Virginia Breeze

We went to Colonial Downs several years ago before I started taking photos. I bet more that day and probably ate more too.  And  I don’t remember marveling at the beauty of these fine animals.  Or  appreciating the effort that goes into dressing them with colorful gear that matches their own colors.

Taking photos has helped me to learn to be more creative. But it has also helped me to appreciate more the creative efforts of others.

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We had a pretty nice time yesterday at Colonial Downs and now that I have had some sleep it is all coming into better focus.  Horse racing is pretty exciting.  One of the horses decided to jump a fence over in the back forty during a race.  His unfortunate rider was resting on the turf and looking up at the sky in short order.

Oh well.  Another day.  Another doctor.

Fortunately I was having a better day than this young man.  These horse are beautiful and make exciting targets for photo seekers.   So there will probably be lots of photos of stallions around here for some time.

It really is be a battle between horse and man from time to time as these photos demonstrate.  This beautiful horse didn’t want to walk in a circle and the guy leading him has his elbow in his neck while he is pulling the rope attached to his mouth with his other arm.  I’m cheering for the horse. Who do you think is stronger?  It’s really no contest except that one has an unfair advantage.

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And over in the winner’s area another horse who had won his race was freaking out about something. Who knows what goes through their minds?  But walking them a little bit tends to calm them down.  He was alright in just a minute or two.

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And people, of course, have  dispositions that they bring to these engagements.  If I was a great big, fast, impressive stallion (we can all dream) this would be the guy I would want handling me.

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He actually posed the horse so I could take his photo.  If I was a photographer this would be the guy I would want handling the horse  too.

So we all agree.  This is the number one guy.

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And this is the number one Hooters girl.  There were a lot of them around the track doing their thing.  But this is the only one who inspired me to ask for a photo.  Can you see Beth in the background trying to run fast  to get out of the shot?  Probably not.

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(Click on the title of the post first to avoid tangling with the sidebar slide show)

Central Virginia has horse racing.  And it’s a fun way to spend a day.  There’s lots to do at the racetrack.

And it’s a good way to get a tan too.

Here are some photos from our day.  Maybe I will post more tomorrow.  But I’m pretty tired right now and need to go to bed.

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Well it looks like your blogging buddy had an emotional day yesterday.  Certainly there were lots of new posts here but I don’t see anything this morning that causes regret or embarrassment.

And it was a defining moment in terms of my blogging effort.  No need to go over that again.  But often we see in life that when one door shuts another one opens. Dont’ we?   And I have discovered a blogger that makes me feel right at home.  If you asked him about Google I doubt he would say that it is worth a second of thought.

The blog is called Unforgettable Love Story and it is needed here.  Michael is a wise soul who has much to share about life and the greater world of the spirit.

And he has a radio show with recordings in his side bar.  This is so cool.  Here it is.

I hope you will take a moment and listen.  It is a very good day when you find something this worthwhile in your travels.

Today we are going to Colonial Downs for the horse races. My beloved wife Beth tells me that it is Hooter’s Day at the races as well.  Which means what?  I have no idea.   I went to a Hooter’s Restaurant one time and witnessed some young ladies in strange looking waitress uniforms and overpriced not so great food.

I hope all of this is not going to show up at the races.  But if it does no matter.   Because I’m hopeful about taking some good photos of the horses as they race along the track.  Or they might be standing in one spot looking gorgeous so strong and so sleek.  They are powerful animals.

And the dieting and walking continue.  Yesterday’s walk was very satisfying.  I walked for an hour up and down hills and it was pretty warm and humid.  But it seemed like an effortless exercise.  Maybe it is time to increase the distance.

I may have lost a few pounds as well but I didn’t weigh myself when this all started a few weeks ago. Because this is not about losing twenty pounds and going from X to Y  weight.  This is about becoming a walking person forever.

Just like blogging is no longer about achieving a certain number of visits or views per day.  It’s about friends and finding more amazing people like Michael.  It’s about giving support to those who need it.

And it’s about moving further into photography and writing while (hopefully) becoming better at both.  Friends.  Art.  Stats.  Which one needs to be downgraded if you are a fifty something year old guy looking for the good things in life?

Have a great day.

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