Photo Thoughts Part 13: Kmarie

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There are no words for how much I love this girl. She is second only to my sweet husband, who by the way surpasses everyone and everything, and in some ways we could not be more different. That includes our politics, though in some ways we are similar there, as well.

I tend to dress plainly, and although I do not love shooting as much as D, I don't mind it, either. She is more fashionable and extravagant, and less likely to touch a gun, let alone shoot it. But when it comes down to it, we are both introverts, we love horses, and we love Star Wars and Star Trek. Yes, that's possible!

She battles depression and anxiety, and this past week has been extremely rough on her for a reason I would rather not say. If I wasn't tied down with a son and a husband who needs me, I would be up there now with her. But she has an amazing best friend of her own and a fantastic boyfriend. In three weeks, my beloved and I will be up in the area to see my family for the final time this year, and while we are there I will do a lot of catching up with my friend.

She is a few months older than my husband, but I have always found myself in the company of those older than I, not younger. When we first met, I remember how easily I found myself talking to her. I am rather shy, so it takes me a bit to warm up to strangers.  There was no need to warm up to her when I saw her.

Although at times I get jealous that there is a girl already firmly in the place of being her own best best friend, I am proud that I am in her tiny group of best friends.

Kmarie is an artist. She paints, sketches, writes, and plays instruments. And she has a book, which I featured several months ago in "Depression and How It Affects Me", a blog post, and a blog, which can be found here.

You are loved, K. See you soon.

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Christmas celebrations are in full swing! Last weekend my father-in-law and my father also had Christmas parties, the local Christmas parade was on Monday, and this weekend two SCV camps have a joint Christmas party. D's work has his the following Friday, and the weekend after that is Christmas!

We have wrapped up all our shopping, so now it is time to finish up wrapping gifts. The weather is getting colder, with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s and some in the 20s (that's highs in the 10s and lows in the single-digits and below freezing, by the Celsius scale). Some places in Texas even had snow last night!

And Yance turned nine months old today. Has it really been that long since he was born?

But for those of you who haven't finished your shopping, here's a gift idea for the men in your life!

That is, if you are out of debt and have a lot of money to spend.



My husband uses Porter Cable products, which are cheaper than DeWalt, and loves them. This set is battery powered and if your husband (or wife, or whoever...!) wants to be able to use power tools without worrying about cords and such, here you go!

Also, Top Shot Dustin is doing 10% off ALL "Pray Hard, Shoot Straight" and "Marksman" gear on the website when you use the promo code CHRISTMAS, so check that out!

And if you heard about the San Luis Rey training center in California getting burned half to the ground last night, and you want to help, here are some ways.

Del Mar, where horses were evacuated to, is looking for volunteers to care for the animals.

They need shavings (for bedding), lead ropes, halters, and other items. Here is a list via the @Breeders' Cup Twitter feed 3 hours ago:

SHAVINGS
Alfalfa
Gloves
Lead Ropes
Halters & Blankets
Carrots & Apples
Hooks & Clips

Great on water & coffee

200 volunteers already onsite caring for 800-850 horses, 1500 stalls total, Expecting more horses today.

Those with equipment can call Del Mar at (858) 755-1161, and they are accepting donations at the gate. You can also help by donating to the gofundme account at https://www.gofundme.com/help-for-san-luis-rey-downs, and the Thoroughbred Charities of America will be helping, so you can donate to them at https://www.tca.org/how-to-help/. Here is another place to donate to. One more place to put money to is https://www.gofundme.com/thoroughbredcare.

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