The Best Things Come From Small Towns and Big Dreams

Life has been full of big dreams for me lately. Some of them have passed on, and some have come true! There's something so remarkable about living in such a simple state, and being able to see what God
desires for you to do much later on in life.

A good ride fixes anything! 

One dream that  came to pass for me was an opportunity to own a Peruvian Paso again. While the deal fell through, it was still one of the greatest (and probably one of the toughest) circumstances that I've been through in years. Getting this Peruvian Paso was pending on that I could sell my current Quarter Horse. Unfortunately, the lady who came to see him wasn't as interested as I thought she was. (Not to mention, she treated Spirit horribly, so I'm quite glad that she didn't like him!) Riding that Peruvian Paso named Nina was so freeing for my heart. I needed that ride. Now, the determination is back in my heart for what I love to do. I'm going to work with my horse that I have, and hopefully, by God's grace, I can feel the same bonds with him that I had with my first horse. I know that I have this horse for a reason, and it is to teach me something. Already, I've learned the lessons of perseverance and self discipline. Even when I'm not liking my horse, he still depends on me to care for him. I'm learning how to not be afraid. I'm learning diligence. This horse is going to make me into the greatest mom someday! He tests my patience. He knows what buttons to push, and unfortunately, he's found my soft spot where he can get away with anything! We'll be fixing that soft spot soon!

Another dream (or maybe this was more of my heart's desire) was to grow closer to God and my husband. It took some very tough moments. Anger. Tears. Frustration. At times, I wasn't the loving spouse I should have been towards my amazing husband. But he is so loyal, and forgiving. We're learning, and we're still very new at this. I feel like God is drawing us now into a sanctuary of his presence.

Speaking of small towns, I was able to be a bridesmaid for my friend that I have known since Kindergarten. It was a gorgeous wedding to be a part of. Held at the Fraser River Lodge out in Agassiz. My friend made such a beautiful bride. It was a day full of laughter, stories, and love. The food was the most fantastic thing ever!

Her photographer did a great job at capturing the day. You can see some of her work here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachelpatterson/7123826043/

Another little dream of mine was to make up memory boxes. My father in law passed away quite suddenly this past February. We miss him so much! So I decided to create a few things that had to do with the life that he lived. We always want to stay true to our roots. We're farm babies all the way thanks to both sets of our parents, and we wouldn't want it any other way!

Lots of painting

Stamps and stickers. 

Chain link from his baler 

First one finished 

The back 

Making another one

Another thing that I've discovered (thanks to my baby sister) is an awesome journal:

 

It's called a Smash Journal. I bought it at Michael's for around $25. Its great. You can put literally anything into its pretty pages. I've dedicated mine to pretty things, and findings of inspiration to keep my creative side flowing! It also then becomes a great pick-me-up when you're having a bad day. You can remind yourself of all of the things that you love, and that make you who you are. And unlike Pinterest, it's portable.