Faithful Work Horse
Blaze was our means of support in the fifties.10 total reviews
Comment from royowen
What an extremely sad story Kay, the war spawned many a sad story, so I love this one very much. I'm a city boy through and through, but what a sad life for your dad, whatever happened to your sister? Perhaps you could write something on her sometime, what a gentle and forgiving man was your dad. Beautifully done, happy Easter on this day of days, blessings, Roy
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2020
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What an extremely sad story Kay, the war spawned many a sad story, so I love this one very much. I'm a city boy through and through, but what a sad life for your dad, whatever happened to your sister? Perhaps you could write something on her sometime, what a gentle and forgiving man was your dad. Beautifully done, happy Easter on this day of days, blessings, Roy
Comment Written 11-Apr-2020
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2020
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Hello Roy and Happy Easter to you. Thanks for reading. I don't know where my sister is, she would be in her eighties now. She got caught up with The Brethren church and went off the deep end! We can choose our friends, not our kin. I couldn't write about her, she abused mum (who was a hemiplegic) and she was a drunk. I really don't have anyone left now, my friend of thirty years passed in Oct. so I am trying to live by myself, not easy when I am a wheelchair gal. Love in Jesus. Kay XX
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I?m sorry, I?ve lost one sibling and parents, several friend, but the rest are close by, must be closed Brethren, don?t understand that one. Bless you Kay,
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My sister had her head in the Bible from a teenager. She took everything literally and never went to church. I think she was bipolar. Her son and daughter suffered under her rod of iron. She believed she was a messenger of the Lord. The rest of us were terrible sinners in her sight. Her son gave $10,000 to the Brethren, David was brainwashed by his mother and then the Brethren got hold of a vulnerable young man. He had worked hard for that money and yet he just handed it over to the cult?
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
Kay, what an amazing story! Your family had an incredible adventure experiencing life on a farm, and then -- what a horrible tragedy befell your hardworking father! It was a simple accident triggered by something so small as a snake, and yet it changed your family's lifestyle permanently. You have related your story in such a beautiful, personal way!
I found some errors, and I hope you don't feel offended that I'm pointing them all out -- grammar is kind of my thing. I hope it helps to improve your story in the technical sense, because from a creative, storytelling perspective, it's just perfect.
Here goes:
He was offered a job looking after a vegetable farm in the country.Ploughing furrows,...
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He was offered a job looking after a vegetable farm in the country: ploughing furrows,...
Caring for Blaze,
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He would also be caring for Blaze,
(came from a wealthy family.)
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(came from a wealthy family).
decided to spend time with the Landlord instead.
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decided to spend time with the landlord instead.
The ramshackle farmhouse was adequate for our needs, glad to have a roof over our heads.
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The ramshackle farmhouse was adequate for our needs; we were glad to have a roof over our heads.
I used to talk under concrete, probably still do! [Just wondering, what does "talk under concrete" mean?]
...I will try to relate to you; my childhood memories:
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...I will try to relate to you my childhood memories:
Back in those days, there was no plastic bags,
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Back in those days, there were no plastic bags;
There was nothing for her to do on the farm and so she was tetchy most of the time. Except when Blaze had been mated with a mare in season, three farms away.
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There was nothing for her to do on the farm and so she was tetchy most of the time, except when Blaze had been mated with a mare in season, three farms away.
She was a working horse too. Beautiful just like Blaze.
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She was a working horse too; beautiful just like Blaze.
I wandered over to the barn where dad was working. Sharpening the plough and getting the harness ready for work.
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I wandered over to the barn where dad was working, sharpening the plough and getting the harness ready for work.
I shouted in my childlike voice, "snake, snake!"
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I shouted in my childlike voice, "Snake, snake!"
The Landlord wanted to shoot Blaze.
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The landlord wanted to shoot Blaze.
"Well, what are you going to do? Take over from your father and plough the land?" He smirked.
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"Well, what are you going to do? Take over from your father and plough the land?" he smirked.
He managed to go back to his family business as an industrial machinist, standing all day wasn't an option for him.
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He managed to go back to his family business as an industrial machinist; standing all day wasn't an option for him.
We had a lovely brick home in the suburbs of Sydney, of course it wasn't the freedom of the country and no horses.
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We had a lovely brick home in the suburbs of Sydney; of course it wasn't the freedom of the country, and no horses.
***
I am glad I finally got to read this marvelous story, heartbreaking though it was, when your father was injured so badly. It must have been terribly frightening, and I can imagine how desperately you wished he had been able to hear your warning. I love what you shared at the end -- that you went on to start a riding school and a branch of Riding for the Disabled. Bravo!
reply by the author on 09-Apr-2020
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Kay, what an amazing story! Your family had an incredible adventure experiencing life on a farm, and then -- what a horrible tragedy befell your hardworking father! It was a simple accident triggered by something so small as a snake, and yet it changed your family's lifestyle permanently. You have related your story in such a beautiful, personal way!
I found some errors, and I hope you don't feel offended that I'm pointing them all out -- grammar is kind of my thing. I hope it helps to improve your story in the technical sense, because from a creative, storytelling perspective, it's just perfect.
Here goes:
He was offered a job looking after a vegetable farm in the country.Ploughing furrows,...
-->
He was offered a job looking after a vegetable farm in the country: ploughing furrows,...
Caring for Blaze,
-->
He would also be caring for Blaze,
(came from a wealthy family.)
-->
(came from a wealthy family).
decided to spend time with the Landlord instead.
-->
decided to spend time with the landlord instead.
The ramshackle farmhouse was adequate for our needs, glad to have a roof over our heads.
-->
The ramshackle farmhouse was adequate for our needs; we were glad to have a roof over our heads.
I used to talk under concrete, probably still do! [Just wondering, what does "talk under concrete" mean?]
...I will try to relate to you; my childhood memories:
-->
...I will try to relate to you my childhood memories:
Back in those days, there was no plastic bags,
-->
Back in those days, there were no plastic bags;
There was nothing for her to do on the farm and so she was tetchy most of the time. Except when Blaze had been mated with a mare in season, three farms away.
-->
There was nothing for her to do on the farm and so she was tetchy most of the time, except when Blaze had been mated with a mare in season, three farms away.
She was a working horse too. Beautiful just like Blaze.
-->
She was a working horse too; beautiful just like Blaze.
I wandered over to the barn where dad was working. Sharpening the plough and getting the harness ready for work.
-->
I wandered over to the barn where dad was working, sharpening the plough and getting the harness ready for work.
I shouted in my childlike voice, "snake, snake!"
-->
I shouted in my childlike voice, "Snake, snake!"
The Landlord wanted to shoot Blaze.
-->
The landlord wanted to shoot Blaze.
"Well, what are you going to do? Take over from your father and plough the land?" He smirked.
-->
"Well, what are you going to do? Take over from your father and plough the land?" he smirked.
He managed to go back to his family business as an industrial machinist, standing all day wasn't an option for him.
-->
He managed to go back to his family business as an industrial machinist; standing all day wasn't an option for him.
We had a lovely brick home in the suburbs of Sydney, of course it wasn't the freedom of the country and no horses.
-->
We had a lovely brick home in the suburbs of Sydney; of course it wasn't the freedom of the country, and no horses.
***
I am glad I finally got to read this marvelous story, heartbreaking though it was, when your father was injured so badly. It must have been terribly frightening, and I can imagine how desperately you wished he had been able to hear your warning. I love what you shared at the end -- that you went on to start a riding school and a branch of Riding for the Disabled. Bravo!
Comment Written 09-Apr-2020
reply by the author on 09-Apr-2020
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Thank you my friend. Did you know Australian English and grammar differs from US? I'm a little confused over the double sentences? A few words like were & was I have picked up. If you talk under concrete (Aussie saying) you never shut-up! In a nice way we use it. You do understand that we use English/French spellings where US made up their own language i.e sox doesn't exist in the dictionary...proper English is socks (sounds German to me) I love finding all the different ways of spelling. For instance...you can row a boat, have a row of bottles and have a row (fight) English is the hardest language to learn (maybe that is why US adopted their own way of spelling? Thank you and Happy Easter Mary. Have to watch church on TV, I will. Much love, Kay.
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You're very welcome, dear Kay. Yes, I am aware that Australian and British grammar differs from the American, but I'm sure I don't know all the ways in which it does.
The "double sentences" are my attempt to offer helpful suggestions with grammar: the first sentence is the way you wrote it, and the second sentence (repeated with changes) contains my suggested edits.
I love learning about British and Australian expressions, or the different meanings of words. I know that sometimes a "row" means a fight or argument, from watching British TV programs. "Downton Abbey" and "Dr. Who" are my favorites. I also like "Call the Midwife" which aired on PBS for awhile.
I know we have baseball teams called the Red Sox and the White Sox, but I don't think "sox" is a proper spelling for socks as an article of clothing, even here in America. I would never spell it that way. I know that we leave out the "u" in words like color, humor etc., so that's a different spelling.
"Talking under concrete," what a new expression to me, I love it! I do know some Irish expressions, like "the gift o' the gab," you have that one too, don't you, lol? Well maybe not the expression, but the gift! (So do I, clearly.) Being half-Irish, I so loved my Grandma's Irish brogue. In her last days, when I came to visit, she said, "'Twas God that sent ya!"
We are receiving our sermons by email, and having phone prayer calls. We hope to watch an Easter Sunday service on TV. I have some good Bible teaching on my DVR, so I'm trying to catch up on watching those. There are many things we can do to stay in the Word, and also stay in touch with our fellow believers. For the church doesn't just exist inside a building. God's faithful people are the church. Have a blessed Easter week, my friend.
Love and blessings,
Mary Kay
Comment from Janetsue
You get me every time with your horse stories and pictures. I was about ten years old when the horse-crazy bug bit me. I didn't get one of my own until I was 18...right out of high school. I love that you're still active with them and have a riding school for those who greatly need to know how much wonder horses provide. Blessings, Kay! xo
reply by the author on 08-Apr-2020
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You get me every time with your horse stories and pictures. I was about ten years old when the horse-crazy bug bit me. I didn't get one of my own until I was 18...right out of high school. I love that you're still active with them and have a riding school for those who greatly need to know how much wonder horses provide. Blessings, Kay! xo
Comment Written 07-Apr-2020
reply by the author on 08-Apr-2020
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Thank you my friend. I don't ride anymore (too crippled and too bloody old!) Happy Easter my friend. Love, Kay XX
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I haven't ridden a horse since 1995. (sigh) But I do ride carousals every chance I get. lol We have two lovely ones here in Memphis. (Neither one has been able to throw me off yet.) :-)
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Happy Easter my Memphis Belle! No horsing around now, especially after eating chocolate Eggs? Love, Kay.
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I gallop straight for the solid chocolate bars wrapped in pastel paper...but I should learn to graze on it and not gulp it down like a starved mustang. Truthfully, though, its going to seem weird staying home on Easter Sunday. I told someone I was going to wear my Easter hat all day, and I really will. xo
Comment from w.j.debi
Excellent story telling. I was hooked all the way through. I like a kinder bit as well when it comes to horses. I was sad to hear how your father was injured and had to quit the farm. I'm sure he loved it there and would have preferred to stay. Luckily, there was another option for you when needed.
I can see why you love horses.
reply by the author on 08-Apr-2020
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Excellent story telling. I was hooked all the way through. I like a kinder bit as well when it comes to horses. I was sad to hear how your father was injured and had to quit the farm. I'm sure he loved it there and would have preferred to stay. Luckily, there was another option for you when needed.
I can see why you love horses.
Comment Written 07-Apr-2020
reply by the author on 08-Apr-2020
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When I was critically injured and lost my leg, being up on a horse made me feel whole. Thanks for reading my friend. Blessings, Kay.
Comment from BeasPeas
Hi Kay. This is an interesting and frank story of a life that seemed hard for everyone. I wasn't sure what this meant: "I used to talk under concrete, probably still do!"
That you started a school for the disabled using horses is wonderful. The explanation of dad's caring for Blaze's unshod feet is quite distressing. At least he took care of his horse the best way he could at that time. Very well written. Marilyn
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2020
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Hi Kay. This is an interesting and frank story of a life that seemed hard for everyone. I wasn't sure what this meant: "I used to talk under concrete, probably still do!"
That you started a school for the disabled using horses is wonderful. The explanation of dad's caring for Blaze's unshod feet is quite distressing. At least he took care of his horse the best way he could at that time. Very well written. Marilyn
Comment Written 06-Apr-2020
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2020
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"I used to talk under concrete" is a saying about someone who could talk so much, he/she could be heard through concrete. Thanks for reading my friend. Love, Kay.
Comment from RShipp
"She failed to adapt to farm life; decided to spend time with the Landlord instead." Such politeness....
" wispy white clouds overhead" a beautiful description.
"I climbed up on the stool in the bathroom and painted the mirror with toothpaste" My sister did the same thing.
"The neighbors came and tried to untangle dad from the wire." What a horror to have witnessed!
Best of luck in the Share Your Story contest.
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2020
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"She failed to adapt to farm life; decided to spend time with the Landlord instead." Such politeness....
" wispy white clouds overhead" a beautiful description.
"I climbed up on the stool in the bathroom and painted the mirror with toothpaste" My sister did the same thing.
"The neighbors came and tried to untangle dad from the wire." What a horror to have witnessed!
Best of luck in the Share Your Story contest.
Comment Written 06-Apr-2020
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2020
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G'day new friend. Thanks so much for reading, glad you enjoyed. Thanks for the luck wishes. Blessings, K.
Comment from Sharon Haiste
I think this is a good entry for the Share Your Story contest.
This short piece is well told and interesting.
Well done and I wish you good luck with the contest.
Sharon
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2020
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I think this is a good entry for the Share Your Story contest.
This short piece is well told and interesting.
Well done and I wish you good luck with the contest.
Sharon
Comment Written 06-Apr-2020
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2020
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Hello Sharon, Thanks so much for reading, glad you enjoyed. Best wishes, K.
Comment from Scarbrems
I loved this story of your memories. It was lovely that your sister saved the horse from the bullet. I laughed at the picture of you painting the mirror with toothpaste. Your later work with riding for the disabled is admirable. Your love of horses shines through. Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2020
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I loved this story of your memories. It was lovely that your sister saved the horse from the bullet. I laughed at the picture of you painting the mirror with toothpaste. Your later work with riding for the disabled is admirable. Your love of horses shines through. Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 06-Apr-2020
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2020
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G'day new friend, Thanks so much for reading, glad you enjoyed. Bless you, K.
Comment from nancy_e_davis
Your story was very interesting and well written, Faye. I love horses too my friend. They are majestic creatures, I agree with you. Stay in and stay safe, Nancy:)
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2020
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Your story was very interesting and well written, Faye. I love horses too my friend. They are majestic creatures, I agree with you. Stay in and stay safe, Nancy:)
Comment Written 05-Apr-2020
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2020
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Hello Nancy, Hope you are OK at home. Thank you for reading, as I wrote...I felt older and older! Love, Kay.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
That was so sad for your dad, and it must have been very painful. Your childhood in the country up until the accident was so nice, I bet you missed it too. Snakes are horrid, I hated them when we lived in Spain. Well done, Kay, and good luck in the contest. Stay safe! :)) Sandra xxx
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2020
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That was so sad for your dad, and it must have been very painful. Your childhood in the country up until the accident was so nice, I bet you missed it too. Snakes are horrid, I hated them when we lived in Spain. Well done, Kay, and good luck in the contest. Stay safe! :)) Sandra xxx
Comment Written 05-Apr-2020
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2020
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Hello my dear friend Sandra, I hope you are well and not going nuts indoors! I'm used to it anyway. I miss my swimming. Thanks for reading my friend. Much love, Kay.
