INNside Innkeeping in Montana

"I get up every morning determined to both change the world and to have one hell of a good time.
Sometimes this makes planning the day difficult" -E.B. White

If you want to watch G-d laugh, have a plan... especially with your horses. They dont know from schedules... all their is is now... Another great lesson they teach me. I think G-d teaches great lessons through his animal kingdom

I like quotes, phrases and mottos, because they can contain wisdom and lessons in a few words. . They're no good unless you share them. Which brings me to another in my sometime series.

The 10 Commandments from the spirit of Horses
1. Thou shalt trot a mile in your fellow man's hooves. If you treat everyone you meet as if they are hurting in some way, you'll be right most of the time.
2. Thou shalt remember: you aren't what you do. If you are what you do, then when you don't, you aren't.
3. Thou shalt do it now. There are so few tomorrows.
4. Thou shalt remember, horses reveal, when we are truly ready to listen.
5. Thou shalt treat money like manure; it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around encouraging young things to grow.”
6. Thou shalt know it is not enough for a man to learn how to ride; he must learn how to fall.."
7.Thou shalt shut thine eyes our eyes tight and commend yourself to G-d when purchasing a horse or taking a spouse.
8. Thou shalt not need a title or braggin' rights to enjoy riding my horse long distances.
9. Thou shalt remember the innate qualities of our horse even when he's not listening. "The horse has the pride of a lion, the eye of a deer, the speed of a gazelle, the strength of an ox, the loyalty of a soldier, and the heart of a woman. He has brought the country doctor to the day of our birth, cleared our roads, and plowed the fields that feed us. He has carried us as children across an open meadow, and, finally, when our time is done, pulled the wagon that takes us to our final resting place. He is with us always."
10. Horse, thou art truly a creature without equal, for thou fliest without wings and conquerest without sword.

The horse is G-d's gift to man
- Arabian Proverb
Trot on friends, trot on.

Labels: equine management, horses, ranch life

# posted by G.P. @ 9:17 AM 0 montana musings

Camping season's just around the corner and yes you can be a happy and green camper. Luxury Eco-Camp Kit from Biome Lifestyle.

What comes in the Eco-Camp Kit:

• “Solar shower – One Solar heated reusable shower. 20L capacity, sufficient for 2-3 showers.
• Water-powered digital alarm clock – no batteries required.
• Solar powered iPod charger – One hour of sunshine gives about one hour of play time of Apple iPod’s.
• Organic cotton roll-up bed – Hand made from high-quality hand woven organically grown cotton using natural colourfast dyes. Easy to carry and much more sumptuous than a camping mat.
• Soft shetland wool throw – hand knitted throw made from soft, undyed Shetland wool. Can be used as a blanket or luxurious picnic rug.
• Self-powered LED Lantern - wind-up technology lantern. 60 seconds wind-up provides one hour of illumination.
• One bar of organic soap
• One Organic cotton bath towel – available in natural.
• All contained within an eco-friendly Biome Lifestyle bag.”

And in the "I couldnt have said it better myself".. Think Safety first with these great camping tips.

Before you hit the road green bake a batch of these oatmeal raising peanut butter cookies to take with and then hide the results in the furthest and most forgettable reaches of your kitchen. You’ll thank me later. From cooks.com
3/4 c. butter
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/4 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 c. quick oatmeal
1 c. raisins

Drop onto cookie sheet by teaspoonfuls. Bake on greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 15 minutes

And if you like the idea of a campfire sans camping this Blomus fire basket, you can have a campfire in your backyard. Sometimes, there's no place like home ... right Auntie Em?

At Blomus USA

Labels: eco-friendly, outdoors, travel

# posted by G.P. @ 4:09 PM 1 montana musings

Paraphrasing with all due respect from the infamous Stephen Covey.

It "don't come natural" to everyone ... horseback riding, that is. And just because it takes some effort, time, and work doesn't mean you won't end up being a good rider. Trust me , there are days I feel like aha.. I've got it ... just before I have another "unforced dismount" that the judges score a 10. But I digress.

As adults, we're used to being "in control". We turn our steering wheel to the right, Mr. Car goes right. We press the brake pedal, Mr. Car stops. We're strapped securely in our seats, protected by a reinforced metal frame with the added security of air bags. Mr. Car doesn't have a brain. He goes where we want, when we want, and how fast we tell him to.

Not always so with Mr. /Ms. Horse.

Where the hell is the brake pedal on this horse? Why does he go straight when I'm asking him to go right? Why does he go "up " when I'm asking him to back? And who asked him to do that fancy little hop/lope/stumble jiggety jog dance step to the left when he saw that silly little butterfly flutter past his face?

Geez, I'm awfull high up, further than I expected. I'm nervous and this is a little bit scary. He's an AWFUL BIG animal and it looks like it would be an AWFUL BIG fall to the ground below.

I can't find the seatbelt - closest thing I've got is the saddle horn to hang onto or what Patrick's made for me "an oh my G-d strap" for dear life. Hmm, don't seem to be any airbags up here either. And reinforced metal frame? Ha, how about air and gritty sandy arena floor or rocky trail instead?

Is it any wonder many adults have a love of horses but a fear of riding? As an inexperienced rider you have very little experience and control over the horse, and believe me, that horse knows it and will use it to his full advantage!!

Let not your heart be troubled.. It may take time, but be patient. You can overcome that fear and anxiety and grow into a good rider and horseman. Here are seven highly effective tools that continue to work for me.

1. Patient, perceptive riding instructor(s)
You need someone who recognizes your fears, is patient helping you through them, but is perceptive enough to know when to push you to advance further. Thank you G-d for Patrick and Joani Each very different specialties, and awesome. Of course , they know each other as well and I 've told Joani that sometimes when we ride out with Patrick, I'm a tad more nervous. And she 's said "that's because he pushes you".. which is what is needed and wanted.

2. Ground work, ground work and ground work.
Did I mention ground work? This includes grooming, longing, leading, backing, desensitizing, and worming your horse. All things that can be done from the safety of the ground. Becoming familiar and comfortable with your horse (and yourself) from the safety of the ground is essential!! You'll be establishing a relationship with and learn control over your horse. If you haven't learned to control your horse from the ground, how can you expect to control him under saddle? YOU are his herd leader - teach him this before you get into the saddle. As Joanie sometimes reminds me with Alle... "who's in charge"?. It's a confidence booster.

3. When mounted in saddle use a longe line
Joani and I've done this and it's helped enormously . She's able to control the horses speed and some of those "naughty" outbursts that they are prone to have. Do "circle" and "scissors" with your arms to develop a feel for being in the saddle and to develop balance. Progress to riding with your feet out of the stirrups while on the longe line. When you are ready to advance to another gait, again go back to doing your initial lesson on the longe line. Mental management... you'll feel safer. And don't worry, it won't be long before you won't need it anymore. It's a good tool to go back to periodically .

4. Let's go for a Walk.
Walk don't run... slow down to go faster. There are plenty of things you and your horse can learn at the walk. So what if your husband is loping across open fields? Progress your gaits at a pace that YOU feel comfortable and in control with. Why risk a catastrophe and increased anxiety trying to keep up with others?

5. Emergency Dismounts
Great way to become comfortable with your horse in general. And it gives you a sense of security knowing if something were to go wrong (and it eventually will), you will be prepared to safely and quickly dismount if needed. Have your instructor "coach" you through this. Start each lesson with 6-8 of these, until you feel real secure. Periodically go back and practice them again.

6. Emergency Stops
AKA the "one rein stop". It is the "emergency brake" to use when your horse is out of control or "spooking" on you. It is a safe, secure way to regain the horses attention and your control over her I've only done about a gazillion of these with TB mare, Picken :) . Again, it will help YOU feel safer and better prepared to handle emergencies that arise.

7. And of course Whoa
If your horse is "sloppy" with his stops, immediately go back and work on this. Your instructor or trainer can help you. You will relax if you feel confident that when you tell your horse "whoa", he does just that. It makes you feel secure and confident to know that if you are feeling "out of control" or "uncomfortable" with a drill, your horse will listen when you ask him to change gaits or to stop.

These are just a few tips to try to help overcome your fears. Hang in there, take it slow and comfortable, seek the guidance of a good, patient riding instructor. Instead of giving up and running away, you WILL overcome your fears and "keep on riding"!

Trot on friends, trot on.

Labels: horses, tips, wordless wednesday, works for me

# posted by G.P. @ 4:40 PM 0 montana musings

So you're thinking about going country? It's time to abandon the frenzy of city life, drop the 'G' from the end of your verbs and trade your Calvins for cows You long to be in a place where business is done on a handshake, where your backyard is bountiful and where folks welcome you with warm apple pie and a smilea nd mean and actually mean Yes, you want the simple life.

Thinkin' about goin' county, you are convinced it is for you. Why not? You are infatuated by the ideal of carvin' your own nitch in the wilderness, collectin' the morning eggs and whittlin' on the porch swing each evening. Throughout the country, gentlemen greet women with the tip of a hat and a polite, "Howdy Ma'am."

While best friends,, the Pacific surf , and Iyengar yoga are a lot to give up at one time, i wouldn't go back in a heart beat. . The secret to a successful relocation is knowing what to honestly expect so you can laugh when will what at first seem absurd "Green Acres" scenarios occur. Now you dont wake up to the I-5 3 hour commute to a job 10 mile away... but alas the neighbors herd of cattle have found made a nice hole through your new barbed wire fence and take n up residence. Nonetheless, once adjusted, country life gits in your blood; in fact, developing a loathing of the Urban Jungle . In retrospect, my twig was definitely about to snap. Of course, so many city folk run around with fully bent twigs, but that's another post.

Give the country two years and you will stay. Transition is difficult, but once your up-tight attitude fades your twig unbends. These are the indicators you are settling in to the 'Simple Life.'

• You're having your morning coffee. A cow walks through the front yard. You don't own a cow. You sit down and drink your coffee.
• Shoes' matching each other is low on the list of daily priorities.
• Your outhouse is not just a chic lawn ornament.
• You drive to work past 'that same old herd of buffalo'.

Even if you've come from "hi tech" territory.. obviously you can still retain it home on the range. Signs you've become a hi tech hillbilly may include but not be limited to:

• your e-mail address ends in ".over.yonder.com." and you connect to the Internet via a "Down Home Page."
• the sticker on your computer says, "My other computer is a laptop."
• your laptop has a sticker that says, "Protected by Smith and Wesson."
• your computer is worth more than all your cars combined.
• you've ever used a CD-ROM as a coaster for your beer.
• your screen saver is a bitmap image of your favorite truck, tractor, or farm animal.
• you start all your e-mails with the words: "Howdy y'all!"

Grab your pitchfork. Welcome home, you have arrived... hi tech's gone home town... .Git 'r done.

Labels: humor, montana

# posted by G.P. @ 9:01 AM 0 montana musings

And you shall write them on the entryways of your dwellings and your gates
Deuteronomy 6:9

One of the first things we did upon landing here in the last best place in Montana was place our mezzuzah on the front doorpost. I felt laced with grace immediately. As the "resident Jewish believer " here in this town, it was comforting The original meaning of the word "mezuzah" is not a description of the tiny scroll itself, but is the Hebrew word for "doorpost" which where it is placed. Even more comforting is that Sunday's are becoming our "G-d and GaZi" day.. Well let's just say it's a semi regular thang. We have found here a church in town that we go to and then head back to head out on the horses. Maybe it's my fervent prayer that I'll maintain the full and upright when I board GaZi !

Our pastor James is a young guy and really delves into the "word" and goes back and forth connecting passages from Old and New Testament. I find it refreshing as well as really educational. His demeanor is such that you feel more like we're all sittin' around the kitchen table for Sunday Morning coffee. Ah must be Montana... here you might be Jewish if

1. You think a hora is a high priced call girl.
2. You light your Shabbat candles from your cigarette.
3. Your belt buckle is bigger than a yarmulke.
4. Instead of a noisemaker, you've fired a shotgun at the sound of Haman's name.
5. You have a gun rack in your sukkah.
6. You think marrying your first cousin is required according to Jewish law.
7. You don't ride on Shabbat because your car is up on blocks.
8. When someone shouts "l'chaim!" you respond "l'howdy!"
9. You are saving a bottle of Mogen David for a special occasion.
10. The opening prayer is "Y'all come on in!"

And this has happened to me here already ;you miss worship one Sunday morning and by 2 o'clock that afternoon you have had a dozen phone calls inquiring about your health.being of an interfaith marriage... you can really spot the devoted christian worshippers here

1. A member requests to be buried in his four-wheel drive truck because, "I ain't never been in a hole it couldn't get me out of".
2. A singing group is known as "The O.K. Chorale."
3. Baptism is referred to as "branding."
4. Finding and returning lost sheep is not just a parable.
5. Four generations of one family sit together in worship every Sunday.
6. High notes on the organ set dogs in the parking lot to howling.
7. In the annual stewardship drive there is at least one pledge of "two calves."
8. It's not heaven, but you can see heaven from there.
9. Never in its entire 100-year history has one of its pastors had to buy any meat or vegetables.
10. Opening day of deer hunting season is recognized as an official church holiday. - our pastor is an avid hunter.
11. People grumble about Noah letting coyotes on the Ark.
12. People wonder when Jesus fed the 5,000 whether the two fish were bass or catfish.
13. Prayers regarding the weather are a standard part of every worship service."

And while Sunday's are supposed to a day of rest... we all seem to be jammin' a bit to get to the church on time... What else keep it simple ... from Real Simple... These oatmeal raspberry bars.. will have you jammin' as well

Oatmeal Raspberry Bars

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 cups quick oats
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1 1/2 cups raspberry jam

Preheat oven to 350° F. Place the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and butter in the bowl of a food processor and pulse several times until the ingredients are combined and a crumbly dough is formed. Add the oats and lemon zest. Pulse quickly twice to combine. Press 2/3 of the dough firmly into a greased 9-by-13-inch pan. Spread the jam evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining dough over the jam, gently pressing down. Bake until golden brown. Cool completely, about 2 hours. Cut into 24 bars. Store in airtight containers.

So before I trot on friends, do I hear an amen?

Labels: humor, montana, religion

# posted by G.P. @ 6:48 AM 0 montana musings

When I get frenzied and wound up in "type A" mode, my husband a race car driver in a previous life reminds me "slow down to go faster" And while moving to Big Sky country was definitely a step to living life in a simple way, I still find myself on that merry go round. Plato tells us that "In order to seek one's own direction, one must simplify the mechanics of ordinary, everyday life." But as we step back and consider how to achieve a life lived simply, we are confronted with and amazed by the reality that our own life has become so convoluted, despite the fact that many of the complications we face everyday are purely of our own doing!

Embracing a simple lifestyle is a way to slow down to go faster by reducing external clutter, and cultivating (pun intended) a relationship with nature so that our lives reflect its natural processes by minimizing what we take from it. Simple living also allows us freedom to take a bit of that precious commodity, time, to appreciate and enjoy the experiences of life that make our journey what it is. Nothing like the ripping sound of Fish Creek as I finish up a ride on GaZi and he's drinking up

The goods news is that with a little bit of focused consciousness, it can be done, and you will find that your life is more connected with all that exists around you in a very positive way. You will begin to experience the raw innocence of a simplicity that is actually innate in all of us fto the point where I find myself avoiding the clutter" existence

Are you an unconscious pack rat? I've long ascribed to the theory "clean up your closets and your life will work". A good place to start is your wardrobe—we all maintain a sense of personal style for the various aspects of our life, and for many of us, conscious consumerism includes keeping an eye out for bargains that update our wardrobe. This is just dandy until you open the closet and are confronted with more clothes, more shoes, and more accessories than you will ever need! And if we purchase items seasonally, most of us forget or don't take the time to sift through our outdated things and donate or pass them on to others. Git 'r done simply:

• Write yourself a reminder note to take stock of your wardrobe one weekend every six months. Be honest about how much use you get out of a piece—if you’re not enjoying it, it’s likely that someone else will.
• Don’t get swept away by the latest fad or glitzy advertising—really consider the usefulness of each piece before you make a purchase. Back to the principle of reuse.

Deeep breath . Society applauds us for being quick and thinking fast on our feet. If you ever find yourself in a precarious situation like those on the show ‘Survivor,’ you’ll note that reacting instantly is more likely to hamper your natural survival instincts. One thing labout country living where there's actually 4 seasons..Have you listened lately for the soundtrack of the seasons?

• Winter time is perfect for cozying up at home by the fire
• Summertime provides ample opportunity for finding an outdoor picnic spot and watching the sunset (after a great trail ride on the horses).
• Fall is great for observing the vibrant and varied hues of the leaves as you take hike, ride, whatever.
• Spring beckons you out for a bike ride together to look for the first flowers in bloom not to mention putting up fences that winter has knocked down (simple does not equal easy).

Git 'r done, simply.. Time does expand to include it all. And remember .. none of us makes it out of here alive. So while you're here enjoy the view, keep on doing what you do.. hold on tight we'll muddle through, one day at a time.

Labels: eco-friendly, innkeeping montana

# posted by G.P. @ 11:11 AM 0 montana musings

What will this day be like? I wonder.
What will my future be? I wonder.
It could be so exciting to be out in the world, to be free My heart should be wildly rejoicing Oh, what's the matter with me? I've always longed for adventure To do the things I've never dared Here I'm facing adventure
Then why am I so scared
Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries If I don't I just know I'll turn back
I must dream of the things I am seeking I am seeking the courage I lack
Maria - The Sound of Music

When I am completely and utterly outside of my element, I find that aspects of my life – my habits and thought patterns, even my conscious and unconscious beliefs - become clear to me in ways that they otherwise would not.-on fear and confidence issues.
But why then, do so many people give-up or deny their dreams? That is an easy one to answer…..They give up because they are afraid, afraid of failure. Fear is what stops us from following our dreams. Fear is the darkness that casts a shadow over our light. And, fear is what we need to overcome if we want to reach for our dream

Roundup Rendevous Friday dawned snowy, rainy and cold. I went out to feed and was definitely close to bailing on our upcoming journey for my first endurance ride in Roundup. I thought I had prayed it out and went back up to the house at which point Dan looked up without missing a beat and pronounced we were going and that I'd totally regret not going and I had the sounds of chickening out. And while the motto of endurance riding is "To Finish is to Win", I thought about revising it to "To Go is to Win Out of my head went thoughts of not going and a trailer loading we went. That in itself is a logistical exercise packing hay, feed and the equine essentials for the vet checks.

The trip to took an hour longer than planned since we had some good ol' weather along the way. It 'd clear up for 2 minutes followed by snow, hail, pelting rain and any combination therein. The ride managers Susie and Alan Churchill were incredible. They totally got my pre-ride nerves since it was my first ride and they and their volunteers did a yeoman job of calming me down. The volunteers who ranged from long time endurance riders to folks who'd never done rides, from the number takers to the guys who weighed tack at the end of the ride... completely selfless. Trust me, running a bed and breakfast, and a horse-friendly one at that.. it's all about the guests needs. And having volunteered at marathons and crewed at the infamous Badwater 135, volunteering is often plum more tiring than being an actual participant. These guys were gracious and managed to maintain a sense of humor throughout (Walmart are you listening?)

My first fear of not passing the vet-check in were quickly allayed as vet Bill gave GaZi A scores on everything. One hurdle down

It helps to know your destination when facing fears... Where do you want to go? Small, successful baby steps will help you reach your goal. For most , their destination is confidence. That may be confidence in the saddle, confidence on the ground, Many riders have lost their confidence through an accident, a fall, or another traumatic event. Mine was to complete with a healthy horse passing the final vet checks Regardless, they love horses and want to effectively communicate and enjoy the magnificent creatures they both love and fear. It is very frustrating to be terrified of the very thing you love intensely. It's a doubled edge- sword.

The pre-ride meeting was presided over by the jovial Alan Churchill who'd spent the better part of the day in the freezing rain/snow marking trail and making sure it was as negotiable as possible with all the mud and muck. One of my fears is getting lost. The course markings here were so great you almost had to work at getting lost. Very informative with liberal doses of humor thrown in to lighten things up. And while I and one other rider were the sole newbies in the bunch, the endurance "family" just embraced us and answered those "questions that have probably been asked a million times" like it was the first time they'd heard it.

Whatever the journey, are your fellow travelers - Who will journey with you? The best laid plans... if you plan to ride with someone, you gotta see if you're horses are simpatico. Some people prefer to travel alone, others do not. Some journeys are safer with traveling companions, and with others, it does not matter as much. A good horse to ride, a good trainer, and good horse friends are huge. Fellow travelers make the Journey to Confidence safer and a lot more fun!And while alot of this ride I did ride alone.. I found that awesome as well. A huge victory for me not as I do ride alone alot, but here I was on Gazi doing a great steady trot on trails I've never been on and not feeling real tentative about it.

But the true spirit of the sport came when about 2 miles from the end of the first loop, GaZi and I were trotting along and a combination of a rock I think he slipped on and other horses caused let us say a "temporary separation". I immediately called Dan on my cell who talked me back down to the trail hoping Gazi'd make his way back to camp. I was hoping Gazi'd not gone galloping off somewhere into the Bull Mountains Praying as I jogged back, 3 riders that we'd passed earlier saw me and in typical endurance rider fashion, their agenda was done.. it was about my horse and my safety. About 100 yards up the trail they spotted him grazing in the pasture a little bit wondering why he was alone but they easily corraled him, I remounted and we all pressed on easily into camp. He pulsed down just fine and Alan who'd already gone on his four wheeler to find him was alerted that we were safe and sound. Passing vet check, and now in hold time, Susie asked if I was going on. I said "hell yeah" and she cheered.

Talk about karma, I found out later at the awards banquet that the girl who'd helped me, suffered an "unforced dismount" about 15 minutes later, and several riders happened on her and helped her out in much the same way. In this world of "lead, follow or get outta my way", the comraderie and spirit is incredible.

Gazi ate and drank well during the hold and we headed out alone on the second loop. By this time, the weather had turned sunny and warm.. a stark contrast from the Montana winter of the day before . A true amen ! During the first section here the "little man " as I call him and I were just enjoying the journey together and it was a good time to just "be", be with the trail, my horse in our continuing partnership. I did catch up with other newbie who hailed from South Dakota, though she's had way more seat time than I . We enjoyed the rest of the loop together making sure the "kids" took ample water along the way. I trotted in ahead though I stopped him well before the finish line to walk him in to pulse down.

Dan was standing there and I could see him saying from the distance "Are you happy"? And all i could do was give him two thumbs up. Even happier that the entire ride I was never alone... G-d was right there holding the reins . We did the final vet check and come to find out were were in the top ten. Awesome since we got to check and re-check GaZi's recovery rates and that's where my prayers were truly answered. He finished tired but healthy.

We got to visit for quite awhile with the vet after the ride who while busy vetting in the other 30 milers and 55 milers was a wealth of info on conditioning and overall equine advice. GaZi was pronounced fit, sound and ready to go. Proving that a successful partnership be it equine or personal must be 100%/100%.

The town of Roundup is a friendly welcoming town and the landowners were so gracious in allowing us to make use of their land for the tour. What I got out of this journey despite all my initial trepidations is first, trust G-d, second, Start the Journey! As i always say when I mount... "here we go, best ride ever". There is a world of equestrian adventure out there, awaiting those who are brave enough to find it. You can overcome it (heck I took a huge baby step-- hmmm is that an oxymoron?), if you are willing to put the time, energy, hard work, and often, money, into making your dreams come true. The rewards are incredible. Riding your horse on a beautiful mountain trail and enjoying every step of the way is a satisfaction like no other. And in reaching the finish line of this endurance journey, I know I have come home. If your happy trails bring you to Montana, I'd run dont walk (or would that be gallop not walk) to this ride.

Do I hear an amen? Trot on friends, trot on.

Horses are Proof that G-d loves us and Wants us to Be Happy.
-- Old Prairie Song

Labels: horses, reflections, travel

# posted by G.P. @ 9:48 AM 0 montana musings