to look for a magazine, newsletter or newspaper (yes there are a few still in existence) that would print your article for free or for a small fee. My first publication was a brief story about a personal experience I had. It went into a monthly newsletter, paid $10 and I was thrilled! A piece published with your byline will start to give you "clips" or examples of work that you can share with a publisher.

It is also important to know where you are sending your article. Research the magazine or website before submitting an idea. Check to see if they have done a piece recently on your topic and make sure it is appropriate for its target market. Many publications have writer's guidelines on their websites. If they do, read them and follow them to the letter. You could also subscribe to Writer's Market or purchase their annual guide. Do they want a query letter submitted via regular mail? Will they accept ideas via email? Do they want the entire manuscript or just the idea? If you follow the specific guidelines exactly and send it to the correct person, you will have a much better chance of being considered. If you send an email to an entity that wants to be contacted via mail, you will likely never hear from them. And most people do not want to be called so don't even go there. Becoming an established author usually takes time and patience. Keep trying and eventually you will make it.

Cheers!

Arabian Racing - Did You Even Know Arabians Raced?
March 15, 2010

I've spent 17 years in the Arabian horse racing business, and I still get that question a lot. Yes, Arabians race all over the world actually. In the US they run in Michigan, California, Delaware, Texas and Colorado. If you want to learn more, I suggest checking out the Arabian Jockey Club and Arabian Racing Cup websites. Arabian racing is a niche market and like horses, the Arabian breed and horse racing, they have had their share of challenges the last few years. When the economy takes away discretionary income, industries like racing and horses can get hit hard. But still, I just returned from a weekend in Houston, Texas for the 23rd annual Darley Awards ceremony. This event recognizes the best horses and people involved in Arabian racing - similar to the Eclipse Awards of the thoroughbred world. And even in this down economy when people have sold their horses, decreased their breeding and trimmed back their racing stables, we had an excellent turnout of upbeat and enthusiastic attendees. The Arabian racing industry is filled with some of the best people you will find. They are very passionate about their sport, but especially about their horses. And there is a core, dedicated group that is determined to keep Arabian racing in the United States alive and well and part of the international racing scene. It is not an easy task, but in a world where companies are closing every day, I still wouldn't bet against this resilient (some might say stubborn) group of people.

Cheers!

Wear Your Helmet
March 8, 2010

This post is going to be short and to the point. I don't care who you are. I don't care what type of riding you do. Wear a helmet. Protect your head. It's the only one you have. Just a few days ago, Olympic dressage rider Courtney King Dye was seriously injured in a fall. She was schooling a young horse that apparently tripped and fell, throwing Courtney. She suffered a severe head injury. She was not wearing a helmet. Last year I witnessed a much more dramatic fall where a rider was thrown onto a pasture fence. She too fractured her skull but she was wearing a helmet. It is likely that helmet saved her life. Years ago a horse I was riding stopped going into a jump, and I went head first into the fence. My helmet was scraped and dented. My head was not. I walked away with nothing more than a few cuts, scrapes and bruises. It was then that I truly understood and appreciated the importance of a helmet.

I don't understand why people don't wear helmets. Yes they can get hot. Yes they mess up your hair. But who really cares about that when you consider the alternative? I would much rather have "Helmet Head" than a fractured skull. Riding is a high risk sport. Crazy things happen, and it doesn't matter how good you are or how well trained your horse is. Things happen. For those of us who love to ride, the risk will not keep us off the back of a horse, but we should stop and think and take steps to minimize our risk. It's as easy as snapping the chin strap of our helmets. Please do that every time you ride.

My best wishes go out to Courtney King Dye that she makes a complete recovery.

Marketing in the Horse Business
March 1, 2010

As I've been pondering ideas to expand my writing business, I've been thinking along the lines of marketing and promotion in the equine industry. So many people have cut out advertising entirely thinking they can't afford it. It is true that you can't afford not to. But sure, spend your money wisely. That's why I've been playing with marketing packages that encompass print and online media. Pieces that could be used interchangeably to get maximum impact and exposure for a reasonable price. This is not a new idea, but there are many in the horse business that haven't taken advantage of all there is to offer. And now more than ever is the time to step out. Think about it. Your competitors have gone out of business, seriously reduced their business or simply stopped advertising their business. But still there is a demand for your services. If you professionally advertise to your target market by choosing your spots carefully, and no one else is out there, who's going to get the business? Why you are of course. Makes sense to me! And I'm not the only one thinking now is the perfect time to market your horse business. It seems Paul Husband does too. I encourage you to check out his Horse Dollars blog post.

Writing for a Living
February 22, 2010

Once upon a time there seemed to be an unlimited supply of avenues to get your work published - newspapers and magazines galore. Well those times are gone. Many printed publications have gone under and those that survive do so on shoestring budgets from vastly reduced ad revenue. For the last 12 years, I've been a freelance writer mostly dependent on writing for magazines as a way to make a living. So now what's a girl to do? Find new ways to generate income. I resisted blogging for a long time (change is hard, you know), but so many writers are out there that I finally caught on. I have been establishing this blog (a comments section is coming soon) and have started to develop connections which will hopefully give me the opportunity to blog on other sites. This month I wrote my first short piece for an online only newsletter. There will be more of those in my future I'm sure. Because they are about half the length of a feature magazine piece, they require less time and reseach, but subsequently pay less as well. Still, that is the direction publications are taking so it's adapt or get out.

I'm also spending time developing new marketing ideas for horse professionals. These will be wonderful pieces farms and people can use for printed flyers, advertisements, and as online information. They will be versatile and equally visual whether printed out or viewed on screen. The tough part here is convincing people they still need to market their businesses. Like printed publications, many people have shut down. Those who are still around have stopped the majority of their advertising. To me, this means it's a great time to get your name out there. Make your presence known when no one else is. Makes sense right? I hope some people will think so.

Thus my short term goals are to develop new, versitile products for reasonable prices, learn to write for the market that's out there and keep motoring along. Taking this as a challenge instead of an obstacle will help me grow both as a successful businesswoman and as a writer. No doubt I will end up figuring out some of it as I go, but as long as there is a need for the written word, I'll be out there writing it.

Cheers!

Making a Difference
February 16, 2010

I digress a bit this week from horses and writing. I've been more and more frustrated with politics and the general public complaining about this that or the other. I'm more of a doer than a complainer (although one could say I'm complaining right now. Hmmm...) At any rate, late last year I decided to turn away from all the negative energy. I thought that if I could focus on making life a little bit better in my small corner of the universe, then maybe someone else would do the same in theirs. That "Pay it Forward" concept. It might not change the world but it would help someone, somewhere, and if we all did that think of what a difference we could make! Well, obviously this is not a unique idea. Through an online forum I encountered Nate St. Pierre with itstartswith.us. According to their website, their goal is to "build a global community of individuals focused on making a positive impact in the lives of the people around them. Each and every one of us has the ability to change the world by touching lives in this way. And when we hear stories about the positive things others are doing, we become more aware of the opportunities we have to make a difference for the people around us."

I checked them out, chatted online with Nate a bit and decided to sign up for the "A-Team", an online group that is committed to doing one 15 minute task each week to improve someone else's life. We get our assignment via email then once we do our thing, we go to the online community to post our results, ask questions, and/or help others with their tasks. I just did my first one this week and it was completely painless. What an easy way to make a difference. I'm sure there are other sites and groups out there doing similar work. It's all good. My challenge to you is to check them out, find one you like and give it a try. In that way we really all can make a difference one person at a time.

A Labor of Love
February 8, 2010

Keeping animals at home is both a blessing and a curse. At my place I have horses and goats. My main focus on this post is horses, but you can insert any form of livestock wherever I write the word "horse". This weekend was our second one this year where we've dealt with over 2 feet of snow. While I read and see pictures of people skiing, building snowmen, having snowball fights, my husband and I are out shoveling and clearing for hours. The same thing happens in the summer. When people are sitting by the pool or at the lake we are out mowing and weed wacking. It's all part of the job. Non-horse people are amazed I'm the size I am when they see what I eat. Spend a week in my shoes, I tell them, and you'll understand. I chuckle to myself when I hear non-horse owners tell me how they'd love to have a farm and keep horses. They imagine the fun of walking out the door and riding their horse or the beauty of watching them in the pasture. And I agree. I love being able to just go out and ride and my two black horses were gorgeous running through the virgin powder yesterday. But it comes with a price and one you must be willing to pay. I have cared for horses during blizzards, a hurricane, when tornados have been in the area, flooding rains, ice, during winds in excess of 90 mph, when the temperatures have been more than 20 below zero and well over 100. I've cared for horses while suffering from kidney stones, the flu and on crutches. These things don't make me special or important. Ask anyone who cares for livestock and they'll tell you the same thing. It's what you have to do unless you are wealthy enough to hire help. And don't even get me started on trying to go away. That adds a whole new element to the situation. So if you are considering buying your own farm think long and hard about how much work you are willing to do and how much time you have to commit to it. It is wonderful and I do love it, which is why I'm out there tromping in snow up over my knees to get to the barn. And now if you'll excuse me, I have to go stock up on supplies before the next storm hits tomorrow.

Finding Inspiration
February 1, 2010

I'm often curious how people come up with ideas. As writers, we are always having to come up with new ideas, whether it is for a regular column, series of articles or character development for a book. So I ask people how they do it, and most people tell me their best thoughts occur when they are doing something mundane. For one friend it is cleaning the house. For another it is driving. Okay, driving probably shouldn't be considered a mundane task, but when you're on the highway with the cruise control set and have a long drive ahead of you your mind wanders. I've heard of people waking up with a brilliant idea. They keep a notepad by their bed so they can jot it down right away. Me personally? I agree that driving has given me my share of ideas. Quite often, however, my greatest moments of clarity come when I'm cleaning stalls - a mundane task to be sure - and walking the dog. Whatever works for you, the key is that we are not overwhelmed by outside stimuli. As we go through our daily lives, we are constantly being bombarded by noise, ads, demands from others, the list goes on and on. When we get away from that and do something like mop the floor, our conscious mind tends to go on autopilot and it allows our subconscious to creep in. So the next time you have to come up with a brilliant idea, go do something mundane and see what magic is created.

Remember Letter Writing?
January 25, 2010

I am a member of Generation X. I consider it a crossover generation. We lived in a time B.C. (before computers) so we remember things like typewriters and hand writing letters. I can still remember the anticipation I experienced waiting for a letter to arrive from a special person. But today we are swept up in a world of texting, blogging and social networking. It's easy and convenient to send an email or text, but there is a large segment of our population that doesn't keep up with all the technology and still appreciates the handwritten word. That is an important thing to remember, especially when it comes to customer service. Think about it. Do you enjoy getting a card in the mail? Is it somehow different than getting an email? I know I'm always pleasantly surprised to get a card in the mail and enjoy it for reasons I can't really explain. Maybe it is because in the instant world we live in, I appreciate someone who took the time to pick out a card, write something in it, stick on a stamp and put it in the mail. Chances are if you like it, there are many other people out there that like it. So text away, email general correspondence, but don't underestimate the power of the hand written word. I challenge you to think of someone special in your life and send them a hand written note. It doesn't have to be long. It doesn't have to be fancy or poetic. Simply writing "Thank you", "I'm sorry", or "I love you" can be very powerful. It could bring a smile to someone's face and make them feel better. So spread some good will and send someone a note today.

Cheers!

Keep Moving Forward
January 18, 2010

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Unfortunately I don't know who first wrote these words. If someone does, please tell me so I can give proper credit. I first came upon this poem several years ago. It was very meaningful then, but it was filed away in my head (i.e. forgotten) until a few days ago when it resurfaced. I wanted to share it because it is true. Who are we not to be brilliant, etc.? When it comes right down to it, the only one stopping us is ourselves. So whatever you do in work, as a hobby, on your days off, learn more about it. Or learn a new skill. The key is to keep learning. Keep moving forward. For example, I'm currently involved in my second educational blogging series (both are free). My husband and I are taking a conversational French class beginning in March. There are infinite ideas and ways to continue to learn. At the very least you will learn something. At best, you will show the world that you are "powerful beyond measure" and may inspire someone else to be the same.

Cheers!

Writer's Block
January 11, 2010

I went to write this blog post and I had nothing. Nadda. Zip. Zilch. No inspiration at all. After giving it some time, I came up with a few ideas but couldn't seem to get the words out. What's a writer to do when she can't find the words?

Wikipedia describes writer's block as "a condition, associated with writing as a profession, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work. The condition varies widely in intensity. It can be trivial, a temporary difficulty in dealing with the task in hand. At the other extreme, some 'blocked' writers have been unable to work for years on end, and some have even abandoned their careers." This is definitely difficulty in dealing with the task at hand. I'm still relatively new to blogging and am gaining quite a respect for those that do it daily. I'm only doing it weekly, but it definitely is a task. So, I thought, what better way to break writer's block than to write about my writer's block. That worked for me. But what about other methods for breaking down the wall? After reading "Goats With Coats" to a group of second graders, one frustrated young writer said to me "Sometimes I just can't figure what to say. Then what do I do?" It's a very good question! Here are a few suggestions...

1. If you don't know how to begin, try jotting down the main ideas of your piece. Then go back and add other thoughts to those ideas. You will then have the beginnings of an outline.

2. Step away from the computer. Stand up, stretch, go for a short walk if you can. I find fresh air can work wonders.

3. If you're feeling anxious about writing the piece (or anxious that you can't seem to get it written), make sure to quiet any negative self-talk going on in your head. Replace "I can't" with "I will". Trying playing your favorite, upbeat music to liven your mood or soothing, relaxing music to calm your nerves.

4. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the piece, see my blog post on January 4 about breaking something big into smaller, more manageable pieces.

5. Remember that your first draft doesn't have to be the finished product. Sometimes when I'm having trouble with a really technical piece, I just try to get the important points in basic sentences. I know that if I can get a draft down, no matter how awful, I can walk away knowing the hardest part is over. Then later I'll come back to it with a brighter perspective knowing that I "only" have to edit the piece. Granted, there might be a lot of editing that needs to be done, but in my head that is easier than the original writing part. Sometimes it's all a matter of perspective.

Funny... that writer's block for this week's blog post is all gone now. I better start thinking about next week.

Cheers!

"You Can Eat an Elephant..."
January 4, 2010

"...one bite at a time." This quote is from Mary Kay Ash, and it speaks to breaking down large goals into manageable amounts. It is a new year and a time when people start out with their resolutions. Unfortunately, within a few weeks, many of those people give up on them, but why? One reason is they set very big goals and then have no idea how to reach them. Whether you want to lose weight, spend more time with family, get published for the first time, or move up a level in horse shows, there are a few well known steps to take when facing a big goal. (They are well known because they are tried and true. They really do work!) The first is to write it down. Put your goal in words or pictures and post it where you can see it every day. Next, tell someone your goal. Announcing it out loud will make you accountable to someone. Hopefully that person will tell you his/her goal so that you can support each other. And finally, for that big goal, set monthly, weekly - even daily goals to make it more manageable. What tiny step can you take every day to succeed and move forward?

Case in point is my goal for 2010 - writing my first fiction novel. (See? I just put my goal in writing and announced it to everyone that reads this. That wasn't so hard.) I've had a story swimming around in my head for 10 years now and have never started to write it. Why? I see it as a big, imposing project. I've never written a novel. Magazine articles yes. Children's books yes. But a novel? That's a much larger undertaking, and I'm overwhelmed at the idea. (Not to mention the idea of starting and never finishing.) So, to make this more manageable, I'm going to listen to advise I received from a respected writer in the equine industry. He told me to start by writing at least 500 words per day. Now that is something I can manage. Five hundred words is easy. Doing it every day will definitely require discipline, but that is a manageable goal. And hopefully before I know it, my book will be well underway.

So what is your goal? How are you going to break it down? Figure out those small steps that you can achieve and go for it. Let's make 2010 a great year.

Cheers!

Prepare for the Tax Man
December 28, 2009

It is the last week of 2009. Now is the time to look ahead to 2010. Personally I am glad to see 2009 leave. It wasn't a very good year, and I'm sure many of you out there agree with me. That leaves 2010 with lots of promise for better days. It doesn't hurt to get going on the right foot and that means wrapping up 2009. Horse people might be good with horses, but many aren't so good with business. If your horses are your business you need to get it into record keeping shape. The end of the year is the perfect time to gather your records to make sure you have everything organized for the coming tax year. The IRS takes a hard look at horse endeavors to make certain they are a business and not a hobby, and the more complete your records the better. B. Paul Husband, an attorney and equine-related tax specialist based in California prepared some year-end tips for horse owners that are worth implementing. You can check them out by clicking here. Good luck and here's to a prosperous 2010.

Cheers!

First Day of Winter
December 21, 2009

I celebrate this day...not because I love winter, but because after today the daylight will start increasing again. Now I love daylight! And after 20 inches of snow on Saturday, it feels an awful lot like winter. The snow and cold make all the chores harder, but it's important to remember our 4-legged friends when the weather gets extreme. Even experienced owners could use a reminder.

From the Michigan Commission of Agriculture (no doubt certified experts on cold and snow) comes the Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for the Care of Farm Animals. Their basic precautions include:

Ensuring access to water that is not frozen
Increasing feed to provide the energy bodies need to stay warm
Providing shelter to allow animals to escape the wind and heavy snow
Caution around icy areas to prevent falls and injuries
Companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, are also impacted by severe winter weather. Animals kept indoors might have great difficulty adjusting to outdoor winter temperatures.

Other winter precautions for companion animals include ensuring they have access to water and shelter that is dry and free of drafts, protection from de-icing chemicals, which can irritate skin, and no acess to antifreeze, which tastes sweet to animals, but is extremely toxic. Along with winter weather practices, another safety precaution includes preventing pets from having contact with electrical cords. They have the potential to burn animals as well as start a fire.

I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Happy Kwanzaa. Stay safe and enjoy.

Cheers!

Relieving Holiday Stress
December 14, 2009

What is it about the holidays that makes us so crazy? I know that every year I tell myself I'm not going to let it happen again and yet here I am, two weeks out from Christmas and in a holiday meltdown. I'm not a doctor, nor did I play one on TV, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. I'm just a busy gal trying to make it all work. Sadly, I don't do a very good job, so rather than give you my holiday stress relieving tips (which apparently are nonexistent), I'll leave that to the experts. I found this article helpful and encourage those that are overworked and overcommitted (this time of year or any time of year) to check it out. http://bit.ly/8yF8Df

Reading to Improve Your Writing
December 7, 2009

In my first blog entry (October 19, 2009), I gave my number one writing tip, which was to write every day. A second popular tip for improving your writing that I've seen time and again is to read everyday. Now, I had a little trouble with this one. Don't get me wrong. I love to read, but I don't take much time to do leisure reading. I tell myself I have more important things to do, plus I never looked at reading as part of my job. It was something I enjoyed to do in my spare time. Then there was the idea that even if I read, it wasn't producing income. Admittedly, before writing Goats With Coats I read many, many children's books, but the good thing about that is you can read a lot of them in a short period of time. But when I started toying with the idea of writing a fiction novel, I began to realize the importance of reading other people's work. Books in the specific genre are, of course, very helpful but it's good to read all sorts of things. The more exposure to different writing styles the better. Read literature to appreciate the writing greats. Read popular novels to see what's flying off the shelves today. Read both fiction and nonfiction to learn the difference in tone of voice. So I am trying to change how I look at reading. It is part of my continuing education as a writer. Usually now I find myself analyzing how the writer forms his/her work. It really does become more than leisure reading. I'm learning a lot by reading and all of these published authors have something to teach me - especially because they have published their fiction books, and I haven't even written mine yet. So, happy reading.

Cheers!

Picture Perfect
November 30, 2009

I'm not a professional photographer, but I have taken enough pictures of horses and have certainly looked at enough pictures of horses, that I know a good picture when I see one - and a bad one. They say no photo is better than a bad photo, and I completely agree. So often, I am dumbfounded by poor quality photos used to sell horses. If you have horses for sale that need marketing photos, my best advice would be to hire a professional. It is money well spent to have quality pictures that speak volumes and can sell your horse. But, if that is simply not in your budget, here are some tips I've learned along to the way. Some of them seem obvious, but considering the quality I've seen over the years, apparently not all people think about it.

1. Take your time. Don't expect to pull your horse out of the stall, snap a few photos and be done in 5 minutes. Plan on taking as much time as you need to get the job done right.
2. Make sure your horse is clean. This is one of those obvious ones, but I've seen sale pictures of dirty horses. Amazing.
3. Try to pick a day when it is overcast, but still fairly bright. If you must shoot on a sunny day, make sure the sun is at your back and be aware of shadowy areas that could show up on the horse. (For example, if the horse's head is turned toward you it can throw a shadow on the horse's neck and body.)
4. For a full body shot, stand opposite the horse's heartgirth. If you stand too far forward, it makes the head look too big and the body underdeveloped. If you want a ¾ shot that emphasizes the hind end (like what is common in Quarter Horse photos), take two steps in the direction of the rear of the horse.
5. Make sure you have both ears forward, and often it looks better if the head and neck are in a longer, natural position.
6. Typically, the legs are set such that the far (furthest from you) front leg is slightly behind the closer front leg and the far hind is slightly ahead of the closer hind leg.
7. Unless there is a specific background element you want to include, fill the frame with the horse.
8. Speaking of background, pay attention to what's behind your horse. With photo editing software today, this isn't as important as it used to be, but it is still best to choose a non-cluttered background. Simple is good.

Time, patience and paying attention to details will really pay off in the end. Good luck!

"Have an Attitude of Gratitude"
November 23, 2009

It's Thanksgiving week - traditionally the time when we stop and think about the blessings in our lives. I'm all for that. Absolutely. But I challenge you to live your life like that - not just during the holiday season. The saying "have an attitude of gratitude" may be a bit hokey, but it is true. Being thankful for all the good things in your life is important, but it's most important to remember them every day. This year is especially true. It's been one of the most difficult years for so many people, and I'm right there with you. My husband and I are facing serious financial challenges, not because we lived above our means or had a risky mortgage, but because I lost freelance work and my husband lost his job in May. We continue to deal with serious health issues of various family members, and we watch as good friends struggle in similar situations. It is these times that test your attitude the most.

Do you need to shift how you think? If so, I challenge you to write down 30 things you love/appreciate/are grateful for about your spouse/significant other or some person that is important in your life. It's so easy for us to focus on what we don't like about a person and the things that drive us all crazy. Instead, take some time to think about what you love about that person, and then share that with him/her. Be grateful for blessings, no matter how small. And believe with all your heart that next year will be better. I know mine will.

Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours.

Pay Attention to Details
November 16, 2009

I don't care what business you are in. You must pay attention to detail and focus. If not, you will likely be out of business soon. I painfully learned that lesson today. I was to meet a person for lunch, and while we had met before, this would be the first time we would be able to really talk and get to know one another. She suggested the restaurant to meet at. I saw the name of the place in the email and tucked it away. Well, what I didn't do is pay attention to the "where". Unbeknown to me, there was more than one restaurant of that name. So…I go to the place I knew and waited. As I looked at the menu, I noticed two addresses and that gave me pause. Finding her original email (thank goodness for my Blackberry), I discovered that I was at the wrong restaurant. Gasp! I was mortified! Into the car I ran and off I went to find the other location. Eventually I did and showed up 30 minutes late. In my defense, I did try to call her mobile phone, but she didn't have it turned on. Fortunately for me, she had waited and understood when I told her what I had done. I apologized profusely for the mix-up. I had no excuse. I didn't focus on the details of the email, and I messed us. She respected me for being honest, and even though I can't take back the poor initial impression I made, you can bet I will work doubly hard to improve upon it. We ended up having a good lunch filled with enjoyable, productive conversation.

So, chances are you will mess up at some point. We are human. It happens. When it does, it is best to be honest, own up to it and apologize rather than come up with some elaborate excuse. People tend to respect honesty. Then, equally important, learn from your mistake. I know from now on I will pay very close attention to the "where" and "when" of all future meetings, and if I'm uncertain of anything, I will ask for clarification. No more wrong locations for me.

Cheers!

Witnessing Greatness
November 9, 2009

At times, horse racing can be a difficult sport to support. In a fraction of a second you can witness unspeakable tragedy. After two years in a row of attending the Breeders' Cup and watching both Pine Island and George Washington break down and be euthanized on the track, I couldn't stomach it any more. As a horse lover, how could I support a sport where this happens every day? I stopped paying attention to racing other than a cursory glance at the Triple Crown and Breeders Cup. But then came this year's Kentucky Oaks/Derby weekend this year where Rachel Alexandra could've trotted and won the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Mine That Bird, the gutsy little gelding, pulled the upset in the Kentucky Derby (G1). I started to take notice again.

Rachel Alexandra is a big, beautiful girl that went on to defeat Mine That Bird in the Preakness S. (G1), continued to beat the boys and is obviously something very special. And then there is Zenyatta, another incredibly stunning mare with a personality to match. Her last to first running style is nerve wracking, never more so than in Saturday's Breeders Cup Classic (G1). She refused to be denied. As she crossed the finish line first with her ears pricked, obviously enjoying every minute of it, tears came to my eyes. It is horses such as Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta that make me love horse racing. I have a hard time expressing myself because simple words do not do these horses justice. Some people call it the "Look of Eagles" and other say the "Heart of a Champion". Whatever you call it, these two are truly magnificent and have an undeniable presence that I could sense even through the TV. I've had that feeling twice before around horses. Once was with Secretariat, who even as an older breeding stallion gave me the feeling that he could go out and beat the best horses running that year. The other was being up close and personal to Cigar in the paddock prior to the Pacific Classic (G1). He simply commanded everyone's attention. These were the best of the best and they knew it. Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta know it too. I hope to be fortunate enough one day to see them and be awed by their power and grace in person.

For all of horse racing's problems, these two queens remind me why I love horse racing. It is because I love horses and their spirits. This stage allows me to witness their greatness (and in Zenyatta's case perfection) and be humbled by these incredible animals. We, as mere humans, should be honored that they give us so much.

Cheers!

Finding an Instructor
November 2, 2009

The plight of the adult amateur rider is a long and sometimes difficult one, but it is the vast majority of riders out there. Many adult amateurs are women who are getting into riding after raising children or establishing their careers. They are either late to begin or are getting back into it after many years away. They want to improve their skills by taking lessons, but how do you even begin to find the right instructor for you? I've seen so many people negatively impacted by instructors. In some cases the instructor is not of good quality, but in other cases it is simply a bad match. Doing legwork ahead of time will help avoid these circumstances so I've put together a list of questions to ask yourself (or your potential instructor). These are my opinions, by no means a comprehensive list, and it won't necessarily guarantee success, but it will certainly help get you started.

1. Make sure the person is qualified to teach in your discipline. This may seem obvious, but since there are no licensing requirements for instructors, anyone that can ride can hang out a shingle stating that they give lessons. It is best to do some research on the background of that person to see if they know and understand your discipline.
2. The horse world is a small world. Ask your horsey friends about people you are considering. If you are new to the area, ask potential instructors for references that you can contact. Good news travels fast. Bad news travels faster and people will tell you what they think.
3. Watch the instructor ride because he/she should definitely be able to ride. However, some excellent riders are not good instructors. The key to teaching is really communication. The person might be the best rider around, but if he/she can't communicate methods to someone else, it's a moot point. At the other end of the spectrum, an individual may not be the caliber rider to compete at the highest levels, but they have an excellent knowledge of the basics that they can easily impart onto beginning riders.
4. Go to a show to watch the instructor and his/her students compete. Whether or not you are interested in showing, this will give you another place to view the instructor in action.
5. Does the instructor have a professional appearance and facility? This doesn't mean expensive. It means safe and functional. The person should present herself in a professional manner, although they she or may not be clean. It's tough to stay clean when you're a horse person!
6. Is the instructor a good all-around horse person? Do they have knowledge of nutrition, physiology, first aid and basic handling? You'd be surprised how many talented riders leave the rest to staff. There is a big difference between being a rider and being a true horseperson. You want a horseperson as an instructor.
7. Does the instructor continue to work with someone, go to clinics and seminars? I don't care who you are or how good you are. You can never stop learning. If you find people who think they know it all, they don't and you don't want to work with them.
8. Ask if you can watch that person teach. If they don't let you, walk away. Try to watch a variety of different lessons. Does he/she tailor the lesson to the individual horse and rider combo? Does he/she have a wide variety of exercises to bring out the best in the horse? Does he/she focus on the lesson and not on what is going on elsewhere? Does he/she keep the lesson positive and end on a good note?
9. Take a trial lesson. Ask if you can do just one lesson to see how you work together. Again, if this is an issue with the person, this isn't the right person. After watching the individual teach, he/she may look like a good match for you, but you won't know until you try a lesson yourself.
10. Trust your instincts. If you come away from a trial lesson with a good feeling about the person and how you get along, it's probably a good match. If you have any doubts at all, you may need to try a second lesson or it may not be the right person for you. That's okay. There are many people out there and the right one will come your way. Patience will pay tremendous dividends in the end.

Cheers!

Being Deadline Driven
October 26, 2009

Now that I'm writing a weekly blog I have a new deadline to face. Writers are very deadline driven, whether it be a blog, magazine article, ad copy, or chapters to a novel. We have imposed deadlines that we face, and we're good under pressure. An article idea can sit on my desk for weeks, but two weeks (or sadly sometimes a week) out and I'm on it!

The same can be true for the horse world. If you have a show scheduled you will memorize your pattern, work on required movements, practice at the required jump height, etc. prior to your show. But what happens when you have a project without a concrete deadline? Well, if you're like me it lingers out there in the "Whenever I can get to it" category. That might be a month, it might be six months, heck it might never get done. And the more time consuming we perceive it to be the more we procrastinate.

I see this often in marketing materials for breeding stallions and horses for sale. You know you need updated photos and current video, but it is a time consuming task, and if the horses aren't exactly being advertised yet, there is no concrete deadline and the task goes unfinished. Then one day someone calls who heard from a friend about a horse you have for sale and suddenly you are scrambling to get photos and video. You end up doing a rush job, and the quality isn't what you wanted. What's a person to do? Try a self-imposed deadline. Tell yourself you want to be able to market your horses by a certain date. Make it a deadline you know you can reach, say a month or two away. Write it down in your date book, put it in your phone, post a sticky on your computer. Whatever it takes to make that deadline concrete. Then stick with it. Don't let yourself off the hook! You may find that you get the job done to your standards, and then you have the proper materials when that person comes to call.

Cheers!

A Writer's First Blog Entry
October 19, 2009

So I get it. Blogging is where it's at - at least until the next big thing comes along. It is an incredible way to exchange information and learn more about virtually any topic. But the blogger must be a trusted, educated source or else you are basically doing nothing more than reading someone elses diary. In creating this website I was told (via many comments on Twitter, Facebook and, well, other people's blogs) that I needed to do a blog. I resisted because I didn't fully understand but eventually came to realize that blogs really can be an effective communication and educational tool. So I finally caved to the suggestion, but then came the question of what to write about?

Horses? Sure. Writing? Yup. Writing about horses? Good idea to narrow the focus. What about writing and presenting to children and adults? There's another possibility. In the end I will probably hit on all of those topics at one time or another. Hopefully sharing my knowledge and experiences will be helpful. Am I a trusted, educated source? Well, read the "About" section and testimonials on the website to learn a little bit more about me and decide for yourself. I hope to also have guest bloggers from time to time so be sure to check back often.

So, what is today's message? It's probably my favorite writing tip. Who knows who originally said it (or wrote it), but it is a classic and one by which writers live. Write every day. Even if it is only a couple of sentences writing daily is the lifeblood of being an author. And as such we must practice our profession every single day. So today I wrote this blog. There. Done. Now I can go on with the rest of my day.

Cheers!