What I’ve Been Reading

Most people don’t know it, but I, Madi, am a voracious reader. I thought I would post a list of books that I have been reading, and my brief and humble opinions of them. Here goes:

1) Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll) >>> This book is very whimsical and eclectic. I enjoyed it immensely. Each character had a totally different, yet very dynamic personality. Not a single character in the book was a “flat character.” Carroll’s style of writing really brings the reader into the story, and from beginning to end, you actually find yourself sympathizing with Alice as she encounters all sorts of unrealistic and bizarre situations. It’s a nice, easy read for a long road trip or a day by the pool. It’s not hard to follow, but it totally keeps you guessing.

2) Why We Make Mistakes (Joseph T. Hallinan) >>> This book was actually published just this year, and it came into my possession only 3 days ago. I am in love with this book. It explores the human mind and explains why we forget things, misplace things, and why we have the tendencies that we do. I am so intrigued by the human mind, and this book has fueled my interest and helped answer many of my questions about why people are the way that they are. 

3) Persuasion (Jane Austen) >>> By nature, I am a huge fan of Jane Austen. Anyone who knows my personality could guess that. Persuasion is a book of hers that I had not read yet (and still have not finished). We are currently reading it in the Freedom Girl’s Book Club. It’s an endearing story of love, commitment, and second chances. The characters have great personalities (as Austen’s characters typically do) and I am enjoying “being a part of their world” as I read this book. It’s a must read for the girls (and the guys…if you are like Grigg).

4) The Christy Miller Collection (Robin Jones Gunn) >>> Actually, I only started reading these books today. But, they had to go on the list because I am already in love with them. Not too much to say except “YOU MUST READ THESE BOOKS. I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE!” 

Okay, I am finished now.

TRF Summer Camp- Day 2

Day two of camp went by a lot slower than day one, but it felt much nicer outside today. This morning, we worked with the kids on tacking up. They are learning slowly but surely. After that little lesson, we took the kids and horses out to the arena to let them ride around for a while and, for some of them, lope on a horse that they had never loped on before. That’s always fun. (I love to lope on different horses). They all dismounted with huge grins on their faces.

After riding, we showed them how to do some different barn chores, and they were in charge of rinsing off their own horse and making sure that they were cooled down before putting them in their stalls. (Which is EXTREMELY important!)

Lunch was uneventful. They just chatted about all of the things that 3rd and 4th graders chit chat about. It’s always fun to listen to their conversations. haha. After lunch, the campers learned how to lunge a horse. By the time that was over, they were too hot to do anything except play on the slip n’ slide. So, that’s pretty much what they did for the last two hours of the day. Nothing too exciting happened. Nobody fell off their horse today (that’s one less than yesterday). I was informed that tomorrow is trail riding day. So, I will get to ride in the morning! It makes you want to ride SO bad when you watch others ride all day. (Although, I truly do love to watch them and teach them how to improve their riding skills). 

Hopefully tomorrow will be a bit cooler than today. I’m looking forward to it. : )

TRF Summer Camp- Day 1

Well, today was a very hot day…to say the least. I felt like I was baking out in the sun for 8 and 1/2 hours today. But, I did not die. 

Being day 1 of camp, all of us counselors got kid and horse assignments. This week, I have Jennifer (the kid) and Tomahawk (the horse). They are quite a funny pair. I enjoyed spending time with both of them. This camp is different from the others because it is made up of campers that have been riding for several years. So…it’s kind of like a “boot camp.” They’re learning how to tack up by themselves, learning more advanced riding skills, and figuring out what it takes to run a barn. 

We had a grooming contest first thing this morning. We did not win, but Tomahawk did look lovely, and he had a very clean nose. We only lost because there wasn’t enough conditioner in his tail. Darn it. After the grooming contest, the kids went outside to ride bareback. They absolutely LOVED that. Then, they got to switch horses and they loved that even more. My favorite part was when Ms.Cathy told the campers to get off and told the counselors to pick a horse and jump on. (Imagine that)  I rode Tomahawk for a while, and then rode double with Jennifer. It was fun, but I was so nervous having a little one holding onto my back while I was in control of a horse that had probably never had two people at on his back at one time. I was just praying that he didn’t do anything crazy. 

After lunch, the kids went searching for hidden horseshoes, colored for a while, cleaned stalls, and played on the slip n’ slide. It was great fun. 

I think that tomorrow is trail riding day. Doesn’t a trail ride require counselors to ride as well? Maybe Sky will get to go on a little adventure. She is always the designated leader in trail rides because she is quite fast. haha. Well, we will see what tomorrow brings. I’m actually pretty excited!

Nature

Nature is a magnificently mystifying part of life on Earth. During the spring and summer I find myself increasingly infatuated with the grandeur of God’s glorious creation. I was driving home last night looking at all the fireflies flashing their little lights on all sides of the unlit road. They were putting on a fantastic show just to flaunt what God created. As I continued down the road, I saw two tiny fawns (still with their precious little spots) standing in the middle of the road. One darted back into the woods, but got curious when I stopped the car. Both deer eventually carefully crossed to road and pranced off. They were too cute. Tonight was just as amazing. I drove home in a huge thunderstorm that consisted of not much thunder, but a plethora of lightning. Even though I don’t really like driving when it is storming, I found myself wrapped up in the gorgeous colors that were streaking across the sky and the light that was emanating from Heaven. It was yet another display of God’s awesome power. 

I know that was a terribly scatterbrained post, but you get the idea. haha.

Waffle House Adventures

The trip has been great so far! We are currently in Charleston, SC. My 3 hours here have been just about the best part of the road trip. We went to Waffle House (which is not my favorite place to eat, but it was quick and easy and they have raisin toast). They also have a jukebox. Of course, Madi is going to play several songs. Here was the playlist

1. Bicycle (just to be obnoxious)

2. Fat-Bottomed Girls (because it’s catchy)

3. Happy Birthday (to throw everyone for a loop)

4. Crazy Little Thing Called Love (because I like it)

5. Long Black Train (because Josh Turner has a very deep, country voice that can annoy even the biggest country fan)

6. You’re My Better Half (because Keith Urban=love)

7. Why Don’t You and I (I actually didn’t mean to pick this one…I just punched in the wrong numbers)

8. The Star Spangled Banner (because I’m annoying like that, and I wanted a good laugh)

The last song was pretty much the highlight of my night. Nobody believed that I had actually picked it, but you know they had to believe it when I stood up and put my hand over my heart. The song started playing, and everyone else did the same (yes, even our waitress, who pointed out the flag sticker on the front door). We completed the song while standing and facing the flag sticker.  Of course, I had to finish off the song with the classic NASCAR moment “Gentlemen, start your engines!” complete with racecar sound effects. It was fantastic, and I got a laugh out of the staff. Anyway, that’s been my funniest moment, and I’m sure there are many more to come.