Happy Wednesday!
Foal watch 2016 has officially begun. We arrived in Kentucky this afternoon to greet Zenyatta, who was resting peacefully in her stall. It’s a beautiful spring day at the farm.
The Zenyatta Shop will be closed while we’re here, and we’re offering free shipping within the US until we reopen. All new orders will ship in early April.
We’ll be on Instagram! @teamzenyatta #ZenyattaFoalWatch
Enjoy!
Team Z
Delrene from Carlsbad, Ca
Dear Zenyatta – Perhaps to pass the time in the foaling barn you will watch Ziconic’s race with your family!!!! Just checking in. Hugs,
Vampressqueen Sue Colvin
Hi Zsters?
Today’s devo:
Shine God’s Light in the Midst of Holiday Stress
by Gini @ DaySpring March 22, 2016
With my family, I never know what’s about to happen. A few years ago, I pulled up to my parent’s house on Easter Sunday to witness my pre-teen nephews hanging from trees in the front yard with their new machetes, just hacking away. The next year, I pulled up to find my 65-year-old mother circling her house in her new utility vehicle with three grandkids strapped in the back seat with their arms in the air like it was the rollercoaster ride of their lives. And then last year, I showed up to find the neighbor’s full-grown turkey roaming the yard as my nieces and nephews tried to collect its fallen feathers (using gardening gloves and plastic grocery bags). And, just think, I’m adding two toddlers to this scene!
Yes, in my world, holidays are action-packed with family, kids, utility vehicles, last years’ fireworks, heated political debates and even an occasional attack turkey. And, even though I wouldn’t change it for the world, it’s a lot to take on and many times, I find myself stressed out at the situation just trying to manage to get through it without getting hurt.
While I might be dealing with a special case, we all know that family can be stressful. Over the next few days, families will be gathering to celebrate Easter and with that comes pressure – whether it be pressure to deliver the perfect holiday meal or pressure to get along with that one family member who drives you crazy or pressure to not yell at your niece who’s been banging on the piano for the last hour and a half.
This year, I invite you to join me in approaching Easter differently. Let’s be present in the moment, worshipping, loving and praising Jesus for His sacrifice and His unfailing love. And, all the while, let’s share His joy. Because, God doesn’t just call us to “manage” stressful situations, but also to shine His light through them (Matthew 5:16 NIV).
Here are a few ways to shine His light in the midst of holiday stress:
1. Recite Scripture. Even in our busiest moments, we can control our thoughts – so why not fill every empty second with Scripture about the risen Lord? Luke 24: 5-6 (NIV) states “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV) states “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Both of these are great verses to keep in mind throughout the special day.
2. Pray. Let’s breathe this year. Just the simple act of finding a quiet place to spend a few moments with Jesus can refocus our thoughts and get us back on track.
3. Bible Journaling. Bible journaling is a fun activity that can bring adults and kids to the table to focus on the Word while working with stickers, washi tape, stamps and paint.
4. Share the Love. 1 John 3:15:16 (ESV) states, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” Maybe it’s time to extend a little grace to someone in your family. Let them know they are loved and open your heart to forgive and forget.
All in all, let’s prepare our hearts this Easter to remain focused on the celebration of the risen King. Let’s ask God to help us shine His light through all the stress that comes with holiday celebrations and to glorify Him in all our ways in the upcoming weekend and throughout our lives.
HugZ❤ prayerZ,vamp
Mary
Beautiful photo of Zenyatta in her stall. Thank you. Prayers for a safe delivery and healthy foal and mom.
Hugs and Prayer to Team Z
Sierra
I don’t know if anyone already noticed this but the label on her name tag in the top right corner looks like it has a date on it if you zoom in. To me 3/28? But it’s really hard to tell. Just thought I would point this out.
Marcia Hadley
Zenyatta, hold off for Sunday the 27th.
Not only is it Easter this year, it’s also my
Birthday. Hoping for a blazing red filly with
Your heart, and courage.?? ??
carolinarkansas
Zenny…..we are here…we are ready….now you just take your own sweet time about this whole thing….we will wait impatiently…
PACE….PACE….PACE
Donna Olinger
I hope you have an easy delivery, and hoping for another filly for you to love !!!!
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
New Instagram photo of Z this morning in case you haven’t seen it. What a beauty; she looks a bit weary though. Soon baby. Love and Hugs, JB
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDWC4W-oqFh/?taken-by=teamzenyatta
Lynn Martin
Oh yes! She is close! She has that far away look in her eyes…like there is something else she is focusing on. All my bitches (excuse me, but that is the proper word for a female dog!) had that look when they were ready to whelp. Usually had the pups that night!
Lynn
Barbara Wood
Darling Zenny,
You look so regal, patient, and lovely. We cannot wait to hear your good news. Secretly, I’m hoping for a filly on the 26th, but I won’t be surprised if you make us wait a bit. Wish we had our own Zenny cam. Hugs to all.
Bluegrass Girl
MUST READ-Beautifully written article about Jeff Lucas
Tim Layden tweet on Thursday March 24 2016
Jeff Lukas, gone at 58, was one of the bravest people I have ever known.
Very sad. My story from 2013:
Out of the Darkness
By Tim Layden Sports Illustrated
From article: “One morning a horse ran over Jeff Lukas and changed his life. But life went on just the same, because that is what life does. For him and for all the others”
http://www.si.com/longform/lukas/
Bluegrass Girl
From article:
Jeff was also instrumental in the development of some of the most important horses on the team, including 1986 Horse of the Year Lady’s Secret and ’88 Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors, both fillies.
Bluegrass Girl
Be sure to watch the video at the end of the article.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
He was a brave soul and a fine horseman. Rest In Peace. Love and Hugs, JB
Ingrid Arnone
RIP, sad very sad, he was to young to died.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear BGG,
Thank you for posting this link. This is a very inspiring and heartbreaking story. Everyone handled this difficult challenge the best way they could. I am glad that Jeff found a bit of contentment in Atoka and that he had a job that seemed to bring him satisfaction.
Very sad that Jeff died so young. His life was short but was lived with such courage and strength. Condolences to the Lukas family. Rest in Peace Jeff Lukas
Hugs and Love
Bluegrass Girl
Cigar – 1996 Dubai World Cup + Post Race
Horse Raciing Published on Sep 23, 2012
Cigar, the great American thoroughbred who traveled more than 6,000 miles to race here, held off a breathtaking stretch challenge tonight to win the $4 million Dubai World Cup by half a length and collect racing’s richest prize.
.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1kikovAiCY&feature=youtu.be
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Thank you for this. What a thrilling performance by Cigar and Jerry Bailey. Rest In Peace Champ. Love you. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear BGG.A fabulous race and an amazing champion.Hugs Sheena
LindaE_Ohio
Zennie, just checking in on you-as I do each day. I hope your foal resembles you since you are perfection. Such exciting times for us here….waiting for the arrival of your baby and Ziconic’s race tomorrow. A big thanks to everyone on the Z team for allowing us to continue following Zenyatta.
Bluegrass Girl
Beholder on the Grass? Mandella Eyes the Possibility
San Diego Horse Race March 24, 2016
California Chrome did it. Mshawish did it. Trainer Dick Mandella figures he has a very good horse in Beholder, maybe she can do it.
Three-time Eclipse Award winner Beholder could make her first career start on the turf in the $200,000, Grade II Royal Heroine Stakes on opening day of Santa Anita’s Summer Meet.
http://sdhorserace.com/2016/03/24/beholder-on-the-grass-mandella-eyes-the-possibility/
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Godspeed beautiful Beholder. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Gorgeous new photo of ZI with Mario. Mario’s looking at him with the same love on his face that he always had when he looked at Z. Beautiful! Love and Hugs, JB
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDWfkO2oqDX/?taken-by=teamzenyatta
Max
Really good photo.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
He does have a beautiful Cashmere coat like Danny! Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Judy,
As always he looks beautiful but am wondering if he has a case of teenage acne on his nose? Have see what looks like hives, warts or something on his nose in other pictures. Remember those teen years with my 2 brothers and they looked like that every once in a while.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
Can’t really make out what’s on ZI’s nose. Could be or could just be shavings or sand if he was checking out the ground as they sometimes do. Here’s some other photos of him that are gorgeous too. Love and Hugs, JB
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CGv7p7nWwAEE5kh.jpg
http://www.paulickreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Ziconic-May-22-credit-Susie-Raisher2.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CbqfDdzWwAEEQPr.jpg
sheena.davies(wales)
This list was posted today.Cause of death unknown one was an unraced 4yr old and one an unraced 6yr old This is extremely sad.While we rightly celebrate our champions we cannot forget these racehorses either.RIP Sheena
Au quart de Tour
Have a Nip
Loughderra Queen
Message box
Off the Grid
Mr Nicolls
Gandhi
Kuramathi
Ocean Harvest
Relanta
Union Dues
Willie Colum
Lonon
Vernacular.
Lynne
Wouldn’t it be awesome if Ziconic delivered a win and Zenyatta
delivered her foal on the same day!!!
I am thinking of you, Zenyatta and wishing you all the best!!
shirleeinindy
Over on the forum under Ziconic there is a short video of him in the paddock at Santa Anita today. Walking right by his mom’s statue and being very disrespectful. Sorry I don’t know how to post it here.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
Thank you for referencing the video of ZI on the Forum. I am going to try to post it here. Hope it works. Wow, is he full of himself. That’s a good sign that he’s ready to run tomorrow. Love and Hugs, JB
https://twitter.com/NeverSettleTV/status/713121536475967488
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
PS: Shirlee, I’m going to post that video of ZI on the newest Blog. He looks so fit and ready for tomorrow. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Thanks for the video, Judy B.
Maybe that was his way of saluting his mama, do you think?
I will give him the benefit of the doubt on this. ?
Hugs and Love
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Marshall:
Me too. Could very well be. Love and Hugs, JB
Rita
It would be great to have 2 wins a new baby and a new winner for Zen!!
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Thank you and Lola Mae for the beautiful card. I loved the fantastic horses.It was our Moosie’s birthday yesterday and Soph’s also.They had a lovely hack in the morning and then he was out in the paddock with his friends.Sam will be allowed to race in the national something to do in the rules about which days amateurs can be banned so Nina Carberry can take part as well.The BHA made a U-turn !Any news about Jordan?I can’t help but worry.Sprinter will be parading tomorrow Julie is going up with her grandson.It will be the only dry day of the Easter weekend.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Happy Birthday to Moosie and happy you enjoyed the card. Glad Sam is allowed to ride in the National. Have not heard from Peggy, so sadly nothing’s changed. I do keep in touch with texts and emails. Good for Julie and her grandson. Will be a great memory for them of SS. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweetie.
Margaret Peyou
I see in the photo where Z has either worry bead or prayer beads attached to her stall door. May the horse gods be with her and her foal during this momentous foaling!
judyhughes
SPIRIT BLESS YOU, Zenyatta. Have a safe delivery, dear one. I’ll be keeping up with the NEWS!
Denise
Is there a live cam to watch?
Patricia
Wow what a blessed time, she looks so wonderful. Question: I read where this was the last breeding. Please if yu have the answer please reply. Unlike the stallions in retirement I didn’t think staying pregnant was much of one lol just curious.
Prayers for a safe and joyous birth
♥ Auntie Judy aka JAG / So. CA ♥
♥ Dear Ann & Jerry
The closer our Queen Zen gets to foaling the more anxious this Auntie becomes so I can only “imagine” what you’re going through (wink wink).
♥ HugZ