And now for something completely different...

Here's a link to a very interesting article about a key difference between female and male brains and their response to stressors, such as starvation.
{I'm a science nerd and I make no apologies, hee hee!}

http://www.livescience.com/health/090117-brain-starvation.html

Ancient Horse of the Vikings

Today, I wanted to share with you a bit about a breed that is very close to my heart-the Norwegian Fjord Horse, naturally!
In my upcoming blog posts, I hope to share more pictures and stories of my own personal Fjord adventures as my husband and I continue working with and training our young Fjord gelding.




{Fjord photo montage from NFHR website, featuring the lovely horses of members}




But for now, I would like to reprint this as per the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry's gorgeous website:

"The Norwegian Fjord Horse is one of the world's oldest and purest breeds. It is believed that the original Fjord Horse migrated to Norway and was domesticated over 4,000 years ago. Herds of wild Fjord Horses existed in Norway after the last ice age. Archaeological excavations at Viking burial sites indicate that the Fjord Horse has been selectively bred for at least 2,000 years.

The charming, gentle disposition of the Fjord Horse is its most outstanding quality. They are hardy, long lived, agile, sure-footed, and willing. They love attention, are "people oriented", and are happiest when they are working. They learn fast and have an amazing ability to retain what they have learned even after long periods of inactivity. Their cool temperament and graceful, balanced gaits both under saddle and in harness, make them the ideal family horse. They are used for schooling horses for the young or inexperienced rider, yet are large and powerful enough for adults to ride and enjoy.

One of their unique characteristics is that approximately 90% of all Fjord Horses are brown dun in color. The other 10% are either red dun, gray, white or "uls" dun, or yellow dun. The Fjord Horse retains the "wild" dun color of the original horse as well as the primitive markings which include zebra stripes on the legs and a dorsal stripe that runs from the forelock down the neck and back and into the tail. Dark stripes may also be seen over the withers. Red duns have reddish-brown stripes and body markings. Gray duns have black or very dark gray stripes and markings. The white or "uls" dun is a very light body color with black or gray stripe and markings. The yellow dun have a darker yellow stripe and markings, they may have a completely white forelock, mane and tail. The yellow dun is a very rare color in the breed.

Another unique characteristic of the Fjord Horse is the mane. The center hair of the mane is dark (usually black) while the outer hair is white. The mane is cut short so it will stand erect. It is trimmed in a characteristic crescent shape to emphasize the graceful curve of the neck The white outer hair is then trimmed slightly shorter than the dark inner hair to display the dramatic dark stripe.

The head and neck should present an appearance of elegance without coarseness. The head is medium sized and well defined with a broad, flat forehead and a straight or slightly dished face. The eyes are large. Ears are small and alert. The neck of the Fjord is well muscled and crested. The body is short coupled with good depth, large heart girth, and well developed muscles. The legs are powerful, with substantial bone and excellent feet which are black in color. Fjords generally range in size from 13.2 to 14.2 Hands and weigh between 900 and 1200 pounds at maturity, with a few individuals ranging outside these measurements."

Please visit the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry website at:

www.nfhr.org

Tea and Inspiration

As I sit here enjoying my favorite cuppa, Devonshire English Breakfast Tea, I've noticed a snippet of inspiration to be found on the side of the box.
It reads:
"Far away there, in the sunshine, are my highest aspirations. I cannot reach them; but I can look up, and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead...."
-Louisa May Alcott

Thank you, Celestial Seasonings!

President Obama's Address to Congress

"...and if we do – if we come together and lift this nation from the depths of this crisis; if we put our people back to work and restart the engine of our prosperity; if we confront without fear the challenges of our time and summon that enduring spirit of an America that does not quit, then someday years from now our children can tell their children that this was the time when we performed, in the words that are carved into this very chamber, "something worthy to be remembered." Thank you, God Bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America."
-President Obama's Address to Congress 2-24-09

A link to the complete text:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-of-President-Barack-Obama-Address-to-Joint-Session-of-Congress/

Our Dreams Are Our Greatest Allies

*a south shore beach on Long Island, my home

“Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.”
-Langston Hughes

Me and My Boys!

I had to post this picture of me and my favorite fuzzy boys!
My sister Heather got the shot with my new Nikon that Ian gave me for my birthday.{Thank you, Ian, you are THE best hubby a girl could want!}
I love these goofy ponies and feel so good when I get time to hang with them.
I can't wait for Spring!!!
{Please pardon Sam's feet for I desperately need to trim them! It's on my list.}

I Love This Quote

New Mexico twilight

"You have striven so hard, and so long, to compel life. Can't you now slowly change, and let life slowly drift into you... let the invisible life steal into you and slowly possess you." D.H. Lawrence