LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 181...Returning to the Stinky Ass Dogs

It is official, I will be returning to the crazy doctor!  Thank goodness my manager is amazing and has had meetings with her to discuss in great detail what I can and cannot do there!  One thing that has been emphasized, I cannot walk her dogs!  YES!!  Thank freaking goodness as I do not want that ridiculous task on my shoulders anymore.
The other good news, I get to work with Theresa EVERY DAY!!

Maybe, just maybe things will begin to look up?!

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 180...Marriage/Divorce

While I am seeking to find someone to share my life, a very dear friend is going through the beginning stages of accepting she will be divorcing her husband.  While she has been trying for many years to make this marriage work, it has been one sided for quite some time.  This has been hard on my friend and it makes me sad for her.  It also concerns me that the level of importance to find that "right person" to share my life with how they need to be the right person.
How do you find that "right" person?  I'm realizing I may be dealing with a liar.  After so many months of believing someone, now there is this doubt.
What does one look for and how do you know if someone is telling the truth?  It is quite frustrating watching all these others as couples and watching people who have broken up end up and find someone else again so quickly.
What is there for me to learn here?  I don't understand.  Part of me is worried I won't be able to find the "right" one and end up settling for the wrong one and being unhappy.  Where I would rather be single than with the wrong person, how long until I give up on that and settle for someone who isn't "right"?

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 179...Music City Cutting Horse Association

Here is an article I have written on the Music City Cutting Horse Association.  It is really interesting to be back on the equestrian scene.  This time instead of a rider, competitor or trainer, I am on location as a writer/reporter/photographer.  I am grateful as I absolutely LOVE IT!!!

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The Country Music Cutting Horse Association had their 4^th show of the 2015 season at the Wilson Country Fairgrounds on June 27-28, 2015.  The Country Music Cutting Horse Association (CMCHA) has eight shows a year.  Their judge at this event was NCHA approved judge, Greg Butenmiller.  Their competitors came in from Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, Mississippi and Missouri, with 84 entries on Saturday and 78 entries on Sunday they had a full roster of cutters.

With a centralized location and open air atmosphere, CMCHA enjoys the facility in Lebanon, TN.  Frank Casey is the Show Secretary and he proudly stated the horses which come to compete at these shows can also be found at NCHA Nationals, Eastern and Western World shows.  “This is a great venue and with the location not far from the Interstate competitors can get in and out easily.  We offer a great competitive spirit here in a show that can help you get started if you are a beginner, or give you a challenge if you are an advance competitor.”

Jesse Pritchard, had nine horses from his barn, Painted Springs Farm located in Thompson Station, TN.  Jesse grew up riding horses, training horses is in his blood as his Grandfather trained and showed cutting horses.  “This facility is great as it is close to home for me.  I’ve been to shows in Vegas, Oklahoma City, Fort Worth, Augusta.  Where you can’t beat a facility like Fort Worth, it is nice to be able to compete close to home”.  This particular weekend Jesse had high hopes for his horse, Cats Quick Pick.  “She is layed back, quiet, just a good honest horse.  Every day she comes out the same, never waivers.  I started her as a two year old, showed her when she was six and now I own her and she is 12”.

A cutting horse is an athlete in motion.  Cutting is an event which a rider enters a herd of cattle, picks out a cow and keeps her separate from the herd.  The challenge comes from the cows desire to be back in the safety of the herd.  A well trained cutting horse will have “cow sense” where it will turn sharply and stop quickly to keep the cow from returning to the herd.  This is a timed event where the rider has 230 seconds to separate and work the cows picked from the herd.  The judges award points to the cutter based on a scale that ranges of 60-80 points with 70 being average.

The CMCHA once held their events in Franklin until 2008.  They changed venues and began to hold their shows in Lebanon, TN.  It didn’t take long for them to decide this was home for them.  They have an affiliate chapter in East Tennessee and they hold their shows in Harriman, TN.  Frank Casey encourages anyone who wants to get involved in cutting or with the CMCHA by simply coming to one of their shows.  “We hold eight a year, starting in March and ending in November.  You can also contact the NCHA directly and they will be glad to help you get in touch with us”
Find more information at: www.CMCHA.com

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 178...Planks

This fitness challenge has definitely given me an awakening towards how much work it is to get back into shape.  It is making me miss dancing, and I so wish I had the room to be able to dance.  It is just a hobby, but I do enjoy it a lot.
I have been doing exercises to focus on getting myself back into shape and the one exercise in particular is the plank.  This exercise is definitely difficult, however, I have been told it will shape my abs more than any regular sit up will do.  If that is the case, plank away!!
I am trying my very best to get myself up to 90 seconds.  It is taking me a lot longer than I expected to work my way up to this amount of time.  According to many of the guides for a 30 day plank challenge, they move you up to 90 seconds pretty quickly.
While I am not there yet...I am determined to get there before my fitness challenge is over.

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 177...Hope is Near

My manager at Aegis has been in communication with my old boss a lot lately.  Turns out she misses me and wants me back in her office.  This would be good news as I would be able to get full time hours without question, I would also be able to work with the FABULOUS Theresa once again.

It is sounding like I will be starting with their department beginning in July.  Considering I am not crazy about the pain clinic where I have temporarily been placed, I am open to change.  The drive to this pain clinic has been wearing me out.  I drive 30 - 45 minutes in morning rush hour traffic so I can feed my chickies.  Then I get back into it for another 45 minutes to get to work on time. 
This pain clinic office does things a lot differently, which would not be bad, however, I just don't feel like I fit in there.  The sooner I can have an option to get out the better.
Stay tuned...

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 176...Pondering...Pondering

Life is passing me by and I am waiting and wondering when I will get in the process of taking the steps of where I want to be.  It is frustrating knowing I am so far behind and so far to go, when will I get there.  Is it possible?
I bring this up a lot because it is continuously on my mind.  It is where I want to be and I don't know how to get there.  Others have homes of their own and the life they want to be living.  Hopefully with this new job I have I will be able to get out from under what the past two-three years has done to me.  While the past while has been rough on me, it is not keeping down, but it has been holding me back.  I don't want it to hold me back, I keep pushing forward but I am wearing out.
There is a new song out called, "This is My Fight Song", it is hard for me to listen to as I don't have much fight left  in me.  This is the first time in a very long time that I don't have a fight left within me.  I have some, but not like I once did, the strength of my fight is fading.  I'm a little concerned what will happen if more of my fight diminishes.

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 175...Mister Fuzzy Boots

My roommate has a cat, his name is Fin.  However, when I first moved in I was not formally introduced to said cat, so I gave him a name; Mister Fuzzy Boots.  He is pretty cute and adorable, however, he is not exactly on the high end of intelligence.
It is always a new adventure with Mister Fuzzy Boots, I will wake up to him sleeping in my bed, or maybe he brought me a cat toy to share with me.  Sometimes he is just waiting outside the door doing his yoga cat moves waiting to attack or just be in the way.
I have grown fond of Mister Fuzzy Boots, minus his biting problem.  I'm not exactly sure where this stems from or why he insists on biting people.  My roommate is his primary target.  She can walk by and he will dash after her, grab her legs, bit her and proceed to be in the way as she tries to walk.  I try not to laugh too loudly as I hear her repeatedly say, "get off me!"
Since I am bringing things inside from storage, he finds it interesting to help explore the boxes and bags I drag into my room.  There are also times I will be writing and he will on occasion bring a toy up to the bed and play while I work, its pretty cute.
If and when I do move into my own place, whenever that may be (down the road and hopefully not too soon as I do love where I live), I will miss his adorable presence.

Mister Fuzzy Boots is a mighty hunter as he lays by the Angry Birds Hat he slayed

Sometimes he thinks he is helping while I do my exercises

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 174...Lindsay

How blessed I am to be able to have the incredible friends that I have in my life.  It is a gift that I do not take for granted.
Below is a photo of my very amazing friend, Lindsay.  She does yoga and this is a shot of her doing a complicated yoga move that she has been trying to accomplish for quite some time.  It just goes to show with determination and practice, once can accomplish their goals.
Beyond her being a yogi, she is a full time Mom, works full time, and remains upbeat and full of energy.  When she walks in you can tell she is overwhelmed, and yet she always looks fabulous.  Her hair is always amazing, her makeup is fantastic, and she wears a big and beautiful smile on her face!
She as a friend is a gift.
I hope you tell the friends in your life how much you appreciate them.  Maybe they do know it, but does it hurt to say it?
Exactly.

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 173...Strength

I have always been independent.  I do believe my parents are quite responsible for that aspect within me.  I am grateful, even though it has caused a few little issues from time to time in my life.  I never understood why a guy I have been dating has such an issue when I go to see a movie I want to see alone.  There are a few friends of mine who also cannot understand the concept.
What am I suppose to do?  Sit around and cry about not having anyone around to go see a movie with or grab my purse and go?  I get out there and just do it. 
More than a few times I have been told by friends that I am the strongest person they know.  While I do not know how much truth there is to that, I find it quite an honor to have someone say something of that nature to me.
Maybe there will be a day when I am respected and cared for enough by someone who will love me for me, and accept me, my chickens and my independence.

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 172...Mersades

With my journey with Aegis I was placed in a lab at an office with another tech.  The manager told me frequently how I would love her and get along with her.  I was hoping internally I would and that things would be fine.
I never knew how fine they would be.  I was blessed with someone who gets me, gets my humor, worked as a team and had the high spirit of God in her system and yet her feet grounded on the floor.  This is, Mersades, and we clicked like we have known one another for years.  Our manager couldn't help but shake his head when he found out how much we liked one another with all the effort it took on his part to convince us we would get along. 
She is amazing, she is funny,sweet and has taken her own footsteps through hell.  Yet, she stands tall with her beautiful and healthy daughter.  While I won't be working with her anymore (at least for now) we talk every day, and we lean on each other for strength and lift up one another with gratitude and blessings.

Mersades and the sweet Krista in the background

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 171...Storage

I have a storage unit.  It is something which I pay for every month, which sucks.  More than that sucking, it brings me to a deep level of sadness knowing my nice things are stacked up in a storage unit.  I absolutely hate it.  It brings me sadness and depression that I can feel in the depths of my gut.

Looking at the garage where I live I am wondering if it could be an option for me to help clear out some space and put my things in there.  I'm not sure how to bring this up to my roommate as she is truly incredible and I don't want to seem like I am trying to take advantage of her.  Yet, it would save me so much money.
Now to think about how to approach this subject with her and see if it is even a possibility!

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 170...Getting Fit

My fitness challenge is going...slowly.  I am struggling with the planks and thinking trying to do a certain set of exercises every single day without a break may have been more than I anticipated.  Yet, I am determined to lose weight and get back into shape.  When I moved to Nashville, November 2007 I was actively belly dancing, hiking, and in 2008 got into caving.
Unfortunately, due to several factors (don't want to point fingers) I got out of shape and I was very unhappy about it. 
After losing a lot of weight last year by simply getting more active, I am now determined to get back to my goal weight.  Below is a photo of me while I was in Jamaica on a Mission Trip.  Our volunteer time was done and we were enjoying a nice trip out on a Catamaran.  I was happy with my body.  I was excited about the dancing I was doing at the time.  At that time I was single and yes, wanted someone in my life, but between dancing, training horses and teaching riding lessons and running 5K's with a good friend, I was in good shape.  Now that entire cycle is on its way again with the hopes of being in even better shape, better health and a better mindset to keep myself there.

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 169...Getting Caught Up

I have been with eagerness working on getting my blog caught up.  I didn't think this project would be so difficult, and for the most part it isn't to challenging.  However, with the way my life has been off and on, up and down for the past two years I keep hoping things will mellow out.  I keep hoping and wondering if things will ever surface and be normal for me.  When will the struggle ever, freaking END?!?!!!
Every day I try to maintain a little bit of hope that things will get better, they will settle down and life will get better. 
Until then...type, type, type as I catch up my 2015 daily blog project.

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 168...Up..Down...Torn

I am going through so much frustration and emotion right now.  I truly have been keeping my mouth shut just so I won't say anything inappropriate.  I am stressed out beyond belief worrying about my hours at work.  I am excited about this writing opportunity because it is something I have been wanting and pursuing for such a long time.  I am also torn because of the information I am finding out about a certain someone who has been getting invested with my attention, time and heart.

I keep wondering when life will have that turn around for me.  When will the day come when things make sense?  Will I ever be able to own my own home with some land in the country?  I really do not think I am asking too much for the things I desire in my life.  Yet, it makes me sad as each day passes me by and I'm not sure if I am getting any closer to my hopes and dreams. 

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 167...PUBLISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot express the level of excitement I experienced when I saw my name in print as a published writer and photographer.  The May & June issue of the Mid-South Horse Review is out and where I have not been able to see it in print in front of me, I have been able to see it online. 
Quietly I have been working on my writing since I was able to write as a young child.  I was blessed with an amazing gift of a very dear friend who is also my writing mentor.  She is incredible and has been allowing me to truly grow as a writer.  She even said to me at one point, "if you do what I tell you, you will get published".  I did exactly what she told me to do and this past spring I began to submit article ideas to publications.  The process of rejection began and then I got asked if I would be interested in being one of their freelance writers.  I was beyond excited with this amazing opportunity.  It is a beginner level writing opportunity, but if I can do things correctly maybe this can lead into a life time opportunity of writing.  Maybe even writing for a living.


Below are the links to check out my work:


http://www.midsouthhorsereview.com/past-issues.htm

http://www.midsouthhorsereview.com/pdf/2015/2015_mshr_master_pgsjun15_web.pdf

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 165...Pinterest

I have an absolute love for Pinterest.  I was introduced to it a few years ago and I slowly got into the groove.  Now, I am addicted!!  I will end up spending two hours on Pinterest and not even notice the time went by.  Anything you could ever want to know, do, discover, design, create is on Pinterest!
Do you enjoy cooking?  Watch out Pinterest has endless recipes for every possible dish known to existence.  Ok...well, maybe not quite as I am still on the search for a Malasada recipe.  (Thank you, to the bakery located on Oahu!)
If you enjoy traveling and adventure, there are photos from all over the world to encourage inspiration for traveling.
Maybe you want to start a new hobby, there are endless information and DYI's on just about everything.
My newest search has been in homes, home decorating, and taking an old barn and turning into a home. 
Below are just an incredibly small sample of the amazing things I have found on Pinterest!

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 164...Bachelorette

I unfortunately have to admit I am addicted to the Bachelorette.  I have not been hooked on this show for many years.  Due to the last season of the Bachelor, the man with the plan was a farmer from Iowa.  Being a farmer's daughter myself and from Wisconsin I wanted to see what it would all entail for this person and if he would find love.  I loved his sincere desire to want love in his life and it helped me find and secure peace within myself for wanting the same thing.

Mr. Iowa Bachelor found his bride and they are off living their lives.  On the Bachelorette two women from the previous season was chosen for the current season of this show.  In the first episode the men were able to pick who they wanted to pursue.  It was between Kaitlyn and Britt.  I had my hopes set on Kaitlyn who was the one who was picked.  Onward we went into the next season and I was on the couch every Monday wondering what would happen next.
I don't normally get caught up in such television shows and usually avoid the reality tv shows.  Yet, I think because I am in the place in my life where I want to share it with someone it has my attention.  Part of me feels reassured that I am not the only one out there wanting to find love and to have someone in my life, a part of my routine, part of my day.  It took me a long time for me to be at peace with myself for wanting such a thing in my life.  I was amazed at others, especially men, who spoke openly about it.  I was never that person who would allow myself to be fully open to it.  Then I would, and eventually find myself in a relationship and then that relationship would end.  I would get hurt, heal, pick myself up and move onward, take another chance, repeat.
Now, I am looking for someone to spend my life with, that person who will compliment me.  Someone who wants to pursue the same things in life, and yet has their own interest.  While I don't have 25 men to choose from or a rose ceremony to help me narrow things down, my heart is open to the opportunity of what is to come ahead.

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 163...CMA's

This week Nashville is hosting the CMA's.  While for some this is a very exciting time as a resident here it is not so exciting.  The traffic has increasingly gotten worse in this town and now with all these tourists, it only makes it even more difficult.  There are streets that are jam packed, some are blocked and getting around is a nightmare.  While I understand that Nashville is "Music City" I have been here long enough to no longer care.  I don't enjoy large crowds, drunk people and I'm not interested in getting sunburnt while standing outside listening to live music.  Where I do love music, and enjoy playing my instruments and understand the appeal of all these artists playing here locally, it is not something that I want to dredge through the insane crowds.
I'm sure for someone who loves these artists, loves music and finds the appeal of Nashville exciting, it was never the draw for me here.  As someone who looks forward to this entire event being over with and these tourists leaving town.
This only pushes my desire to not be in a big city.  The idea of being in the country with quiet, a yard, my chickies and no neighbors within at least a half mile or more sounds amazing.
"Calgon take me away!"

LaCresha's Lens Focuses On...page 162...Old Stone Fort

When I was an active member of the Nashville Photography Club, I once lead a lot of photography trips.  One which we hit up early in my time as a volunteer was a local park, Old Stone Fort.  Where the trip is incredibly easy for anyone.  Along the way you come across a series of waterfalls which are quite nice in the spring due to the rain during that season.
If someone enjoys the outdoors and wants to take an easy day hike, this is a great little spot to get you and your friends out of town.  It is quiet and when I was there we only ran into a few other people.  This may be one of those spots which is known, but not visited often due to the nature of the easement of the trails there.  Yet, if you just want to get out and be in the outdoors while not be too far away from the city of Nashville, TN, I would recommend this easy day trip.
Below are some of the photos I took that day.