That happened to me today, and it is wonderful.
Now, if you know me at all from here at the Straight Dope, you know that I am a horse lover who has not been able to be around these wonderful creatures for far too many years. Health, money… all working against me. I sold my last horse in 1986 and have ridden exactly twice since then. I grew apart from my horsey friends so I haven’t even been able to have much contact with them.
Every day without smelling the sweet scent of horse I have felt a little of my soul dying.
This past fall, a horse rescue opened up here in town called A Hoof and a Prayer. I went to their open house on Dec 3 and signed up to volunteer there. In the process, I met an 8 month old Appaloosa filly that I lost my heart to named Jewel. She is the sweetest little girl, rescued from slaughter. If I could afford a horse at this time, Jewel would be mine. This is me and Jewel that first meeting:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v20/PapSett/Hoof%20and%20a%20Prayer/21A.jpg
And this is her in the pasture:
Today was the orientation for volunteers, and of course, I was there. I spent the afternoon in Horse-Heaven, being shown around and ‘interviewed’ to see what my experience level was. When I was talking to the owner and told her how much I love Jewel, she laughed and said ‘then why are you standing here talking to me? Go play with her!’
So I did. I spent about an hour grooming her and working with her, handling her feet & ears and getting her used to being touched. My dog friend Gary went with me-his granddaughter, Haley, wants to learn how to work with horses too- and we are both going back next Saturday with Haley; he is going to help them fence a pasture and Haley and I will be grooming and cleaning stalls.
Yes, this is right where I am supposed to be and oh my god, it is such a wonderful, intoxicating feeling. No, I won’t be able to make Jewel my own, but I can help make her more adoptable. I will be working with the animals I love, helping a worthy organization and getting a little more in shape. I have not stopped grinning all evening. I am so, so tired-literally dozed off while playing Zuma earlier…but it is a GOOD tired that comes from being outside, working with a horse.
So… that’s MY right-where-I’m-supposed-to-be story. What’s yours? Where are YOU when you feel like the stars are shining just for you alone?