Welcome, can I get you a cup of coffee or tea? I have so much to share. This month of March has been full and busy. With my busy life comes hard work with my full-time job and of course my time spent at the barn with my two horses Miss Chloe and my young guy Murphy! I try and fit in so much including some relaxing time doing my crafting. I am either doing crochet projects or my cross-stitch. I am currently working on my cross-stitch and here is my completed project! I am also going to share the first 2 projects that is from my pattern book of seasons. I have now started on the Winter scene.
I have been thinking about what I will do with these seasons once completed and I decided I am going to try and make a quilt throw or hanging. (The photos make them look like they are crooked on the edges but they aren’t, its just the material is not completely flat. I will rinse them with safe soap and water, let them dry and iron them flat before I sew.) I have never sewn a quilt before but have helped my sister and have a new book on quilt making for first time beginners that I got for Christmas. Since I have helped with many quilts my sister and I did together I am hoping I can make something pretty. I know it won’t be perfect, but then I am just hoping to get it all sewn together properly, haha! And not fall apart. I know all crafts take time to get down as practice makes perfect, or at least makes you better and more confident.
I’ve been wanting to put together a small quilt like a throw or wall hanging for a long time and now that I have these cross-stitch pieces I feel inspired and the timing is perfect since I received the really helpful quilt book since my sister’s do not live nearby any more. I figured if I run into any problems I can always call them or ask my good friend who sews. My bigger challenge is to learn how to use my sewing machine, haha! It’s always something!
Speaking of sister’s ~ this same sister that I use to sew with is also my riding partner and who I grew up riding horses with and she now lives in Idaho. She has been there now 7 years, we can’t believe how fast these years fly by. She was so excited to come and visit for a week and she stayed with her son nearby and she was over every day to help me with my horse Murphy. She and I have had tons of training with young horses and with many horse trainers over the years. Together we worked on some new things with Murphy and he is so smart and easy going it made our time together a blast! Here are some photos and videos of our week here in March! 😀
My sister was here this month for a full week and I am so grateful for all her help. She flew down which gave her more days to visit. I am planning on sending her videos as I go and we have already talked since she’s left as she has remembered a few more things I can work on with Murphy. Training a horse takes time and she and I are so happy that I am in no hurry and I am giving him plenty of time to grow into his body as he is 3 years old. He turns 4 beginning of May which I am excited about. He is still growing but I feel like he is pretty balanced for a 3 year old. I know with this training and riding he and I are getting stronger, he is so much FUN to ride! 😀
I thought long and hard last year when I purchased (adopted) my young horse Murphy, can I start and work a young horse again? I knew I would have to get into shape and get my riding legs and upper body stronger and I am slowly accomplishing this. Riding up on a horse like I am in the video I shared is very aerobic, and to those who don’t ride you probably do not realize how much work it is as we make it look like we aren’t doing much. I can get so out of breath that sometimes I need to take a break before Murphy needs a break. I was riding him yesterday and I wanted him to stay steady with his head down and I was getting more out of breath with each stride. I’m getting stronger each ride. Riding the trails on my other horse Chloe is not very aerobic at all since all we are doing is walking. It feels great getting into shape! I LOVE YOU MURPHY! He is the best gym and this is my most favorite exercise!! ❤
On to my trail rides and Miss Chloe! She is a trooper and her and I go out alone often. I will partner up when there is another rider at the barn ready when we are to head out. I have to fit in Murphy and Chloe in my mornings and some days I have time to ride both of them and other days, it’s one or the other. Chloe and I have been together now for 16 years and so we have years of trail rides under our belts. She is trail savvy, its what we do and owning and riding horses is all about repetition and consistency as they are smart and willing as long as they feel safe. We are all about safety in all that we do and so we have a great time together! Here is a video I took just this last week. It was a few days after my sister left and a beautiful day. We are expecting a very rainy day tomorrow which I mention in the video. I hope you enjoy!
So much FUN! I love the trails but I also love the arena riding and training too! I have no doubt that Murphy will be a wonderful all around horse eventually. I am in no hurry with him and when you take the time they need, they turn out so well rounded and confident. I’m excited for our future together.
I’m so happy you visited today. I know I am not sharing as often as I once did but this is working out better for me and my busy life. I don’t want to stop blogging altogether, I will just share when I can and I do appreciate this wonderful blogging community, more than you know. I can’t say enough for all the wonderful bloggers I have met through blogging. I do try and keep up reading and commenting on other blogs but apologize because it can get overwhelming sometimes. I do what I can when I can and you all are so wonderful, forgiving and caring individuals. Thank you for being you! Have a wonderful week and stay smiling. 😀
Horse Crazy Crafty Gal,
~Diana ❤
Mylife-and-Horsestories 
You have a happy family Diana!! (Say my hello to Miss Chloe and Murphy!!) Love to read your posts.
P. S. Your cross-stiches are marvellous.
Looking forward for the winter scene. 👏🏻😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Aahna, you are so sweet and I’ll give you hellos to Miss Chloe and Murphy! Thanks too for your kind comments with my cross-stitch projects, they are so fun to make! 🤩👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful pictures and videos. Both Chloe and Murphy are beautiful. You have 2 different horses that give you 2 different days with them that’s awesome. I have not seen my sister in almost 3 years but we talk often and I am hoping to go see her and our mom sometime soon if they ever drop having to wear a mask on the planes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was late when I posted last night I was so sleepy lol I forgot to tell you how amazing your cross stitch came out they will make a beautiful quilt I can’t wait to see it when it’s finished. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no worries and thank you for adding this in as that’s so sweet. I wish you were closer to help me sew as you make such beautiful quilts and sewing projects. I’m sure I’ll figure it out! 🤩 And can’t wait to share when completed. (It will be awhile as I have one more cross-stitch to complete first!) 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure it will come out beautiful, if you ever have any questions about sewing just let me know but I know you said your sister sews as well 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so happy you enjoyed and you are right, I do get two different experiences with my horses and they are both so FUN! I’m taking in each moment and day with them, soaking in all the smiles, they sure are a joy! I hope someday soon you will be able to visit your sister and Mom! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, those craft projects are amazing! I am really impressed with your skill to be able to crochet and cross-stitch. And so glad you are continuing to get in lots of precious horse fun despite your busy schedule. Ride on!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much for your wonderful kind comments. I do love these crafts, really helps me relax and really helps my creative side. 🤗 These cross-stitch patterns all have horses in them and bring me smiles!! I’m thankful I work swing shift hours so I can fit in the riding!
LikeLike
Glad your sister made it down and you could work with Murphy. I’m sure having to stay in shape for him is icing on the cake of the new, young “guy” in your life. Also good that you can just relax with Chloe. Hope you have a wonderful week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
AWW, thank you so very much Trent! You hit the nail on the head, EXACTLY! I’ve been wanting to get more walking in but I’m getting so much more aerobics in riding I don’t feel the need and the strengthening includes my core so I’m feeling stronger and better. And when I’m tired after Murphy, Chloe is so relaxing so a great pair to have! My new “guy” in my life sure makes me happy!! 😁 I hope you have a wonderful week too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So lovely your sister could stay for a week Diana and help you with young Murphy. He’s such a lovely mover and you’re working really well together. Your craft project looks beautiful and it’s fun to do something you’ve never done before. Wishing you a wonderful week and please give sweet Chloe and Murphy a big pat from us all 🤗🧡🐴 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much Xenia! I have to agree with you as I think he’s a lovely mover too, it’s what I fell in love with and I’m so happy we are working well together. The cross-stitch is so fun and I’ll give those sweet horses a big pat from you all. ❤️🤗🐴❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am impressed with your cross stitch work. Really good! And so is the trot work with Murphy. He is nice and forward and although you said the first circle he was running it still looked good. He is really coming along. I always enjoy your trail rides through your town. Chloe is such a good girl.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much Anne!! Such nice comments and coming from your eyes I do appreciate your comments on Murphy and I immensely! ❤️ You are so very kind and he is coming along (I want to add a thank you as you helped me get him motivated and now he understands what my leg cue for forward means. The crop was a perfect reinforcement cue. He’s so smart!) I’m so grateful for Miss Chloe and treasure every trail ride with her. I so enjoy making my trail ride videos, makes me smile that you enjoy them too, she is such a good girl! 🥰
LikeLike
I like your horse coffee cup.
I haven’t done cross stitch in a long time. I used to love how relaxed I felt working on an image. And the way it looks when it is finished is so fun. Thanks for the virtual coffee Diana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, thank you! I was shopping with my horsey sister and my horsey friend when we all saw that mug. I whispered to them, you know it’s my birthday soon and they went in together to get it for me. This was last October! It’s so pretty with all those horses!
And you said it best as cross stitch is so relaxing and so fun and exciting to stitch it together as the creation comes together. I’m thinking much like puzzle making can do the same thing as you put in each piece and watching the beautiful picture unfold before your eyes! I have kitties that would destroy the puzzle as they chase the pieces around the room! 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks so much for stopping by Shari!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are full of life and energy. I love seeing all that you do. Impressive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your sweet, kind comments!! I’m definitely trying to enjoy every minute of each day, I’m definitely driven. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Murphy is such a good boy, it was a joy to see him in the arena. Your cross stitching is beautiful ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
AWW, thank you Maria! He really is a good boy and is so sweet. I love his tries as he learns!! I’m really enjoying the cross-stitch I’m doing. It’s fun to share! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely cross-stitch! I use to cross-stitch when I was a kid because my mom did it. At the time it was like magic. It’s either I lost interest or I did not have enough time later on, I just stopped doing cross-stitch. Recently I read “Hooked: How Crafting Saved my Life” by Sutton Foster which revived my interest in crafting.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Julie! I remember when I was young my mom taught me knitting and crochet. I liked crochet and have made many projects including stuffed animals and even Star Wars figures. It’s so much FUN!! I learned cross-stitch from one of my sister’s and really enjoy it. I’ll have to get the book Hooked: How Crafting Saved my Life! I’ve not heard of this book and who knows maybe it will inspire you to cross-stitch again, or do other crafts!! ❤️ Thanks for stopping by! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person