Birthday Tattoo

You might not have heard of a super hero film by the name of Captain Marvel, film number 21 in the Marvel Comic Universe, and if you haven’t you need to educate yourself on it right away. It is the best origin story in the 22 film arc and I love Brie Larson in the role. I saw it five times in the theater, and have watched it numerous times since it came out on video. It will be the go-to movie for me when I am feeling a little bit down or in need of a reminder. 

My truck is named Marvel and has Captain Marvel’s symbol on her in two different places. To say I am a little obsessed might be an understatement. So, of course, a Captain Marvel tattoo seemed in order:

Line work done.

Let no one tell you that the inside of the elbow is a comfortable place to tattoo.

Shading in place prior to color.

Pausing at the end to contemplate the outcome and any final touches.

This was the point at which I developed a severe case of Turrets.

Several M’fers were uttered. 

Finished tattoo.

Captain Marvel materializing out of me.

Changes Bareback

Bareback Changes

I hadn't ridden since Weds night. The temps have changed and fall is definitely here. Snow is expected on Thursday. There was a tractor loading manure onto a flatbed trailer right next to the arena. He was perfect. Light. Connected. Listening.

Communication

We went from fall temps of mid-70's to early 80's to cold, wet and raining with a high of 50. When I talked to Amanda about Ashke she said he was still warm, but I might want to pull a blanket out and toss on him for the night. I was already planning on being at the barn to pick up the start/finish gates for the National Championship show and getting them over to Chris to pack in the trailer, so I figured I would throw the blanket on him when I got there.

He saw me and came out whinnying and tossing his head. I was walking to the barn in a light drizzle and said "are you cold? Do you want a blanket?" He reared and spun, trotting the length of his run to meet me at his stall. His hair was standing on end when I said hi, and I got the impression from him of a slight shiver running the length of his body. I started searching for his light weight blanket, but then was reminded that his neighbor helped strip the top layer off of it last spring and I threw it away. I grabbed the mid-weight and carried it back to where Ashke was impatiently waiting.

I said "it's a little heavier than you might need, but you will be warm. Do you still want it?"

He nickered and tossed his head.

I opened the stall door and went to step inside and he moved to position himself so that I could toss the blanket on him (he never does that). I got it snapped and buckled while he tossed his head violently up and down in a "yes do that please" movement. Once all the straps were hooked up, he took a deep breath and settled. Just like a kid curled up on a corner of the couch under a blanket.

I got a strong impression of warmth and contentment, mixed with a heart-felt thank you.

My poor thin skinned desert horse.