Animator vs Animation

http://alanbecker.deviantart.com/art/Animator-vs-Animation-34244097#

Here's something different by Alan Becker. He designed an animation that is a lot of fun to watch. A stick figure in the flash interface tries to get back at the animator using all the tools he can find, and he ingeniusly finds ways to use the eraser tool, arrows, and other icons. Go see for yourself, you're sure to get at least a small chuckle out of this!

SeaTac Jet

What happens to a racehorse when he can't race anymore? There are not enough homes for retired race horses. Finding a new job for an off-track Thoroughbred is a full-time job for the owner of the Second Chance Ranch in Elma, Washington. SeaTac Jet is living his second chance here. For a moving story about the Ranch, and a blurb on Jet please go here and read about one woman's hard work and determination to better the world: htp://seattlepi.nwsource.com/othersports/344102_secondchance19.htmlFor more on the ranch and updates on Jet visit here:http://secondchanceranch.org/about/news/index.html

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Luke 12:16NIV

Our Christmas Bloom

I found this beautiful broccoli plant quite by accident this morning! It was hidden away behind my Butterfly Bush. The Butterfly Bush is large, and takes up a lot of space in the garden. The broccoli plant grew quietly behind it, until it became nearly two feet tall. I noticed a leaf peeking from behind, and when I moved the branches of the Butterfly Bush I found the broccoli, strong, green and vibrant. We don't know how it got there, but it's a pretty Christmas surprise! It reminded me that our blessings often come hidden behind the large and beautiful things in our lives. I hope you will find something beautiful this Christmas season. "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

A Horseman's Christmas - by Doris Eraldi

It's the night before Christmas, we're out in the barn
Blanketing horses to keep them all warm.
They're eating their dinners, tucked in cozy stalls
Not aware that it's Christmas, or any special day at all.

They can dream of spring pastures from their pine-scented beds
No visions of sugarplums dance in their heads
But we people are thinking of merry parties and such
Maybe feeling a little sad at missing so much.

This season is special but the horses don't know
We've got work to do before we can go.
We finish the chores and head on inside
To get ready for dinner and our own yuletide.

It's nearly midnight, the carols are sung.
I remember a story I was told when I was young
How at midnight on Christmas Eve
the creatures of the barnyard can speak to us with ease.

I am called to the barn, I wade through the rain.
I know I must go, I can't really explain.
I slide open the door, pause for awhile
Then slowly walk down that dimly lit aisle.

A nicker from Casey, a wink from JD
Sleepy old Alibi waking to see
Tucker rustling his bedding, a snort soft and light
Each horse gave a greeting as I walked through the night

I thought about parties bright lit and warm
The ones we don't go to 'cause we have the barn
And vacations and holidays that we don't get
When we're working long hours for bills to be met.

Walking all the way to the end of the aisle
I stop to stroke Bonnie, it brings me a smile.
She snuffles my face, hot breath on my skin
It starts me thinking about my horses, my kin.

I could be at parties with laughter and mirth
But where I am right now is the best place on Earth!

Introducing the "Awsome Dude"

As my blog name suggests, we're owned by a Thoroughbred officially titled Awsome Dude, aka Andy. His pedigree can be seen here: http://www.pedigreequery.com/awsome+dude That is the famous Secretariat right in the middle of his pedigree, his great-grandfather. Owning this big boy has been a learning experience and we've become pals for life.

Threads have been in my life since I was a young girl. I taught myself to embroider using stamped embroidery kits and the love of working with fabric and fibers is forever stamped in my heart. I began quilting and applique about 16 years ago. Putting threads and fabric together into a quilt for someone to love seems to be the perfect finish.