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Saturday, July 9, 2011

New friends on the other side of the fence

With new territory comes new friends, right???

Last year i wrote a post about How a Girl gets a Horse and i am HAPPY to say, my Fox Trim Classic is now 27 years old and alive and kicking!

And by kicking i mean: KICKING, showing of his manly hood, making lots and lots of noise and pretty much acting like a 5 year old, i just discovered myself, stallion!


A couple of months ago, my dad got 1.5 horse. Yes, 1.5 horse because one is really big and the other one is a really little little Shetland pony. And thus.... 1.5 horse...

My mom and dad have a nice old barn besides their house and we build some stalls. We also got them a pasture. Nothing fancy but nice, underneath the trees, and we thought it would be sufficient for them. The first 2 months those horses could not go outside... It rained and rained and rained.... But  finally after 2 months they did and oh, they were some happy horses.

All this time Classic would sneak peeks to my mom and dad's place to see what was going on. The problem was they were a little to far away for him to get to know them a little bit better plus i don't think he sees really well long distances (being old and all) so "making new friends" wasn't an option, yet...


But that all changed last week. Because of the weather and the location of  the pasture the grass is not growing as well as it should. And Classic has TONS and TONS of grass. His pasture is a bit bigger and no trees. (Yes some people call it spoiled)...

Soo, last week dad and i decided to move his 1.5 horse to Classics pasture, so half of the pasture could be used for them and the other half for Classic (Yes, there has to be a boss...). With of course a 10 foot barrier in between so Classic wouldn't jump in with Magic and Raisin (and yes Raisin would be the tiny one) and cause all sorts of trouble...

But making new friends is really really hard.

And i mean REALLY HARD! Because of the task we have given ourselves by starting our own large family farm and with me getting sick and going true chemo for almost 64 weeks there wasn't much time to make a lot of new friends. So seeing my super stud trying to make new friends is like, "Oh, I'm not the only one who has troubles doing this...".


In Holland i was blessed with good friends. Friends that have grown with me into the persons that we are now, friends who came later in life and which i experienced good, not so good and bad things with and friends that are friends for life.

BUT... I am here now. And they are there...

And telling your friends what you do in a new country with a different mentality with different customs and different views on life, just doesn't cut it all the time. Plus their lives go on too. They have new jobs, new adventures, get married, have cute little babies and i have no idea about what it is they are doing all day, every day... And that makes me miss them even more. Don't get me wrong, i don't want to go back to The Netherlands... i just wish they were here...

I think we, as in Classic and his new buddies and me, will be fine given time.

There are soo many nice, sweet, talented, good, friendly, smart, open minded people here, so it is only a matter of time before i meet some more of them. Because yes, i too have met some really fantastic people already, but friendships need to grow and i can't expect that all the friendships i had in Holland, build up over 28 years, are gonna be here at my doorsteps right NOW. Although i sure would want that! And i am a very impatient girl! So every second here in this beautiful country is another second in which i miss my friends back "home".

But i have good hope, and i have time... What more can a girl wish for...

And as far as my super stud goes... i checked him again just now. He's grazing happily on one side of the fence and Magic and Raisin on the other side looking at each other, sniffing the air and act dumb... I think they'll be all right!



...


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49 comments:

  1. Furry BottomsJuly 7, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    I really would love to interact with a horse. I've been wanting that for a year now.

    While I was on vacation, I boarded my dogs at Doggy Haven Resort. Very nice place, and I happened to notice there is a Horse Haven Resort right next door. I saw a couple horses grazing in the pastures there. I wanted to climb the fence and offer it a sugar cube or an apple, but got to thinking.... what if the horse is diabetic or on a special diet? So I didn't. But I yearned to so badly!

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  2. donJuly 7, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    An interesting account of your friends in Holland and the difficulty of developing new friendships here. You had a few difficult things to contend with...like Chemo that have slowed down that process. I wish you all the best and some opportunities to meet some new people on a regular basis. Nice shots of these beautiful horses.

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  3. TexWisGirlJuly 7, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    i know what you're going thru - at least some of it. years ago, when i moved from wisconsin to texas, it was major culture shock. and i knew 2 or 3 folks that i worked with at the time. it took a long time to find folks who wanted to make a connection with someone new - most folks had been here a while or even grew up here so their friendships were long-rooted and their circles were well established. starting over is hard, and especially when you work in a family business, it's even harder to meet friends because you're not leaving the farm much.

    you and your classic pretty boy (and your pretty boy hubby) will be just fine in time. :)

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  4. SandiJuly 7, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Isn't it wonderful how God enables us to see ourselves through the actions of other creatures...and to learn? I can't begin to know what "you" have gone through, I can identify with struggles, but we still journey through our own struggles in our own way through our own experiences. I wish you all the best as you continue to travel your own life/faith journey. And may you enjoy your big guy! What a beauty he is!!!

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  5. SaimiJuly 7, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    Ah, it's hard developing new relationships. I think the key is involving yourself in common groups. Like other horse people or dairy farmers someone that has the same interest.

    Your horse is a real BEAUTY!! And I know for a fact if we lived closer to each other we would be GREAT friends..even our horses.

    My black mare would take quite nicely to your big stud!

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  6. UnknownJuly 7, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    If only we lived closer!

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  7. AlicaJuly 7, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    Thank you for the reminder for those of us who live in an area surrounded by the people we've grown up with! It's our job too, to reach out to others!

    The horses look so happy! That first picture really does look like he's pretty pleased with himself!

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  8. LindaGJuly 7, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    *hugs* ♥
    You have a very pretty horse and he has lovely neighbors.
    I hope you can make all the really good friends that you want to make. :)

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  9. MadSnapperJuly 7, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    so pretty your 1.5 horses. love the story and i know you get homesick for your birth place no matter how happy you are living your dream.

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  10. PatJuly 7, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    What a beautiful horse!

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  11. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmJuly 7, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    He is so, so handsome!

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  12. Buttons ThoughtsJuly 7, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    I think the horses will be fine. I have found the very best friendships I have ever had later in life. They know only parts of your life not like your childhood friends and I am very happy to say they are the best. You never have to impress people at our age.
    I can't imagine you taking to long to make wonderful lasting friendships you have a great sense of humour and I would be happy to have you as a friend. There are lots of great people out there thinking the same as you. Your blog friend, too bad you live so darn far away. B

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  13. JillJuly 7, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    Your Classic is gorgeous! I hope he and the others warm up to each other sooner than later.

    And you hang in there. Building a freindship does, indeed take time but it will be worth the wait. I wish I were closer..I'd sure like to be friends. For now, we bloggers are here for you to lift you up anyway we can.

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  14. DianneJuly 7, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    You are certainly living your dream - love the bit about the 1.5 horse.
    Have a lovely week.

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  15. MelodieJuly 7, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    I love the 1.5 horse! And naming the little one Raisin,that is just too cute! The hardest part of a new adventure is leaving behind old friends.We have moved 13 times in 20 yrs and lived from coast to coast...Hubby was in the Navy for a lot of that moving, all in the USA but still...you never forget the friends you leave behind.

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  16. ClintJuly 7, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    My experience is that it is easy to develop new relationships---lots of them. But meaningful relationships are rare. All we can do is keep the faith and keep trying. God bless you.

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  17. floweringmamaJuly 7, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    What a lovely horse, just beautiful!

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  18. Betsy Banks AdamsJuly 7, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    Hi Leontien, So sorry to read about your cancer. Hope you are doing okay now... Cancer is a rough disease--but many people have long and great lives, living with it... God be with you.

    Glad you have that gorgeous horse.. And now --he has some friends. You will always miss your home-country. I think that is normal. But, in time, things will continue to work out or you here in America, and you will meet some wonderful people here.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  19. ReenaJuly 7, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    What a lovely post and expressive of what you are going through. Friendships do take some time ... and can be nurtured over exactly that ... time. Be patient. It will happen again ...

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  20. MichaeleJuly 7, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    I hear you! I have lived here now for 4 years after moving from a town I grew up in. I have no close friends and don't even know my neighbors at our house in town. I am quiet and reserved and that doesn't help.
    Your stud is so beautiful!!

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  21. That Janie GirlJuly 7, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    You will make friends, I promise.

    And until then, you've the all of us!

    Your animals are beautiful.

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  22. SharonJuly 7, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    Many years ago, I had very few friends, we moved to a different area and then I had no friends. I went to every Tupperware party and Crystal Party that anyone in the neighborhood had. I made lots of friends, that was over 30 years ago, I only keep in touch with one of them now. Well, anyway, it was a good way to meet people. You can't make friends - if you don't go out and meet some.

    Love the horses! Raisin is a perfect name. :-)

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  23. Thoughtfully Blended HeartsJuly 7, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Beautiful horses and I love your story...thanks for visiting with me!!!
    Have a beautiful week end!!!

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  24. DebbieJuly 7, 2011 at 11:37 PM

    you have some really great friendships here, i hope that helps to fill the void until you have time to find and build new friendships.

    it takes time to build and nurture a relationship.....i would rather have one great friend then several good ones.

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  25. bon bonJuly 8, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    oh sweetie, you're only 28! you will be amazed over the amount of people who will come and go in your lifetime.

    love the pic of raisin and magic checking each other out. :o)

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  26. BevJuly 8, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    Beautiful horse! What a brave person you are! I feel for you being homesick...that is not a good feeling...but you seem to be handling it very well! All the best in your new adventure!! And given time YOU WILL BE FINE!!

    hugs!!

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  27. rainfield61July 8, 2011 at 6:18 AM

    So you got to know 1.5 friends but having double, triple or more friendship in return.

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  28. TannaJuly 8, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    Lifetime friendships are treasures difficult to leave behind. And, new ones take time... hard when you work so hard and have had illness take its toll.

    I can relate somewhat since my daughter, who was also one of my very best friends, moved 1200 miles away three years ago. You do miss them and it is not the same trying to stay in touch by phone or Skype. I am sure Classic, you and myself will adjust and thrive. It is in our natures. blessings to you leontien ~ tanna

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  29. RoanJuly 8, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    Yes, making friends does take time, but sometimes you meet someone, and it feels like you've known each other forever. That happened to me when a job transfer sent me from Texas to North Carolina. I swear we knew each other in another life. Perhaps you will experience the same. In the meantime, looks like you have lots of 4 legged friends to keep lonely at bay.

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  30. Changes in the windJuly 8, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    Thank you for helping me remember this side of the coin.....sorry to hear about the chemo, hope it will be done soon and will take care of the problem. It is easy to see from your blog that you are a special lady and with 29 comments to date I think you will not have a problem developing relationships:)

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  31. NancyJuly 8, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    He's a beautiful horse, Leontien. I'm sure both of you will flourish with your new-found friends. :)

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  32. JillJuly 8, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    Raisin has to be one of the best names for a pony! I love that. With your fabulous personality...I am sure that you will have no problem finding great friends. Thanks for being my friend and helping me through my loss of Bumble. It really means a lot to me.

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  33. Larkrise garden girlJuly 8, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    Leontien, I love the beautiful horses. Making new friends is hard. It does take time.I identify with you about finding friends.When my daughter got MS her whole life changed. Being sick is isolating. But think of that as just a chapter.I feel your going to have a new beginning! Cheri

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  34. Ricki TreleavenJuly 8, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    Give your friendships time. And I also mean spend some time developing them! :D You are so much dang fun that you will have friendships built up very soon!!!

    My youngest daughter had a Shetland pony named Naughty Nick. He was bad....really bad..... ;P

    xoxoxo,
    Ricki Jill

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  35. JuliaJuly 8, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    Leontien, with your personality, you will make lots of friends but you know that it takes time and when there is a rough time, that's when you can see who your friends are. Hugs. JB

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  36. annJuly 9, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    Leontien
    Thanks for the visit. Your horse is so handsome
    I always wanted a horse but never got one .

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  37. Bob BushellJuly 9, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    You're reasonably lucky to have a horse, they are lovely. Don't treat them bad, which you would not do, but there is lots of people that are.

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  38. LesaJuly 9, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    Thanks for visiting Dusty Us. your horse is lovely old gentleman-- bet he will enjoy his new friends.
    As a person with a lot more acquaintances than friends I agree with you: making real friends doesn't happen overnight.

    Saw you are a bookworm-- Have you consider joining a bookclub or attending library events to meet new people? I live in the country too so know it is difficult to get to such things but still might be worth the drive.

    I was excited to find your bookblog but see it is no longer active. one of my blogs is a bookish blog, please stop by and see if it suits. my book buddies and I would love to chat books with you.

    :o)

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  39. UnknownJuly 9, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    You know, I have the same sadness you do about missing your friends back in the Netherlands. Mine are all state-side, most are even in Indiana, but we still cannot manage to get together very often. Kids have schedules, then there is work, and it just doesn't happen like we want it to. These were girlfriends I either saw or talked with on the phone every day. It's hard to imagine that we fell away from all that lose contact, but that is what happened. One the up-side, when we do share the same table, it's like we just finished a phone call an hour ago. Those are great friends!

    I moved out to the farm ten years ago, and it has been kind of hard to make good friends. The parents of the children in my girls' classes are at least ten years younger than me if not more, and that is a bit of a gap. The people who are my age have kids out of school and are footloose and fancy free. It is hard to fit in, but keep on trying. There are great friends out there just waiting to meet you!

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  40. Lois EvensenJuly 9, 2011 at 8:38 PM

    Moving can be very difficult. I hope all goes well for you. You are such a sweet person you will have no problems making friends. Hopefully, you will consider us out here in blog land to be your friends, too.

    Big hugs,
    Lois

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  41. Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarmJuly 9, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Such a beautiful horse and a wonderful post. I have been through somewhat similar circumstances - I moved from the most Western part of the US to the NY and knew absolutely no one. It definitely is harder as we get older to make trusted friends, but we certainly do cherish them more when it happens. :-)

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  42. BrookeJuly 9, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    new follower through the super stalker sunday blog hop

    http://brookiesbabybargains.blogspot.com

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  43. donJuly 10, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    A fine account of your horses and how you've managed to provide pasture for two sides. Nice pictures. Your slow progress in developing new friendships is painfully slow, but can only be realized over a considerable period of time. Hopefully, there will be some horse shows or events you can participate in eventually where you will meet more people. All the best...

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  44. Betty ManousosJuly 11, 2011 at 6:20 AM

    wow, what a lovely horse you have!
    i do really love horses. I wish I had one like yours.

    it's always been my pleasure to visit your lovely blog.

    betty

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  45. SusanJuly 11, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    Thanks for the chuckle, Raisin! LOL
    Too cute.....I love the dairy farm and yes I have a bucket list and in there is to get a jersey milk cow for our lil farm....I just keep trying to convince myself that I want to milk her twice a day and then deal with all the lik she gives.hmmm what to do
    Blessings and the not getting sick would be at the top of my list too

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  46. MommyDigger.comJuly 11, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    Beautiful horses!

    Following you on NB now :) Thanks for linking up on the Monkey Hop!

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  47. SultanJuly 11, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    Nice, great looking horses.

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  48. AnonymousDecember 17, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    hello my beautiful world
    hello everyone on this place!
    i am Kate

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  49. TonysbriJanuary 8, 2013 at 10:55 AM

    so pretty your 1.5 horses. love the story and i know you get homesick for your birth place no matter how happy you are living your dream.

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