Reflections.

 My dads favorite saying was "hindsights 20/20" !

You can see the past clearer than the future. Mistakes as well as victories can be tallied and marked, showing their play in your path. Where did it go wrong? and what went right? how many changes from there to here. The good, the bad and everything in between. 

What if the future was as clear? 

or even just the present. 

How different would life be? 

Its through the trials up and down, through the mistakes and learning that we grow. Its making decisions and weighing the options that teach us, lead us and guide us....

In directions we want to go.

Blessed by God

Its getting cold @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping By

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trail

Honor and Truth

 Im at least able to say I always kept my word. I did what I said I would, regardless of what the other persons did or didn't do. 

I even brought out mistakes that were not in my favor.. I remember my childrens support worker telling me I was a rare breed of 'mom'. 

Judges never doubted the truth, which was always backed by evidence. Wished me luck when I chose to spend my time and money on my kids, not the games their dad was playing in courtrooms.

I gave up my life dreams and focused on raising my kids. They grew up to be amazing people, to which I am very proud. 

We had trust, honor and integrity in our circle, they grew up with morals and values of their own to uphold in life. All praised for their work ethics and loved by employers. 

Its been one heck of a journey, with many ups and downs, at least I kept my integrity through it all.

Blessed by God

Life is good @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping By

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

November 2024

 

Welcome Autumn!  and the upcoming winter chill.

The cats have been traveling with me for 6 months on the 8 th of November! 

Tux has gotten his sea legs and enjoys lounging, even spending time on the dashboard.

 Cleo gets around like she has always been a car cat... loves laying on your lap in front of the heater.

 but Sylvester... he comes out to see what is going on. But - he still goes and hides as soon as there is motion happening. 

Gizmo went to heaven this last summer. It's  been hard without him. Cleo has taken to Tux as his replacement.

It has been a bit easier without the cat fights, but lonely too. 

Chanelle loves the adventures and hates when she has to share her dog bed. 

Blessed by God

Life goes On @ The Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping By

Until Next Time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

A ReBorn America

 

The people have spoken!

 and if all the ballots were legal and counted on the west coast.... Washington, Oregon and California would be RED too.

We are headed back to being the America we were proud of. 

New beginnings, New hope, New dreams..

Now things will change!!

Blessed by God. 

Life's great @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by.

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

Happy and Safe Halloween ~ Fall Harvest

 

September 2024 - 0 to 60

 

Honestly

I never expected to live this long.

God has wanted me here for some reason.

Health factors, all my life.

Accidents

Domestic Violence

Really, I never expected to live this long.

A heart attack has always been a possibility. Born with heart issues that went unnoticed for a few years. Didnt tell anyone so they couldnt scare me to death. Even though my ex tried.

Then told at 41 my lungs had maybe 5-10. COPD for life! A hard time breathing for sure.

 Married at 15 and divorced at 26, with a hateful exfamily not understanding the dangers the domestic violence imposed. He was out to kill me and his family played games within the situation. Protection orders loomed over life. 

The turmoil of the second marriage, to serious mental illness he tried to get me to commit suicide. 18 months trapped in another country. Pure Hell.

Still looking for HOME and a place to feel safe, or even just comfortable. Life has been a journey for sure!

60 years old on the 15th. Damn where did time go!

Blessed by God

Lifes beautiful @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping By

Until Next Time

Stay Safe & Happy Trails

August Already!

May 8th was our last day at the house.

Tomorrow is August 1st.

He's been waiting for Social Security to make a decision since Dec 5th.

Living off his pension since Sept 1st.

The last 3 months have had some amazing adventures and some long lonely days.

The ups and downs of hot weather and cold weather, swiftly changing.

Getting sick and surviving seems like a great accomplishment. 

Everyone that was hit with that head cold, seemed to get hit hard.

On the plus side, 

cigarettes are done, quit - gone! a battle I've struggled to end for a few years now. 

Finally a victory!

The photographs and memorial moments will last forever.

The struggles will be forgotten soon after the destination is clear.

Blessings and miracles have happened almost on a daily basis.

I don't know God's plan, but it's clear He's right here on the journey.

Times flying and I wish I could say it's all been fun.

Praying this adventure finds a warm place before winter hits,

as it's coming on fast!

Blessed by God

Life's an adventure @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

My Top Post

 I wrote this March 9 2019,  Sometimes I have to come back for myself and read it again.

receiving the most views ever ~

If you want a Genie, Go rub a Bottle

 My life has been shadowed by death as far back as I can remember..

I wasn't in school yet, when my dad came home from the hospital with tubes running in and out of his stomach into a bag....
Memories you never forget.

I was molested by a relative for most of my 12 years of childhood? Before I moved out and never returned.

My first marriage was all about "until death do we part" and "your the one gonna die". Still have protection orders because his mentality has never changed.
Life looking over my shoulder.

While looking over my shoulder I stumbled into my second marriage.... Not good, for any of us.

Still working on getting through that one.

A collapse in a Safeway parking lot, began the journey of the physical side effects of a life of trauma and stress.

The heart, lungs, bones... so much starting to give out.
Every day is precious, you don't have to have an illness to die.
Life is not guaranteed.

Someone once said to me that maybe Karma was getting back at me.
Problem was I hadn't done anything to anyone to have Karma mad at me.

Someone else once said I pissed God off, From my interpretation of the Bible, I more likely pissed off the devil.

Everyday is a battle within one's own body, to carry us through the day. Every night a relief, to lay down and know, yet another one has been overcome.

One side I'm healthy and lucky the other side I'm doomed and unfortunate. It's all about how you look at things.

My healing both physically and mentally have come from the Lord, through the horses. They are my saving grace.

Throughout my life I have lived for the Lord, in the sense that I always feel like He's watching.... I want to please Him, so my actions for the most part have been positive.

I've made mistakes the biggest ...

I made the mistake of stepping away, telling God I got to go fix this then I'll be back.... I should have said, GOD help me fix this and the last several years might have been better.

Live and learn

Many times, I've returned to the Lord in prayer asking why I have been given such "luck"... Many times the voice replies,

If you want a Genie , go rub a bottle.

Throughout everything in all my years, God has never left my side. Throughout raising my children, running from my ex, being beaten down by others mental illnesses, never has God failed to take care of me and my family.

I've been blessed.

Not rewarded, Not given an easy road, Not given any wealth or great stature, Not given anything extraordinary.

I've lived to see my children grown, meet my grandchildren and even some great grandchildren so far. I live in a peaceful place with my horses at my side. I'm cared for and taken care of by those around me.

Thank you Lord
I've been blessed.

So if you want wealth or fame, greatness or stature...
If you want an easy life  ....
You want a Genie, go rub a bottle.

Blessed By God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn,

Thanks for stopping by,

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

Celebrate America

 Visit the gallery 

https://timbersphotography67.pixieset.com/

Take 20% off on orders over $100.oo

Blessed by God

Lifes good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

It's July!

Happy Independence day! Stay Safe and Have Fun.

Now about them fireworks..... 

I'd like to see them only performed by licensed technicians.

Even better ~ I would personally prefer 'drone light shows', set to music.

The BOOM BOOM is horrible on the animals, local veterans and many of us with sensitive ears.

And of course there are the sooooo many injuries every year. 

Plus - they come from China so in a sense - your supporting China NOT the United States. It's an American Holiday and Celebration, we should be doing it American style!

The Natives have found ways to make money with the cigarettes, casinos, bingo halls and now marijuana stores and 'quick payday loans'. {Some are involved in class action law suits for over charging interest rates on their loans, and being affiliated with 'racketeering', but hey} 

They don't need to sell fireworks anymore!!!!!!

So enough about my ranting regarding fireworks... I know it will never change.

 We were hoping to be in our RV by now but that hasn't worked out quite yet. So, we make due with how it is. . . 

Meanwhile, Tuesday kicks off the full event season! We'll be in Buckley on Tuesday evenings in July as well as in Black Diamond Saturday for 'Miner's Day', then it's off to Ten Trails later in the month ~

Time to start getting ready so, Today was spent at my daughters' house, making products. We have so many new beautiful images, I just couldn't wait to get a few new shot glasses and cups made. I hope to order a few canvas of the new images to have at events. The Mt St Helens is AWESOME! 

We have a beautiful new gallery showcasing all the best images and we've partnered with a wonderful studio for production, so when you order your prints or canvas.... they will be created right away, regardless of where we are on a photo shoot.!!! Only the best quality prints will be delivered. 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back!  

No delays waiting for us to return from the shoot!

Of course all "product" production is done right here at home. Cups, shot glasses, coasters, ornaments, garden flags, license plates, tote bags and of course our popular note cards. We are always looking for new items to add to the shelf. 

It's been a long day and I got to find a place away from the fireworks tomorrow so I suppose I should end for the night. Again, stay safe and have a happy holiday tomorrow.

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn 

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Almost July!

 

Wow! June flew by! Cold, rainy, miserable weather for most of the month. Then without warning, a sudden burst of hot! It's been challenging to keep the cats not too hot or cold. Looking for nice shady spots on hot days and brighter spots on cool days. StilIl not home yet. Praying for soon. 

It's been a journey of miracles and blessings. With a few stumbling blocks, and logs across the road. Nobody really has a smooth road in life. You learn how to drive amongst the obstacles. 

Doctor appointments seem to be on a bit of a slow down. Health wise, he's up to 120 pounds! and feeling much better. It has helped his health to slow down and not be doing and thinking so much, with so many different responsibilities and obligations.

Events start in July so there will be even more challenges to overcome. But as always, where there is a will there is a way. Many new images to produce before hand. So much to do!

July 9th - Buckley Tuesday Markets are from 4 to 8 pm. We will be there the 4 weeks of July. Then there is Miner's Day in Black Diamond, the second Saturday of July.. and I believe there is going to be a market at Ten Trails towards the end of the month!. Looking forward to premiering the new products and images.! If you happen to be in the neighborhood stop by and say hello. 

We are currently in the midst of revamping TimbersPhotography.com, with a new website. Payment collection at Events have changed from PAYPAL TO SQUARE.  as our card collecting tool.  Online ordering will be easier as well, The photo Studio will be opening soon! Easy to find your favorite image, order prints and products directly. Custom orders as always must be made through personal contact - either email, phone or in person. 

Contact Information is ~ 3horseaddict@gmail.com ~ New phone number coming soon. 

Much work to be done, so that wraps it up for now. 

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

June Already!

 Wow time flies when you're having fun!

The house sold and closed on May 8th. 

We got the funds right away and were able to start 'our plans' right away.

Relief!

Bills are paid off ! including the accident of 4 years ago. 

Licenses are no longer in jeopardy of being suspended over it.

Thus the bill burning party at the campsite.

We enjoyed a couple weeks of vacation living, traveling and exploring while searching for our RV home. Still searching.... we've went from wanting a small trailer to wanting a class C..

This is probably why we haven't found it yet. Once we make up our minds we will be able to see what it is we are looking for. Crazy how that works. 

Meanwhile ~ Exploring Washington ~ has been so much fun!

As far north as La Conner to down south at Riffe lake and so many places in between. We have a couple new maps now so we can plot the next drive.... or not. 

It's been fun turning down those side roads you have never been able to before. Always in a hurry to get here or there, or have to get back home.... or just down right can't afford it....

Now, we don't have 'to get back home' so we have the time to take the turn.... Explore and Enjoy our beautiful state. 

Washington.

The best thing ~ 

I got the pony back! Lil Star is home with Star Bright! and you should have seen the reunion! You could easily tell that Lil Star missed her big sister, and Star Bright hasn't left her side yet. They immediately reconnected. It was actually quite beautiful and humorous at the same time. Star Bright kept making silly faces and Lil Star nickered and did little buck kicks. Not aiming at anyone or intending to hit her sister, just bouncing around happy to be home. 

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

The Dream is coming together.

 The next step is COMPLETE.

Went 'truck' shopping, 

and came back with the perfect rig to pull a trailer and to do events. 

Went to DISCOUNT TIRES in Auburn for New tires, lug nuts and then off to GREASE MONKEY for a fresh oil change. Had all the fluids checked and she's prime. 

Still need to get one tire air pressure sensor replaced, a quick fix to come.

I've ordered and received the trailer plugs, 4 prong and 7 prong plugs. 

My son is going to help me hook them up and make sure they are wired right.

I've ordered the balls for the hitch, the trailer lock.. and now

Today was 'test drive'

 on a 'road trip' and she did great!

First stop was the White River Campground for the night,

 Chanelle loved it! She met a squirrel and a little deer. 

This was her first campfire too.

We then drove down to the Mima Mounds for a photo shoot for Papa, then it was off to Ocean Shores. Sadly by the time we got to the ocean it was super windy and raining. So not too much fun on the beach. 

Chanelle would like to recommend 

her favorite water bottle for travels. Make sure you always carry extra water for your fur babies, when traveling! 

Yicostar Dog Water Bottle, Lightweigh, Portable Travel Dog Water Dispenser, Puppy Drinking Bowl for Outdoor Walking and Hiking, Puppy Essentials, Dog Stuff - Pet Accessories(19oz, Pink)Yicostar Dog Water Bottle, Lightweigh, Portable Travel Dog Water Dispenser, Puppy Drinking Bowl for Outdoor Walking and Hiking, Puppy Essentials, Dog Stuff - Pet Accessories(19oz, Pink)

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyvinyl Chloride·Pink

 

Super cool and easy to carry along. The little button lets you return what's left back into the bottle. No waste! and lasts longer.

Up next.........

To find the perfect trailer.

~ ~ Let the shopping continue! 

The Beginning of

 A New Adventure

Here we go! 

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

Updated Summer Schedule

From Mother's Day to July, 

we'll be taking a break, for surgery and time to heal.  

We'll be back in full force after Independence Day! 

July 9th ~ 16th ~ 23rd ~ 30th ~

Hometown Market Tues Nights in Buckley
From 4 pm to 8 pm

July 13th ~
Miner's Day in Black Diamond
From 9 am to 4 pm

July 20th ~ 

Home town BBQ and Brew Fest

@ Ten Trails

From 11 am to 5 pm

August 2nd,3rd,4th ~
Eatonville Art n Music Festival

August 17th n 18th ~
at the Maris Farms Sunflower Days
from 10 am to 5 pm both days

August 23th ~
Sunset Market at Ten Trails
6 pm to 9 pm

August 24th n 25th ~
at the Maris Farms Sunflower Days
from 10 am to 5 pm both days.

September 21st ~
Hometown Hoedown at Ten Trails
10 am to 5 pm

October 26th ~

St Barbara Church in Black Diamond

9 am to 3 pm

More events are being scheduled be sure to check back~ 

Several new images, landmarks and points of interest around Washington, added to the gallery.

Until then

Stay Safe and Happy Trails

Let's talk about Animal Rescues

 They are everywhere, and for every kind of animal you can think of.  

Rescues are growing and quickly filling up to overloaded capacity. 

• Do horses really get shipped for slaughter?
• Are rescues legit? or just someone making bank?
• Why do they charge so much?
• Are the contracts real?

 Yes the auction houses allow shippers to buy 'what's left'. The horses are then transported to Mexico or Canada where they are slaughtered.

 Yes wild horses are rounded up on the native reserves and sold at auctions and to Mexican rodeos. This is a source of income for the tribe. The babies would be left behind to die because they couldn't keep up with the herd. The herd does not return for them. So rescues were formed.

 Yes, horses are bred and in days of old, their babies would be killed so that they could be a substitute mom for Thoroughbred  babies. 

Race horses have specific rules about breeding.

This has been stopped in many places.

We did speak up.

 Yes Mexican rodeos are legal in Washington state. 

We can put a stop to it.

We have to speak up.

 Dogs and roosters are bred for fighting. 

Breeders are the worst!

Something else we can put an end to.

We have to speak up.

Animal abuse is something we the people have the power to put an end to. 

We have to speak up.

Most rescues for horses, dogs, cats and misc farms are LEGIT. Some are not. Visit them. A true rescue allows and encourages visitors. See it for yourself how they care for the animals in their care. 

Why do they charge so much? They are only asking for what they have invested. The rescues take in sick, injured and unwanted animals. They help them heal, restore their faith in humans, and train them towards their full potential. You know what your getting. They have worked with and come to know that animal and it's personality and behavior.

The contract and return policy is for the ANIMALS SAFETY and assurance that they will never SUFFER the trauma that has already been inflicted on their lives. 

We need to ban MEXICAN RODEO'S IN all states.

We need stronger penalties for ANIMAL ABUSE

We can put a stop to the problem

We have to speak up. 

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

May is on the Way!

 

Life in the 90's to Now ~

 Things were different back then. 

Laws were different.

Woman's rights were different.

Being able to protect yourself, was NOT a legal option.

"Why doesn't she just leave?"

Read the Most dangerous time for woman ~ when they LEAVE......

Many therapists urge battered women to leave those abusive relationships. Statistics warn, however, that the greatest violence often follows their departure.

In fact, the Justice Department says the majority of domestic assaults reported to law enforcement take place after the couple separates.

“The statistics are that women in abusive relationships are about 500 many times more at risk when they leave,” said Wendy Mahoney, executive director for the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence. 

.....

Blaming the victim

Sometimes people ask why battered women don’t leave.

“That’s the wrong question to ask,” Gruelle said. “The question should be, ‘Why does he feel he has the right to abuse, control, terrorize and intimidate her?’”

Domestic violence

• Every year, more than 3 million women in the U.S. are abused, and more than 1,600 are killed by their abusers.
• Women are 70 times more likely to be killed in the two weeks after leaving than at any other time during the relationship.

Read ~ No visible bruises 

Until you have had to live through it, you really don't know what it's like. 

People are too quick to judge HER, blame her or dismiss her experience 

- especially if she survives. 

You don't know what SHE went through. 

Blessed by God

Life's beautiful @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

Patience ~

 

The Famous 2 Weeks!

 Seems everything is a 2 week wait. Even the covid started out as a 2 week quarantine. . 

Down to the final 2 weeks to closing. Most of the moving is done, many things have sold off lightening the load. Change of address under way and reservations for a mini vacation at the time of closing. Doctor appointments and surgeries begin the following week....

Still a lot to do and many 'unknowns' in the process. I was really hoping we could get him settled in before surgery, but it's not to sure at the moment. Still need a few miracles to take place and some stars to align. 

So far there have been blessings too many to count. Things happening in ways we never expected. So much has already been positive and helpful, one can't help but think this too shall work out. 

Blind Faith.

Cats are getting nervous, hanging out in the kennels more. Chanelle has taken to hoarding the cat food and hiding it under the mat in her little cave. She's pretty lost at the moment. We come and go so much, she doesn't know where we belong anymore. 

I must say he's doing pretty good at staying stable with all that's going on. These are the big changes that can make or break a person. It's a bit stressful when the answers don't all add up yet, but as I said, he's doing really well at progressing through this. 

It seems spring has finally started to arrive with chilly winds pushing winter away. A few nights of freezing temps, and plenty of sunshine during the day.... so glad it's now not previously during the cold and rain that 'moving' had to take place.

All this wraps up and ends just before Mother's Day. Not sure where I'll be that weekend. Would have been nice to see the kids before this all comes together. Cause we are not sure where either of us will end up at that point. 

For now all is normal....

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Hanging Close

 Hello, and thanks for stopping by.......

image courtesy of Adobe Photos

 The house - selling, moving.... this is the kind of event that is critical to folks that struggle with changes. I'm hanging close. With all the medical and bleeding and blood clots.... and now cancers, you never know what will happen next. After so many years on medications, I think they too are starting to have effects on his health. So with this added stress, I'm concerned. I carry nitro for his heart just in case!

 While I believe this move will be the best thing for him, once it's done and he's set up and established. The transition part, has been and continues to be - difficult. Unknown variables make it harder to cope, for folks that struggle with change. Not being able to make decisions until the last minute are also difficult. The more you can plan and stick to the plan, the easier the transitions are. The variables ~ 

  Not to mention all the surgeries and biopsy's to come starting next month. The mind can only handle so much on a good day. I keep reminding myself I asked God for help with all this, and as soon as He took over, things started working out. For the most part. Once Papa started agreeing with the logical solutions, God was able to really go to work! 

 Things are happening and it'll be all good on the other side. It's just getting there. Sometimes you feel like giving up, can't handle it, don't want to handle it anymore. I hate the phrase "this isn't fair", cause if I even start to think it, a little voice, reminds me "I never promised fair in this life, need I remind you of all I've done for you?" and I immediately bite my tongue take a deep breathe and dig in again. 

 That little voice has been a loud power in my life, I've learned to listen. 

I know they say your crazy if you hear voices in your head. Read the Bible and you find out God comes to you in 'a little voice'. So it makes sense that society that doesn't believe in God would want to call you crazy for listening to God? That voice has saved my life many times, led me in the right direction, delayed me to spare me, with some near misses..... The list of miracles and blessings are endless. 

 There is light at the end of this tunnel, a future that looks pretty good. Sometimes all we can do is breathe, enjoy the moment, look for the good and keep going. Don't need to understand it all, right now. For now I'm hanging close and making sure he's coping with the process okay. One day at a time. 

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails. 

Looks like this is it.

Praise the Lord! The process of 'selling' the house is over. Now it's just the process of processing the sale ?!

What was thought to be the forever home, 

has turned out to be another stepping-stone in a journey across the river. 

You don't know what your health will do, you can't predict what the world is changing into. You have to be able to adjust, willing to make changes. 

 As the price dropped on the house, so did the plans to buy another one. {I would never want to go through the grief of selling a house. Worst experience mentally ever} Renting an apartment seemed crazy with the cost of rent these days. So buying the travel trailer was the next choice. 

 Now which one. It's been a back and forth battle between two models. And the final decision will be to see what's still there when the money comes. Winner take all. 

 There is a sadness to it. The house was loved. Problem was company never came to visit hardly. Since last August, The grandkids stopped coming over. {edit - school started the end of August} So it's been hard being here.

 I will figure my life issues out, once I get him settled. Right now one can hardly think of themself, with so much going on with him. Doctor appointments and surgeries.. moving and 'changes'... bi polar 1 folks - don't do good with change and stress. 

 If it wasn't for the horse that comes running when I arrive, there wouldn't be much to look forward to these days. She is my sunshine. The rock I'm grounded to.

 Let the countdown begin. There is a closing date, which puts everything on time line..... time to get to it and 'Get er done' I guess. A little over whelmed, thankfully I have lists. And it feels so good to scratch things off as completed!!

 I will finally have him settled into his retirement life and a steady routine on a happy path.

1. Sign papers
2. Celebrate
3. Sign more papers
4. Get PO Box
5. Get Storage
6. Boxes to 'finish' packing
7. Start turning in 'change of address'
8. Start taking loads to storage
9. Sign more papers
10. Appraisals n Inspection appointments
11. Schedule end of services, PSE, garbage..
12. Sign more papers
13. Finish moving everything to storage
14. Clean the house, mow the lawn, 
15. Sign final papers
16. Wait for funds to transfer
17. Celebrate the past and toast to the future

Blessed by God 

Life's confusing @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by,

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.