Back In The Saddle Again

It's hard to believe that something I once did pretty much every day has stopped. I began blogging several years ago, maybe in 2008. I've probably written over 500 articles on www.SalemCountyRealEstate.com, 26 about picture framing at www.pictureframingbehindthescenes.blogspot.com, 41 posts featuring Real Estate education at www.southjerseyrealestateacademy.wordpress.com and 27 right here. That totals approximately 587 posts! *whew* It was a lot of work. It was also a great way to express myself. I've come to realize that I miss writing. I miss the release it provides. I miss being able to say, "I'm a blogger." (Not everyone can say that!) Lastly, I miss the exposure blogging affords my various businesses and community projects. I'm pretty rusty. The thought of embedding a video into a post seems a tad overwhelming. It's been quite awhile since I added a photo to a post, as well, but I believe I can tackle that one. The most difficult aspect of trying to restore an old habit is getting started.....so today is the day....and this particular blog is the place. "Back In The Saddle Again." I actually did ride horses when I was a lot younger. My parents sent me to Girl Scout Horse Camp two summers in a row, at Sheppard's Mill Camp. Man, I loved horse camp! Riding is such a magnificent feeling, but even just cleaning out the stalls to be near the horses was ok by me, too. At the end of each two-week session, we scouts put on a little show for our parents. The first year, I was able to ride my favorite horse, "Fruitloops" around the barrels to show off what I had learned. The second year, I was given a horse named, "Nutsy" to practice on. Here's your tip for today: it's probably NOT a great idea to ride a horse named, "Nutsy." My third mount ended up with a trip to the Salem County Memorial Hospital and a visit to the operating room to have my broken arm set. That ended my horse-riding career on-the-spot. The strange thing about that horse was that she loved to walk, she loved to trot, but when nudged into a cantor, "Nutsy" would very often pivot quickly and head for the barn. She turned left and I was propelled right - unable to hold on. Needless to say, there was no navigating around the barrels that summer! There was also no field hockey played that fall, but that's a story for another time. Looking back on it all now, it's pretty easy to see that "Nutsy" had no place at a Girl Scout Camp. She wasn't a safe choice. On the day I came back to collect my gear, one of my friends had been kicked in the hip, acquiring a rather large, rather ugly bruise. The leaders made me get back up on that horse before they took me to the hospital. I didn't realize the significance of that as a young girl, but I sure do now. They were not going to allow me to walk away with a new-found fear in my heart and soul. Wise leaders. I still love horses. I'd love to ride again one day. Maybe this is the year to make that happen so that I would truly be 'Back In The Saddle Again'? In the meantime, I'm content to be here....blogging again. Just a thought for today. "The horse you get off of is not the same horse you got on. It is your job as a rider to ensure that as often as possible, the change is for the better." ~Author Unknown