Weekend Coffee Share; April Flowers & Horses!

I think Spring might be my favorite season. I love all the flowers and they sure are blooming. I am thankful you are here, can I get you a cup of coffee or tea? I made chocolate chip cookies last week and there are a few left, yummy. Can you believe it is April? March seemed to fly by and I had so much fun keeping busy with all the usual things I do each week. I wanted to share more flowers that are blooming as my Iris plants are going crazy. I am growing Iris in a big container and they are happy campers blooming like crazy. πŸ˜€

It was not a sunny day when I took these photos but the flowers are so pretty. We have gotten some much needed rain last week. It rained all day and into the evening. We got a lot more rain than I thought we were going to get but it doesn’t slow us down. I still get outside every single day as I tend to my horses and I enjoy all the weather. It’s been really overcast all weekend and very cool and cloudy. I am enjoying all the coolness as the heat is around the corner as we slowly head towards summer here. I see so many blooming flowers on my trail rides. I took this next photo yesterday!

As I sit here writing this I am thinking about all the wonderful people in my life. From my wonderful family who I love dearly to all the friends that I know and love. I also am thinking about my Mom and Dad up in heaven as they bestowed their best qualities in all of us children. We are all loving and giving people and we care deeply. Sometimes it is hard to balance as you realize we can’t fix the things that need fixing and no matter how hard you try you can only change some things which is often just the things close to you as the bigger picture stuff is pretty hard to change. I sometimes enjoy thinking about and pondering all these thoughts in my head. I think it’s important to not sweat the little things. We are here to enjoy each day as best as we can, how do you enjoy your day? I will tell you that smiling makes you feel better, I always feel better when I smile.

I’m not free from stress, who is these days? But I try and release the stresses I feel by enjoying my time at the barn. Horses do not like stress, they can feel your anxiety through your hands and arms from your heart rate, it is an incredible thing. Breathing or taking a few deep breathes is a great way to release stress. As I take deep breathes and shake my hands to release the anxious feelings I can feel my body relax and as I talk to my horses you can see them relax their head and get soft in their necks and settle that big giant head and nose near your heart. Horses can sense a heartbeat from 4 feet away. Yes, they can and that is how they can sense any anxiety you feel as your approach. Think about your day but leave your day in your car when you arrive at the barn.

They are so sensitive that even if you do not feel anxious but are just not in a good mood, or say rushed and not paying attention, yes, this will all be picked up by your horse. They are amazing, fascinating animals and they are so centered and in tune with their bodies and far more aware of their surroundings that humans can’t come close to relating. They can also move 7 times faster than any human being, especially when they do not feel safe, we want them to always feel safe. Some days can go awry, you can have a bad day with your horse, but you must shake it off and move on to the next day. They do not hold grudges, they do not think like humans as they do not have a developed frontal lobe, they don’t lie or plot. In this way they are very forgiving, the next day is a new day. Interestingly, they have great memories. They can remember words and humans and things taught to them (good and bad) for up to 10 years. So abusing a horse can do some real damage as that can destroy trusting humans.

Clearly, I could talk all day about horses. I am so enjoying sharing these intelligent animals as they bring me so much joy in my life. I would be happy if I just had them and took care of them, but there is so much more as I am able to ride them and enjoy all that they give to us in their incredible lives. I have had a couple days this last week with some bobbles I’ll call it ~ Some miss-communication with my horse Murphy. (It was related to me feeling anxious, which in turn made Murphy feel anxious and worried). We are doing great, he is a good boy and really doing well. Learning with a horse is a gift and so I like to remember and think about all they have to offer to us humans. I am truly grateful and cherish every minute with my horses.

Murphy enjoying some yummy grass. He is such a sweetheart! I enjoyed having coffee with you today and as I head into next week I am thinking about my hubby who is traveling up north to my daughter’s place to house sit while she is away for training. She has a cat sitter, but thought it would be good if someone could stay for a few days. My hubby and best friend will be heading there tomorrow and it will be fun for them to explore the area. There is so much to see, Solvang and Pismo beach with their amazing cinnamon rolls to name a few places. I thank you for visiting and I also thank Natalie for hosting the #weekendcoffeeshare. If you would like to visit other shares click here for the linkup.

Appreciating life and horses,

~Diana ❀

31 thoughts on “Weekend Coffee Share; April Flowers & Horses!

    1. Thank you for your kind comments! It truly is peaceful, however the barn can get busy with other horse owners getting their horses out and ready to work. The stress and anxiety around the barn with 4 or more horses out and being tended to by loud talking from other horse owners is palpable. You can feel it in the air and the vibes of this can rub off and it was on one of these mornings my anxious feelings got the best of me with my young Murphy!

      I’m now going to head to the barn in the early mornings so we can be together quietly. As we approach summer and it warms up these ladies will come earlier too and we will be ready for them as my training progresses. Anyways, sometimes we take one step back, but it’s not a bad step just need to be present and calm. Thank you for stopping by!! 😊❣️

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  1. Your Iris are stunning and beautiful! And you grow them in a pot? amazing. As for horses….you are right they can tell how we are and if we are stressed or anxious. A few weeks back I was very discouraged with my riding. Nothing to do with Biasini he was trying his best. I just could not seem to accomplish what Belinda was asking me to do. Belinda raises the bar and she expects me to be able to get up to that new bar height. I was frustrated and discouraged. And Biasini knew it. He would give me nose nudges when I was grooming him in his stall or when he was getting his after work bath. I tried to tell him it was not his fault that I was feeling out of sorts. I think he understood but just in case I asked a friend who is an animal communicator who has worked with Biasini before ( she is a Reiki Master) and I asked her to tell him it was just me and not because he was doing anything wrong. They are pretty amazing creatures horses. When I get to the barn my worries about the world news lifts off my shoulders and I always feel better.

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    1. Aww, thank you Anne! My garden area really needs work and so when I was gifted the Iris I put it in a big container pot and it’s made a ton of babies and is flourishing! YAY!
      And thank you to for sharing your discouragement with your riding and all the things with Biasini. You have an amazing coach and so I know how much you want to get to that next level. I think that’s so neat you have an animal communicator, and it’s so touching how Biasini was giving you nose nudges, they are so smart and sensitive. I cherish you and Biasini very much! ❀️

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    1. Thank you Liz for visiting and am so happy I conjured up lovely memories! I hope you have a wonderful week ahead and sending warm hugs back at you! ❀️🐴❀️

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  2. Diana, Your irises are stunning. Horses and other pets are smart and they can sense our mood, especially when something is troubling us. I enjoy reading your horse stories and seeing photos or videos of Chloe and Murphy. I greatly appreciate that you took time to blog and linked up as your schedule has been full. Thank you for sharing this with us at #weekendcoffeeshare.

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    1. Thank you so very much Natalie! I’m so happy I could join in and share all about my horses and you are right pets in general can sense our moods. My iris blooms are so pretty and make me smile too! I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! πŸ˜€

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  3. What a lovely post! Thank you for sharing so much of your knowledge about horses, they are truly remarkable creatures! My daughter began horseback riding lessons (western) last October and absolutely loves it! It’s been such a treat to watch her skills improve, her confidence increase, and her gentle relationships with the horses at the ranch evolve.
    I hope you have a beautiful week ahead!

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    1. Thank you so kindly! I’m so happy you enjoyed and I so love sharing. How exciting your daughter is taking horseback riding lessons. It truly is a treat watching their skills and relationships grow. I’m excited for her and you as horses are such a Love!!

      And thank you, I hope you have a wonderful week ahead too!

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  4. you are so right you show smiling makes us feel better – (there is a lot of research that shows the smile triggers certain facial muscles that send messages to the brain that things are good – and that triggers physical response – something like that – but you probably already know – hahaha )
    and your flower photos brought such a beauty my way – the vibrant colors and fresh vibe

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    1. Thank you so much Yvette!! Yes, I’ve read some studies about smiling and release of endorphins, probably from the facial muscles like you stated. Haha, i know when I’m feeling blue smiling always lifts my spirits, and seeing beautiful flowers bloom helps too! πŸ˜€

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  5. Hi Diana –

    I must have forgotten to refresh my screen on Sunday. I only just now recalled to do so and – wow – there you are. So nice to have you back with us. I want to know more about how a horse can “hear our heartbeats from 4 feet away”. I’d never heard this and am wondering how this could be possible – has it been tested somehow – are there other senses involved – etc. ?

    I think we’re lucky you take any time to blog. Maybe Murphy has to sleep sometime which forces you to go home and sit for a spell in front of your computer.

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    1. Hi Gary,
      It’s funny as I read your reply I had to think about your response and even reread what I wrote because I wrote a horse can sense your heartbeat 4 ft away but I didn’t include what sense he uses. Hearing would be the only way as I did look it up and horses have excellent hearing. As I read, they have done studies that have proved not only can they hear your heartbeat they will sync up with your heartbeat and it’s how we can partner so well with them (good and bad if you are nervous then they will be nervous and flighty too).
      In the article I read out in the wild or just herded together in a pasture horses will sync up the whole herds heartbeats so while grazing if one horse detects danger and their heart rate rises they will all know instantly and run off if needed. So it’s a form of protection their keen hearing but it’s proven to be a life source for them as humans and horses have been together for centuries! Interesting eh? Thanks so much for asking!!

      Thanks for your kind words about my blog. It’s sometimes a balancing act trying to fit everything in each day and it’s only the weekend I have time to write! Have a wonderful week my friend! 🀩🐴🀠

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      1. Hi Diana.

        I did not know any of this about horses so thank you for helping me catch up.

        Yea – blogging actually takes more time than I expected, but I find that I really enjoy both the sharing of my stories (you might have noticed . . .) and getting to know others from around the globe.

        Some bloggers don’t really want to be well-known and only dip their toes into the whole blog-community-pool, I tend to jump in and swim about that pool to see who all is there with me.

        You’ve read lots of my stories and this has become one of the biggest compliments I’ve received. You’re bight, accomplished and passionate about the family and critters you love. It would be hard to not join you in these passions.

        I’m so glad to have you as a friend and reader.

        Now get off to work lady. I need to go earn my keep as well. We’ll read more of each other later.

        Blessings.

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    1. Flowers are definitely up there as another passion or favorites!!! Miss Chloe likes grass more than flowers, but then I’ve never asked her! πŸ˜‰ Haha! 🀩🐴❀️

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  6. Wish I could meet Chloe some day…..
    She seems to be the most adorable and innocent horse I have ever seen… πŸ˜€
    Who’s the naughty one, Diana?? Murphy or Miss Chloe?? My bets on young Murphy…. LolπŸ˜…πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

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    1. Aww, thank you Aahna!! She truly is the sweetest, innocent and loving horse I’ve ever known. And you are correct!! Murphy is the naughty one, kind of a stinker like a young boy. He has a big heart though and lots of good intentions as he tries to please. Both the horses have opinions of things that come out now and again too! Hahaha, I wish you could meet them someday…. I’ll keep sharing, so you can at least enjoy them virtually! You are so cute!! Thanks for you fun comments! ❀️🐴🀩🀠

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      1. I’ve got half of the front porch stitched so far. It’s got some red bows on it so it’s decorated for Christmas! Haha, I’ll take a photo of it for this coming weekends coffee share and you’ll see my progress. Slow and steady!! But it’s coming along! 🀩

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    1. Aww, I love you so much too!! Anthonia, you are the sweetest young lady and I’m sending warm hugs to you too! β€οΈπŸ€—β€οΈ

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  7. So great catching up on your news – and seeing your horsies and beautiful flowers. I have not been around much on WordPress lately. Not much happening except being really focused on getting in shape for everything I want to be able to do this spring. Apparently, our spring has gone awry for the next couple of weeks. We are expecting snow this week – fortunately not like they are expecting to the south and east of us – 30+ inches of the white stuff and wicked winds. Yike! I guess we are very fortunate to be spared the worst of it! Have a great week, Diana! πŸ’ž

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    1. Aww, thank you so much Anne! I’m so happy you stopped by and I’m not posting as much as I once did. I’m trying to keep up at least a few times each month and maybe will get back to weekly posts at least soon! Sometimes I feel like I’m repeating myself even though I’m not when I reread stuff I’ve written. Haha!!
      I’m also so inspired by you getting in shape!! I can’t believe how it can improve mental health among others things, when I work on it too. Sorry Spring has been delayed a bit for you all there, but am thankful you aren’t getting hit as bad as your neighboring areas as you mention! Here’s to a sunny spring soon!!! 🀩
      Have a wonderful week too, Anne!! πŸ₯°

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    1. Thank you so kindly! I found your comments in my spam folder but I recognized your name and photo on Aahna’s comments from one of her blog posts and I realized you are a real person. Some of the stuff in the spam folder are so strange! I thank you kindly for commenting and that you enjoyed my blog. I reread this one and it was one of my more emotional posts, for many reasons for me personally but I’m happy you enjoyed the contents! Thanks for stopping by! 🀠

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      1. Well most the comments goes into spam for unknown reasons. Sometimes comments on my posts also goes into spam πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ. Aahna saved me I guess. Best wishes, keep smiling

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