SPRING CLEANIN' & RE-VAMPIN'

Ahhhh....yesterday was the first day of spring and it's none to soon for me!!  For weeks, we've been sorting through the attic, closets, barn, kitchen cabinets...and then, yesterday,  "BIG YARD SALE-- ALL MUST GO!!".  That was how the signs read, but of course, there were still some things left to box up for another day.  Yard sales are soooo much more work than some would imagine and after several weekends of moving sales during our re-locating from GA to TN, I don't relish the idea of preparing for one!  Anyhow, we made through the weekend,  and I'm rid of most of it, so I'm tickled! 

I've been painting several things, trying to get ahead a little before we leave for Mule Day.  Things have slowed since Christmas, but orders are still coming in, so I'm staying busy!  The picture is of one of my photo albums that I've just finished...very pleased with it.  It's listed on Ebay now!

I mentioned Mule Day...for those interested, it's in Columbia, TN --- April 8-11.  Anyone that loves long ears or work animals, be sure to check it out.  We've been going 15 years and plan to attend 'till we can't go anymore!  We camp inside the park and it's UNBELIEVABLE FUN!!  We're heading over on Sunday, April 4th, to ride in the wagon train.  We travel 15-20 miles a day on back roads, camping out at farms along the way at night, then pulling into the park on Thursday for the kick off of the pulling, driving, western, jumping and yes, even gaited classes!!  The crowds number 250,000 and you'll see mules out of every known breed of horse...Quarter, Walking, Paso Fino, Appaloosa, Paint, Belgian, Percheron...the list is endless.  Every color, every size -- it's truly a AWESOME ASS event, where every bray brings a smile!!  Contact me if you have any questions and I'll gladly help you out!!

I plan to re-vamp my blog page within the next few days.  I need to update "favorites" and some other things...watch for NEW things soon.  I also plan to post links to some really great sites for horse folks, artists, farmers, gardeners, wildlife enthusiasts, pet/livestock owners, so check back with me often!!  I plan to "network" more with links to Facebook, and other friendship sites.  I'd love to connect with as many folks with my same interests as possible!!  Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my blogs...I know how busy we all are and I appreciate each visit!

ONE WORLD ONE HEART GIVEAWAY...Fun for ALL!!

I can't believe that it's been a year, but the time has come for another "ONE WORLD ONE HEART" giveaway!  This wonderful event is promoted to help fellow bloggers connect and it's a FUN way to meet friends and associates that share the same hobbies, ideas and interests!! 
You can see that my blog reflects life here at our farm, "AWESOME ASS ACRES".  The namesake of our farm and my studio (MagicalMuleFolkArt) is our sweet, smart, spotted Appaloosa mule, King Solomon.  We've raised him from birth and show him throughout the southeast.  My art is inspired by Solomon, along with the many other farm animals (chickens, guineas, peafowl, horses, mules, sheep, goats, dogs and cats) here AND by frequent visits by wildlife...deer, fox, raccoon, oppossum, coyote, skunk... 

My giveaway item is a handpainted wooden sign, with a sheep on the front.  It will come ready to hang with a piece of latigo on back!

The creator of this idea is, Lisa Swifka, of "A Whimsical Bohemian"...she started the event in 2007 and now, the participation is global!  My first year to participate was 2009 and I've met some wonderful on-line friends through the process!  To join our "Magic Carpet" ride, just follow the easy steps below...

Rules for One World - One Heart Giveaway:


1. The giveaway starts today, 1/25/2010 and ends at 11:59 PM on 2/15/2010...I will use "Random Generator" to choose the winner, then announce the name on my blogsite on 2/16/2010.


2. EASY to enter...just leave a comment here on my blog and you will be in the drawing!


3. EVERYONE is invited to participate! If you don't "blog", just leave your email address, so I can let you know if you win.


4. Be sure and check out the list of participants at:  http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/
and visit all the other artists that are involved...SOOO MUCH TALENT, SOOO LITTLE TIME!

**BE SURE TO "FOLLOW" MY BLOG!!  I will be offering other giveaways in the future!!
Take care and GOOD LUCK!!
Sharon Anderson ~~~ Magical Mule Folk Art Studio

THANKS for the memories!

When you're 53 years old and you've owned, ridden or shown horses since the age of 7, it's a fair statement to say that horses have been a very BIG part of your life!  My love started with Trigger (of Roy Rogers fame) and has been just as strong throughout the years as when I'd watch him on our black and white console TV.  In fact, my most prized possession (in the house), is a Breyers rearing Palomino that my mom bought for me while visiting the Roy Rogers Museum in California.  She was staying with her sister's family, helping with a new baby...while there, she visited the museum and was delighted when the King of Cowboys, himself walked in.  As she was checking out with my Breyers, they started a conversation and he autographed my horse..."To Sharon, best of luck, Roy Rogers".  No money could buy it.  Then, of course, my first REAL horse was actually a pony.  "Stormy" was a Welsh mare and had been outgrown by neighbors kids, so she came to live with us at the age of 8.  She passed quietly at the age of 28, in the same pasture that she and I would ride through at breakneck speed.  Nothing like a 10 year old sneaking out in the middle of the night and riding for a couple of hours in the moonlight.  The love I felt for her was deep and lasts to this day.  The days spent with horses are my best in my memory.  There's something about a horse, that accentuates every emotion and every thought.  Brushing, feeding, combing, talking to, smelling of, laughing with, dreaming on, pretending with, crying about...my imagination, my compassion, my love for others, my determination, my integrity, my temperament, my perspective on life, all of these, in whatever measure, I think, was made more abundant through my interaction with these wonderful animals.  I want to thank each one of them for their contribution to my life...Stormy (Welsh), Tammy, Owassa (Qtr. horse mare and filly), Melody (Tennessee Walker I showed 6 years), Ranger, Angel, Roan (Walking horses), Poor Boy (timed-event Qtr.horse, owned him 22 years), Freckles (Leopard Appaloosa, dam to Solomon), Dolly, Minnie (Haflingers) and of course, my sweet mules...Solomon, Maude and ChaCha.  My time here would have been so empty without these lifelong friends...they'll have my love and appreciation always!