Gypsy Soul

I've been asked before why I call my business Gypsy Mare Studios. Many reasons come to mind. 

The palomino mare my mother owned when I was born was named Gypsy. My mom had bought her as a baby and broke her to saddle. When I was an infant she would take me for trail rides. I blame that mare for my horse addiction. Another reason is that I associate the word gypsy with something magical and romantic; a lust for life, a passion for the open road. I always strive to put a little magic in everything I make. Through photography I enjoy showing people that magic in the world around them that they may not have taken the time to stop and notice. 

Lastly, I tell them, that I dream of owning a Gypsy Vanner someday.

It was my great fortune yesterday to meet a horse most magical, D' Artagnon, the beautiful Gypsy Vanner. 

I spent two hours photographing this beautiful, intelligent boy. Truth be told I could have spent days. 

Thank you so much to his owner, Carol, for sharing him with me so now I can share him with you!

More photos on my Flickr Page.

I want to rock your gypsy soul

Just like way back in the days of old

And together we will flow into the mystic

~Van Morrison

Simple Horsey Pleasures

It was 60 degrees today. It's December, winter and almost January. 

Weird!

I took Rosie's blanket off and let her run around and roll in the sand arena. 

I think that must be the most enjoyable thing for a horse to get out of their blanket and scratch. 

“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” 

― Laura Ingalls Wilder

Horses are such graceful creatures except when they get up from a roll. I think they look so awkward!

She's such a sweet mare. She'll follow me around the arena. Jog when I jog, stop and turn when I do and even go over the cavaletti. I think I should teach her tricks.

I hope you can take time to enjoy the little things this Christmas; 

family, friends, good food and spirits. 

Appy Holidays!

(for more horse friends check my Flickr album)

Drafts and Sheep

Despite the cold and threat of snow flurries, it's always fun to walk around Landis Valley. 

They had several activities for children today including a lesson, 1892 style, in their old school house.

This black Clydesdale was really keeping his eye on that sheep!

An adorable Percheron was checking out my camera. He was interested in the noises it was making. 

Tanya the Turkey is one of my favorite Landis Valley residents. She's so ugly, she's cute!

This is inside the school house. I was never able to go in the classroom before! 

The teacher did a wonderful job telling as all about what school would have been like in the late 1800's.
The flag had a few less stars on it and The Pledge was different, no mention of God.

Wrought iron detail from one of the desks. 

They don't make 'em like they used to!

I love the rusty hinges on the gun shop door. 

Peeking in the tavern window. 

Love the Christmas cookies.

 Hanging inside, you can just make it out in the photo below, is a German style tree, hung upside down, with cookies and pretzels for decoration.

I just opened a pro Flickr account. I have an album with my favorite Landis Valley photos HERE.

Landis Woods

Since we can't afford to go to the gym now, my new workout is the blue trail in a nearby park called Landis Woods. If you are a frequent reader of my blog, this name may sound familiar. It's quite close to another favorite, often blogged about spot, Landis Valley Museum. I think perhaps I was a Landis in a past life or something. The brothers did have a sister that died at an early age and was an accomplished artist.

So here are the things I see on my walk. It's really quite beautiful as all forests are.

Light shining through the leaves like stained glass. 

"But I'll tell you what hermits realize. If you go off into a far, far forest and get very quiet, you'll come to understand that you're connected with everything."

~Alan Watts

On my hike today I saw that Mr. Owl has chosen a Mrs. Owl.

They looked so sweet up there in the tree sleeping. I had no idea that I would see them out at 1PM in the afternoon. Perhaps they're on their honeymoon. Hopefully I'll see some owlets by the end of winter. 

"Going to the woods is going home." -John Muir (1838-1914)

And one last Appy Holidays sign for ebay for 2011. It's ending soon if you're interested!