This title I call a “deserved cliché,” because it does bring analogous images to mind. For instance, I see an individual being swept down a fast-moving river, with no way of slowing down their speed. I can picture this in part because I once, voluntarily, jumped out of a raft on the Deschutes River and went through a rapid named Buckskin Mary. The fast-moving current narrowed to a V – I was surprised by the sheer power of the water. I may have gone under a few times. I was of course relieved to make it into slower moving water.

This analogy implies that sometimes all you can do is go with the flow, for to fight the current is senseless.

Today I feel this way. I just went from one activity to the next, and in the process, focused on keeping my head above the water.

The day started at 7:00 a.m. when I got up and got out and fed and cleaned up after the horses. It was still dark out. Pete did not pick up poop last night, so I had more than usual to contend with. I came inside, ate breakfast, then got online at 8:30 a.m. just in time for a four-hour meeting. The meeting was sponsored by the Foraker Group and was for executive directors.

Alys and Raudi go walking

We all were asked to introduce ourselves and tell the other attendees what other hats we were wearing. My goodness, I thought, everyone is wearing many hats. Not me. I wear one hat, which is the Bright Lights Book Project. I told everyone this. I don’t know if anyone was listening. The others were forthright in saying that their intent in being a part of this training was to make connections with other executive directors.

Once again, I found myself shaking my head in amazement, in that picking up a handful of books (I will say it now) would be life changing. And if it all comes to an end, I will say, oh my life was changed.

I did not go into the hotel today. It was a beautiful day out, temperatures in the low 30s and the sun shining brightly. Instead, I took all three horses for walks. And I thought, as I walked each one of them, what wonderful animals they are. Do they understand this? They might not understand words, but they do understand (I think) emotion. When I feel joy, I most likely emit a chemical, and my heart rate slows down. These three mares are so attuned to me that they relax when I feel this way. They also know when I’m out of sorts or angry and immediately get out of the way or refuse to be caught.

The dogs too. When, for example, I start tossing or turning, or encourage Pete to talk (in bed), Shadow comes up by my side and demands to be petted.

And there were so many emails today.

Yep. Going with the flow. Moving fast, in the center of the V of Buckskin Mary.

Next: 35. 2/4/25: Spring is around the corner