During a recent convalescence throughout which I watched, and listened to a lot of YouTube, I was reminded of an old wish to learn to play the violin. As a hearing impaired person, whose hearing loss is due to nerve damage at birth, I wondered if instrumental music lessons might have been discouraged, and asked my family if they remembered any warnings from my childhood doctors.  No warnings were issued, and I began a search for instruction in my area, with the goal of beginning lessons in 2024.
And then I found a violin on my doorstep! My dad, who had played trumpet in his high school band, had gifted me a violin. Thanks Dad! 
I've found an instructor, and have begun lessons, and have set up a daily practice routine. I'm finding it to be an enjoyable challenge, and I can't wait to sound better!

"One Day you will wake up and there won't be any more time to do the things you've always wanted. Do it now."  - Paulo Coehlo

And more!
Apologies for the earworm. It has been "an age" since I've administered to the site, and past time for an update.
I've added a new blog, The View Finder, which will be dedicated to photographic storytelling, and this blog, Work in Progress will be dedicated to sharing other all of my other interesting creative pursuits and adventures. 
I hope you find the updates welcoming, fun, and easy to navigate!
​Thank you for visiting!

Taking inspiration from the presentation sets popular with the Arabian horse world, I decided to craft holiday breast collars for my horses with the eventual goal of having a a fun photo shoot.
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This project was an exercise in pattern drafting and fitting, sourcing affordable materials, and sewing. The collars were completed Christmas Eve, and these photos are smartphone snapshots grabbed early Christmas Morning from the "treating tree" in front of Sweepit and Polo's pasture at Paddle Stone Equestrian Center. 

In addition to their holiday collars, each horse is wearing a beta biothane buckle-nose halter purchased from Two Horse Tack.

Travel back in time with me to the days of the Tournament!
Thank you to Combatants Keep, a'Plaisance, Ltd., Midway University, Knights and Noble Steeds.

A walk through the fields,
Where the wild flowers and grasses grow.
A walk through time,
Among faery trees and clover.
A peaceful walk before the rain,
Along the old foundations,
Where spirits rest,
​And Nature reigns.
A walk for health.
A walk for soul.

Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park. Jessamine County, Kentucky.

Above, a commissioned Logo for Midnight Run farm.
Below, a new logo designed for Off the Track Designs.

In my personal quest to learn to ride sidesaddle, I've been keeping my eyes on the vintage saddle market, in the hopes that a Mayhew Lissadell saddle will come up for sale in a size and price that meets my needs. 
I thought I had found the one in a saddle I acquired last week, stamped under the off-side flap with the name of the original owner, "Bazely". 
While the seat size and price were right, the shape of the tree will not fit either of my horses. And so, the saddle is up for sale.

Miss Bazely's particulars:
22" / 17" x 12.5" seat
4" Gullet opening
Approximately 12.5" - 13" between tree points. I would consider this a Medium-Narrow tree. Suitable for Saddlebreds and/or more typey (narrow) Thoroughbreds.
The leather on the outer flaps and safe is very dry, and roughened. The billets and balance strap are sound.
It does need to be re-paneled.
Missing Mayhew stirrup fitting and near-side overgirth.
This saddle has been cleaned with dawn dishsoap and damp sponge, and treated with Carr, Day and Martin Ko-cho-line to preserve the outer leather in as much as possible. 
Please ask questions. I am happy to provide any measurements and additional photos as requested.


Price is $750 plus shipping.
Contact information (link)

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Make it easy for your audience to access information. Be willing to promote your product or service by politely respond to all requests for information immediately, or as soon as possible. Reach out to referrals. 

I promise all of the above to my clients. 

Radio silence from the blog for seven months doesn't make for much of a blog. In truth, I've been incredibly busy with "work" work, fun work, and various artistic projects.

I completed a commissioned project for Off The Track Designs. Several beautiful, personalized halter plaques came out of the studio as Christmas gifts. In the course of that project, I "discovered" milk paint, and a possible new logo design idea for a sidesaddle riding club.

Speaking of sidesaddle, this specialty of equestrian sport is, without a doubt, one of the deepest wells of inspiration I've found. The passion that enthusiasts have for preserving the sport, and for sharing it's history is boundless. I went in search of a sidesaddle to photograph for an art project, and two years later I'm Treasurer of Kentucky Sidesaddle, Editor of the American Sidesaddle Association Phoenix, on my way to learning to ride aside, and already acquiring saddles. I am enjoying every minute of the adventure!

Members of American Sidesaddle Association have been invited to participate in a popular annual event in Kentucky this summer. The theme of this year's event lends itself to fashion and costuming, and I've been having loads of fun scrolling Pinterest, Esty, and the local Peddler's Mall for ideas. Even my trip to a major shoe store gave me some great ideas! (see below)

Finally, I have been encouraged to re-discover my home town. A friend of mine has enlisted my help with her son's Flat Stanley project. Flat Stanley and I enjoyed a nice walk around the Kentucky Horse Park this afternoon, and we are going to have a great time this next week touring Lexington and surrounding areas. I know I'll find lots of inspiration!