Hello Everyone,
It has been a very exciting morning. The final bid on the Breeders’ Cup Experience and a VISIT WITH ME was $11,200. I’d like to THANK and CONGRATULATE J. D. SWEENEY from SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, for this generous bid. These funds will go a long way to support and assist the V FOUNDATION in their efforts on behalf of cancer research.
I can’t wait to meet the Sweeney Party and personally thank them for their wonderful outpouring of support for this worthwhile cause.
It was interesting to listen to all of the updates on “Mike and Mike in the Morning”. Dottie got up quite early CA TIME so she could do so. Then during part of the program…which was hosted by Brian Kenney and Bob Valvano (Jimmy V’s brother)…they replayed a portion of a very famous speech Jimmy gave 7 weeks before his passing. It was March 4, 1993. In this inspirational speech, he introduced his concept to create the V FOUNDATION along with the assistance of ESPN.
Jimmy offered his drive, devotion to this topic, his hope, and his vision. ESPN granted their support to this endeavor via their time, money, and various efforts to enable the V Foundation to get started.
There were several key words and phrases Jimmy used repeatedly in this moving speech which can truly touch so many of us…no matter what is else is going on in our lives:
1) Each day try to LAUGH, THINK, and HAVE SOME EMOTION.
2) Be enthusiastic about things going on in your life…KEEP YOUR DREAMS ALIVE by working hard to try and make your dreams a reality.
3) Don’t give up….DON’T EVER GIVE UP!
These are certainly wonderful thoughts to reflect upon…no matter what you are doing!
I must say, I know one thing for sure. Each of these POINTS holds a very special meaning TO ME…and is also very symbolic to the way I tried to view my life and all aspects of my athletic career.
Point # 1…I really wanted to have FUN each day! I tried to make things unique and entertaining and add my own personality to the tasks at hand. I learned to dance…and did so whenever I could! I enjoyed every moment while at Barn 55 whether I was in my stall, relaxing, training or enjoying some treats while outside grazing and ‘hanging out’ with my pals. Additionally, I truly LOVED EVERY MOMENT I spent visiting with and sharing my daily activities and career with ALL OF YOU!
Point #2…I worked very hard to keep MY DREAMS ALIVE and make them a REALITY. 19 victories in a ROW! I still find this so special and have to literally pinch myself when I think about it. I was the ONE WHO DID THIS! ME, ZENYATTA!
Point # 3…This one is very dear to my heart and it definitely applied to ME during my racing career. No matter what else was going on…I always gave each task MY ALL….and I NEVER, NEVER GAVE UP!
Here’s to wishing each of you a very special day!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
You are absolutely my inspiration and I will never give up-you give me hope and show me that dreams do come true. I thankyou for that Zenyatta! You sparkle and shine brighter than any stars up above. I love you and God bless you always beautiful Zenyatta!
Debbie G
Congrats go out to J.D. Sweeney. He is one lucky person to get to see you in person, Zenny. I hope and pray that one day before I die I’ll get to see you, too. That is so awesome that the money he bid will go to the Jimmy V Foundation. I always loved Jimmy V. I remember when he won the 1983 NCAA championship. His team was a huge underdog, but they NEVER GAVE UP! I also remember him giving that inspirational speech at the ESPY Awards when he was so sick with cancer. So sad. Those are three great points to live by. We all know that YOU never gave up, Zenny. I love you! :-)
@Terry Crow – Another great joke. I have a really old, corny one. What did the bartender say to the horse? “Why the long face?” (Groan, groan, I know)
Brenda
The Prince of Wales will be run on Sunday with only seven going to gate. Today, the early favorite is Hippolytus, came in second to Inglorious in the Queen’s Plate. Pender Harbor is running but without Chantal Sutherland up, this race it will be Luis Conteras so I will probably stick with my two choices from the Plate, Pender Harbor and Check Your Soul.
@ JAG Thanks for the link to Big Brown. I’m looking forward to seeing him again next Thursday so I’ll be packing my B.B. hat to wear for the visit to Three Chimneys. Two years ago we were very lucky, we were allowed to view a Flower Alley live cover at the end of our visit. It was a last minute “date” and not something that is usually part of a farm tour so we were very fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.
The weather forecast is for hot, humid weather for the next week so take it easy Zenny and stay cool.
Kathryn Cogswell
JAG: Winston Churchill originally said it .. . http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/winston_churchill_5.html “Never, never, never give up.” He also said, ” We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” And won the Nobel Prize For Literature.
Linda M
Dear Sweet Z – I one of the compliments that comes to mind is from Bob Simon during your 60 Minutes piece: “There is something truly ‘Zen’ about Zenyatta”. Thank you for all you do and for being so competely true to yourself. An inspiration to us all…on a daily basis. Hug to you and your team!
Kimberly Potter
@JAG~ It has been so fun to watch your transformation…lol. JAG is so much easier to type! :)
@Trina Nagele~ {{{{HUGS}}}} :)
@Kathryn Cogswell~Thank you.
@Zenyatta Nation~ Thanks for all the great links…encouraging words and the tremendous love I feel through this site.
~Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana!
Barbara Wood
@Sharon Call– it was I who asked what part of Georgia you’re in. I wish we had a map of the “Z-sphere” so we could picture where everyone is. I might as well share my idocy with you all. All this time, I thought “diastu in tempe” was a Latin phrase. When I e-mailed to be added to the dumplings, I realized it was Diana S’ name + Tempe (location)! The heat has fried my brain. Joke is on me.
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
An article on John’s Star Billing. Hugs, J.B.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64008/grade-i-glory-on-line-in-american-oaks
Sally (B)
Hi sweet Z! You are so beautiful inside and out! I congratulate the winner for this cause. To see YOU!!
I just love you so much, for your fun side, your dancing side, your loving side and your competitive side; and yes Z, I have to agree Never never give up!
I do not give up on my grandkids because my son & wife got a divorce and he does not have them weekly. I think of my neighbor-friends, 2 with health problems with cancer has been a struggle. I tell them about another friend who battled that terrible word cancer, and won! They give me the thumbs up!! I laugh at the silliest things with friends because I love fun. I lost my dreams though until my friend discovered you and introduced me in early 2009!
Jimmy had some 3 great points and you lived all three! Never, never give up, the third I relate to you. I will not give up on being able to see you one time and give you a kiss. hee! Seriously, you are my horse of my lifetime, why would I ever give up the chance to be with you to give you just one kiss!? I know there are many others who love you dearly too; but you did bring back life into me! My offer on yesterdays post still stands and will stand !! love you with 2 kisses on your soft nose! (one for baby Z)
Kathryn Cogswell
JAG: Scrolling near the top, found that Alexandra Bowdoin had already noted Sir Winston`s quote, “Never, never, never give up.” [I gave up too soon looking to see if anyone earlier had answered your musing.]
Barbara Grimaldi
Sharon C: looks like Michelle runs a small operation. When I was on her website before I wrote what I did earlier, I thought she was in Florida and was hoping she might work with the fellow down there who is risking his life exposing the slaughter houses there. Then I thought it would be good if Zenny knew about her, and Rachel, too. I don’t know anything more, but I’m working on it!!!
Trina Nagele
@Barbara Grimaldi—I’m so glad to see that you DIDN’T GIVE UP! Also, it’s great to hear about Michelle Akers and how she now has a horse rescue in Florida. What is it called?
judy berube
To Charlotte Farmer and Z Fans:
Just found this article on Noor. If you scroll down, there are comments and a number of photos of him. (A very nice one in color).http://community.tvg.com/t5/History-and-Photos/The-horse-who-beat-Citation-Noor/td-p/121540 Hugs, J.B.
Shari Voltz
Dear Zenyatta I love this post. First I am so happy for the winner of the contest J. D. Sweeney. Money well spent. God bless that you were able to spend that much. The other thing is I would like to use the three important points on a poster for my classroom. (Dottie I hope that is ok with you ). I would word it a little different but with the main idea of each key point. I can remember my Tyler saying to me (after I showed the class your 2010 Breeder’s Cup Race). He turned to me and said, “Zenyatta never gave up.” He wrote that to you in his Christmas card how he would never give up like you. That really just made an impact on the children. If Zenyatta can do it so can I said another child. That is powerful. So my Queen you have set such good examples with human children just think how well you will do with your own child. I love you sweet girl. Pleasant dreams. Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
@ Susan I tried to call. I hope all is ok.
Shari Voltz
@ Charlotte did you get all the money for Noor? When I go to Old Friends do I donate for Noor or just make a donation? Let me know sweetie.
Barbara Grimaldi
Dear Trina–the website calls Michelle’s operation Michelle Akers Horse Rescue & Outreach, Inc. Here’s the website that Sharon and I have seen: http://www.michelleakershorserescue.com/home/aboutus.html
I’m trying to find out more about this to see what she might need. I was a great fan of hers when she was a soccer star, and from what I remember about Michelle, she was deeply, deeply religious and always a voice for the good in life. If I find more info, I will share it. Thanks!
KIMBERLY
Queen, The Breeder’s Cup will never be the same without you. You made it sooo exciting!!! We all love you Z. Nitey Nite ZZZZZZZZ…
Sharon Call
@Barbara Wood. OMG, I don’t believe you thought the same thing I did about Diane’s name. I was going to look up the translation. Wow, I feel so much better now EXCEPT I got the name wrong about who wanted to know what part of GA I lived in. One step forward and 2 steps back – story of my life.
@Barbara Grimaldi and Trina Nagele. I posted a link to Michelle’s rescue group in a post above.
Barbara Grimaldi
From the Michelle Akers website, which makes bold, strong statements about the care and love every horse needs:
To Contact Us or Send Donations:
Michelle Akers Sundance Horse Rescue & Outreach, Inc
214 E. Lucerne Circle
Orlando, FL 32801
info@michelleakershorserescue.com
http://www.michelleakershorserescue.com
fax 866-431-6245
we are an IRS 501(c)3 public charity
EIN# 42-1754654
Trina Nagele
@Sue— LOL! You are too cute!
Trina Nagele
@Kathy Kimber–Thanks for the news about Esther Marr’s correction that funds are still needed for Noor. I just posted a thank you to her on her blog http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/archive/2011/07/13/funds-still-needed-to-bring-noor-to-old-friends.aspx
Cheryl from AZ
Sounds like advice I’ve given my son for the past 20 years: Always be kind, have a positive attitude, and never give up.
Leslie
You and yours Z are so inspiring. Thank you for the encouragement. And, just so you know, I come here nearly every day and read your posts. I don’t always reply. So don’t think only those who post are reading. Your efforts are worthwhile is what I’m trying to say. Thanks again.
nina
Points well taken!!!
Martha Kinkead
Zenyatta, you are very very special. As you said, you did all three of the above points. I really like the third point—-NEVER GIVE UP!!! It is very evident that you never did. I think that you are awesome!!!!
Brenda
Hi Zenny!
You are probably in bed now, but you need to check out the opening of THE ESPY Awards Show, because they showed YOU! Zenny, you were dancing and prancing. And then, they showed the footage of you in slow motion as your hooves were clearly over the finish line before anyone else’s :-)
Love you and never ending thanks to Dottie.
xoxoxoxo
Brenda
darlene
Z why does there have to be contests to see you? we love you and want to see you when is your team going to open up to the fans?
Trina Nagele
@DJ—“fourteen carrot”—Love it!
@Kimberly Potter—Thanks for the hugs!
Paula Higgins
Z there is one thing we can say with certainty, and that is that you NEVER gave up. You are a role model for everyone. Congrats to J.D.Sweeney! You will remember your visit with Zenny all your life. A very generous bid also. I love this photo of you. You have the most beautiful profile on the planet.
Trina Nagele
@The Kennedys in San Diego—Thanks for the Star Billing / Nereid link.