Tonight's the scramble. Tomorrow morning (3:30am to be exact) I leave for the airport, ready to be transported via many different planes, to Amarillo, Texas. I'm very excited because this is the beginning of my journey in the AQHA Leadership program, for which I was chosen by AQHA (The American Quarter Horse Association)to participate. It is quite an honor and I'm pleased to be a part of the program. It is the beginning of a journey of both self and group evaluation as to my skills as a leader. I plan on taking what I learn and apply it not only to my AQHA Leadership and business leadership, but also my personal experiences. My involvement with the American Quarter Horse Association has turned my life in a new direction and I look forward to giving back by improving my leadership skills and taking that "newfound wisdom" and utilizing it to help promote the organization which has given me this opportunity which I am so grateful. Whew, can you tell it's been a long day?
Yesterday was a wonderful day as both my husband & I won our divisions in the Mass. State Championship Cowboy Mounted Shoot. My husband has been waiting a few years for this win because it now bumps him up to the next division. It is well deserved!!
Well, gotta finish the scramble. 3am will come quick and I still want some time to spend with the hubby - My Champ!!!!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Where Were You?
September 11. The question I always hear on this day is "Where were you when the Towers Fell"? In fact, there is even a song with that name. On this day every year, I don't think about the business I sit in daily, I think about the business my husband sits in daily, our flag store, Flag-Works over America. In 2001, we were newlyweds and both worked at Flag-Works. Many ask how can we be married and work together and that is surely a story for another day. For now I can say that we both have a great respect for each other no matter where we are, home or work.
On my way into work that day I heard on the radio that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. My husband had already left to run errands on the way in to work so we weren't riding together (See, we don't do everything together!) When I got in to the store Patrick was already there and I mentioned the incident. When I went up front into the retail section and turned on the radio I heard that another plane had crashed into the WTC and yet another into the Pentagon. Something was surely going on. The radio announcer had a slight tone of panic, not quite sure how to explain the events as they unfolded to his listening audience. I also had a slight tone of panic as I scurried back to my new husband to try and relay to him what I had heard. We new this was big as Patrick left to get us a TV to keep at the shop to stay abreast of what was going on. We did the best we could with the little TV, which had no cable hooked up, and tuned in to a fuzzy news program. All was quiet at our flagshop. We watched and as the word "terrorist attack" started being tossed around, we knew the quiet would soon end at our little store. You see, we'd had the flag store long enough to know how Americans would react and we needed to be ready to help. After placing a few phone calls to our flag manufacturers, we settled in and waited while the Country was still figuring out how to deal with this.
Then it started....at about 11:30am, a woman came into the store sobbing. She had to have a flag. I'll never forget her face. She was going to head right home and fly her new flag as a show of support and strength. It was only a few minutes after that people, Americans, started streaming through our front doors looking for a flag to fly. Within 1 hour we had a line and within 2 hours we had a line that went out our front door. By the evening the line went around the block. We normally closed at 5pm but not today. We had a responsibility to our fellow Americans, as the only Flag store in town, to stay open late, real late. I think it was 9pm before we finally closed, having to get home and let out our dogs. Of course, we came right back after feeding and letting our companions out, with them in tow. The flag store was a mess from all the people, and we had to prepare for the next day. When we finally got home at about midnight, we watched the news to catch up on the latest as our little TV in the shop went unwatched once we got busy. We heard President Bush ask everyone to "fly the flag" as a sign of unity. Finally we fell asleep for the night.
Up we were at 6am the next day to be in the store for 7am and get ready to open early at 8am. When we turned the corner to park at our usual spot across from the store, we couldn't believe our eyes, there was already a line of people waiting to get in. When we found a parking space and walked to the door, from the reaction of the line of people, you would have thought we were rock stars. "They're here"! Yeah! Patrick & I looked at each other, obviously the honeymoon was over, we had an important job to do.
For the next 2 days were were straight out with lines winding through the store and out the door. Our phone was ringing off the hook but we felt it was more important to help the customer in front of us, in Concord, NH, then the one on the phone. We could only do so much. For that reason, we hired temporary help for crowd control. Patrick would occasionally jump up on a ladder in the store to get above the crowd so everyone could see him and he'd explain where everything was and how to proceed through the line. I was at the register and never sat down or took a break. I don't think I could have even if I wanted to! We had to get flags out to everyone. We felt it was us doing our part. It was an incredible few days. We stayed open late, headed home to get our dogs and bring them back in with us to prepare for the next day. We'd open early and so on. After 3 days we ran out of flags and had to wait for shipments from our manufacturers. That's what the phone call was that Patrick made right after we heard "terrorist attack" for the first time on TV Sept. 11th. We knew we had to get in more flags and fast. So did many of the other flag stores and the manufacturers couldn't keep up, so we went days without flags.
What I saw during those first few days and weeks to follow I'll never forget. Americans would come into the store to choose their flag, pole, bracket, bunting or whatever they needed and head out the door to get into line. We have pictures of the line outside the store with everyone holding their items to purchase. We really didn't worry about anyone walking off, there was an aura of patriotism and honor and I don't think any of the people in line would have allowed it anyway. The line got so long that people had to wait 1 1/2 hours to make their purchase. I received not 1 complaint. What I saw were Americans who all had something in common, no matter who they were or where they came from. When they finally made it to the register and completed their purchase, you'd think the person in line next to them had been their friend forever! There were handshakes, hugs and tears. These people had shared their feelings when they needed someone to share with who understood, and everyone understood. Unfortunately, we all had a shared sadness that day, week, month, year..... We'll never forget.......
On my way into work that day I heard on the radio that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. My husband had already left to run errands on the way in to work so we weren't riding together (See, we don't do everything together!) When I got in to the store Patrick was already there and I mentioned the incident. When I went up front into the retail section and turned on the radio I heard that another plane had crashed into the WTC and yet another into the Pentagon. Something was surely going on. The radio announcer had a slight tone of panic, not quite sure how to explain the events as they unfolded to his listening audience. I also had a slight tone of panic as I scurried back to my new husband to try and relay to him what I had heard. We new this was big as Patrick left to get us a TV to keep at the shop to stay abreast of what was going on. We did the best we could with the little TV, which had no cable hooked up, and tuned in to a fuzzy news program. All was quiet at our flagshop. We watched and as the word "terrorist attack" started being tossed around, we knew the quiet would soon end at our little store. You see, we'd had the flag store long enough to know how Americans would react and we needed to be ready to help. After placing a few phone calls to our flag manufacturers, we settled in and waited while the Country was still figuring out how to deal with this.
Then it started....at about 11:30am, a woman came into the store sobbing. She had to have a flag. I'll never forget her face. She was going to head right home and fly her new flag as a show of support and strength. It was only a few minutes after that people, Americans, started streaming through our front doors looking for a flag to fly. Within 1 hour we had a line and within 2 hours we had a line that went out our front door. By the evening the line went around the block. We normally closed at 5pm but not today. We had a responsibility to our fellow Americans, as the only Flag store in town, to stay open late, real late. I think it was 9pm before we finally closed, having to get home and let out our dogs. Of course, we came right back after feeding and letting our companions out, with them in tow. The flag store was a mess from all the people, and we had to prepare for the next day. When we finally got home at about midnight, we watched the news to catch up on the latest as our little TV in the shop went unwatched once we got busy. We heard President Bush ask everyone to "fly the flag" as a sign of unity. Finally we fell asleep for the night.
Up we were at 6am the next day to be in the store for 7am and get ready to open early at 8am. When we turned the corner to park at our usual spot across from the store, we couldn't believe our eyes, there was already a line of people waiting to get in. When we found a parking space and walked to the door, from the reaction of the line of people, you would have thought we were rock stars. "They're here"! Yeah! Patrick & I looked at each other, obviously the honeymoon was over, we had an important job to do.
For the next 2 days were were straight out with lines winding through the store and out the door. Our phone was ringing off the hook but we felt it was more important to help the customer in front of us, in Concord, NH, then the one on the phone. We could only do so much. For that reason, we hired temporary help for crowd control. Patrick would occasionally jump up on a ladder in the store to get above the crowd so everyone could see him and he'd explain where everything was and how to proceed through the line. I was at the register and never sat down or took a break. I don't think I could have even if I wanted to! We had to get flags out to everyone. We felt it was us doing our part. It was an incredible few days. We stayed open late, headed home to get our dogs and bring them back in with us to prepare for the next day. We'd open early and so on. After 3 days we ran out of flags and had to wait for shipments from our manufacturers. That's what the phone call was that Patrick made right after we heard "terrorist attack" for the first time on TV Sept. 11th. We knew we had to get in more flags and fast. So did many of the other flag stores and the manufacturers couldn't keep up, so we went days without flags.
What I saw during those first few days and weeks to follow I'll never forget. Americans would come into the store to choose their flag, pole, bracket, bunting or whatever they needed and head out the door to get into line. We have pictures of the line outside the store with everyone holding their items to purchase. We really didn't worry about anyone walking off, there was an aura of patriotism and honor and I don't think any of the people in line would have allowed it anyway. The line got so long that people had to wait 1 1/2 hours to make their purchase. I received not 1 complaint. What I saw were Americans who all had something in common, no matter who they were or where they came from. When they finally made it to the register and completed their purchase, you'd think the person in line next to them had been their friend forever! There were handshakes, hugs and tears. These people had shared their feelings when they needed someone to share with who understood, and everyone understood. Unfortunately, we all had a shared sadness that day, week, month, year..... We'll never forget.......
Friday, September 5, 2008
Getting Ready for the Fair Shoot
Tomorrow is my absolute, most favorite shoot of the year! It takes place during the Hillsboro County Fair in New Boston and we get quite a crowd. It is tons of fun to shoot with lots of spectators. All the Mounted Shooters dress in their best attire to wow the crowd. One year we even had young kids coming up to us for our autographs! With all that goes on around the arena, it can get tough to concentrate and remember that it's not all about the clothes (although some may differ on that), but we actually want to win! Regardless of how we place, it's always a good time.
This past weekend, my husband & I had a young couple over who just started shooting last year. We have a large arena in our backyard (225' X 90') and not many people in NH have access to that size arena let alone one they can shoot in! Rob B. had stopped in my store last year because he knew I was a Cowboy Mounted Shooter and wanted to get involved. I don't think I've ever met anyone with such a desire to get into the sport. He made it very clear that he was not one of those people who say they want to do something and then don't do it. In fact, he was so determined to get involved that he stopped in the following day and then brought in his wife two days later. The next clinic was being held about 2 1/2 hrs. away the following weekend and I didn't think they'd go that far just to give it a try but they did! They're such a nice, friendly couple. They've fit right in and have many mentors to help them. Mounted Shooters like helping each other out because that's what helps grow the sport and stir the excitement. It's great to start someone and watch them grow as a competitor.
This season we hadn't seen much of Rob & Dina. They were at the first shoot of the season but then seemed to disappear. We'll last week, Rob stopped by the store still sporting the enthuasiam I always love. (I found out later he was sick as a dog and should have been home in bed. Once his wife was out of the house he snuck out, unable to stay away any longer!) He explained that his horse has been recovering from a leg injury but Dina was going to come to the fair shoot and they were excited. (See, I told you everyone likes shooting at the fair, no matter what!) Realizing that she hadn't shot off her horse for a few months and both Dina and the horse were new to the sport, I mentioned that they should come over to our house to get in some practice before the shoot. So they did, the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. We had a blast (pardon the pun) and I felt really good about being able to help out. Our babysitter wasn't available so I stayed with the kids and watched, occasionally stepping in to give my two cents. It didn't matter that I wasn't riding, my husband, Rob and Dina were and to me that's what the day was about. Besides, sometimes I get more out of watching than participating. After the practice we all sat down for some burgers and cowboy chat. What a great time, what a great couple. To me, it's the Rob & Dina's in this world that make this sport what it is.
This past weekend, my husband & I had a young couple over who just started shooting last year. We have a large arena in our backyard (225' X 90') and not many people in NH have access to that size arena let alone one they can shoot in! Rob B. had stopped in my store last year because he knew I was a Cowboy Mounted Shooter and wanted to get involved. I don't think I've ever met anyone with such a desire to get into the sport. He made it very clear that he was not one of those people who say they want to do something and then don't do it. In fact, he was so determined to get involved that he stopped in the following day and then brought in his wife two days later. The next clinic was being held about 2 1/2 hrs. away the following weekend and I didn't think they'd go that far just to give it a try but they did! They're such a nice, friendly couple. They've fit right in and have many mentors to help them. Mounted Shooters like helping each other out because that's what helps grow the sport and stir the excitement. It's great to start someone and watch them grow as a competitor.
This season we hadn't seen much of Rob & Dina. They were at the first shoot of the season but then seemed to disappear. We'll last week, Rob stopped by the store still sporting the enthuasiam I always love. (I found out later he was sick as a dog and should have been home in bed. Once his wife was out of the house he snuck out, unable to stay away any longer!) He explained that his horse has been recovering from a leg injury but Dina was going to come to the fair shoot and they were excited. (See, I told you everyone likes shooting at the fair, no matter what!) Realizing that she hadn't shot off her horse for a few months and both Dina and the horse were new to the sport, I mentioned that they should come over to our house to get in some practice before the shoot. So they did, the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. We had a blast (pardon the pun) and I felt really good about being able to help out. Our babysitter wasn't available so I stayed with the kids and watched, occasionally stepping in to give my two cents. It didn't matter that I wasn't riding, my husband, Rob and Dina were and to me that's what the day was about. Besides, sometimes I get more out of watching than participating. After the practice we all sat down for some burgers and cowboy chat. What a great time, what a great couple. To me, it's the Rob & Dina's in this world that make this sport what it is.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Chat with a Champ
Today at the shop I received a phone call from one of my favorite Cowboy Mounted Shooters, Andra Olsen. Andra is one of the top Mounted Shooters in the world (currently ranked #2) and she actually "gives me the time of day", which isn't all too uncommon in this industry as there aren't too many of us. The difference with Andra is she doesn't come across at all as being above others, and believe me, she can out ride most with one arm tied behind her back. I believe she actually likes talking to me just as much as I enjoy talking to her. She is approachable which is very important to any professional who promotes themselves and has a business based on who they are. My store carries the Cowboy Mounted Shooting training DVD's that Andra & her business partner, Mounted Shooter Jim Hanson made. There is a series of 4 tapes available and I sell quite a few of them. We had a wonderful conversation and I can't wait to meet her someday soon, I hope. For now, I'll continue to enjoy chatting with her.
I really enjoy promoting my sport. Mounted Shooting is the fastest growing equestrian sport in the country and BOY IS IT FUN!!! My husband, who hadn't really ridden a horse until we purchased our small family farm 4 years ago, took a liking to it when he watched it on TV right after we got his horse. You see, my husband is quite competitive and there's nothing he won't try. I'll never forget the night he called me into our living room to see Mounted Shooting on TV for the first time. He pointed to the TV and said "honey, that's what I want to do". I chuckled. "Yeah, right, "Learn how to ride first, then we'll talk" as I strutted out of the room, the experienced horse person that I am. Well, as with everything my husband does, he threw himself into it 200% and the following Spring he was a Cowboy Mounted Shooter. The following year he won the Massachusetts State Championship in his division and I couldn't have been prouder. Next thing I knew my husband was strutting around the house wearing his big belt buckle. The year after that, well, he put me in my place and won the Page Family point race, beating me in most shoots that year. Now don't get me wrong, I still did well in the ladies division and I did warm up his horse for him and I did...... actually, he was doing great!
This year I've made my comeback, kickin butt in the arena and savin face in the Page Family point race. We'll see what the end of the year brings, but I don't see how he'll ever catch up with me!!! So I'll try to be an approachable champ. I don't want the kids to feel they can't come to me just because I'm beating daddy. I want to have the grace of Andra Olsen, and her riding/shooting skills wouldn't be too bad either!
My husband, Patrick at the Massachusetts State Championship, winning his division!
I really enjoy promoting my sport. Mounted Shooting is the fastest growing equestrian sport in the country and BOY IS IT FUN!!! My husband, who hadn't really ridden a horse until we purchased our small family farm 4 years ago, took a liking to it when he watched it on TV right after we got his horse. You see, my husband is quite competitive and there's nothing he won't try. I'll never forget the night he called me into our living room to see Mounted Shooting on TV for the first time. He pointed to the TV and said "honey, that's what I want to do". I chuckled. "Yeah, right, "Learn how to ride first, then we'll talk" as I strutted out of the room, the experienced horse person that I am. Well, as with everything my husband does, he threw himself into it 200% and the following Spring he was a Cowboy Mounted Shooter. The following year he won the Massachusetts State Championship in his division and I couldn't have been prouder. Next thing I knew my husband was strutting around the house wearing his big belt buckle. The year after that, well, he put me in my place and won the Page Family point race, beating me in most shoots that year. Now don't get me wrong, I still did well in the ladies division and I did warm up his horse for him and I did...... actually, he was doing great!
This year I've made my comeback, kickin butt in the arena and savin face in the Page Family point race. We'll see what the end of the year brings, but I don't see how he'll ever catch up with me!!! So I'll try to be an approachable champ. I don't want the kids to feel they can't come to me just because I'm beating daddy. I want to have the grace of Andra Olsen, and her riding/shooting skills wouldn't be too bad either!
My husband, Patrick at the Massachusetts State Championship, winning his division!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Cowboy Way
Last weekend, I went to a stock horse show at a farm right down the road from my home. I've started to dabble in sports other than mounted shooting to add some variety to life, as they say! This seems to be right down my alley. Everyone is laid back and there were competitors from experienced to newbees. I, of course, will fit right into the newbee section the first time I bring Kitt to a stock horse show, but that's ok. Everyone is accepted in this community of cowboys.
One of the things I like so much about cowboys, true cowboys, is they don't often judge others, they never (or very rarely) lie, and they always enjoy the simple things in life. Cowboys take the time to stop and smell the wildflowers along the trail and take a deep breath of the fresh air. They truly enjoy life while they're on their horse. I'm trying very hard to slow down and enjoy the gifts we have surrounding us everyday. It's hard with a 4 & 5 yr. old running around, 2 businesses to run, numerous boards and committees to take part in, and many animals (too many according to my husband) to take care of. Today I'll take the time to enjoy life. I'll enjoy what I have while I have it. A dear woman I have had the honor of knowing for a few short years I just heard passed away yesterday afternoon. She lived life to the fullest, even when it wasn't kind to her. So for the rest of today, I'll slow down a bit because BAB would want me to. I'm going to smell the wildflowers and try my best to live the cowboy way.
One of the things I like so much about cowboys, true cowboys, is they don't often judge others, they never (or very rarely) lie, and they always enjoy the simple things in life. Cowboys take the time to stop and smell the wildflowers along the trail and take a deep breath of the fresh air. They truly enjoy life while they're on their horse. I'm trying very hard to slow down and enjoy the gifts we have surrounding us everyday. It's hard with a 4 & 5 yr. old running around, 2 businesses to run, numerous boards and committees to take part in, and many animals (too many according to my husband) to take care of. Today I'll take the time to enjoy life. I'll enjoy what I have while I have it. A dear woman I have had the honor of knowing for a few short years I just heard passed away yesterday afternoon. She lived life to the fullest, even when it wasn't kind to her. So for the rest of today, I'll slow down a bit because BAB would want me to. I'm going to smell the wildflowers and try my best to live the cowboy way.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Beautiful Weather !!
For those of you from New England, you know what I'm talking about. For those of you from elsewhere, well, it's been quite a wet summer here in New England. Almost everyday since I've returned from vacation in July it's rained at least part of the day. No kidding, no exaggeration. There was even a tornado recently just a few towns away which killed a woman when her house collapsed. We just don't have tornadoes way up here, until recently. So to say this has been an unusual year for the weather is an understatement.
I guess this is my best excuse for not riding like I should and want to. I'm what you'd call a fair weather rider. No need to get out there in the rain or when it's too slippery. I'm competitive to a point. At the ripe ole age of 43 I tend to not push it too much because if I happen to break something, like any part of my body, the kids just seem to need more attention than ever and of course I'm in no position to keep up. Been there, done that. When I broke my collarbone a few years back I realized how much an injury affects my family. Time to be careful in life, at least until the kids are in college!
For today, however, the sun has been shining all day and I'm on my way home to ride not just one horse but both horses AND the pony! Until tomorrow......hopefully.....
I guess this is my best excuse for not riding like I should and want to. I'm what you'd call a fair weather rider. No need to get out there in the rain or when it's too slippery. I'm competitive to a point. At the ripe ole age of 43 I tend to not push it too much because if I happen to break something, like any part of my body, the kids just seem to need more attention than ever and of course I'm in no position to keep up. Been there, done that. When I broke my collarbone a few years back I realized how much an injury affects my family. Time to be careful in life, at least until the kids are in college!
For today, however, the sun has been shining all day and I'm on my way home to ride not just one horse but both horses AND the pony! Until tomorrow......hopefully.....
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