Photography: "A Seabrook Holiday"

Back in the Saddle!

Saying hi to my mom's pony Ally

I am very excited to share that I have been able to start riding again! My mom purchased a pony a few months ago and started boarding her at a barn near Gig Harbor. I starting visiting Ally, the pony, with my mom and decided I should make the leap to start riding again too. It has been an absolute blast going out to the barn and even though I am completely out of shape I can tell even after only two rides that it is all starting to come back. The mare that I have been riding is a really sweet and pretty paint that the barn owner has allowed me to ride for lessons and I am SO SO grateful! The video above is ride number 2 in about five years, so taking that into consideration I think it went well.

You've Got to Have Faith

You've got to have faith... I have heard this so much from family members over the years, which honestly, it seemed like more of an excuse for someone not to help or give advice in a given situation. That being said I don't believe that anymore, in order to survive life, one really does need to have faith. My first lesson in faith was working a job that I hated for two years. One day about six month into it while pouring a cup of coffee for an angry, ungrateful individual, I thought to myself 

"Ash, Gods got your back, if you put in the time and energy you will make it to the other side of this where something amazing is waiting for you." 

Needless to say I put in the effort, made it out alive and on to bigger and better things. That may not have been possible if I didn't have my faith in times of stress, anger, fear, and overall weak-movements. Times are starting to get tough again at least that’s what it looks like to an outsider looking in on my life. Graduation, moving, and new jobs are just around the corner - however, this is the kind of adventure I love and makes my life complete. Where I need the help of a little faith is not during times of transition but during the moments leading up to it, the moments of silence and stillness when I feel restless. It is those moments that reflection is necessary and that I have learned to keep the faith. 

NOTE: Faith is not doing nothing waiting for somthing to happen, its giving it your all and having faith that what you lack will be there. 

Fashion Friday: Spring Fever

I have a goal that I want to include a fashion portion to my blog, in order to do this I have come up with Fashion Friday, which is basically going to be a library of outfits I have come up with. I am still working on grad school, so for a while this isn't going to be anything too fancy but I think it will be a fun addition to my blog and a reason to get dressed up. For this Friday I am thinking back to last spring at the Kelsey Creek Blueberry Fields I but together this comfy outfit for a stroll with my love.

headband: Target  

glasses: Free People 

romper: Macy's 

shoes: DSW

Girl Time

It's spring break for exactly 2 weeks, and I am cramming all the fun and relaxation (with a little cleaning) into it. I was so excited I was able to spend some time with my mom. For me that’s the best vacation time ever, my mom and I talk about everything, we get latte's and just relax, shop, play with the dogs, and ultimately unwind ourselves from life and all the boys... for me Paul, and for her Dad, Jimmi, and Andy. Don't get me wrong they are all amazing and we love them but sometimes a girl just needs girl time! 

Our last visit I was able to go out to the barn and meet her new pony Ally, I say pony because she is only 14 hands! I can't believe it I don't remember that last time I could see over the back of a horse, I'm so use to 17 hand warmbloods. Ally is so cute and seriously the star of the barn, everyone we met asked if we were the owners of the cute black pony. Ally is a little diva and she knows it! I can't wait to get back out to the barn I am so excited I might even be taking lessons again!

Here are some pictures of our adventure and the beautiful Ally...

Spring has sprung!

I just wanted to share some photo's from our La Conner adventure today to visit the daffadil fields. I can't wait to go back when the tulips are in bloom for the Tulip Festival!

Rattlesnake Ridge

Paul and I were able to get outside today we went on a hike at Rattlesnake Ridge, which is near Northbend, Washington. I have to say this trail has become my new favorite place it is absolutely beautiful! I just can’t get over the lookout at the top, which looks out over Rattlesnake Lake. The glacier blue water of the lake in contrast with the lush green forest and hazy blue mountains is breathtaking. I have to admit I have issues with heights, not so much that I am afraid, but more like I feel like I can't get my balance. It was ok though Paul was there and helped me walk steadily on the cliff (it was so high up and very steep) Overall the hike was pretty easy and so SO worth it! 

Like I said this is my new favorite spot! And I have great artsy/creative plans for it in the near future… stay tuned ;)