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He doesn’t know how old he is. He doesn’t know that in the world of horses, he’s a senior citizen. He doesn’t know that his health is compromised.

He only knows that when he wants to run, he does it with gusto, and I am awed. 

Some days are what we call “round pen” days, where I just turn him loose and let him be. He will inevitably roll, stand up and shake, and then go looking around to see what everyone else is doing before he takes off at full tilt - which is more powerful and determined than his rolling lope. His mane flies, his tail stands straight out and his freedom is evident. Who would know that he has any limitations?

What makes something awesome?

A number of years ago I had the opportunity to visit the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. There were so many incredible works of art, but the Vermeers were the ones that stood out to me. Light streaming through a window into an otherwise dark room, a woman’s face softly lit, the simple furnishings, all inviting the viewer to be present. 

More recently, I  found myself surrounded by another source of awesome, and was like a deer in flashing headlights. The recent 19th Annual Miniatures by the Lake event at the Coeur d’Alene Galleries  had a multitude of paintings that invoked inspiration and introspection. There were many powerful works, some by local artists, that told stories, showing strength, light, grandeur that you could sense from viewing across the room. My own paintings paled, I thought, in comparison, but my intention was to share the transparency of watercolor, the lightness, and hopefully a sense of peace. A lone paint horse drinking at a shoreline with a golden eagle feather braided into his mane. Two horses’ heads staring intently at something off in the distance, alerted or just curious. Mine were encircled by the vibrancy of other works with strong colors and values. 

I was awed by what stood out, and why. 

Like Harley, the paintings came together for their purpose. Strong, present, and unassuming. I am inspired. I am in the presence of awesome. I am humbled.

And like Harley, I’m moving ahead full tilt!