Go do them.

This week marks 4 years since I judged at the AQHA World Show, 4 years since I stood in a tiny curtain walled room and gave my reasons to one other person, 4 years since I spent a week in Oklahoma City learning the ins and outs of the big show world. 4 years ago today was the middle of the best year of my life.
Being on a judging team was the best decision I ever made. I learned to put my thoughts into words, to do so quickly and to memorize my thoughts so that I may tell others the way that I saw things, the way I wanted one horse to stack up against another and my reasons why. I met the best and brightest people, had teammates that I will never forget, coaches that taught me more than they will ever realize, not just about judging but about life. I learned how to speak in a crowd, to a camera, to another individual. I traveled the US, got to speak with industry greats, and see some of the best horses in the world compete. 
None of the things would have been possible if I hadn't decided to take the huge risk of leaving my little town in South Georgia and moving 1300 miles away. In essence it was a quick decision now that I look back on it, one that was the best that I could have ever made. Starting out new in different town where you know absolutely no one is something I would recommend for everyone. You learn about yourself, you learn about who you are and what you want to be. You find your place and you find friends that fit you, ones that aren't just your friends because your parents know their parents. My quick decision to leave Georgia was an easy one, yes there times I was homesick, times I cried, and times I had to make tough decisions all alone. But that was the time I grew up, the time I figured out that this life isn't always easy, but it is beautiful.  EVERY. SINGLE. SECOND.

Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com via Montana on Pinterest

This post has been all over the place, but what I am trying to say is if there are any chances you are thinking about taking, don't think about it too much.  JUST DO IT. Just put yourself out there.  That one decision could change everything, you will learn about yourself. You will push your boundaries and your mind.
Have a Happy Weekend Folks!!

thankful

Thankful for the heater under my feet right now, lord knows they keep it freezing in my office. Thankful for the fact that it is 1:54 as I type this, which only means I have 3 hours and 6 minutes left before I run out the door and change into my pajamas. Thankful for the Emergen C that is getting me through this cold I have going on right now. Thankful for a Thursday off next week. Even though it is only one day and my holiday will be super rushed.  Thankful for this blog, where I get to ramble and meet new exciting people each and everyday.
Thankful for nights when I get to Skype with my bestie die laughing over old Facebook pictures.

a special bond...

photo credit// Joni Marzofka

dress: Target// shoes: Kohls// jewelry: Miss Chic

It never fails to surprise me the way that I am able to pick up right where I left off with some of my old high-school friends. It is like we all share this small bond, one that growing up in a tiny town and knowing everyone will do to you. No matter the years that pass or the things in our lives that change, even if we rarely talk, its like no time has gone by. We just pick up right where we left off, laughing, joking, and catching up.

I have been truly blessed with some great friends in my life and this past weekend was a perfect time for us! I had the best time with each and every one of them celebrating my Lauryn's beautiful wedding.

I am so excited to be linking up with the GORGEOUS Shanna for her newest link-up.

Random Wednesday!

Go check it out and link up your blog too!!

The Pleated Poppy