Rushridge's Blog

Another year is past – this one again with a mad glee that left me trying to catch the tail end of that rope rapidly escaping. The fall was kind to us, allowing us to work in our fields until past Thanksgiving and making us better prepared for the year to come. And as of early December, amazingly, no snow covers our ground. Worries of flooding and saturated fields have now been replaced by worries of drought. Yes, farmers are never happy with the weather. It’s either too hot or too cold, too wet or too dry. But the optimist in me does allow a few occasional days of ‘just right.’

November 23^rd was one of those perfect days – sunny, warm and a gentle breeze which caressed the golden grasses of the prairie. That day, I stepped outside the Sentinnel Butte Hall and breathed in the fresh badlands air, lifting my face to the sunshine and letting it soothe my anguished soul. The day would have been one my friend Sheila would have truly enjoyed and forsaken her painting for her other passion of creating equally gorgeous works of art in her landscaping around her studio. Perhaps, she would have convinced her lifelong partner Pete to join her in a horseback ride across the badlands they both loved dearly. Sheila illuminated everyone’s life with her smile and aura which emanated a radiance of perfect light. From her fingers, that perfect god-given light carried itself into her paintings with color and vibrancy. That perfect fall day was the day I and many others said goodbye to our friend Sheila killed tragically in an accident the week before.

A week later, I stood out under cloudy skies, wind driven snow pellets stung my cheeks. My herd encircled me, gently blowing their breaths into my nostrils and inhaling mine. I joined in their mutual grooming session, scratching their necks as they nuzzled upon each other in turn – one with the herd. Harley laid his cheek gently but firmly upon mine in understanding and with their help, I healed.

Days of perfection may be few and far between but Sheila and my horses taught me that even on the cloudiest day, the light can shine if you let it. Rather than worry what the upcoming year will bring, realize our future will be what we make of it – what we reach for. We are the ones who dictate our future as we let go of our past. What I want for myself for the upcoming year includes much time spent with friends, family and my horses. While I can’t control the weather, I can do my best by stepping up into the saddle and making a run for that perfect light. I hope you will join me and enjoy the sun as it sets upon the golden hillsides.

RIP Sheila Rieman ~ You will be missed