Feb 23
2008
The Luxury to Pursue a Passion
Isn’t it wonderful to be able to pursue a passion?
For me, it’s gardening…and birds…and books…and dogs…and cooking. For my husband, it’s horses. He wasn’t raised with horses, but he loves them. And despite his ultra-busy career, he has made time to learn to ride.
His instructor, Viviane, is a wonderful and witty woman I met at the gym several years ago. She was looking for students and Harry needed a private instructor because he was dissatisfied with the group lessons he had been taking. It has worked out beautifully.
Now, Harry and I have a wonderful marriage, but we give each other room for our separate interests. I take vacations without him sometimes. He retreats to his hidey-hole (what I call his home office) to think great thoughts. Our lives overlap some, but not a lot. We treasure our travels together and always sit down to to a home cooked dinner together. So don’t be surprised that it’s been several years since I have seen Harry ride. But last weekend I tagged along with my camera and was most impressed with the lovely setting, Viviane’s wonderfully encouraging instruction and Harry’s progress.
It doesn’t seem that long ago that Harry was just so very stiff in the saddle. And it was just a few months ago that he came home and proudly announced that he was able to get on the horse without the aid of a step stool. Now, Viviane is encouraging Harry to ride in a show this spring.
Today is my birthday. I am turning <bleeeeeep>. As I assess where I am in my life, I have some regrets. I have some unfulfilled promises to myself. But mostly, I am grateful that I am blessed with the kind of life that allows me to pursue my passions and a family that supports all the little quirks that go along with that.
Thanks guys.
