Two years ago, I was experiencing excruciating lower back pain, to the extent of real thoughts leading to letting go of the ranch.  Since I am alone in caring for the ranch, house, equines, dogs, cats, and my mom…it was a scary and sad consideration. For about a year prior to my lower back pain I had been going to a local chiropractor, yet it hadn’t helped and felt he was only making it worse.  I perceived I was just another body filling his wallet.
 
Through a networking community, I had met someone who worked at another local Chiro office and when she would talk about the fun events their office would create and the importance of finding the root of where the pain is coming from, I would think to myself I should switch Chiro’s.  
 
When the pain was getting out of control and I could barely walk, I decided to take the leap and try my friends Chiro office.  To say that was the best decision I have made in a very long time, is an understatement.  The impact this office has had on my life is overwhelming.  They not only have healed my back, but they have also been a support system for me throughout the distressing time in caring for my mother. 
 
The amount of compassion this office has, is beyond measure…it is extraordinary.  Not only for me, for other patients, as well.  
 
I’m not writing this segment to promote my Chiro’s office...yet, if you are interested, it is Treehive Chiropractic, in Parker, CO.  I am the sole caregiver for my mother…and there have been many times when I didn’t think I was going to make it to the next day.  As soon as I walk in the door, the whole staff can tell when I am off and offer a hug, a shoulder to cry on, a dog to love snuggle, and/or a cookie.  The amount of emotional support I have received from them is unmeasurable.  They support the horse charity I work with; they sent cards when one of my horses crossed over the rainbow bridge, and Dr. Tim came out to the ranch with a friend to have a session with the horses to support my life path.  
 
I am very independent and not use to people stepping up or showing up for me.  It is such a beautiful fragment in a very challenging season in my life and I am so very grateful to have been led to the right people at the right time. 
 
Kindness is everywhere.  Sometimes when all hell is breaking loose, the focus and attention is oftentimes elsewhere…busy head, the phone, social media; when you are struggling and feel alone…raise your eyes and be open to the element of surprise to lift you up and ease your anguish.  There are earth angels always around us.  
 
Photo:  The Chiro office has a long chalkboard wall that often has these wonderfully drawn inspiring designs.  Holidays are the best!!!

I watched you get up today from your afternoon nap in the outdoor arena.  It’s getting harder, huh buddy…

It’s ok…you have lived a long and meaningful life, my dear friend.  You have given so much to those who have had the honor to know you and experience the energy you radiate.   When you have galloped into the paddocks, I often wished I knew you when you were younger, you are so stinking handsome and carry yourself with such grace and confidence. 

When the time comes and there is that void in the herd, it will be incredibly hard.  Your deep grounded wisdom and insight is what has motivated me on so many levels and what has inspired me to work with horses and humans on a deeper level.  
 
Each equine person I know has had a horse that made a significant impact in their life that catapulted the human into a different way of living.  More meaningful, more effective, more dynamic.  You are that horse for me.  From the moment you stepped off the trailer, I knew you had to be with me and even though it has only been 4 years, it feels like a lifetime.  

You have given my mother a view at life that she would never have experienced, otherwise.  Thank you.  And you have shown me support regarding her, that has been immeasurable.  Thank you.  
 
Each person who has come on property, you have given space to discover and uncover difficulties and supported them on their path.  Same with equines who found their way here, you encouraged their journey and helped them live out their best life.  You have always been the genesis of our herd.  They have always looked to you for guidance and I know as you are winding down your life you are trying to pass on your wisdom to the others.  Please do not be discouraged if they are not able to live up to the ideals you have created.  They simply are not you.  You are unique and exceptional…they will find their way and it will be because you were their leader to be better and left your hoof print in their hearts.  We will be ok, Moon.

In the meantime, you are still here…and until that time comes, as you have taught me…just be and enjoy the ride.  
 
 
“One rare and exception deed is worth far more than a thousand commonplace ones.”  
~Saint Ignatius

​Over 30 years ago, when I lived in Los Angeles, I worked for a popular talent agency representing prevalent actors to whom you may not know their names, yet often see them in TV and Film.  My position at the agency was to sign talent to their agency contract.  One of my favorite things about this job was to sit and spend a little time with the actors when they came to sign.  Most were nice...some were a hot mess.  

​One of my all-time favorite actors we signed was Elijah Alexander.  You may not know him by name, yet you would for sure recognize his work and definitely remember him after you experienced his performance in a theatre production, TV, or Film.  All he has to do is mention I was in a spicy scene with Angelina Jolie in Mr. and Mrs. Smith...

Elijah and I connected when he came into the agency, not something that happens often in the entertainment industry.  He was kind, compassionate, very passionate about his craft and took purposeful time to listen and ask questions about me.  I had the honor to see him perform his vivid talent on some of the most popular stages in Los Angeles.  
 
Elijah eventually left the agency; the ebb and flow of life happened and through the goodness of social media we stayed “friends” along with 734 friended friends.  I kept a distant eye on him to make sure he was living the enthusiasm he once expressed and the passion I saw and heard years before. 
 
Many don’t see the behind-the-scenes distress and misery associated within the entertainment industry.  It takes a lot of time, money, and energy to create a name for yourself…and then when you think you are there…the industry does its best to knock you down again, and again.  To have personal strength and resilience in the face of rejection and constant negativity becomes your super power, especially for actors.  Elijah has great talent and is truly a wonderful person...my hope for him was to always succeed in his chosen endeavor[s].
 
Several years ago, I moved to Colorado…became involved with horses in a healing capacity and horse advocacy [a 180-degree turn, I know].  Flipping around on Facebook, I saw Elijah was in Vail, Colorado.  Long story long…Elijah found his way to the ranch and that is when the magic happened.
 
His connection and openness with the horses [and the land] has been enchanting and mystical. 
 
He has had the opportunity to spend quality time with all of them.  When horses invest their time and energy in humans to help them [in whatever capacity the human brings], it is extraordinary to watch and experience.  
 
Moon and Jax, especially, have created bonds with him that will never be broken.  Moon has been able to guide Elijah through some personal challenges that will make him stand in his power with better acknowledgement of who he is and a gratefulness of where he has been.  

 Jax, the donkey, has developed a loving bro-mance with Elijah.  He is the only male human EVER to be able to touch and halter him.  Jax sees in Elijah the non-judgement, connection, and compassion he carries for living beings.  It truly has been a lovely relationship to watch evolve.
 
All of us at the ranch [four and two legged] would like to shine the light on what Elijah is currently up to.  He is playing Atticus Aemilius in THE CHOSEN.  A historical drama based on the life of Jesus and those who knew him.  This amazing production started with exiguous funds and has grown to a world-wide phenomenon!  The writing is beautiful, the creation of the characters is brilliant, and the story is ever lasting.  If you haven’t become a fan yet, you will once you start watching. 
 
We are so proud of the work Elijah is doing on this project; know how hard he has worked through his life and brilliant career and support him as he holds the vision for his creative future. 
 
It has been exceptional getting to know the person Elijah is now and seeing how far he has come, as an actor and as a meaningful human.  It has been even more outstanding to stand back and watch human and equine work together as both beings bring the energy from something bigger than us to earth and share with others.  
 
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“As the man once said, the harder you work, the luckier you get.”  ~ Ted Lasso