Happy Friday!
I’ve shared the clouds and sky Tasty and I see from our Lane’s End paddock with you on many occasions. At about 5 o’clock Wednesday, MY JOHN and Dottie were running an errand in Arcadia and they just had to take this photo. The FOOTHILLS looked as though one could literally touch them…and the trees on the mountaintop were so precisely outlined. The CLOUDS were equally amazing. It appeared as though they were hugging the mountains in a soft and gentle way. What an amazing sight! It is so special to take a moment and enjoy views like this and all of the beauty they offer.
Thank you for the LOVELY COMMENTS about my life-size bronze that is going to be installed at Santa Anita this fall. I must say, I am truly excited about this. It is like I will still be with ALL of you each day at the races. I’ll be right there…by the path I took to the paddock for some of my most exciting races…including my 2 Breeders’ Cup victories. WOW!
I hope you are all getting ready for a FUN weekend of racing. There are 3 year old stakes taking place at various tracks around the country, ANIMAL KINGDOM returns to the races….and BLACK CAVIAR (Aus) goes for #19 on Saturday. She is running in the Coolmore Lightning Stakes-G1 at Flemington in Australia. The race is 1000 meters on the turf. She is shortening up for this race. Her last race was at 1400 meters. Black Caviar will carry 125 pounds in her quest for another victory. From what I’m hearing, the race will run at 12:10 a.m. EST.
I’m sending her a HIGH HOOF for GOOD LUCK! Her accomplishments are something to truly be admired. Etching one’s place in the record books is not an easy thing to achieve. All the best to you on Saturday, BLACK CAVIAR (Aus)!
Many of you have asked HOW I AM DOING? I am doing extremely well. I am due at the beginning of March…but from what I am hearing from Charles and Mike….maiden mares ‘can do their own thing’. Since I have never done this before, meaning have a foal, …it is getting really exciting. My pals here at the farm did tell ME to relax, it is still early. It is only February 17th. So, I am listening to their sage advice! I’m taking life easy, enjoying my time outdoors, and all of these precious days before the big event! The same concept applies to TASTY as she is on the exact schedule I am. This is all TOO CUTE!
Have a great weekend and enjoy the PRESIDENT’S DAY observation on Monday. Many businesses are closed…but several tracks will be open for an additional day of racing. Have fun, handicap lots of winners, and enjoy yourselves.
With Love,
Hugs to All~ (A HIGH HOOF to Chrissy and Steve on their wedding!…She’s Dottie’s niece!)
Z
signofthetimes
To Trina and Vicki B
Thanks so much for sharing these previous posts
Of Kari’s. We were so lucky to have had her grace our
Presence. Her suffering was eased by the special
Friendships she made, but now she is in peace and
Pain free after a long unrelenting battle.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, Kari
Forever and ever.
AJ from CA
Although I didn’t know Kari personally, I felt connected to her through all she shared of herself on this blog. Her words and videos and her mutual love for Z really touched my heart and I am greatly saddened by her passing. My heart and prayers go out to her family at this time.
SunnyBoyd
Good evening Zee
here’s a little fun reading of the funny ways of the two-legged ones
before bedtime
http://www.drf.com/news/hovdey-colorless-ruling-lacks-common-sense
Sleep tight and dream sweet
Cynthia H./ 12th ♥
To my dear Diary friends:
I am incapable of coherent or eloquent expression right now, and I know that you will understand. All of you loved Kari, too.
Thank you with all of my heart for your beautifully kind words and sentiments regarding Kari. She was the most loving and giving human being that I have ever known. Our final chat was emblematic of all the countless others which we had shared over the course of nearly four years, and was full of laughter and hopes for continued shared future happiness. This, as I have learned to my profound grief, was not to be.
To her immediate family, the depth of Kari’s loss is almost beyond comprehension. As a friend who knew her well and had the privilege of participating in her life, I can only say that there is a large part of my heart which will bear the words, “Kari lives here,” forever.
To Kari, I would like to say one more time, “12th Heart.” I will love and miss you everyday for the rest of my life. You were my joy, my comfort, and my strength. You were always there for when I needed an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on. My love for you will continue, beyond the boundaries of time and place. Godspeed, my dearest of all friends.
12th ♥
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Dearest Cynthia, Even in the depths of grief you rise inevitably to eloquence. We all want to be a shoulder for you to cry on at this time of sorrow, and we long to encircle you with comforting hugs. I hope you feel their warmth across the distance. Love, Trina
Max
Cynthia. I am very sorry for your loss. I wish that I could say something to make you feel better, but that Is not possible as only time and your own sweet memories of Kari may give you some measure of comfort. From your heartfelt words, it is obvious that you and Kari shared a deep and abiding friendship, which is quite wonderful to see. It inspires both love and hope in all of us at this dreadful time. This may be a part of Kari’s legacy to you and to those who came to know her even a little from a distance on this site. From her posts, it was clear that Kari had courage and grace in abundance, rather like the horse whom she loved. Love and peace to you now and always.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Max, the eloquent simplicity of your writing is stunning to read. Thanks.
Elizabeth in NM
Max, Wonderful words. Thank you
The Kennedys in San Diego
Dear Cynthia, it is clear that you gave Kari stength, comfort and joy to carry on. We also lost a close friend at a young age after along battle with painful illness this week. His body, but never his spirit and sense of humor, finally succumbed. We attended his ‘celebration of life’ services Wednesday. We know how difficult this time is for you.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Condolences on the loss of your friend to you and to his other loved ones.
signofthetimes
Thoughts and prayers are with you Cynthia
In this difficult time. It is so very great that you
Provided support and friendship to her in this
Very trying time. You are a very special person
To her and to all of us.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Cynthia H.:
Thinking of you. Hugs, JB
Terry Crow
Words cannot express the way I feel at this moment. I used to think that if I was deemed worthy of heaven I would like to be able to talk to Abraham Lincoln. I would still like to talk to Lincoln, but I would like to speak to Kari first.
Shari Voltz from Ohio
Dear Z Family what powerful post tonight. Thank you all for posting some of Kari’s post. Kari was just a remarkable person. The tears are flowing but I am all the better for being part of such a Beautiful Family, God Bless, Shari
@ Dawn I wish I could write and express myself like you. Thank you for the call tonight. You made me feel better about my Miesha and our Kari : )
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Kari B’s video of Zenyatta “I Will Always Love You”. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBsPYwQuEXM
Elizabeth in NM
Judy, So Amazing! I wish they could put this on the big screen at Santa Anita. Blessings to you – thanks so much for posting this – Kari really captured Zenny and all of the blessings she brings to us all
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Great idea, Elizabeth. Maybe it will happen.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Elizabeth in NM:
That would be wonderful. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z and TT:
Goodnight and Sweet Baby Dreams. Love you so much, Judy and Russ
Trina Nagele in So Cal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYHT-TF4KO4&feature=related
When I Get Where I’m Going
by Brad Paisley
When I get where I’m going
On the far side of the sky,
The first thing that I’m gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly.
I’m gonna land beside a lion,
And run my fingers through his mane.
Or I might find out what it’s like
To ride a drop of rain
Yeah, when I get where I’m going,
There’ll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and struggles,
I have carried all these years.
And I’ll leave my heart wide open,
I will love and have no fear.
Yeah, when I get where I’m going,
Don’t cry for me down here.
I’m gonna walk with my grandaddy,
And he’ll match me step for step,
And I’ll tell him how I missed him,
Every minute since he left.
Then I’ll hug his neck.
So much pain and so much darkness,
In this world we stumble through.
All these questions, I can’t answer,
So much work to do.
But when I get where I’m going,
And I see my Maker’s face.
I’ll stand forever in the light,
Of His amazing grace.
Yeah when I get where I’m going,
Oh, when I get where I’m going,
There’ll be only happy tears.
Hallelujah!
I will love and have no fear.
When I get where I’m going.
Yeah, when I get where I’m going.
Karen Gogue broken hearted
Trina you made tears flow harder with these words, my special friend …. thank you for Kari ….
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Trina, I really liked this song & video, showing so many holding pictures of their beloveds lost, it brought tears. Thanks.
Elizabeth in NM
Trina, Thank you for this Beautiful song. God’s blessings to you and everyone
signofthetimes
Such a very lovely song/word, Trina
Thanks so much for sharing
Terry Crow
I am not as eloquent as some of the fine writers on this site. But, if I were, my sentiments would be somewhat like this song. However, I will just say- to Kari: a truly unforgettable person. Bless all who knew and kept her. We will meet someday.
Diana Stuart
@ Dear Z family: It was a sunny and balmy day here in Arizona to be at the race track to watch heavenly creatures nearly fly. I was at Turf Paradise with Tressia and a group of her friends and loving it, until the day was shattered by a call from our Judy with the awful news. Judy was at the race track – Santa Anita – on a balmy and beautiful day that was shattered with the awful news.
The last few races at Turf Paradise felt empty. I began to drive home and called dear Trina, friend Terry Crow, and stalwart Charlotte Farmer. We were all worried about sweet Cynthia whose heart we all know is entwined with Kari’s and now is missing a big chunk. We are all missing chunks of our hearts today.
Who will thrill us and brighten our days with music set videos of our beloved Z? Why could she not be here a couple weeks longer to see a cherished event she so wanted to be here for – Z’s foal? Our wonderful Kari too soon gone. Kari did know who her earth-bound angels were. Now she is an angel to all of us. and as if sending a sign, the oldies station I was listening to on the way home played that sweet song “The Twelfth of Never”. I had to pull off the freeway. I can’t believe that song played just THEN! Thank you Kari for sharing your shooting star brilliance with us.
diastu in tempe
Karen Gogue broken hearted
Oh Diana! Beautiful, beautiful ….
Karen Gogue broken hearted
Diana, it was meant to be … as it was for my computer to quit at the percise time of her passing … with heart in my throat, I KNEW somehow. That Z mystic, the connection, is all knowing and so powerful, and the love she and I (all of us) shared with Zenny. I DO BELIEVE …. it was meant to be …
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Oh my goodness, Diana! “The Twelfth of Never”! IN-CRED-I-BLE Zenyatta magic! God bless Zenny, Kari and Cynthia!
Elizabeth in NM
Diana, Thank you for sharing. Kari has touched so many lives. She lived her life so well with such courage and love and hope. God’s blessings to everyone… courage, love and hope
Tressia in Phoenix
Diana I am sitting here in tears. I am so glad we got to spend the day together watching gods creatures do what they do best. So sorry it had to include such sad news. My condolences to all Kari’s family and friends. She will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
Terry Crow
I would like to make a public apology to Diana S. Like the good friend she is, she called me on her way home from Turf Paradise to tell me about Kari. I had just returned from a funeral earlier in the day and did not take as much time to speak with her like I should have. Bless you, Diana for your good intentions.
Anne from Paramount, CA
@all: I simply cannot add to what everyone/anyone else has said. You all have been so eloquent. JAG and I bumped into each other at the track this afternoon when she told me the news. As with you all, I was shocked and very upset. I will keep thinking of those fanastic videos–how we all delighted in them–and still will. To Kari’s daughter and family, our deepest sympathies to you. For someone I never met (as with many others) Kari definitely added to the enjoyment in my own life. @Cynthia, I have been thinking of you all day. @Dottie and Zenyatta, thank you so much for the friendships that have been found here. At another more appropriate time I want to relate something my boss said to me about Zenyatta and friendships. To Kari’s family, please know how much she meant to us here..as has already been mentioned, but it cannot be overstated. We are so very,very sorry. A thought: if anyone has an address where cards can be sent….?? Anne and Rod
Karen Gogue broken hearted
Words fail me … you are our heart, sweet angel Kari … ♥
Rest in heavenly peace now, our joyful beloved soul …. there are no words, only heart wrenching tears ….
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Kari B’s passing. To everyone who was close to her, my heartfelt sympathies are with you.
I spent the day watching the Buck Brannaman clinic near Pasadena, so I am just catching up on racing / Z news. Congrats to Black Caviar and Animal Kingdom on their wins!
Watching Buck riding his horse is a thing of beauty; horse and man are truly one creature. Near the end of the afternoon class, he talked about how horsemanship can be an art and how you know you’ve reached that stage: when part of your soul enters the horse. He also talked about how a good horseman can “stamp” his horses so that you will recognize them a mile away. This made me think of John Shirrefs and how his horses are always so beautifully turned out and mannered. I think John definitely shared part of his soul with Zenyatta — and she has definitely shared part of her soul with all of us.
Something to contemplate on this sad occasion …
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Beautiful, Julie. Thank you for sharing.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Julie, how beautiful. I definitely believe John puts his heart and soul into the horses he trains and that the relationship he shared with Zenyatta was a true love story, which has touched each of us as well. What a joy!
Margaret
I’ve only seen Buck from the movie but what you said rings so true. That was the thing I zeroed in on the first time I watched the movie. Horse and rider just meld together. I don’t think I can explain it any better.
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
If you ever get the chance to see him in person, I highly recommend it. It’s as close to a centaur you’re ever going to see. I don’t know how to ride other than what I have learned from riding rental horses now and then, but I was fascinated and learned so much about horses (and people).
Lillian L, Illinois
I’m sitting at my computer in tears. I check the Z site every day, but usually only have time to skim over the posts, so I’m not always “up to speed” on everything that’s going on. It’s amazing how Zenyatta has touched so many lives and brought so many people together. My sincere condolences to Kari’s family and friends.
Kris O. - Also in IL (Chicago suburbs)
Lillian, you perfectly expressed my thoughts about Zenyatta and her diary, thanks.
I knew when I saw over 600 posts that something had happened. So sad yet so uplifting to read all the comments. The best tribute is to know you mattered to so many.
Do you know if there are other regular readers in IL? It would be fun to find out.
Karen Gogue broken hearted
Flowing tears as I think of you and the special, special bond you and Kari shared – please let me know if there is anything at all I may do for you too ….
Karen Gogue broken hearted
My mind is somewhere else, forgive me …my above post is for lovely Cynthia ….
Barbara Wood (Texas)
What a day this has been for us all, dear Zenny. I am so thankful that we have had you to keep us together during these sometimes very trying times. But we are all here for each other because of YOU. And we are one day closer to seeing your foal. I’ll bet Kari already knows what you’re having. In stead of learning along with us earth-bound mortals, she is now privy to knowledge we don’t have. Good night, dear Kari. You have a part of each of our hearts. Love you.
@Ingrid in MA–I somehow missed the post about your rehab. I am so sorry. Those joints are a rough go, but I’m sure you’ll whip it into shape in time. We’ll pray so.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Goodnight sweet, Kari. You will grace heaven as you did earth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hASQH9EfQA&feature=related
Marty R / Colorado
Dawn,
Beautiful song with lovely images created by God’s paint brush.
Susan from Fl
To Kari B’s family & friends, So deeply sorry for your loss…may peace be with you during this difficult time.
Dianne Meyer
I just saw and advertisement for a perfume a singing couple hoave out and it is called
SOUL 2 SOUL.
Thought WOW what a name for Z and eBernie’s foal
Kate Wheeler
Dearest Zenny, we have lost a sister, a most extraordinary one, Kari Bussell. It is on first reflection a searing loss – of such joy, such talent, such fierce courage. But we know that you were her special muse and, she tells us, her deep, deep love for you, her source of abiding inspiration, helped loan her these last four years of her life. And what a gift that has been, to her family and to all of us.
AnimalsRock4Love, and that she did. I spent last night watching Kari’s videos of you and weeping in pain and in joy at the treasure she gave us. She has lovingly captured, for all time, not only the rythym of your dance but a glimpse at your spirit, your soul. In doing so she shared hers. Her inspired merger of images with music, a reflection of her, remains here with us though she is physically gone. For that we are most grateful.
@Kari’s daughter and family: Thank you for sharing Kari with us. Your present pain and sorrow, though now unbearable, will melt with the balm of time and the joy of Kari will always be with you.
@Cynthia Holt: Though you have lost a truly special friend, the laughter you and Kari shared with each other and with us, the verbal wrestling matches over the auction of horses at the Keeneland and FTsales, the imaginary fascinators wrestled down around your knees, will remind us always of the sheer joy of your friendship. And that will always shine through.
@Stephanie Lambert: Being Kari’s confidant must have brought you as much joy as it now brings you sorrow. The joy will endure.
@Z’sters and Dumplings: We will soldier on. Knowing Kari in our own small ways has been and always will be an honor and a source of inspiration and – her word – joy.
Diana Stuart
@Counselor: As only you can do, with the eloquence I’ve never mastered, you have written what is in my heart, all of our hearts. Thank you. Kari’s videos are a lasting legacy, a lasting memorial, a lasting reminder of all the good things Zenyatta has brought us, and caused us to accomplish. Yes. We most definately will soldier on – for Kari.
diastu in tempe
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Well said, Kate and Diana!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Dear Canadian Dumplings–just heard that there is a mare named Bedroom Cure on a feedlot in Canada (Quebec). She only has until Monday. Does anyone have contacts who could help her. So very sad. Praying someone will be the hero to this one.
Jane (southern California)
Our condolences to Kari Bussell’s family and close friends. She had a fighting spirit and her love of Zenyatta will live on in all of us. I so enjoyed watching her video’s she would make of Zenyatta. All of us Z Dumpling’s have an Angel watching over us for sure.
Rest In Peace Kari, run free.
Darlene Daniels
@Trina and Judy Berube. Thank you both so much from the bottom of my heart for being so gracious as to share that lovely video for me (the one I did not how to share on my own), Go Rest High On The Mountain. I am touched beyond words. Last night at work I took a peek at the posts and saw you had both reponded to my need. I could not play the video at work for the company computer will not open those links, but I wa so touched I had to leave the nurses station and go to the ladies room to collect myself for a moment. This has been such an emotional weekend. I vow that I will someday learn how to make and post a video that will make our Kari proud. Thank you and love to you, Trina and Judy.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Darlene:
You’re so welcome. Hugs, JB
The Kennedys in San Diego
Rachel’s colt now 175 lbs.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/throughthelens/archive/2012/02/17/rachel-alexandra-and-her-foal.aspx
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Good morning, Kennedys. I loved all of these pictures of Rachel and her foal. I think the little one looks so much like her and is definitely growing like a weed. Too Cute!! I do not know how often you get to Barn 55, but please give Eblouisssante a pat from me next time you are there and say hello to all the wonderful crew. You can definitely see her being sculpted a little more as time goes on from a lovely baby to a beautiful racing filly. Watching John patiently bringing her along is watching a master at his craft.
The Kennedys in San Diego
Dear Dawn, I promise to give Eblouissante a good luck kiss from you next time we visit.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Wonderful!!!!! Thank you!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kennedy’s in San Diego:
Thank you for the link to Rachel and her boy. They look wonderful. Hugs, JB
Stephanie in San Diego
Good Morning All,
Before heading off to church I braved logging back on. My heart was so crushed by the news yesterday, that I just could not bring myself back later that day. Kari was on my mind and in my heart all day, along with her dear family and closest friends.
Now starting at the bottom and working backwards, I am still so saddened, but through all the words and tears…see a Legacy left to all of us by Kari. How one woman, through her words on a page could touch all of our hearts and create in us a bond even stronger then the one we had day before yesterday, is a gift we have been given. With the hope and expecation to live each day to the fullest with love and courage. So in tune with her (our) beloved Zenyatta. In the loving arms of our Lord now, healthy, happy and watching over those she loves. Thank You God for bring Kari into our lives. A special Gift indeed. Love to all….
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Stephanie in SD:
Lovely post. Hugs, JB
Nancy Petrillo
Hello Beautiful Girl,
So glad to hear you and Tasty are doing well. I’m so pleased that SA is honoring you and your gifts to the racing world by installing a life size statue of you. I’m sure Jerry and Anne, everyone at Barn 55, and all of your fans are getting antsy as your due date draws closer. I’m sure like all first time moms – you can foal early or a week or two later.
Just know that all our thoughts and love are with you whenever the big day rolls around.
I watched Animal Kingdom’s turf race numerous times today. He is just stellar – an elegant and powerful mover and extremely handsome! Maybe when he retires you and he would be a good match – depending on the nicks.
Black Caviar is awesome too. I have watched her races and she never ceases to please. She is a lovely mare.
I just received the big beautiful poster of you by Jaime Corum. I have a gorgeous metal frame in a pinkish/copper tone that will look beautiful with it.
Regards to Dottie and John for the picture(s) and all the news about and Tasty.
Hugs and Kisses,
Nancy
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Hi, Nancy. Wasn’t Animal Kingdon’s race great! I remember standing at the rail on the backside at Saratoga last year when Graham Motion walked right in front of me and I asked him how Animal Kingdom was doing. I know they were optimistic of bringing him back then. It is always wonderful to see Black Caviar, I will be cheering her on when she races in Dubai. So glad you received your Jaime Corum poster of Zenyatta, isn’t it breathtaking!!
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
To Kari’s daughter, husband and grandchildren, it is now Sunday and I have just learned of dear, dear Kari’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences and know that I am privileged to have known Kari through Zenny’s diary, No words will console you at this time, and all I can think is to repeat what my grand daughter Victoria said recently on the death of my cousin, “IT’S NOT FAIR”.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Brenda S. – That is so True!
Terry Crow
Amen.
Dani
I will forever think of Kari whenever I think of Zenyatta. She was perhaps Z’s sweetest fan. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. I’m so very sorry for your loss. She was indeed a special gift as Stephanie in San Diego so eloquently put it.
Susan Carothers (in TN)
I just learned about dear Kari. My thoughts and prayers go out to her daughter, husband, grandchildren- all her family and friends. Cynthia H, I know there is a deep, aching hole in your heart. You are in my prayers. One of my first thoughts was how sad that Kari didn’t quite make it to see Z’s baby, but then I thought that she might actually BE THERE for the birth- like Jesse Jackson left this world soon before Rachel’s baby was born. Big coincidences, I’d say. Z, you’ll have a special loving spirit there with you, darling, and I’m sure you’ll feel it. God bless you, Kari. <3
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Beautiful, consoling thought, Susan.
Terry Crow
I’m sure she will be there.
Anne from Paramount, CA
@ALL, whatever I wrote here just now somehow disappeared, so i will try again. I have just read this diary now in detail, something i could not do last night. (It is now Sunday.) Again condolences to Kari’s family. @Trina and others, thanks for your insights on this sad occasion. @Terry Crow, belated condolences on your own loss. @Cynthia H, still thinking of you. I am going to revisit Kari’s videos–the one I keep thinking of : “I’ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places…” @Diana S….I can’t get over THAT song on your radio!
@OUR QUEEN: thanks for being there for us–be sure to tell Dottie. :-) YOUR STATUE sounds- and will be– MARVELOUS!! Will make everyone smile who passes by!!!
Change of subject: I read in yesterday’s program that Mike Mitchell’s daughter Shea (sometimes sings the Nat’l Anthem) will be getting married to Julien Leparoux in December! It all began on Facebook! Wow.
And yes a high hoof to Animal Kingdom and Black Caviar. Safe riding today and tomorrow to one and all.
Looking forward to tonight’s Downton Abbey, also.!!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Anne from Paramount, CA:
You’re a girl after my own heart. Love Downton Abbey. Its’ another two hour episode tonight. Hugs, JB
sharon in seattle
love Downton Abbey too!
Alex Bowdoin in MA
I love Downton Abbey too..
Susan Carothers (in TN)
I love Downton Abbey, too! Haven’t watched last night’s episode, though. Didn’t this season go fast?!
Terry Crow
Thank you, Anne. My loss was a personal one to me, but the loss of Kari affects all who post here.