Thunder Press Magazine ~ bikers, mustangs and veterans

I had a busy summer working on some motorcycle projects. It took me a bit by surprise, actually. Sometimes God works in unique ways, though, and for some reason I fell into this bike world. I admit, I was a little unsteady at first, but, over time, I found my footing. And, I kind of like it. These Harley-Davidson people are a good bunch.

Over the last several years I have been given some remarkable opportunities. I think God knew that, had He presented them to me ten years ago, I might not have risen to the challenge. But I have grown, and, as I have grown, I have learned far more important lessons than I ever would have imagined:

1.     Sometimes you need to step outside the box – sometimes far beyond the edges – in order to achieve the things you never knew you wanted.

2.     Motorcycles are fun to photograph – you won’t find me riding one, but I’ll stop and take its picture if the fancy strikes.

3.     Motorcycle riders are not as scary as I once had thought;) They are sometimes rough around the edges and leather-clad, but under the beards and metal, there is a tremendous heart, sincere kindness and steadfast loyalty. I really appreciate that.

4.     Some of the nicest people I know are motorcycle riders.

5.     I’m passionate about those who serve our country; almost all of the bikers I know also are passionate about veterans – or are veterans themselves. I am proud to be able to call them friends.

As a writer and photographer, I am honored to take pictures and cover stories that are inspirational. So, when a couple of my “passions” intertwined, I jumped at the chance to cover it for a national motorcycle magazine.

My article – Steel Ponies Meet Real Ponies – can be found in the November issue of Thunder Press Magazine – page 8, if you are curious;)

Thunder Press ~ November Issue; page 8

Two hundred and fifty bikers rode to support the veterans at BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center and to help fund the riding programs available to veterans free of charge. It was a fun day with a lot of leather, a lot of chrome, a lot of bandanas and a lot of passion for our country.

Thanking the veterans in attendance, Local 786 Teamster and ride organizer Eddie Rizzo said, “Vets, we are all out here for you. While we are playing and raising our kids, [you are fighting for us.]”

I had to let that sink in for a little bit. Several years ago, I met a man who changed the way I truly saw veterans. He opened my eyes to the sacrifices. And, with a unexpected invitation, he opened the door for me to meet so many others who continued to show me that the most potent wounds of war are those that are invisible. I’ve never been so viscerally impacted by a chance encounter than I was on that night. I will never forget the faces of the men who shared their stories with me. And I never will have the words to thank them ~ though I never will stop trying.

These men and women volunteer to do the hard things, so that I can do the things I love. They have put their lives in the line of danger – for me – and they are forever changed because of it.

That freedom is the agent that binds the veteran, the horse and the biker.

U.S. Army veteran Mitchell Reno said, “Motorcycles and mustangs are the symbol of American freedom, really.”

Freedom is not free.

I’ve written quite a bit about mustangs and the deep connection veterans feel when they work with them. You can read my most recent article with Wild Heart Mustang Magazine here. Motorcycles provide a similar adrenaline rush.

Twenty, ten, maybe not even five years ago would I have thought to look for myself here, but I am so proud to have found myself in a place where I can write about the men and women who serve and the men and women who support those who serve.

I encourage you to thank a veteran today – every day – any time you have the opportunity. Thank someone who supports our veterans. If it feels uncomfortable, look at lesson number one ~ step outside your box. You never know what is waiting for you just outside the perimeter.

(captions are as they appear in Thunder Press Magazine, November Issue, page 9)

Nearly 250 motorcycles filled the rustic Maxon Road on the way to BraveHearts Therapeutic and Educational Riding Center

Isabella Rizzo, 9, hold onto BraveHearts horse, Hank, while DC1 (SW) Mary Apper United States Navy finds respite from the crowd.

U.S. Army veteran Mitchell Reno thanks the riders who, though the Mustang Run, helped raise funds so that he and other veterans can get the assistance they need to overcome the visible and invisible wounds of war.

#AutumnDrive ~ a small community opens its doors to friends, family, strangers -- and you!

Nestled deep in rural Woodstock, amidst the vibrant fall leaves, in-and-out of rustic barns and across a nine-square-mile section of country, locals and visitors find a host of unique products, produce and activities with a fall flare.

I can’t believe how many wonderful community members we have in Woodstock – neighbors who will open their homes, their barns, their property and their farms to strangers and friends alike.

Robert Blue of Blue Eagle Pottery organizes the event every year. Now in its 29^th year, 23 neighbors are participating, and there is a little bit of everything. Blue told me that what makes the drive so special is the variety of activities, products and experiences offered. He explained that farmers sell their produce, artist sell their creative work, crafters sell their projects, antique enthusiasts sell and showcase their antiques, the list goes on.

My kids enjoyed feeding donkeys … for nearly an hour at 5 Lazy K Ranch.

These chickens at the same stop were such fun!

There was incredible kettle corn fresh from the kettle. 

I loved the autumn colors and the produce found at Lisk Family Farms.

There was this beautiful lady ~ and her natural soaps. Visit her here. Isn't she the cutest?

Candles from Mad Soyentist: 

This incredible artist painted a horse portrait on pallets. You can visit Diana at AestheticArtWorks.

Of course, my friends at 5 Lazy K Ranch had this fun photo op!

Convinced? 

Come visit the Autumn Drive ~ www.autumndrive.net  Today and tomorrow (Oct 15 and 16) from 9-5, rain or shine!

Read my article in The Woodstock Independent: Celebrate Fall at the 29th Annual Autumn Drive

Come. I promise, you will not be disappointed!

Happy Fall!

#WWPW2016 ~ World Wide Photo Walk 2016 ~ on The Historic Woodstock Square with photographer Ken Farver

The Woodstock Farmers Market on a delightfully drizzly Saturday morning.

It was a little cold, a little rainy, and a little overcast on Saturday October 1. But our Scott Kelby World Wide Photo Walk 2016 fearless leader Ken wouldn’t let a little rain spoil our fun.

Photographer Ken Farver headed up our walk on the historic Woodstock Square. It is a place that I am familiar with, but this walk reminded me that sometimes you cannot see the beauty that hides in your midst. Sometimes you need someone else to open your eyes to the extraordinary that lies within your ordinary.

Ken did just that.

We first headed out to wander around the Woodstock Famers Market. This market has been ranked at the top in all categories – both locally and nationally – in the American Farmland Trust’s summer-long Farmers Market Celebration. I could take photos here on any given Saturday (or Tuesday for that matter), but walking around with a handful of other photographers and some fancy cameras can inspire the artist in anyone – and suddenly my little town had become that much more magical as I saw it through the eyes of others.

With cameras at the ready, we shot gingerroot, we shot pumpkins, we shot tons of fall produce, we shot mushrooms, we shot transactions between customers and we shot honey bottles.

And then, the drizzle became a little more intense.

Ken quickly (and wisely) suggested that we head into the historic Woodstock Opera House for some photo ops. I performed there for many years – as a child, I danced there; as a college student and beyond I danced, acted and sang on that stage. Now, I take my children there to appreciate the local talent and whet their appetite for musical theater. 

One thing I never have done, however, is taken my big camera inside. How lucky was I, then, that we found the stage being prepared for the next show? I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic and choose a monochrome look for these images. Thank you, Ken, for this rare photographic opportunity!

He also took us to Ethereal Confections to photograph the interesting lighting and the chocolatiers at work. Not only was it an artistic opportunity, but it also gave us a chance to explore our technical aptitude as we took pictures of lights and trays of elegant chocolate treats. We ended our walk with a group lunch at the Public House ~ where Ken enjoyed a bowl of pumpkin soup, complete with whipped cream, cinnamon and a graham cracker garnish.

Flanked by a posse of paparazzi, some fancy cameras and a fearless leader, I felt much more comfortable nudging my lens into these beautiful scenes (that I am guilty of taking for granted) on our Square than I might have on my own.

Thank you, Ken, for this opportunity. Thank you to the market organizers and vendors, the Opera House staff, Ethereal Confections and the Public House for your graciousness on this walk.

Go out and photograph your world!

Blue Loom's produce display.

Hand-spun, hand-dyed yarn.

One of the photogs from the walk ... hiding amidst the shrubbery.

Autumn flowers.

Rain droplets on the railings sending our crew inside for a bit.

I love the ambiance this sign provides inside Ethereal Confections.

Delicious specialty chocolates waiting to be served and smelling incredible!

I absolutely loved having the opportunity to take photographs from the balcony!

The beautiful Woodstock Opera House on the main floor.

Production Manager Joe McCormick adjusting the lighting on the sign for the upcoming Woodstock Musical Theater Production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.

Ken working his photographic magic capturing the Elvira the opera ghost's seat!

Ken's delicious pumpkin soup at the Public House on the Historic Woodstock Square.

Wild Heart Mustangs ~ Wild Mustangs Mirror the Inner Turmoil of the Veteran's Soul

I was excited to be asked to write an article for Wild Heart Mustangs Magazine.

I didn’t grow up as a horse person, but I got my feet wet with some remarkable staff and veterans at BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding andEducational Center. I write about them often, but I really can’t say enough about the heroes I meet there. I am humbled to be in their presence.

I have been privileged to write about Nick (United States Marine Corps. Cpl Nicholas Montijo) quite a bit, but for this article, I also was given the opportunity to speak with Mitchell Reno. The unassuming United States Army Veteran who hails from Texas is one of the most eloquent men I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing. He is articulate and raw, and he is honest and passionate.

You all know just how much I have come to love how therapeutic horse riding and veterans intersect at BraveHearts -- and at Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International accredited centers across the nation. Through the many interviews I have done, I have seen first-hand the healing that occurs in the bond between a horse and a human, and – most powerfully – between a mustang and a veteran.

Our military men and women protect our country, our lives and our freedoms. Mustangs represent American freedom.  When both find themselves together, miraculous things happen. Healing happens, caring happens, bonding happens, love happens.

You can read my article here: (Wild Mustangs Mirror the Inner Turmoil of the Veteran's Soul). When you do, I hope that you remember how mustangs serve a purpose – they help give a renewed purpose to veterans. The veterans I have interviewed have been very honest: they might not be here if it weren’t for the opportunities afforded to them by BraveHearts through the Operation Mustang program. Veterans live lives of purpose. Mustangs live lives of purpose. They belong together.

Thank you Mary Lainhart for such a great e-zine and for drawing attention to the plight of both the mustang as well as the veteran. Thank you to BraveHearts for supporting our veterans. And, thank you to our veterans – we are able to live our lives because of you. There are no words to appropriately thank you for everything you do.