Good Morning,
I know at times I’m very casual, having fun, enjoying the moment, and using terms like TOO CUTE and IT’S ME! So much of this is meant to be playful and simply offer all of us another way to enjoy the people and things around us! I try to lighten things up a bit from the regular routines we all experience each day. However, in the Diary, I also acknowledge and respectfully honor the serious things that go on in all
of our lives. On this particular day, I would like to be very serious.
The Racing Community is like one HUGE FAMILY. You can travel around the country and often see many of the same people at the different events and venues. My John, years ago, became very friendly with Larry Jones. When they both shipped into Churchill Downs for various stakes races, they would be stabled together and got to know each other very well. This represents one of the FUN parts that goes along with racing…cultivating the friendships one is able to develop along the way!
Obviously, we are all participating in a sport. The primary objective for everyone is WIN! Thus, you are constantly competing against one another. That is the nature of all sports in general. However, it does not mean that you are not sharing a friendship and a bond with your fellow racing competitors. You are…and the basis for all of this in our sport is the ‘LOVE’ of HORSES. So many people work very hard…and always strive to do their best! I know MY TEAM sincerely wishes others success in all that they do!
On this particular day, there are 2 people MY TEAM and I would love to send our best wishes to for a SPEEDY RECOVERY.
In California, we have a very hands-on trainer named Barry Abrams. Barry came to visit ME when I was at BARN 55…and he is a very dear man. Last Tuesday, he had a very serious surgery. I want to send him a HIGH HOOF and wish him ALL OF THE VERY BEST as he recovers. This is the 2nd time he has had this type of surgery…the last one took place 6 years ago. So, our thoughts are with Barry and his family as he recovers during the upcoming summer months.
Additionally, MY TEAM read that Rosie Napravnik is having surgery this morning on her arm / wrist. Rosie has had a tremendous year winning many races and riding titles. The anticipated time for her recovery is yet unknown. They will have to see how things go, according to the DRF, before they know when she can return to riding. We would like to wish her ALL THE BEST as well!
On a very serious side, I’d like to send all of our friends who may need a HUG a big one. It never ceases to amaze ME how quickly in life things can change…in a moment! To ME, that’s why it is so important to truly enjoy and appreciate the healthy and happy times….as well as being respectful of the challenges that may develop….not only for yourself…but others.
With Love,
Hugs to All~(Rosie and Barry…especially thinking of YOU today!)
Z
Debi Hamari
Beautiful Queen Zenyatta,
One of the things that I so appreciate about YOU and your AMAZING TEAM is you love and compassion toward others.
My thoughts and prayers are with Rosie and Barry as they recover. I pray it would be a full and fast recovery and that they would be stronger than ever.
@Stephanie and Ingrid, My heart and thoughts are with you, too. Praying for strength and joy and healing.
Love and hugs and prayers,
Debi
#1NewEnglandFan
Most of the time, I love this site for its wonderfully positive spirit and humor. Others, for what I learn that I would not learn anywhere else. Today, I love Zenyatta-land for its soul and compassion.
Love and prayers to all, especially those who are in special need today.
Annie B in MA
judy berube
Dear Judy M.G.:
I must have missed your post of the whale video too. It was really uplifting. Hugs, J.B.
Barbara Wood
@Precious Stephanie–I’m so glad you found this site a soft place to land in this troubled world. Wish I could take your hand and pray over you. Praying Especially Horses’ prayer over you and sending hugs. There will be better days for you, dear girl. I’m sure of it.
Also, in addition to prayers for Barry and Rosie, I’m praying for the connections of Naseeb. It’s hard enough to take when an older horse dies, but a young one so full of promise is doubly heartbreaking. RIP.
Joan
Hey Z,just watched the Youtube of you and Barry A. very touching. You are such a sweet spirit.
Love ya Z
judy berube
Dear Abigail in Montreal and Z Fans:
Here’s an article on Hail to Reason. Hugs, J.B. http://www.reines-de-course.com/hail_to_reason.htm
Mary
How appropriate “A Time To Reflect” appears on the 36th anniversary of Ruffin’s death.
Especially Horses – I share your thoughts on Ruffian. If you have not read Jane Schwartz’s book “Ruffian, Burning From the Start”, I hope you do.
Susan in TN – re: The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S. 1176), a phone call is even more effective than an email. Your can get the phone number from each Senator’s website. Just tell whoever answers that you want the Senator to cosponsor the bill. It only takes a few minutes. Remember our Senators work for us!
signofthetimes
@ Abigail from Montreal
What a wonderful 3 part. Sooo much hope and wonder at the foals of these three mares.
@Kari – Loved the Ruffian tribute link. She was so awesome.
@ Judy B and Z Fans on Da Hoss BCC Mile win 1998
http://www.vtablog.org/2009/06/da-hoss-and-his-second-amazing-breeders.html
with article by Steve Haskin
signofthetimes
Da Hoss BCC Mile win video 1998
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnOAxNXDbL0
Pam Zacek,
toyour friends and all , a speedy recovery to Barry and Rosie, You are so sweet to make sure, they were mention, may they both bet well real quick, and I hope I can see that special on ESPN not sure what day, Sat or Sun, but keeping my eye, out for sure, Love you Zen, keep up my prayers for you and your friend, Barry and Rosie, Amen
Lucia
@Stephanie- Prayers and hugs to you!! I am hoping things turn around for you!
_______________________________________
@EVERYONE: Thank you so much! This year has been really tough for me and my family so far, so here’s to hoping things start looking up soon!
@Sharon- I was thrown and am now in a back brace for a slight compression fracture. It hurts more than I can say to see my Cross Country teamates running by me in my car. Thanks for the advice!
Victoria
And the memory of the feel of your great warm body under the palm of my hand as you strode by us at Keeneland that cold day often lifts me up whenever I get down and feel afraid. Touching you, just for those few seconds still seems to
empower me when I need to feel strong against the tides. Thank today’s reminders…..
signofthetimes
@ Sharon Call
What a wonderful video of saving the humpback whale, very touching. Animals do know when they are being helped.
Sharon Call
@Judy Berube. Sorry,I misspelled your last name a bit further up.
Cynthia H.
Dearest Zenyatta, I love your posts, because they are always so very kind. I know that you would reply to each and every one of us, if only you could. And you are so right—racing is like one huge family, who will rally round in hard times, supporting and caring for one another. It is a tough but tender group, to which I feel privileged to belong. Barry and Rosie, speedy recoveries and many more years of success and happiness to you both. You are two of our brightest stars.
@Stephanie: I feel your pain. Life rarely turns-out as anyone of us plans, and sometimes it shatters our hearts in the process. So allow yourself to grieve for your hopes Please accept a cyberspace hug from me. It is hard to cry alone. The most difficult part is getting out of that bed, and accepting life on its terms—not yours. It is true that life breaks everyone. The human miracle is that many of us are even stronger in the broken places after healing. These are not my thoughts , but those of someone far wiser. Trust me—it is true. As difficult as it may be to believe right now, this will pass.
Brenda
Dear Abigail, Congratulations on The Vault trilogy, I loved it. I’m sad that Inglorious is not going to give us a chance at a Canadian Triple Crown this year but is going to Saratoga for the Alabama. That’s much closer to you in Montreal than for Vic and I here in Fort Erie so I wonder if you plan on going to see her run.
signofthetimes
Here is a link on Galileo one of Saddler Wells finest sons, whom Rags has been bred to (Galileo)
http://www.britishhorseracing.com/goracing/great-racehorses-of-the-decade/galileo.asp
Debbie G
Thanks for filling us all in on Barry Abrams and Rosie Napravnik, Zenny. I will keep them, as well as Naseeb’s connections, in my prayers.
@Lucia, Shari Volz and Ingrid in MA – I hope and pray you all have a speedy recovery.
@Stephanie – I’m so sorry you’re going thru such a hard time. Your Z family is always here for you. I’m keeping you in my prayers.
@Kathryn Cogswell – Thanks so much for posting that link. Zenyatta is so sweet and gentle. She’s just like a big baby. I hope her friend Barry Abrams pulls thru all right.
@DJ – Your joke was hilarious! :-)
Christine in VA
Dear Zen,
The power of prayer for healing is never underestimated. With that in mind my prayers go to your friends.You were given to us as a sign of God’s love. His touch will be with your friends and those who have touched you.
Kathy Kimber
Stephanie and Ingrid, prayers coming every day for you. Don’t rush feel the love and caring coming your way.
Kathy Kimber
Zenyatta you are more beautiful in each picture we see. I really love this one sweet lady.
Kathy Kimber
Can someone please post the link (again) for Zenyatta’s candles. I promise I’ll write it down this time.
Lots of links to follow today I so appreciate everyone posting them. Dottie what wise words you have given us all today. You are some special lady.
Trina Nagele
Dearest Z, I join you in sending prayers and best wishes to Barry Abrams and Rosie Napravnik. May they both have speedy recoveries and a return to vibrant health that allows them to continue in their professional activities as trainer or jockey, respectively.
@Kathryn Cogswell —Thanks for the link to Barry with Zenyatta. This sure shows us what Zenny meant with “ a very hands-on trainer.”
Trina Nagele
Calling all Morgan lovers and U.S. history buffs! The Horse and Man blog today has a fascinating article on Civil War general Stonewall Jackson’s horse, LITTLE SORREL. Little Sorrel not only survived the war, but incredibly lived to 33 although he could not stand by himself in his last years—a sling was used to support him! The ceremony and honors that attended his burial along with subsequent transfers to other sites are interesting in their own right, but especially right now as we contemplate all the honors that Charlotte Farmer is planning for Noor in conjunction with the upcoming transfer of his remains from California to Old Friends in Kentucky. http://horseandman.com/
Trina Nagele
@Laurie White –Hugs and blessings to you.
Sally (B)
Sweet Z; this is why you and Dottie & the rest of team Z are so special to all of us. You all have a heart of gold. I believe we here on this post do to; we share this in common with you. God bless Rosie, Barry for a great recovery and to all those dealing with a health problem or injury right now, such as my dear friends daughter. I’ll say a prayer.
God bless you & baby Z!! Love you Z and your great team. love with 2 kisses on your soft nose–one for baby Z.
Harriett Vaughn
Kathryn, Thanks for posting the video of Z and Barry having a moment. Priceless. Best wishes to Barry and Rosie as they recover.
Trina Nagele
@Margaret—High hoof on being #1, and you didn’t abbreviate your great, informative and totally outstanding post to do it! Congratulations!
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear signofthetimes, Debbie G.,: And did you see HIS? .. . his loving is as good for him as for her. Cynthia H: So true.
Sheri
Get well soon to Barr and Rosie!! I think this is so sweet of you to do Zenyatta! I just love reading your diary and cant wait for the next enry! :D