Hello, again …

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out-of-the-mist

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The fog is finally lifting.

Another section of the healing journey behind me.

It’s all good.

Thanks for stopping by …

Dorothy

©Dorothy Chiotti … All Rights Reserved 2017

Weekly Photo Challenge: Repurpose

The big, old century cow barn (background), dating back to 1850 or so and the focal point of our 100-acre farm, was repurposed 20 years ago for equestrian use. The ceiling was raised and the barn widened to accommodate a horse breeding operation, and an addition was built, including 12 more stalls, common areas and an indoor arena.

We purchased the property 18 months ago for my emerging Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL) practice, repurposing this beautiful farm as a place of sanctuary where people can escape their worldly cares and heal their broken hearts in the company of horses.

The journey continues …

The Magic Season

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Seasons

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Watercolour

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This is my magic season.

The autumn of my life.

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Fence Sitting

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My glory years.

Vibrant.

Full of colour.

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Fruit of the Vine

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Fruitful.

A little wilted around the edges, perhaps, yet glorious.

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Looking for Sheep

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At peace with my past, and aware of life’s infinite possibilities, I manifest dreams.

Finally, I’m free to be myself.

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Maple Magic

Let the magic season unfold.

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Thanks for visiting …

Dorothy

©Dorothy Chiotti … All Rights Reserved 2016

More Than Skin Deep

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Wall

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layers

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For some reason I can relate to the ancient places. Wandering around Firenze late last spring fed my old soul in deep and, even, healing ways.

Everywhere I looked there was something profoundly beautiful to see.

At one point we were walking along a narrow cobbled lane, just following it to who knows where, when my attention was drawn to an adjacent wall.

Brick, mortar, plaster, and what is that? Alabaster or marble inlay? I don’t know. I’m no art expert. But it spoke to me and I hovered there for a moment to soak it all in.

Weathered by time and the elements, it seemed to me that this wall characterized the unique qualities of this ancient city, and the art and craftsmanship that make it what it is.

While locals and tourists filed by, this beautiful remnant of another time not even on their radar, I stood there mesmerized for a moment. Breathtaking it seemed, in all its vulnerable glory.

As I revisit it now it reminds me of the many layers of life. The solid foundation of the soul overlain by masks and veneers that, over time, gradually chip away to reveal the true essence of who we are and whatever we’ve cultivated that to be.

Outer beauty fades over time. It’s what’s underneath that counts.

I’m not what I was in the bloom of my youth. Life has knocked me around and the wear and tear of the years is showing up in all kinds of weird and wonderful ways. Still, I like to feel that what lies beneath this aging exterior is a solid foundation that will see me through.

As this wall clearly demonstrates beauty is, after all, more than skin deep.

Thanks for visiting …

Dorothy

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©Dorothy Chiotti … Aimwell CreativeWorks 2015

Toward the Light

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Shadowed

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Meditation 2

Yesterday afternoon, following a treatment of shockwave therapy to Bear’s recently injured right hind lateral suspensory ligament (in human terms a badly sprained ankle), I found him standing quietly facing the back of his stall. The light from the window reflected so perfectly on his noble face, and the shadowing was so beautifully dramatic, that I grabbed my Nikon D70, which I’ll be using a lot over the next four months while I document his recovery, and captured this moment of serenity. I did so carefully so as not to disturb his quiet reverie.

The vet diagnosed his injury by ultrasound earlier this week and, needless to say, it’s taken a few days for me to find my equilibrium after such terrible news. This is serious requiring 24/7 stall rest, twice-daily hand walking and daily bandaging. I want to give him every opportunity to fully recover so will do everything I can to help make him comfortable and keep him amused. Fortunately he is in the care of a knowledgeable and enlightened horse woman, so I know he will be getting the best of care. This makes all the difference to my peace of mind on the matter.

So, for the winter months Bear and I are truly dormant.

Still, this quietude gives us lots of time to contemplate the next leg of our journey, and as long as we keep looking toward the light this shadow we are living under cannot last forever.

Thanks for visiting,

Dorothy

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©Dorothy Chiotti … Aimwell CreativeWorks 2015