Posted by admin on January 4, 2011
I haven’t blogged here in a while. We have been really busy with the other “other business” and blogging once a month on that site has been about my limit. However, after reading a couple of posts from some wonderful ladies I feel the need to put some things in writing and see if we can make 2011 even better than 2010. And the challenge was something that I think I could do. Rules are kinda lax, so I might hit them.
I shy away from having too many things written down, but know it’s a good thing. Providing an update blog once a month here will keep me on target and meet some of these goals. I stole a few of these, but what can I say… they are right on target.
1. Get Healthy and Fit – Exercise regularly, quit eating junk and go to regular doctor appointments. I know this will not happen overnight, but even small step in the right direction will lead to accomplishing some of the ones below.
2. Work Towards One Less Job – Focus on making the other “other business” hubby’s full time job.
3. Pay Off Debt – Thankfully the other “other job” is doing a great job of this. And helps us get more prepared for number 2.
4. STOP Procrastinating – This might be the hardest, but so needs to be conquered.
5. Ride My Horse – Very hard to admit, but I haven’t ridden in over a year. Partly a time thing. Partly a fit thing. I miss riding, but need to be a bit more fit to do it.
6. Learn More About Marketing – I love learning and applying all I have learned to both businesses.
7. Help Some Folks Along the Way – More than just charity work. Help others learn from what we are doing.
8. Pay Attention to Regular Maintenance – This is everything from maintaining our fences, vehicles, horses to ourselves.
9. Stay Connected – This is a challenge with our work loads, but something that needs to be done.
10. Cut Out Time Wasters – Sadly some of the online games must go.
11. Remember to have FUN – Anything can be made fun and I need to focus on that.
I have all the tools to make this happen, just need that swift kick every now and then to make it happen. Hopefully this will make 2011 a most wonderful year!
Make it a GREAT day!
Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
http://sierraranchok.com/
http://sierraranchok.net/
Posted by admin on June 25, 2010
From the “and ya’ll think TB’s are silly” file…
HORSE THAT OVERCAME ADVERSITY ATTEMPTS GUINNESS WORLD RECORD
Lukas, a 17-year-old Thoroughbred gelding who stands 16.2 hands, may well be the smartest horse in the country–maybe the world, and owner-trainer Karen Murdock is trying to get him into the Guinness World Records for “Most numbers identified by a horse in one minute.” On June 16, Lukas was able to identify a correct number at least 18 times. Continue reading…
STUDY EXPLORES HOW HORSES VIEW THE WORLD
On the trail, in the dressage arena, at the racetrack, on the cross-country train–wherever horses may be, we’ve all seen it: the “Spook”–that sudden, bolting reaction of shock so particular to our equine friends. It might be because some animal runs up, or some object is blown in by the wind, taking the horse by surprise. But sometimes it’s just something you’re sure they’ve seen many times before–so why spook about it now? New research at the Aptos, California-based Equine Research Foundation now has answers to that question. Continue reading…
GULF OIL SPILL CALLED NO IMMEDIATE THREAT TO HORSES
The massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico poses no immediate threat to horses residing in Gulf states, according to one Louisiana official. The massive oil leak began last month when a deep water British Petroleum water oil rig off the Louisiana coast exploded pumping millions of gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. The spill threatens coastlines in that state as well as in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Continue reading…
Hope you enjoyed this bit of news. Have a wonderful weekend!
Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
http://sierraranchok.com/
http://sierraranchok.net/
Posted by admin on June 6, 2010
You just have to know where to look! We have had a lot going on at Sierra Ranch as of late. But first a bit of an explanation.
I know I have not been posting much recently. That is kinda a two part problem. First and for most we have been working really hard at growing Rijas Services. Going to gun shows most weekend and spending other free time doing the necessary paperwork while still holding full time jobs has been challenging.
Second has been my health. Nothing bad, just learned a month ago that my thyroid was not producing enough hormone. When that happens I don’t have the energy to do much of anything. I had been basically slowing down since about January. I went in for a check up and suggested a blood test, because just too many things were out of whack. Luckily, I was right and the meds are working wonderfully. I have even had the energy to mow parts of the yard with the push mower. Something a month ago I would never have dreamed of doing.
As I was saying we have had a lot of visiters at the Ranch recently. Dalia has brought several of her friends and family out to the Ranch. Dalia graduted from Rhema Bible College May 21 and will be shortly going to Kenya on a mission trip. Dalia rides several of our horses with Reddie Whip being her favorite. Lately, she has been riding Charming Starr to keep her in shape for Michelle, one of our boarders.
Dalia brought Vince and several friends out to see the horses. To get riding privileges they have been working on the place helping us with some mowing and cleaning up around the pasture. If you go to our Facebook page you will see more pictures and even videos of the events of the last few days. Dalia is great at taking pictures and I have learned how to get them from her.
Then we had a teenager find us on the web and come out to ride horses. There were first three teenagers, and we put them on the safest horses. As you can see Melanie looks very thrilled. Maverick is always patient and Sarge is just Sarge!
Soon they were all switching around trying to determine which was the best horse. Allison decided that she liked Sarge the best and her friend Crystal rode Maverick the next time they came out to the Ranch. And from the pasture was heard well, of course your are going faster… I am on the older horse! Crystal had to be corrected that Maverick is only 20 and Sarge is at least 10 years older. They were shocked!
So, Saturday rolls around and everyone wants to go trail riding. Dalia brings Vince and Kayla. Allison arrives at the Ranch. And one of our gun customers says he wants to go also. We have a five horse trailer, but needed six. The first ride out Saturday was with Dan, and then we switched riders later so Kayla could ride.
Dan is a 62 year old Vietnam vet. He had not been on a horse since 1965. Yes, I typed that right. 1965. He got on Maverick and rode the trails at Oologah like a pro. Maverick was wonderful with him. Dan was back at the house this morning having a gun repair and was not worse for the wear. What a trooper!
The first picture is Vince, Allison, and Kayla on the trail. The second is Vince, Kayla, Allison and Rick on the trail. All had a blast! Allison even came out again today (Sunday) to play with Sarge. I think he has found him a girl for at least a little while. Until she gets riding better and wants a more powerful horse.
Hope you have enjoyed a bit of the happenings from the Ranch. I hope to keep posting news articles and other happenings of the area. We will not be home on a weekend again until July 4th, however lessons are available during the week. Just let us know when you want to ride!
Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
http://sierraranchok.com/
http://sierraranchok.net/
Posted by admin on March 17, 2010
Saddle up and make plans to attend the sixth annual “Ride to Save Babies” Trail Ride. For a minimum pre-registry donation of $20, riders can ride the trails then come back for some great food. All to help save babies and benefit the March of Dimes. Check out their website here!
On Saturday, April 17th, 2010, at Lake Carl Blackwell, horse lovers can enjoy a one-day outing, along with prizes and great food! All money is given to help the lifesaving programs of the March of Dimes. Individual prizes will be given for the adult and youth that raises the most money, along with all participants being registered for prize drawings. Registration is $20 and will include the entry fee, food, and a t-shirt. Late registration begins at 10am- 12noon, the ride will begin at 1pm from the equestrian campgrounds of Lake Carl Blackwell, located just 8 miles west of Stillwater on Highway 51. Riders will return for food, drinks and entertainment around 6pm at the campgrounds.
The “Ride to Save Babies” is a fundraiser for the March of Dimes, an organization which helps to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature births, and infant mortality. You can help to save babies from these threats to their health just by saddling up and joining this benefit ride.
For more information, registration, or any questions, contact Mendi Cronister by email rockin_mr@hotmail.com or call 580-370-8890 or 580-336-4945. Or visit their webiste here!
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy. For more maternal and infant health information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com, its Spanish web site at www.nacersano.org or call 1-888-MODIMES.
We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s ride!
Rick took several people with him on this ride last year. We are planning on attending again this year! If you would like to ride with us and need a horse or transportation, please contact us!
Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
http://sierraranchok.com/
http://sierraranchok.net/
Posted by admin on
Some friends of mine have started a new site, Girly Gazatte. The site is about how women need to have positive relationships with other women, mostly. They have lots of cool articles about motherhood, fashion and many other things that make you think.
In their kick off week they posted an article about who is in your tribe. (The blog has since been taken down.)
I had left a comment about who I thought was in my tribe. I have a group of ladies that I have devoted a great deal of my time to in the past and I thought they would always be there for me. However, last weekend I had something happen that makes me question that.
I realize that relationships take some nurturing and work. However, I guess I may have not nurtured that relationship as much as I should have in the last year. Our family inherited a business and as any of you know that own a business the first year is often the most trying. So I have not been around for my friends as much as I used to be. Now understand that I had spent 7 years as the leader and resigned a couple of years ago to help raise my step kids. Our family was still quite involved with the group.
Our family helped with a couple of functions a year providing entertainment. Last year they came to me and said they would like to try something different at one function, and I understood. It was business and they needed to be able to pull a crowd. My hubby didn’t understand and took it kinda personal. I discussed this with the group. I chalked this up to male egoism.
Then last week we offered to provide entertainment for the function we did last year and possibly the other one. I sent an email explaining the issue that that we would be giving up a gig at the new business to do these functions. I got no response. Then later in the week got a group email stating that someone else was hired.
I felt confused. On one hand I understand it’s business. On the other hand just one email would have made me feel that they understood and show me the path they wanted to take. I don’t expect to get every gig. I don’t expect much. An email letting me know they received mine and wanted to do something different would have been the nice thing.
Needless to say this really makes me question who is in my tribe? Who has my back? Who will be there when I need something or someone? How much does a tribe need to be nurtured? Do tribes change as you move to different places in your life? Do you need a sub-tribe for work friends, mom friends, fun friends, etc.?
I have never been one to have tons of friends, kinda is part of being a nerdy engineering kinda gal. Most of my tribe growing up and through school were guys. So dealing with a group of ladies has always been interesting, but kinda thought I had made headway. Gives me some new perspective.
So how do you nurture your tribe?
Deb Stowers
Sierra Ranch, LLC
http://sierraranchok.com/
http://sierraranchok.net/
