Comments on: The First Steps Are the Hardest

By: Barbara Hartsook

Barbara Hartsook — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 14:28:08 +0000

Hi Christina! Thank you so much for leaving a comment for me to share with Kali. This weekend she heads for her final 2011 competition — with or without tacos! I’ll be in Columbus to watch her and cry quietly when she dances to perfection. She makes me so proud…

By the way, I tried to get to you after your track meet to tell you what a good runner you are! That must have been your brother giving you the hug?

See you soon.
Barb

By: christina rivera

christina rivera — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:17:08 +0000

KALI IS MY BEST FRIEND, AND MATT IS HER FRIEND AS WELL. WE ALL LOVE TACOS!!!!!

By: Nita Mata

Nita Mata — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:04:15 +0000

Oh, my beautiful and talented niece…..the few times I’ve been with her, she’s been so quiet and confident, almost serene…..much like the lovely ballerina you’ve painted. I never had any idea she suffered so before a performance! And I never knew you did also before a speech…..it never showed! Her poem is precious, just like her……I love the new insight I have into one of my favorite people. Thanks for sharing!

By: Deb H.

Deb H. — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:16:46 +0000

No more competitive riding but used to show both Western and Hunt seat on local then Quarter Horse circuit -- back surgery nuked that but I still ride for pleasure and am grateful I can. Deb H.’s last blog post..Update on Rabies Vaccine Reaction in My Pugs

By: Barb Hartsook

Barb Hartsook — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 12:04:15 +0000

Thanks so much Patricia
— you see, Bean joins you for chilled water.

By: Barb Hartsook

Barb Hartsook — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 12:02:39 +0000

Hi Dawn! Bless you for stopping by. As for my sivisting KC, I do it often, and always learn something.

Your way with words before a gathering is infectious, and inspires others to action. You pour your love and enthusiasm for what you do into you work, and it shows. Whether you’re “on stage” or sitting at a track meet cheering your kids.

The Chapel is blessed to have you.
Barb

By: Bean

Bean — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 05:21:04 +0000

What a blessing that art runs so deeply through your family! I can feel your pride and excitement for your daughter and for Kali through your words and images here. In the comments, you reminded us that we don't always take those first scary steps. Lots of reasons behind that but you gave two great examples that make it easier. First, is unconditional love. For Kali, I bet she knew that even if she slipped and fell during here performance, that Grandma is out there in the audience and will love her with or without bruises and awards. Second, is reframing it. It is so easy to talk ourselves into being scared but changing the words and perception to excitement changes the fear. Bean’s last blog post..Power of Pingbacks or How I got naked with the Fairy Blog Mother

By: Barb Hartsook

Barb Hartsook — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 01:27:00 +0000

Thank you Deb. I guess it doesn’t matter what we do, we’re gonna’ get butterflies right up until we do the thing. What kind of competitive riding do you do?

I will pass along your good wishes to Kali. (She will beam.)

By: Deb H.

Deb H. — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 01:04:47 +0000

I LOVE Kali's poem -- so mature for an 11 year old and so right. Thanks for sharing it and the picture. I have had those feelings before entering the ring on a horse or showing one of my dogs and can really relate to that poem. I wish her much success in her dancing. Deb H.’s last blog post..Update on Rabies Vaccine Reaction in My Pugs

By: Patricia

Patricia — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:15:22 +0000

Beautiful picture and poem and just caught those first steps so finely glued together with familial love and guidance. Perfectly pitched and lovely harmony. Thank you Patricia’s last blog post..A Prayer in Spring