52 Weeks #32

I've been reading and hearing a lot about the wild horses that are still around in Western Canada and am thankful that there are groups of people who protect them as there are so few left.  Growing  up in the north I was never exposed to horses so the first time I met one at summer camp I was rather intimidated.  But she was gentle and I learned how to care for her before riding her...a huge bonus.  Brushing her coat, clearing her straw and feeding her gave me a connection to her.  There is definitely something to be said for doing something for another living being that they can't do for themselves.  Anyway, once I got to ride her I was no longer afraid.

When we spent a year at a farmhouse in Saskatchewan I had my second encounter with a horse, this time she was a retired RCMP horse named 'Centennial'.  She was incredible.  Every day I spent time with her I began to love her more.  It got to the point that she would run to me from a distant field, which at first was intimidating, but then became a real gift.  The ground would rumble as she ran towards me but I know she could feel how I felt, so she would slow down as she came near and walk gently towards me.

So this painting in the 52 WEEKS PROJECT is dedicated to horse.  She reminds us to take responsibility for our actions and to move on.  To remember that our journey is made up of a whole.  That all of our experiences, both good and bad, bring wisdom.  Remain faithful, knowing that no pathway is the wrong one.  Sometimes in new direction lies freedom and power.