Go here if you didn't read part one. The Chariot Pt. 1
Twas the week before Christmas....
I celebrate every December 19th as if it were my birthday. Well, in a sense it is my second one, when life began again.
I celebrate every December 19th as if it were my birthday. Well, in a sense it is my second one, when life began again.
This is me sixty four years later at the ripe age of eighty two. I'm not as pretty as I was as a young girl riding my beloved Ed, but I've led a full and happy life, and still have a lot more to live.
I'm celebrating my second birth today. It started on a fateful night long ago when my sister Poppy met Nick and we were all whisked away to the North Pole. Ho! I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. If I told you they had a whirlwind romance that would be a lie. It was a, hmmm, I don't know what's faster than a whirlwind? I know, it was faster and more powerful than a f-5 tornado.
Let me catch you up. My sisters, Poppy, Violet and I, arrived here on December 19th. Nick Jr. and Poppy married on New Years Eve. They went back to south Florida where it all began for their honeymoon and were home in time for Valentines day.
Halloween turned out to be a twofer holiday because it was the day Poppy gave birth to twins. A boy and a girl named George and Georgie. You see on their honeymoon in Boynton Beach, Florida, Nick went drift sea fishing and caught a 250 lb. Sail fish. A whopper and a day to remember, second to his wedding day. In honor of his one and only fishing trip Poppy agreed the babies could be named after the boat, The Two Georges. The only caveat was they could return to her hometown every year after New Years for a week.
It was effortless for Poppy to settle into this new festive life. Even with all the hardships we've faced as a family, she was always buoyant. I suppose it was because of her music. She played many instruments and it was her escape. Heck, she landed Nick by playing her squeeze box. If she held any residue of our past life we never heard about it. But, we didn't hear about it while it was happening either. This fast-paced life suited her.
I'm celebrating my second birth today. It started on a fateful night long ago when my sister Poppy met Nick and we were all whisked away to the North Pole. Ho! I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. If I told you they had a whirlwind romance that would be a lie. It was a, hmmm, I don't know what's faster than a whirlwind? I know, it was faster and more powerful than a f-5 tornado.
Let me catch you up. My sisters, Poppy, Violet and I, arrived here on December 19th. Nick Jr. and Poppy married on New Years Eve. They went back to south Florida where it all began for their honeymoon and were home in time for Valentines day.
Halloween turned out to be a twofer holiday because it was the day Poppy gave birth to twins. A boy and a girl named George and Georgie. You see on their honeymoon in Boynton Beach, Florida, Nick went drift sea fishing and caught a 250 lb. Sail fish. A whopper and a day to remember, second to his wedding day. In honor of his one and only fishing trip Poppy agreed the babies could be named after the boat, The Two Georges. The only caveat was they could return to her hometown every year after New Years for a week.
It was effortless for Poppy to settle into this new festive life. Even with all the hardships we've faced as a family, she was always buoyant. I suppose it was because of her music. She played many instruments and it was her escape. Heck, she landed Nick by playing her squeeze box. If she held any residue of our past life we never heard about it. But, we didn't hear about it while it was happening either. This fast-paced life suited her.
Violet and I were caught up in all the festivities as well, but when New Years came along and all the chaos slowed down we were left to figure out where we fit in our new life in the North Pole. This was our home too now.
Why did we stay you ask? Well, our parents died five years ago and Violet being the oldest took the reins, at least the best she could. We've always been close but when we were orphaned we were raising each other. Three wild girls who really needed our parents spun out of control.
The few years before the move I was a party girl. Sitting still was out of the question. I always had to be doing something because sitting still forced me to think about how life really was.
I made many mistakes, but boy did I love to have fun. I do have a few regrets, but since I can't change them, que sera sera.
The men. I really did love the men. It started innocent enough. I wanted warmth and tenderness, acceptance and caring like everyone else. The ones I picked did not.
The first time I was with a man I fell hard and fast. Looking back, it wasn't really with him, but the sense of perhaps safety? A protector. Three days later he was done with me.
It hurt.
I did this a couple more times, and realized I'm not the girlfriend type. When in reality I confused sex with love. I didn't know any better.
Please don't judge me too hard. I promise you I do it enough for the both of us. I mean I don't want to sound flippant but for the first month at the Pole I flinched every time Papa Noel busted out with "Ho, ho, Ho!" Yes, I've heard that name a million times. People can be cruel.
But I've moved on. The men, they were all very special at the moment. I suppose I was looking for love, but only found emptiness, and in turn I craved it more. It was a vicious cycle.
Why did we stay you ask? Well, our parents died five years ago and Violet being the oldest took the reins, at least the best she could. We've always been close but when we were orphaned we were raising each other. Three wild girls who really needed our parents spun out of control.
The few years before the move I was a party girl. Sitting still was out of the question. I always had to be doing something because sitting still forced me to think about how life really was.
I made many mistakes, but boy did I love to have fun. I do have a few regrets, but since I can't change them, que sera sera.
The men. I really did love the men. It started innocent enough. I wanted warmth and tenderness, acceptance and caring like everyone else. The ones I picked did not.
The first time I was with a man I fell hard and fast. Looking back, it wasn't really with him, but the sense of perhaps safety? A protector. Three days later he was done with me.
It hurt.
I did this a couple more times, and realized I'm not the girlfriend type. When in reality I confused sex with love. I didn't know any better.
Please don't judge me too hard. I promise you I do it enough for the both of us. I mean I don't want to sound flippant but for the first month at the Pole I flinched every time Papa Noel busted out with "Ho, ho, Ho!" Yes, I've heard that name a million times. People can be cruel.
But I've moved on. The men, they were all very special at the moment. I suppose I was looking for love, but only found emptiness, and in turn I craved it more. It was a vicious cycle.
In this moment I was forced to slow down and perhaps grieve. The only problem, I didn't know how. It was painful. Mama C and Papa Noel were very kind. I didn't call them mom and dad out of respect for my own parents, but they were filling the spot.
I was itching to wander, or was it to run away, I"m not sure but I needed to not be in the village. I needed to be alone with my thoughts and figure out who I was. I've never been alone before, not really anyway. There was no way of telling how I would react to all these feelings, so I wanted, no I was desperate to take off. I explained this to the folks.
The next day Papa Noel took me to the barn and presented me with a breathtaking red stallion. He was sixteen hands and he was all mine. This was the first time in my life I fell in love.
For real.
"Ho, ho, ho...of course he is Aster. He's going to be your guardian while you wander."
I hugged the horse's neck and rubbed him while walking all around him to inspect him. He was magnificent.
"What's his name?
"Let me formerly introduce you. Aster, this is Ed. Ed, this is Aster."
I looked at the big guy in disbelief.
"Are you kidding me? This horse is called Ed? His name isn't Fireball? Rocket? Wildfire? Or even Bolt, it's Ed?" I looked at him with one raised eyebrow.
"Don't let the name fool you. Ed is exactly what you need. He knows the outside realm better than any other horse or person for that matter." He gave Ed a carrot while petting his neck.
"You mean it's o.k. for me to wander off and explore the valleys and mountains outside the village?" I could not believe this. I needed to hear it again. I was floored, nobody ever truly listened to my needs in the last few years.
"Yes, Aster. This is your time but you need to check in with us from time to time to let us know you are alive. We've set up a cottage on the outskirts of the village."
Tears rolled down my cheek. This was a gift of a lifetime. I ran and hugged Santa.
"Aster, we love you. Let's go see Mama C and tell her your goodbyes." The we headed back to the village.
Well, the next morning I said my goodbyes to everyone. Violet was stunned, but understood. She was going through her own grief process and trying to figure out the process for her too.
Looking back at this old photograph Mama C took I realize how inexperienced I truly was. I mean look at what I'm wearing. A gorgeous dress with inappropriate riding shoes, long sleeved emerald gloves, but I matched Ed's divine tack. We looked good.
Right before this shot I blew everyone a kiss and off we went.
I found my cottage, changed my clothes then headed to to the forest. There's something you should know about this part of the Pole. It's enchanted. There's mountains, lakes, valleys, forests, rivers and waterfalls. The seasons change here unlike the snowy village at the Pole.
We galloped towards the lake and stopped. This is where I met my soon to be life long best friend Moira. She was an Irish fairy and was very experienced in all things wilderness. We hit it off right away.
Papa Noel was right, Ed was a true, solid mount. He didn't flinch at wildlife, was steady over mountains, went through water and really he would do anything I asked him to do.
He gave me confidence and I in turn showed him I could be a leader. I learned how to fish, hunt and find which plants were edible and which ones weren't. We road for hours at a time. When we weren't riding we were swimming, or napping, or doing anything we wanted to. I've never experience so much freedom in my life. I thrived in this atmosphere.
Right before this shot I blew everyone a kiss and off we went.
I found my cottage, changed my clothes then headed to to the forest. There's something you should know about this part of the Pole. It's enchanted. There's mountains, lakes, valleys, forests, rivers and waterfalls. The seasons change here unlike the snowy village at the Pole.
We galloped towards the lake and stopped. This is where I met my soon to be life long best friend Moira. She was an Irish fairy and was very experienced in all things wilderness. We hit it off right away.
Papa Noel was right, Ed was a true, solid mount. He didn't flinch at wildlife, was steady over mountains, went through water and really he would do anything I asked him to do.
He gave me confidence and I in turn showed him I could be a leader. I learned how to fish, hunt and find which plants were edible and which ones weren't. We road for hours at a time. When we weren't riding we were swimming, or napping, or doing anything we wanted to. I've never experience so much freedom in my life. I thrived in this atmosphere.
I came to the village once a month as promised to see the family. I caught up with Violet, Poppy, Nick and the twins. Mama C would take me aside and we would have long talks about everything and nothing.
Papa Noel took me to the barn and introduced me to the new horses. I would ride as many as I could. My horsemanship skills flourished. This was my joy, my passion. I was really good at it and I felt whole, worthy.
The love I received from these animals was unconditional. They taught me to be present in every moment. If you didn't pay attention, they would do something to get it back. And usually it's something you don't want.
Moira and I explored every inch of the valleys together. As time went by it was harder and harder to go to the village to see everyone. I was escaping into bliss.
But, I knew if I didn't go back, they would come for me and make me come home, forever possibly. This was something I could not risk. I was the happiest and fullest I've ever been.
A couple years into this life was a turning point. I went for the monthly visit but this time Papa Noel and Mama C took me aside. They told me it was time I re-entered life. This was not what I expected, nor what I wanted.
I became anxious and began to weep. Mama C took me into her arms and cradled me. She just rocked me until I stopped crying. They told me I wasn't just hiding, I was hiding out. They tried to explain the difference but I didn't understand.
They had a plan. They were sending me off for a year abroad to apprentice with different trainers and breeders of the world's best horses. I was headed to Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, England then to the states and head west.
I would be exposed to multiple riding disciplines, breeds and a whole new lifestyle, not to mention the new types of people I would encounter. If I didn't like it I could come back in a year and resume my old/new life.
It tempted me. But, I was frightened. I finally found myself. I was confident. I felt loved and cared for. Perhaps they knew it was time. The two years I spent in the woods would be my training for integrating back into civilization. I still didn't want to go, but I trusted them. So, I agreed.
The next week I was off. Another round of tearful goodbyes was too much to bear. However, I survived. First stop...Belgiam. This country was my immersion into the world of championship horses. The trainer and his staff were kind to me, but tough. The head trainer and owner of the barn was Yves Van Damme. He and his family took me into their home while I worked there. It was a difficult job but I loved every minute of it.
His son, Claude, was there to help too. I'm just going to get right to it. We fell in love. Only this time I did it in the right order. We were intimate in every way except physically. When it was time for me to leave we knew everything about each other. The good bye was hard, but I knew we would stay connected forever.
Then it was off to tour all of Europe and learn dressage, jumping and cross country. This was not only hard because of the language barrier, but the class of the people barrier. Also, there was so much information for me to absorb in a short period of time. It was stressful, but I remembered we all had the love of horses in common.
I didn't go out on the town during the sparse time off, but I would spend it writing Claude or talking with him on the phone. My love for him was growing deeper and deeper, yet the love for myself really blossomed. I was blooming. Hohohohoho...I am named after a flower after all.
When my stint in Europe was done it was off to the states. My itinerary was Texas, Colorado, Montana, California then finishing off in Washington state. This was the western part of my horse education. It consists of working ranches, all things rodeo, and riding the trails. The latter I was already good at. By the end of my time there I was leading thrill seekers on pack trips.
As you can tell I made it way past the promised year. I kept in touch with everyone at The Pole and as always my love for Claude.
Ten years flew by like it were ten seconds. I absorbed everything equestrian. I visited Claude in Belgium when I had the chance and he did the same. It was a perfect arrangement.
His son, Claude, was there to help too. I'm just going to get right to it. We fell in love. Only this time I did it in the right order. We were intimate in every way except physically. When it was time for me to leave we knew everything about each other. The good bye was hard, but I knew we would stay connected forever.
Then it was off to tour all of Europe and learn dressage, jumping and cross country. This was not only hard because of the language barrier, but the class of the people barrier. Also, there was so much information for me to absorb in a short period of time. It was stressful, but I remembered we all had the love of horses in common.
I didn't go out on the town during the sparse time off, but I would spend it writing Claude or talking with him on the phone. My love for him was growing deeper and deeper, yet the love for myself really blossomed. I was blooming. Hohohohoho...I am named after a flower after all.
When my stint in Europe was done it was off to the states. My itinerary was Texas, Colorado, Montana, California then finishing off in Washington state. This was the western part of my horse education. It consists of working ranches, all things rodeo, and riding the trails. The latter I was already good at. By the end of my time there I was leading thrill seekers on pack trips.
As you can tell I made it way past the promised year. I kept in touch with everyone at The Pole and as always my love for Claude.
Ten years flew by like it were ten seconds. I absorbed everything equestrian. I visited Claude in Belgium when I had the chance and he did the same. It was a perfect arrangement.
When Christmas came around I finally made it back home. It was a lovely celebration. The twins were Tweens. Poppy and Nick were starting the transition to let Papa Noel and Mama C retire. It was bizarre. My sister was going to inherit the title Mrs. Clause. I did not ever see that coming.
Violet was visiting. She moved to Yamhill County, Washington five or six years ago. The small town suited her. She was settled and referred to it as home.
I never thought I would be involved in a close knit family after the trauma my sisters and I went through. Yet, here we are. The only problem now was who and where do I pick to stay on with in the horse world. I was confused.
After the holidays I went to find Moira. We took a week together in the woods like the good ol' days. It's peaceful and serene. You can think clearly there. I wanted to stay, but why? Did I want to take a deep breath and rest? Did I want to hide out again?
Moira helped me figure out what I needed was to venture out on my own. It's time to blaze my own trail. I knew enough to do it. I just needed to figure out the monumental details.
When I returned to the village once again Papa Noel and Mama C took me into the study for another one of their famous get to the meat of the issue talks. How would they react to my idea?
Well, great. It turns out they were on the same page as me. I've been on the good list in valedictorian status for sometime now. My gift for such an accomplishment a ranch in Wellington, Florida. I was going home-home. Only to a different part of home.
The people I would end up working with, the clients, the barn crew, the brokers, the riders, the whole competition arena of folks, well, let's just say I probably waited on them at a local Italian restaurant.
This is the test. It's time to embrace the confidence I've been building. I knew what I was doing, I just had to believe in myself.
Violet was visiting. She moved to Yamhill County, Washington five or six years ago. The small town suited her. She was settled and referred to it as home.
I never thought I would be involved in a close knit family after the trauma my sisters and I went through. Yet, here we are. The only problem now was who and where do I pick to stay on with in the horse world. I was confused.
After the holidays I went to find Moira. We took a week together in the woods like the good ol' days. It's peaceful and serene. You can think clearly there. I wanted to stay, but why? Did I want to take a deep breath and rest? Did I want to hide out again?
Moira helped me figure out what I needed was to venture out on my own. It's time to blaze my own trail. I knew enough to do it. I just needed to figure out the monumental details.
When I returned to the village once again Papa Noel and Mama C took me into the study for another one of their famous get to the meat of the issue talks. How would they react to my idea?
Well, great. It turns out they were on the same page as me. I've been on the good list in valedictorian status for sometime now. My gift for such an accomplishment a ranch in Wellington, Florida. I was going home-home. Only to a different part of home.
The people I would end up working with, the clients, the barn crew, the brokers, the riders, the whole competition arena of folks, well, let's just say I probably waited on them at a local Italian restaurant.
This is the test. It's time to embrace the confidence I've been building. I knew what I was doing, I just had to believe in myself.
I earned a reputation for breeding some of the best horses in the world, but my biggest gift was matching horses with riders. It blew may mind how I just knew who was meant for who. It was so innate that I finally realized it was a secret gift from Papa Noel. There were times wen people thought I was crazy for selling a particular mount to a person. There were also times when folks would get down right irate and threaten my business, my livelihood if I didn't sell them a particular horse. However, by this time my back bone was unbreakable.
Ed retired but he did pass along his fabulous blood line in a magnificent filly named Echo. She is in foal and I expect her to deliver anytime. It looks as if she could have a Christmas baby.
Ed retired but he did pass along his fabulous blood line in a magnificent filly named Echo. She is in foal and I expect her to deliver anytime. It looks as if she could have a Christmas baby.
Christmas Eve arrived. I stayed up listening to Christmas carols and listening for the sleigh. Lo and behold I heard hoof beats on the roof. They landed. Santa slid down my chimney. Oh yes, I had a real chimney in Florida. It was a must have. Although, I've never had a fire in it.
Down through the chimney came middle aged Nick Jr.! It was his first run since Papa Noel retired, ironically a few blocks from me. Papa Noel really loved the early bird dinners, Mama C, not so much. She thought the other patrons with their gold lame bibs were a bit much. She took up golf.
I hugged my brother-in-law and we had a moment to catch up. I didn't have a plate of cookies but I did have a nice cold bottle of Budweiser, the local Santa, for him to drink. It's ok he's not really driving, the reindeer are. His first night on the job was a success.
When he left I headed to the barn to check on Echo. She just gave birth to a filly. I was bummed because I missed it but elated that mother and daughter were just fine. Echo was an amazing mother.
Her new filly was completely black and had the most tranquil disposition. She radiated calmness and serenity. Yet she was curious and built very nice, for a wobbly newborn that is.
Down through the chimney came middle aged Nick Jr.! It was his first run since Papa Noel retired, ironically a few blocks from me. Papa Noel really loved the early bird dinners, Mama C, not so much. She thought the other patrons with their gold lame bibs were a bit much. She took up golf.
I hugged my brother-in-law and we had a moment to catch up. I didn't have a plate of cookies but I did have a nice cold bottle of Budweiser, the local Santa, for him to drink. It's ok he's not really driving, the reindeer are. His first night on the job was a success.
When he left I headed to the barn to check on Echo. She just gave birth to a filly. I was bummed because I missed it but elated that mother and daughter were just fine. Echo was an amazing mother.
Her new filly was completely black and had the most tranquil disposition. She radiated calmness and serenity. Yet she was curious and built very nice, for a wobbly newborn that is.
I'm not sure why, but I had a twinkling feeling. Thank you Santa for that. I just knew this horse was going to be steady, smart, athletic, calm and perhaps the best horse of my time. Not just my horses, but all the horses. She was a born teacher.
I meditated on her name. It came to me, literally....Her name is Om.
The horse grew up and just as I suspected she was magnificent in every way. Clients from all over the world were clamoring for the right to bid on her. They would be waiting forever. A Sheik offered one million dollars for her. I politely declined. I knew exactly who this horse was for.
Well, fast forward to where I am now. I've led a full and happy life. Claude and I stayed together, but never in the same house or country. We both had our horses to tend to, but we saw each other twice a year for a week and whenever we were in the competition circuit we got together. It worked for us. It was the unconditional love I craved all my life. Well, at least from a human.
I meditated on her name. It came to me, literally....Her name is Om.
The horse grew up and just as I suspected she was magnificent in every way. Clients from all over the world were clamoring for the right to bid on her. They would be waiting forever. A Sheik offered one million dollars for her. I politely declined. I knew exactly who this horse was for.
Well, fast forward to where I am now. I've led a full and happy life. Claude and I stayed together, but never in the same house or country. We both had our horses to tend to, but we saw each other twice a year for a week and whenever we were in the competition circuit we got together. It worked for us. It was the unconditional love I craved all my life. Well, at least from a human.
RSS Feed