Friday, September 27, 2013

Fashionably Late


I’ve missed writing, it has been too long. So today I made it a priority to write and share a special story with you.

In my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d own a horse. But my daughter has a gift. She connects deeply with these huge, graceful animals in a way that I can only hope to understand someday.

During her unpredictable middle school years, when friendships ran hot and then went cold for no apparent reason, my daughter could count on one horse to always be there for her, to love her unconditionally. Tardy, a bay quarter horse known in the show arena as Fashionably Late joined our family in 2009.

At the time, I was worried about the unknown responsibilities and inherit risks of horse ownership. I can tell you now that the benefits have far outweighed any of those early concerns. Over the years, pride in ownership has nurtured and grown my daughter’s self esteem like nothing else. It’s my firm belief that her persistent optimism, diehard dedication and positive outlook for a bright future are a direct result of the confidence she gained through this strong bond with her horse.

All those wonderful points aside, the absolute best spin-off for having Tardy is the bridge that he built between my teenage daughter and me. I credit Tardy for bringing us closer together and for keeping us together even when times are tough.  

But with growth comes change. As my daughter’s riding skills improve she’s eager to step up to more advanced shows. In order to compete in the bigger arenas she needs a taller horse. A difficult decision had to be made. At fifty, I learned a lesson about maturity from a sixteen year old when my daughter came to the conclusion that it was time to sell Tardy.

It’s hard for me to say goodbye to a friend who has done so much for us. I’m consoled knowing he’s moving to a good home where he’ll work his magic with a new, very lucky little girl who already adores him.

Here’s to the beginning of a new chapter and to all our animal friends who understand us and love us anyway.  

Happy trails,
Lisa


Fall is for Fusing

Be sure to check out two of my favorite seasonal glass fusing projects. The patterns and directions are now available in the fall 2013 issues of two inspiring publications.

In Glass Patterns Quarterly Magazine you’ll find my Cornucopia Plate design and firing guides on page 57.

In Fused Glass Projects Magazine, a quarterly downloadable publication dedicated to glass fusing craftsmen, you’ll find my Fall Leaf design and firing guides on page 27.
http://www.fused-glass-projects.com/

Fused Vessel Sinks and More
January 28-31, 2014
4-Day, hands-on workshop
Register online at www.LisaVogt.net

Now on YouTube
Lisa Vogt Glass Artist