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
Karen Gogue
@Linda in NJ
I WILL FIND YOU AND THE KENNEDY’S IN SAN DIEGO!!!! Count on it! What time is your visit to Barn 55? Take it all in and take your time and smell those roses GF! Take lotsa pictures too – YOU ARE IN THAT STALL WITH HISTORY AND ZENNY, SHE IS STILL THERE!! REMEMBER THAT….
ira
Best wishes to Barry and Rosie
Marshall (girl's name)
Thanks so much for the very thoughtful insight sent our way today. Beautiful sentiments and so true. Wishing speedy recovery with good results to Barry and Rosie. Sincere sympathy to Naseeb’s folks – she is running with the angels now. Am sure Ruffian greeted her sweetly.
@Lucia, Shari V., Stephanie, Ingrid and all who need healing: Hugs and positive thoughts/prayers to each and every one.
@D Franz: All the best wishes for your father and for your dog. Hope all goes well.
@Everyone: Thanks for posting here and for being family!
Karen Gogue
@Ingrid in MA
I’m sorry, I forgot your Angel Kisses and Prayers too!
judy berube
Dear Trina Nagele:
Yes, my husband pronounces the name in three syllables Ber-u-be. My maiden name is Martini. I really liked it, but it’s 34 years since I’ve been a Martini. Have a wonderful time on Saturday. Hugs, J.B.
Stephanie
Zenny I love you and your mommy Dottie, I have lived the last paragraph you wrote , and I live every second I can now , and your family helped me to take the first step toward living again , I did not know Barry was sick, I m going to light a candle for him and says prayer, I did hear about Rosie and almost cried , she is such a good girl and so talented a rider, and such a sad event for her and the loss of the horse, breaks my heart….but as you so eloquently pointed out, life can change in a second, and sometimes it changes for the better…..your family changed mine for the better, my family xoxoxoxo you xoxoxoxo
judy berube
Dear Z,
Goodnight and Sweet Baby Dreams. Love you, Judy and Russ
Delrene
Thank you Zenyatta and Dottie for bringing these two wonderful people and their current health challenges into your website. When I read about both in the Bloodhorse, I was hoping there would be a way to wish them a quick and speedy recovery. You have made an incredible impact in the world of horseracing. What strong ties that bind you all together. Thank you for sharing and letting us into your world. Beautiful picture of you today. Make the best of the good days and live them with joy as it can change in a moment. You write so much more eloquently than I can express. Good wishes and thoughts to all who might be experiencing some of those tougher times.
And THANK YOU TO THE WONDERFUL VIDEO OF YOU AND MR. ABRAMS. Very beautiful and moving to watch. Also the whale video. Don’t we all end up getting so much from your website? I just love it and look forward to it every day.
Diana_NV
Best wishes to Barry and Rosie for speedy reoveries! Yes, this is a very tough sport.
signofthetimes
@ Molly
I posted the drop down of Zenyatta/winter quarter farms on post #290. It really gives a lot of detail that has never been in any articles. Did you also see the “Mating of Zenyatta” link on post #290 it talks about how the Mosses selected Bernardidni? If you also read Abigail from Montreal’s part 3 Rags, Rachel and Zenyatta, Bernie has not been able to produce successful fillies, only colts so far. Maybe Zenny will provide that strong female stamp and give him some champion fillies.
Bonnie MacRaith
I sent Barry Abrams a note at Huntington Memorial Hosp. in Pasadena but he may be going home by the weekend. I’ll always remember the sweet video of him visiting Zenyatta right before she retired, playing with her with his hand in her mouth, both trusting each other implicitly. I wish him all the best in his recovery!
Trina Nagele
@Linda in NJ (but NOW in SoCAl!)–I e-mailed you just now–you’ll see it in the morning, I guess. Looking forward to seeing you Saturday.
signofthetimes
@ Peggy One
Keep us posted on your friends at HP.
Glad you know them.
d. scott
Thanks Z for the serious note today, it makes us think of reaching out to others and wishing goodwill and good health to those in need. I love your posts, they lift the soul!
ariadne
Trina Nagele
@Marty Oliver—Hugs and best wishes.
Diana S
@Zenyatta and Dottie: Thank you for re-centering all of us. Barry, Rosie, Stephanie, and a few others who post here are in my thoughts.
@stephanie: what part of the Country are you in? Many of us talk on the phone with each other, and even visit, which has helped some of us through some tough spots. Let us know – you might be close enough for a real hug instead of a virtual one.
@Dumplings: I too have made it home to California and am settling in for the weekend. Here’s the cool part – birthday grandson who is nutso about go-carting and motorcycle riding and such wants to go horseback riding tomorrow! OMG! I never expected that! Now I need advice – how do I tell my knees? :-)
diastu in – – – Bellflower???
Susan in TN
Dear Zenny: If Barry is a friend of yours, he’s a friend of ours! I hope he has a speedy recovery and he is in my prayers tonight. I’m also thinking of Rosie. That must have been such a traumatic accident-losing Naseeb and now having surgery. I am so grateful that you are happy, healthy and loved! Thank you for your thoughtful post today.I wish I were more eloquent so I could express how amazing you and your Team are and what you mean to me-all of us-but if you read today’s posts,Z, I think you will understand. Love you<3 Thank you, Dottie.
@my Z friends: Seems like a lot of us are having some serious issues right now and this is such a unique group that we can support each other in this way. Life truly is a roller coaster ride,isn't it?
@Lucia: I am sorry that you have had this accident. I so hope you recover quickly, physically and emotionally. On the upside, one week until Harry Potter! Hope you can tolerate sitting that long!
@Maggie: I am so sorry that you and your family are having sad times right now.Hugs<3
@Stephanie: here is a big H U G <3
@D Lawson: Best wishes to your friend-I hope you saw Trina Nagele's post about her and her friend's histories of colon cancer.
@D Franz: I sure hope your dad is doing better and that your dear dog is improving,too. <3
@ SUNNY BOYD: Whatever it is, my heart hurts for you. Hope it gets better <3
@ Sally (B): Hugs to your friend and her daughter!
@Ingrid in MA: Here's to a speedy recovery and to a better quality of life! Hope your pain gets under control.
@Andrea from Germany: Can tell you still really miss your dear mare-so sorry for your loss <3
@Kathryn Cogswell: Thank you for the link about Barry. Also appreciate the info on Catherine and Peter Marshall!
@DJ: I am SO SORRY-I will email you NEXT!! Long day for you with the flat tire-and for the man who helped you! Loved your joke!
@Gary Moulton: Great story!
@Linda in NJ: That is a really long trip! No wonder you are tired! Have fun!
@Shari Volz: Yay- it's over! Will email you in a.m. <3
@Sharon Call: That video about the whale is incredible! Animals do know when you are trying to help them,I think,but that was an extreme situation. What pure joy at the end!
Good night, Z and z.
Karen Gogue
@Diana S.
Tell those creaky ole knees that this is once in a liftime with your grandson – knees will love the horse – good for them, I hope! Don’t want to have to carry you all day Sat – OH MY ACHING BACK AND KNEES TOO! Talk at you tomorrow on here. :) BTW – maybe Terry Crow won’t mind – MMMMM? :)
Karen Gogue
@Diana S.
I meant because he’ll be the ONLY GUY with us Z’ers! Oh, no, Richard Kennedy too! Sorry Richard!
Vickie
We all need to appreciate the absolute wonder of life. A horse who touched me passed and I will never forget how blessed he was. May we all treasure what we have when we have it,,, The bekow is Steve Haskin – hope it links…
Invisible Ink dead
Died today of a neurological disorder at age 13— way, way too young. One of the more remarkable Derby stories ever. From Haskin’s blog tonight:
Over the years, Invisible Ink’s name still brought back wonderful memories of a very special Derby. Those memories were rekindled with sadness earlier today when a grief-stricken Fort called to inform me Invisible Ink had died of a neurological disorder. Most of Fort’s words were indecipherable, as he tried unsuccessfully to get them out through the tears that flowed freely and the distinct quaver in his voice. Finally, he was forced to end the conversation. Fort truly had lost a member of his family.
At the end Steve reprints his version of Inky’s remarkable story from 2001.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse…roughbred.aspx
Trina Nagele
@Ingrid in MA—I’m so sorry your hip replacement operation resulted in complications and a lot of pain. I hope you will be feeling better soon. As you say, Zenyatta’s site gives us something positive to look forward to every day, thank goodness.
Charlotte Farmer
Zenyatta, I love the words under your picture, “A Time to Reflect!” Reflection, when we take time to pause, to think and to remember where we’ve been and where we hope to go. We all have experienced the ups-and-downs along life’s journey, wishing there were more ups than downs. God gave us friends who are ready with open arms to welcome us in. We travel this Interstate with no guarantees, but it is nice to stop from time-to-time, taking a deep breath and look around and realize just how blessed we really are. Just reread the posts here tonight, arms wide open with so much love, a reflection of Zenyatta herself.
I particularly loved what Judy (Maass) Gadwood had to say about Zenyatta and Rachel Alexander; best of friends, absolutely. That is so profound and beautiful, two competitors, champions no less, best of friends . . .
For Barry and Rosie I wish you all good things and hope for a very speedy recovery, and to Stephanie just stay awhile in Zenyatta’s world and you will feel the love and the all the hugs that are coming your way. I will reiterate Becky Fredericks quote from the Dalai Lama, “Compassion is of little value if it remains an idea. It must motivate how we respond to others and be reflected in all our thoughts and actions.” That is found here tonight with everyone’s posting. Love all of you and Zenyatta you are beautiful!
Charlotte Farmer
@Susan in TN – I also wanted to mention that I am so glad to hear that Lou is so much better. I am sending smiles your way.
Valeria Cannon
Thanks and hugs to all the Z-family, especially to Trina, Judy, et al, who remembered the beautiful ‘Lady’ Ruffian. Yesterday was kind of rough for me, because everytime I thought of her the waterworks started. She will always live, run free and on the lead in my heart! :)
Lady Z, I will say a prayer for Barry, and Rosie for speedy and complete recoveries. Will miss not seeing her on St. John’s River, and Pants on Fire! :( So much tragedy and chaos this past few days, praying for peace, health, saftey, and love for all, great and small.
…..peppermint kisses, Z hugs, and carrot dreams too all.
Valeria
Valeria Cannon
oops, ‘safety’
Barbara Wood
@Ingrid in MA–so sorry about your hip. I must have missed that update. Praying for you to “catch up” in recovery. These joints take a LONG time to heal.
@Everyone—I just read a great quote on the http://www.freekibble.com website (I click there each day to donate food to shelters).
It is from Mahatma Ghandi, who said, “The measure of a nation’s progress may be found in how it treats its animals.” I would add “children and the elderly” to that. Hugs to whoever needs some today.
LauraJ
@signofthetimes, Bernie has produced good fillies, just not as many as his colts. AZ Warrior (out of Carson Jen, by Carson City, was his first winner. She was a G1 winner at 2 and G1 placed at 3. Theysken’s Theory (out of Heat Lightning, by Summer Squall) was a G3 winner and G1 placed at 2. R Gypsy Gold (out of Broadway Gold, by Seeking The Gold), recently placed third in the G1 Mother Goose. So he can get nice daughters. We also have to remember that his first crop is only 3, and he has a lot of as-yet-unraced 2-year-olds that could make their mark this year or next. Some of his 3-year-olds are probably just getting started.
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear DJ: (Following not original) ‘Forward Movement’ motto ~ “Saints are the people the light shines through.” Your story, the blown tire AFTER pulling to off-ramp, long, hot wait, but good-hearted, buoyant — if sooty — road care . .. a tale of literal life-support ‘on the hoof.’ Thanks for casting this .. . baking bread this morning before it gets too hot, but you did it, even ‘caliente.’ K.
Shari Voltz
@ To my Z family thank you for the caring words and prayers. After I posted yesterday I got really sick but feel much better today. Thank you to S (in San Diego), Judy. Abigail, Barbara, Trina, Sharon, Marshall (I love you name it is beautiful), Karen for you are my Zenny family.
@ Stephanie I am sending you a BIG HUG and Prayer. You are not alone. You have us. When you start feeling really bad put the bad thought in a balloon and float it away. Then see a new balloon coming to you grab on to it for tied to it are all these positive, loving, kind words from your Zenyatta family. You can even visualize Zenyatta bringing the balloon to you with all the kindness and love inside. Just remember you have US. God Bless you always.
@ Liza G Fly I love your Zenyatta Song. I sing it and play it all the time. My students all knew it too. I played it in the mornings during homeroom. You are so Talented. I love the video of you singing to Zenyatta and the video you made to go with the song.
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear Sunny Boyd & stephanie: Once tapped out a myth of an old woman whose creaky house at the top of a mountain road was the destination for villagers beneath, where the base of the slopes carried a rushing stream. Up that road, the townspeople brought scrolls upon which their troubles were inscribed. ~ Entering her spare hall, they took a bit of rest and sustenance for their return, leaving their scrolls in the pine and bamboo kitchen cabinet where others` sorrows were stored. “Come back when you can bear them,” the woman would tell her neighbors. At last, before they left, she would also say, ” .. . as this cabinet is somewhat full, perhaps you will choose the scroll of another to carry away” .. . and that is what he would do. ~ Sometime later, neighbors would return up the mountain. In exchange for their neighbors` scrolls, picking out their own now seemed wise.
But more often than not, they would discover that they could not find the burdensome parchment they had stored with the old woman. “I can`t remember what so grieved me,” they often told her. “Well,” leave this one and select another, if you like,” she would say. And off they would go, sometimes smiling.