Win-Win for Us Both

School got out for the students last Wednesday, but I had meetings all day Thursday and then Friday morning. When my meetings were over Friday afternoon, I decided to go antiquing to decompress.

I had a major find in one of the antique stores I visited. Although it is not a HSO (horse shaped object), it is a Designers Workshop Monrovia Hagen Renaker piece.

Not that I realized that when I spotted it. I just thought it was pretty, and since I had had ducks as a child, decided to take a closer look at it.

She felt like a typical vintage china animal so I wasn't expecting anything special when I turned her over to see if there was any kind of mold mark or sticker.

Gulp!! The early, early rectangular blue foil Hagen Renaker sticker! I'd only seen pictures of it in reference books!

But was this duck really a DW HR? After all, stickers can be moved around from piece to piece. I didn't know my HR birds well enough to know for sure. The piece was only $8 and, since I liked it anyway, I decided to buy it and bring it home with me, HR or not.

When I got home, I looked at Ed Alcorn's HR Museum in the birds section. Then I checked Gayle Roller's book. Both references had information and photos of this piece.

Turns out I had found a first edition of Jill, HR's DW duck mama!

And she was listed (in 1999, the book's copyright) at a value of $40! (An online inflation converter says she would be worth $60 now.)

I put photos of my find out on some of the collector Facebook pages to share my discovery. A friend of mine, Shannon Southard, from Texas, made the comment that she loved HR birds.

Since I don't collect birds and was more interested in getting Jill into someone's collection where she would be valued, I contacted Shannon privately and offered her the duck at my cost of $8 plus shipping.

Shannon was super excited, but she felt the price was unfair to me, so she offered me $30. That was a nice and unexpected bonus, so I countered that I would use part of that for shipping, and the deal was done. Shannon paid me in less than five minutes.

Win-win all around. I got to enjoy a lovely old HR piece for a few days and a friend shows her kind heart and gets a wonderful addition to her collection.

That's what collecting is all about!

Indoor Western BBQ

Tim is a cowboy from Canada, a professor of enytmology at Purdue, and wears many other hats. He and his wife, Loni, are some of our closest friends and we get together often, at the barn, at church, or around town.

Last night we had an indoor BBQ at church complete with a bluegrass trio for entertainment. Tim and Loni were in charge, and a lot of the decor sure looked familiar to me!

 That pony saddle on the stage usually resides in Tim's office in the new barn.

Tim introduces the band. Those wagon wheels are from his carriage/wagon/cart repair work and stored in the new barn next to the indoor arena. He probably has thirty assorted sizes tucked away!

Travis Horton, the man in the center, is a horseman, too, and is the one who hauled Abby home for me from Indiana Horse Rescue. He's got three horses currently and is also a professor at Purdue.

 I was sitting at a table with Craig and some other friends while taking pictures of the western decor Tim had brought...

 ... when he accidentally crossed in front of the camera. Tim being Tim...

 ... he stopped and made the most of his photobombing moment!

Cherished Artwork

In 1970, Sue Seese, Beth Dickinson, and I became pen pals thanks to Horse and Rider magazine. They had a youth page where they would list your name and address for free, and I did so twice. After forty seven years, I am still in touch with both women. (I have known them longer than I have known my husband!)

Sue's mother, Gladys Seese, was an amateur artist, and she used to paint horses for people. A local restaurant in Los Angeles (Sue lived in Reseda) hung her paintings as part of their decor and people could buy them, too. I visited Sue in the summer of 1975 and we ate at that restaurant. There were 10-15 paintings hanging around the place!

As a surprise, Gladys did three for me in the mid 1970s, and they still hang in my home.

This painting of Cee Hunt, a registered Quarter Horse and my 4-H and show mount, was the first one she did. She did it from a photograph I had sent Sue. (Gladys added the mountains, something that still makes me smile. There are hills in Indiana, but that's it!)

My beloved Amy was next. Like Cee's, it, too, was done from a photograph. This is my favorite of them all. (See the resemblance to Abby?)

Sue came out to visit me in the summer of 1976 and took a photo of me on Amy, bareback and barefoot. This painting arrived about a year later.

See that bay Breyer Jumping Horse on the shelf? That actually belonged to Sue! When she began showing live horses in the early 1980s, she gave me a few of her favorites as she got out of the model horse hobby.

 Since Craig and I got married, all of these paintings have hung in our homes with the exception of our first apartment. We were only in it for six months as Craig was finishing grad school and we were moving away, so we did not do much decorating.

These paintings are lovely mementos not only of horses that I loved, but of a friendship that I have cherished for nearly fifty years.

"Your Homework Saved His Life"

(This blog entry is not even remotely related to horses. But, what I write about has deeply affected me on many levels. It is a sobering reminder of how tenuous life can be and how sometimes miracles occur.)

Three times today I heard this phrase: "Your homework saved his life." I heard it from Mary Schwartz, a teacher with whom I work (the boy's great aunt), from his mother, Amy Martin, and from the boy, my student, himself.

And it wasn't just hyperbole. His homework truly did save his life.

As TM's mom explained it to me, normally TM sits at the computer table under their living room window after dinner and plays games with his wheelchair-bound older brother. But TM had fallen behind on getting his homework done, and so he was curled up in a chair doing a reading assignment.

His father was across the room from the computer table and seated in a chair, while the mother was on the couch next to my student, feet up on the ottoman and relaxing. The family dog was snoozing on the floor under her outstretched legs. The disabled brother had decided that, since his brother was unable to play on the computer with him, he would go take a shower. (A decision that saved his life, too.)

TM's mother went on to say that she decided that she wanted a snack, and so she shifted her weight, took her legs off the ottoman, and prepared to stand. This decision saved her life. The dog stood up when she moved her legs and moved to another part of the room - just like the people, this saved his life.

Suddenly, a corvette crashed through the window and wall and into the living room where the computer table had stood, obliterating it and everything in its path.

Amy was pinned in place on the couch; TM next to her was unhurt but also trapped by the car. (His glasses went flying and were later found on the front porch. They have no idea how that happened.) The father was hit by debris and sustained a cut in the head which needed stitches.

Had the boys been at the computer table like usual, they would've been killed. Had Amy not not shifted her weight, causing the dog to move, the car would have hit them both and probably killed them. The father nearly lost his wife, sons, and dog in just seconds.

As you can see from the pictures, the car is completely inside the home. Although the driver denies that speed was a factor and claims that he sustained a flat tire that caused him to lose control of the corvette, it is thought that he was traveling at a high rate of speed, flew over the railroad tracks by the home and lost control, swerving as a result and crashing into my student's home.

Year after year, I have students who fall behind in their schoolwork. So, I work hard to help the kids develop good study habits and hand in their assignments on time. I had just spoken to TM that day at school about his late work and how he needed to get it done since I was working on report cards. The idea that that late work actually saved a student's life, and I fully believe that it did, sobers me.

I also see the hand of God in this. Too many things had to line up for the lives of this family to be preserved. And I am incredibly grateful for that blessing, even if it was for something that frustrates me as late work does.

Procrastinated homework saved the boys' lives. And instead of mourning the loss of a much-loved student, I am thanking God that he is alive.

A Surprise Visit

Earlier this week, I wrote a blog post about a former student, Mackenna, who has founded an equine club at the high school. (Go here for that entry.) I included this picture of her along with another former student, Maya, also a horse lover, who had come out to visit Abby one summer evening.

 Maya, Abby, Mackenna.

Well, guess who surprised me with a visit to my classroom yesterday, in full graduation regalia?!

 Maya and me.

She's received a full four year scholarship to Indiana University. Needless to say, I was delighted to see her again and hear all her news. 

She also brought along several other familiar faces!

Brock, Taylor, Kensi, Maya, me, Meredith, and Adam.

I had these kiddos for THREE years. I was teaching the 2nd/3rd Gifted class when they were 2nd graders, and then moved to the 4th/5th Gifted class (where I am still teaching.) As a result, I got to be their 2nd, 4th, and 5th grade teacher.

Needless to say, when you are together that long, the bond between you becomes very close. And so, their surprise visit yesterday afternoon was very much a highlight for me.

There were a lot of happy tears.

Vintage Book!

One of the advantages to being a teacher is that sometimes I find some wonderful horse books for free! It's May and the end of the school year is near, and so everyone is cleaning, sorting, and purging their classrooms as we get ready to shut down the school for summer. It is common to find boxes of things with a "free" sign on them in the office, and I love going through them.

Today's find? A box chock full of books including this old favorite!

A 1964 hardback edition of Walter Farley's classic, The Black Stallion!

I love horses and I love books, especially children's classics. Win-win for me!

Former Student Founds Horse Club

My former student, Mackenna Hale, has founded an equine club at her high school! A lifelong horse lover like me, she came out and visited Abby when she was in my classroom.

Former student and horse lover Maya P. (8th grader in the picture and now graduating from high school in two weeks!) and Mackenna (5th grader at the time, now a freshman in high school.) Here's a link to the full blog post.

A few years ago I went out and watched Mackenna ride at her trainer's. She's come a long way since 4th and 5th grade; I am proud of her for making horsey opportunities possible for others!

(Article below posted in the Harrison High School Pulse, May, 2017.)

Students of Harrison High School may have recently seen posters promoting HEC.

HEC, or Harrison Equine Club, was founded by Mackenna Hale, along with Abby Deno, who are both freshmen, and Mariah Ellwood, who is a senior.

“I wanted to form an equine club so then all the horse crazy people could unite,” said Hale. “I have learned, in the short time that I have been at Harrison, that high school can be a little overwhelming, and it's very beneficial to be able to have a positive outlet that will take some of the stress away.”

“[Hale] shared her idea with a few of us who all board our horses at the same equestrian center. We wanted to gather Harrison Raiders who have an interest in horses. We all agreed to meet up and organize the club, and we all worked hard to make the idea of the club a reality,” says Ellwood.

Hale says the club’s main goal is to have fun and bring horse-lovers together, and no experience with horses is necessary to be a part of the club.

“We want to provide equine education opportunities along with community service,” said Hale.

For example, HEC has teamed up with a local therapeutic riding center that will offer volunteer hours for anyone interested.

Equine-assisted therapy has been gaining considerable attention lately.

That it not to say it is a new practice. The ancient Greeks often used equine therapy for people with incurable diseases.

While many professionals say it should be used along with, and not instead of, other therapies, it is helpful for disabled individuals with relaxation and gaining muscle tone, coordination, confidence, and well-being.

“When riding a horse, you two are a team and do everything together,” said Ellwood. “They can teach you everything there is to know about collaboration ‒ leadership, forgiveness, love, and so much more.”

Ellwood also mentions that the club plans to host fundraisers for equine rescues and other therapy facilities, including a possible appearance by a pony at future football games.

“There are many educational opportunities already lined up for next school year along with some fun equine themed outings,” says Hale.  “I will venture to say, the general population doesn’t realize how grand and how far reaching the equine community is in today’s society.”

“It is truly amazing the knowledge and opportunities available for individuals interested in horses.”

Most members of HEC do have experience with riding horses, and Hale herself has spent considerable time with them.

“I have been riding horses for almost nine years now, so everything horse-related comes pretty natural to me,” said Hale. “I started off just taking lessons with a trainer but then slowly progressed to horse ownership. I compete in eventing, and I truly love anything to do with horses.”

Ellwood was very adamant about her love for horses.

“They aren't often viewed like dogs or cats, as companion animals, because they are so large and are herding animals, but to me horses are more like a man's best soul mate rather than a man's best friend,” said Ellwood.

“Horses are capable of building strong connections with people. To trust such a large animal and for them to trust you back is something very special and rare.”

Riding horses can be intimidating ‒ they are incredibly powerful and can sometimes be unpredictable.

“Horses have also made me come to realize how precious time and life is,” Ellwood said. “Horses are often getting hurt. They are delicate beasts I guess you could say. Sometimes they have a simple accident in the pasture, and they will never be able to be ridden again. In fact, that scenario isn't very uncommon. Horses have taught me to cherish everything I have right now.”

If you have any interest in horses at all, Ellwood and Hale urge you to become a part of the Harrison Equine Club.

“Even if you have never touched a horse in your life, but want to learn and interact with horses, you are totally welcome,” says Hale.

A Joanie Horse!

I got a Joanie horse! And some sheepies!

 Japan sheep set, HR DW Lippizaner, and unknown resin sheep.

Two big boxes arrived Thursday evening for me from Joanie Berkwitz.

She had put some pictures on Facebook of some pieces she was rehoming, some of which had been broken, some that were not. I'd wanted an HR DW Lippizaner for years (actually, decades) but just could not justify paying the high prices they commanded.

 But when I saw this piece, I felt it didn't hurt to ask how much she wanted for it; I knew its value would be lower because of the break (which I didn't mind) and the soft detail the piece had.

Joanie replied that she really didn't know what they were worth and so I did some research. I emailed back and wrote that I had found one for $650 with great detail and that there was another one currently on eBay for $350. I then said that, in all honesty, I could only justify $125-$150, and understood if that was below what she felt it was worth.

Her response? She told me she'd take $100 and shipping for it. She wasn't looking to make a profit - she wanted to rehome it.

I thought I would cry. At last I was getting a piece I'd chased for all those years! And for less that I had budgeted!

He has beautiful crazing in his finish and bi-eyes. I am going to spend some time this afternoon puttering in the horse room (a nice break from working on report cards and end of year paperwork!) and do a little research on him.

Thanks, Joanie. Your generosity touches my heart and makes me smile.

(As for the sheep, the chinas are very similar to a set my Aunt Fay gave me as a child, and the resins were a surprise bonus. Joanie said that the sheep were all together, but I only saw pictures of the chinas. I am happy to have the bonus pieces, too!)

A Newly Minted Gold Coin

The palomino color can range from a very pale, nearly white color to a dark, almost chocolate. An old phrase, though, describes the shade I like most, and I think Sultanna, now that she's shed her winter coat, personifies it:

A newly minted gold coin!

The NAN Winners

These are my NAN winners from the Stone Country Fair this past weekend. (The competition was super tough!) Ribbons only went to third, and I have some of those ribbons, but I only took pictures of the pieces that qualified for the North American Nationals.

 Lucky Find won the Breyer Charcoals class. This photo makes him look darker than he is - he is actually much lighter and has gorgeous white highlights and foot and tail pads. Windsong Charcoal, my partial bald-faced Running Stallion who is blackblackblack placed third.

Timber placed 2nd in the Breyer Woodgrain class. That tenite sticker often places him ahead of other woodgrain 5 Gaiters. Lumberjack, my no-muscle woodgrain Clydesdale, took third place.

 Windsong Blue Boy wins a lot for me. This time it was in the Breyer Pegasus/Unicorn class.

My only Stone halter winner, Windsong Kilobyte, placed second in a very competitive Stone Paint Foals class. There were three Kilobytes; the other two did not place.

Finally, my 1997 Equilocity Woodgrain Standing Drafter won a bunch of raffle tickets since he was the oldest Stone model at the show.

Derby Daze - 2017 Stone Horse Country Fair

Yesterday I went to the Stone Country Fair Show up in Shipshewana. Despite it being held in my home state of Indiana and only two hours away, I'd never gone due to a couple of factors: May is a hectic month for teachers and I don't really collect Stones. But two weeks ago I realized that my school responsibilities were in good shape, and since there was a division for Breyers (which I do collect), I decided to go.

It was a well organized and fun show held in a spacious show hall with great lighting.

Randy, one of the Stone employees, took this photo of me with my long time hobby friend, Pat Reed.

Another view of my show table.

This woman showed exclusively in performance and she had some fabulous entries!

A view from the back of the show hall.

I had to laugh at how Stone had labeled this tub!

Stone had lots of models for sale at the front of the show hall.

One of the reasons I don't have many Stones is because their cost is so high. They are beautiful models, but I just cannot see spending several hundred dollars for a plastic horse, drool worthy though it may be.

My Gigabyte (with the orange card) in the QH Stallions class.

My first win of the day was having the oldest Stone model at the show. This is the drafter from the 1997 Equilocity. I won all those raffle tickets.

The theme of the show was "Derby Daze" and Pat entered the Derby hat contest and won! Her prize was this beautiful decorator model with galloping race horses.

My only halter win was for my Kilobyte. There were three Kilobytes in the Stock Foals class, and mine was the only one that placed. (Ribbons only went to third place - I felt that, at a show of this caliber, they should go to 5th or 6th like other shows do.)

The collectors classes were at the end of the show, and I had thirteen models entered in those.

There were nine pieces in the Breyer woodgrain class.

My no-muscle Clydesdale, 5 Gaiter with tenite sticker, and Shetland Pony were three of those nine entries.

At this point, things became very hectic. In an effort to speed up the show, they set up another table and began calling classes for which I also had entries. I have no more show photos, but I did win some ribbons and NAN cards 

Stay tuned - I'll take photos of those models and put them up in a day or two!

The Rains Came Down!

"The rains came down and the flood came up!" is a song the kids at church sing about a New Testament parable in Matthew 7:24-27. Indiana is certainly having a lot of rain, and the floodwaters are definitely rising!

 But Abby is not one to let a lake in the middle of her pasture keep her from her carrots! She hurried around it and then cantered down a muddy slope to greet me when I called to her last night.

The rest of the herd, however, milled around and stayed where they were.

We get a short break from the rain today, but it will resume this evening and rain Saturday and several days next week. The Wabash, Wildcat, and Tippecanoe rivers have all jumped their banks, and many roads are closed as a result of the heavy rains and ponding.

The road to the barn had standing water on it, and the lane to the new barn was flooded over when I visited. I may not be able to get to Abby for a few days. Luckily, Tim lives close and also has two families who live on the grounds and can keep an eye on things.

Pony Piñata

(Well, actually it is a burro but that doesn't alliterate as well.)

I surprised my class today with a piñata to celebrate the end of state mandated testing and the effort the kids had put into those. Naturally, I choose an equid shape.

It was stuffed full of as much candy as I could put into it, and we went out onto the playground and hung it from the monkey bars to break. It only took one whack and that candy went flying!

It was such a cute piñata, I felt a little sad to see it destroyed.

TSC Recognition Night

On Wednesday evening, TSC honored its teachers who had won awards over the course of the school year. Because of my PAEMST award for Science teaching, I was one of the honorees. It was a lovely evening and very well done. 

I was more than a little nervous about those risers that we had to stand on. Fortunately, my friend Gina and Lance Wildoner, assistant principal at Harrison High School,  helped me get up and down.

Two other teachers from the High Ability faculty won awards - Kristy Harshbarger and Gina Boyd were recognized for their work in Economics education.

Craig and me.