tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post2950200575115321764..comments2024-01-03T03:28:48.980-07:00Comments on mugwump Chronicles: It's Been a Year Today...Mugwumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01487540636265322556noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-23533059795348807462012-02-09T14:19:53.214-07:002012-02-09T14:19:53.214-07:00Also a writer, also driven by this passion stronge...Also a writer, also driven by this passion stronger than myself (never heard it put like that before, rang a clear bell), trained for the same reasons, paid high prices and have reaped great but inner rewards . . .yeah, it's all about horses.Good Handshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09351184347100246647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-49770314451970706412009-04-23T11:33:00.000-06:002009-04-23T11:33:00.000-06:00This comment has been removed by the author.Redsmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03473393390441394419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-21068687351972670782009-04-11T17:20:00.000-06:002009-04-11T17:20:00.000-06:00Just coming out of lurkdom to say 'Congrats on you...Just coming out of lurkdom to say 'Congrats on your one Year of Blogging Anniversary".<BR/><BR/>Here's to many more!<BR/><BR/>~LisaLaughing Orca Ranchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03562627840013868980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-74786067744207903972009-04-11T11:01:00.000-06:002009-04-11T11:01:00.000-06:00Slippin - I would have loved that job.....Slippin - I would have loved that job.....mugwumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319060800328355056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-40148518263177131342009-04-11T09:13:00.000-06:002009-04-11T09:13:00.000-06:00Congrats Mugs!I look forward to you stories every ...Congrats Mugs!<BR/>I look forward to you stories every time I see a new post. <BR/>I also like to draw, but the only thing I can draw is a horse...OF COURSE! What else is there to draw? I have a 3 year old neice that wants me to draw her dog, so I guess I should try to do that for her. <BR/>I work 2 jobs right now and one of them I could really do without emotionally. Talk about going back to high school...YUCK!! That place is so full of rumors and cheating and backstabbing. I try really hard to stay in my own little corner and do my own thing, but these people like to draw a name out of a hat and you are the SOB for the week, or however long they feel like picking on you. I HATE that job and want out so bad, but i have to keep it because I have a horse to support and cuttings that I want to go to! <BR/>A few years ago I was asked to work the practice pen at the NCHA futurity in Fort Worth. I was glad to because it paid $100 a day for 17 days. Some days were LONG and boring because I was at the outside round pen, so I sat in the little glass booth they put out there for me and drew. I drew several horses, one of my mare, a couple from ads in the NCHA Chatter. I had people comeing from all over to look at my charcol drawings. I was kind of shocked. One guy offered me $75for a charcol drawing of my mare...but when I met up with them to get a check, his wife liked it so much that she paid me $125..I was like WOW!! I sold 3 drawings in the last week I was there and they were drawings that took me about 2-3 hours to do. I still have people asking me if I still draw, but I haven't really been doing any of that for about a year now...I guess I should pick up the pencils again and get going. <BR/>Again, Happy Anniversary!Slippinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-70767236402137302822009-04-10T17:33:00.000-06:002009-04-10T17:33:00.000-06:00Congratulatons Mugs! I have been reading your blo...Congratulatons Mugs! I have been reading your blog for about 6 months and I love it. I envy your ability to follow your heart and jump in with both feet... <BR/><BR/>I am way to practical. I always wanted horses as a kid. I didn't get my own until I bought one myself as a collage graduation present to myself 10 years ago. I still have Lacy along with 2 other horses and three donkeys. <BR/><BR/>Mocharocks- congratulaions! My 6 month old is jumping away in his bouncer next to me right now. Everything will work out fineAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-29250903207210616832009-04-10T15:42:00.000-06:002009-04-10T15:42:00.000-06:00Fyyahchild - What a great story. Your husband will...Fyyahchild - What a great story. Your husband will be better for it, since you are happy. I'm one of those people who dance in my head. I can really dance in my mind....man, I'm Fred Astaire.And I'm so glad you're staying on!. It makes it a lot more fun, doesn't it?mugwumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319060800328355056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-4253026048459345222009-04-10T15:37:00.000-06:002009-04-10T15:37:00.000-06:00Oh, and BTW I managed to lose 20 pounds since the ...Oh, and BTW I managed to lose 20 pounds since the 1st! Maybe I'll be in half decent shape by the end of show season. :)<BR/><BR/>Also, I'm staying on my mare these days. Not one fall since I started riding her in a western saddle. Mostly she spooks less now that she knows I don't fall off everytime.Fyyahchildhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09680300099730314108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-7030019725207044022009-04-10T15:30:00.000-06:002009-04-10T15:30:00.000-06:00Happy Aniversary Mugs. I wanted to share a story ...Happy Aniversary Mugs. I wanted to share a story with you.<BR/><BR/>I have loved three things my whole life: dancing, writing and horses. I am also one of those unlucky folk who are not necessarily talented when it comes to the things they love. I performed as a dancer for several years as a young adult and it was always difficult for me. I didn't learn coreography quickly like the other girls. I have written my whole life but rarely finishing anything and never shown my writing to many people.<BR/><BR/>Horses...I have dreamed of their soft coats and warm smell since before I was born. As a kid there wasn't anything I wanted more and when I finally had one I spent every waking moment with him that I wasn't in school. When I was lost horses were my guide back to a happy healthy life. I worked my butt off as a young single mother to be able to keep riding. Then I got married, had more kids, got distracted by keeping up with the Joneses. I sold my horse and bought a suburban home. <BR/><BR/>Then one night I was sitting and watching So You Think You Can Dance with tears pouring out of my eyes watching a young dancer with as much passion as I remember having for riding. That was when I realized how much it still meant. I knew I couldn't live without that kind of passion in my life. I realized it wasn't too late to start again. The next weekend I found a barn to work for board at, I found another horse. I made it work again like I did for so many years as a young single mother. <BR/><BR/>I'm back and happier than ever. My husband...wishes I was home to cook dinner more often. :) Whatever.Fyyahchildhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09680300099730314108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-43578369363149123322009-04-10T13:54:00.000-06:002009-04-10T13:54:00.000-06:00Yes, I'm definitely going to keep riding for now, ...Yes, I'm definitely going to keep riding for now, mostly in the arena though, no crazy galloping trail rides :) The great part is my Ob/Gyn has horses too, so she is all for me continuing to ride as long as I don't do anything crazy. It helps that Mo is very trustworthy, a little hot, but I think she's only bucked once in the 4 years I've had her, it's just not her thing ;)mocharockshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13611067866943319570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-34794931659422204472009-04-10T13:23:00.000-06:002009-04-10T13:23:00.000-06:00Oh yes, it can be done!I was fortunate enough to s...Oh yes, it can be done!<BR/>I was fortunate enough to stay healthy all through the pregnancy, so I rode up to the very day when I had to go to hospital to give birth.<BR/>Took six weeks off so the pelvis would stabilise (doctor's orders), and then started riding again. <BR/>I believe it was a good way to give my dear a small push into having some time alone with the baby. <BR/>Our baby also slept in her wagon at the side of the arena or outside the stable. <BR/>In the summer when she was 6 months we even went to summer riding camp with my friends and our instructor. All of them were super kind and looked after my daughter when I was riding. Such nice memories...<BR/>Now she is 14,and a horsaii with a pony of her own. And we have had so much fun with the horses through the years.<BR/>I just wanted to say - it is possible!<BR/>And you know - even if it is hard to believe - children are even more fun than horses!HorseOfCoursehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-63632442387392614052009-04-10T12:32:00.000-06:002009-04-10T12:32:00.000-06:00Thanks Horse of Course!Mugs- thanks for that, that...Thanks Horse of Course!<BR/><BR/>Mugs- thanks for that, that's what I needed to hear! I'm a little nervous about how I'm going to do it all. The nice thing is Mocha is the type of horse I can let sit for a long time, get back on her and she acts like I rode her yesterday. She really does rock!<BR/><BR/>Just like we've all been saying, if you want it bad enough, you make it work!mocharockshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13611067866943319570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-20770225262284795842009-04-10T12:07:00.000-06:002009-04-10T12:07:00.000-06:00Mocharocks - You rock!It can be done. The trick is...Mocharocks - You rock!It can be done. The trick is to not feel guilty if you can't pay attention to your horses for awhile. For me it was no time for the first year, part time the second, more the third and we were riding by the time kidlet turned four.<BR/>The baby needs you, the horses will be fine with each other...How exciting!mugwumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319060800328355056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-29510216587839795242009-04-10T10:37:00.000-06:002009-04-10T10:37:00.000-06:00CONGRATULATIONS MOCHAROCKS!!!CONGRATULATIONS MOCHAROCKS!!!HorseOfCoursehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-37941009656183921152009-04-10T09:53:00.000-06:002009-04-10T09:53:00.000-06:00mugs saidMy life hasn't taken me in any easy direc...mugs said<BR/>My life hasn't taken me in any easy directions. I have struggled to pay my way my entire life. <BR/><BR/>My mom used to tell me (and trust me she had a tough road- more than most of us here could handle) "if it was easy it wouldn't be worth having". I think of those words everytime I think that life isn't taking the easiest path. Whether it be financial, personal, relationships, whatever..if it comes to easy sometimes we don't appreciate it enough. Not that when something great just lands in your lap it isn't an occasion to be busting out happy about it. Struggles help you recognize those times too.<BR/><BR/>I love your blog and am inspired everytime I read it. Keep it coming.horsegeneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08614136458074519322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-61411222087148170322009-04-10T09:41:00.000-06:002009-04-10T09:41:00.000-06:00Congratulations on your anniversary!! Cheers to an...Congratulations on your anniversary!! Cheers to another year!<BR/><BR/>As long as you keep blogging, we will keep reading and commenting!<BR/><BR/>No matter where I've lived or what I've done to make a living, it's always been to keep the horses. Training was ok, but never made enough money, and having the 9-5 job was ok because I earned plenty to do what I wanted...but hated it.<BR/><BR/>Being able to get back to my roots and live here on the farm we bought has been incredible...thanks to my dear parents RIP.<BR/><BR/>You just do what you have to do, and somehow it all comes out ok.gtyyuphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02402170522183324256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-87150635391817510432009-04-10T08:50:00.000-06:002009-04-10T08:50:00.000-06:00Your blog has been so much fun for me, Janet. Than...Your blog has been so much fun for me, Janet. Thank you for writing it. And I look forward (very much) to seeing the drawings you come up with to illustrate my next mystery. (Currently being revised due to editorial pressure). Happy Birthday, mugwump chronicles!Laura Crumhttp://www.lauracrum.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-81624866969743288012009-04-10T08:20:00.001-06:002009-04-10T08:20:00.001-06:00Ok Guys, you know how I got a little emotional in ...Ok Guys, you know how I got a little emotional in my first post? It's all making sense now, just found out I'm in foal! Damn hormones. Not that your writing isn't moving mugs! It was just out of character for me :)<BR/><BR/>Now I have to figure out how I'm going to fit a kid in with a full time job and a backyard barn full of animals. If only there were more hours in the day! The full time job might have to be optional, because the horses certainly aren't!mocharockshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13611067866943319570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-45346135946929270662009-04-10T08:20:00.000-06:002009-04-10T08:20:00.000-06:00heater - I'm warning you, my income has always bee...heater - I'm warning you, my income has always been inconsistant. To get my start as an illustrator I did ANYTHING. I painted a sign for the Barber Shop next to the restaurant I worked at. I did the restaurants menus for free. I drew cartoon children's menus - for free. But they all went on my resume. I used my Artists Market and sent out 2 queries a week. <BR/>I painted pet portraits for bar customers - for $50 - $100. I blew a huge opportunity to intern for Hallmark.I interviewed, the art director told me to work more color into my portfolio, study a few Hallmark cards and make a few samples, then come back. For some reason I decided that meant he didn't want me and didn't pursue it. Oh well. <BR/>Anyway, I entered 4 pieces in a "new artist" contest for Walter Drake and won 1st, 3rd and tied myself for fourth. <BR/>I worked for them as a free lancer until they folded.<BR/>I got my first book through the Artist Market. I got paid 135.00 to illustrate, layout and design a children's book for the Council for Indian Education.It was incredible experience. That book got picked up by Robert's Rhinehart publishing and I made quite a bit more.<BR/>Then I was hired as a teacher at a cartooning school. I had to learn to cartoon, but hey, I'm adaptable. I started getting more jobs, not lots, but some. I never managed to get hired by Current, who was a big card company here. Not for lack of trying though. I interviewed twice a year come hell or high water. Came close a few times, but never quite got there. I did some work for Dave Cook publishing though.<BR/>Then I met the author of The Cul De Sac Kids book series and found out she was losiing her illustrator. By now I had a pretty solid resume and ended up getting the job to illustrate her series. I ended up doing 18 books for Bethany House and Beverly Lewis. <BR/>Then I started making more money training horses than drawing and got into reined cowhorse so I dumped it all and went all horsaii.<BR/>Whew!<BR/>I am a bit of a rolling stone you guys. I am not a good influence.<BR/>Even now, I illustrate when I get the chance. I still get quite a bit of portrait work, (people and horses, a dog here and there)and am doing some spot illustrations for Laura Crums next book.mugwumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319060800328355056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-15197249288876162782009-04-10T07:20:00.000-06:002009-04-10T07:20:00.000-06:00Oh wow, happy anniversary!!!I have to say thanks f...Oh wow, happy anniversary!!!<BR/><BR/>I have to say thanks for this post Mugs. It makes me feel better about myself. <BR/><BR/>I graduated 4 years ago (with honers) with a degree in illustration from a top art school. Have I done anything with it? No. I work almost 60 hours a week to pay the bills. I have a full time secreterial job, a part time carriage driving job, and I feed at my boarding stable. I could work half that amount and devote the rest to making a living as an artist... if I didn't have a horse. I am fully aware of what I could accomplish career wise (and what I could pay off) if I didn't devote so much time and money to horses. Horses have been a part of my life for as long as art has. I've always known I wanted to be an artist AND have horses. When I was little no one told me just how hard that would be. I've been stuck in a cycle of working jobs to "just get by" instead of devoting that time to art. Making a living as an illustrator takes a long time, is never consistent, and I need consistent income. After all that, it seems like there are never enough hours in the day to make money, ride and paint. It makes me so sad. :(<BR/><BR/>That and I never really figured out how to make it in freelance without an agent. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. I was considering going back and getting a masters degree, but then the economy tanked and I decided I'd rather wait. I loved carriage driving full time, but it was a night job. I never saw my husband and the income was horribly inconsistent. *sigh*Heather A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05360964967282585061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-90047967454513417172009-04-10T04:32:00.000-06:002009-04-10T04:32:00.000-06:00Hey, Mugs, I don't know if Colorado is the same, b...Hey, Mugs, I don't know if Colorado is the same, but here in Florida, the Universities will allow you to audit classes for free. You get to sit in on them, take part in them (usually), the only thing is without financial aid, you would pay for whatever books. BUT, the books would be cheaper than enrolling for those classes. You could also see if you qualify for a Pell grant, which you wouldn't have to repay.Promisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12338935046262804307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-65982304470430651982009-04-10T00:57:00.000-06:002009-04-10T00:57:00.000-06:00Happy anniversary, Mugs!I am also very happy that ...Happy anniversary, Mugs!<BR/>I am also very happy that I found your blog. Not only do you have a good mix of stories and training, you capture me in the way you write. I have always been a large consumer of books, and love a good story – and your writing has professional quality IMHO.<BR/><BR/>I started a blog myself by an accident. I found out that there was an option on my cell phone that could send a picture to a blog. As I have friends and family abroad, it seemed like a good way to keep them updated. And then a new world opened up. <BR/>I had to check other blogs (horse related of course…)<BR/>I found yours. <BR/>I enjoyed the discussions there so much that I started another blog in English.<BR/>And now, thanks to you Mugs, I have new friends in corners of the world far from me. I have enjoyed to hear about other ways of riding, and learnt new words in my horse vocabulary.<BR/>Now I am not only a horse addict, I've become a blog addict too, lol!<BR/>And it is all your fault.<BR/>Nice, huh?HorseOfCoursehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-86711866807710454202009-04-09T21:36:00.000-06:002009-04-09T21:36:00.000-06:00Happy anniversary! I'm so glad I found your blog....Happy anniversary! I'm so glad I found your blog. I check it every day (along with many others I'm sure). I love your way of writing and the information/instruction you write about. Plus your stories are all amazing. Today's entry was no exception.<BR/><BR/>I had to wait a long time before I finally had my very own horse. It was just something my parents would never allow me. I grew up in an extremely religious home. (Dad was a preacher.) I can honestly say I've never felt God or the presence of God in a church. I've felt like I was in the presence of the divine on the back of a horse though. Many times. <BR/><BR/>It must be something in the cells or blood of a horsai? I've always had it and would do whatever it takes to keep my horse(s).Joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00977898784588176802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-1185647905805520202009-04-09T20:32:00.000-06:002009-04-09T20:32:00.000-06:00As Heidi said, Happy Blogiversary!"Think if we fil...As Heidi said, Happy Blogiversary!<BR/><BR/>"Think if we filled up the studio on OPRAH she'd get us all the horse, the barn, the land, the understanding spouse, whatever it is we need?"<BR/><BR/>Hmm, no so sure about that, but I like the horse co-op/community idea. Unless of course you were hoping that we would each get our own individual spread...<BR/><BR/>It has been a pleasure following your horsey thoughts, ideas and musings over the last year. It has been good food for the soul. Thanks for doing it!Whywudyabreedithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12069453160852561143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-39762040464540742632009-04-09T20:13:00.000-06:002009-04-09T20:13:00.000-06:00Hit it right on the head there mugs. Riding, clean...Hit it right on the head there mugs. <BR/><BR/>Riding, cleaning stalls, training, giving carriage rides for weddings, showing. All a way to keep horses in my life. That is a fresh new perspective after a long winter off. I needed that.<BR/><BR/>and lmfao screenshot, your blog's <A HREF="http://www.acornrack.com/ravencity/files/brests.JPG" REL="nofollow">word verification</A> is trying to tell me something O_o!?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14523660446608394720noreply@blogger.com