giddyup.

Yesterday, the Ross-a-tron and I went out to Stables of Serenity in Plum Township to learn about Equine Therapy.  The Ross-a-tron's friend, Bob Reufle, has been studying this type of therapy for the past year or so.  We love horses, but since we're city slickers (and very busy!), we haven't really had much opportunity to be around these beautiful creatures.

Until yesterday.

The Ross-a-tron finally had a weekend off from work, and my life as a Secret Agent has slowed down just enough to where I can go be me a little bit.  We drove about 40 minutes to the stables, and as soon as we arrived, my heart felt light and excited.

We learned about the ways the horses mirror humans' behaviors, which was fascinating.  Those of us attending the presentation about Equine Therapy were all brought into the horse arena to interact with four of these amazing animals.

We spent time with Sammy...

...Gabby...

...Zoey...

...and my sweet, sweet Emmitt.

The Ross-a-tron and I totally took to Emmitt.  This sweet horse nuzzled us, stayed close to us, and literally spoke to us with his soulful blue (yes, blue!) eyes.  We learned that Emmitt had a bit of a rocky past--a previous owner practically let him starve.  This kindred soul was definitely our favorite in the arena.

But that's not to say that none of the other horses captured our hearts.  Miss Daisy?  Now she was my absolute favorite.

Daisy had the most out-going personality.  At times, she got a bit ornery, sort of like a toddler.  But every time I approached her, she nearly wiggled with excitement.

She kind of reminded me of a puppy.  Only, you know, bigger.

Daisy thoroughly enjoyed nibbling on my neck and nuzzling into the back of my head.  I hated to leave her.

There was even an adorable little Beagle named Amanda who had the sweetest disposition and wanted nothing more than just be near us.

I can't wait to go back.

 

I will never understand how anyone could ever hurt an animal.  And I will forever love animals more than shoes, handbags, money, and even donuts.

with love from Pittsburgh,

Laura

an awakening.

I am living everything. And it is scary. Things are changing. I am changing. My heart is moving, moved, moves. People, places, opportunities, all surrounding me like a whirl of leaves in the wind of a busy day.

I feel a heat rising up inside of me, to my fingertips, urgent in its need to get out. GET OUT. SCREAM OUT.

Things are changing. The way I used to know is not the now I know. And it is scary. But I am trusting. And I am loving. And I am breathing and listening and letting and going.

I will breathe my way into the unresolved questions in my heart.

I am experiencing an awakening.

with love from Pittsburgh,
Laura

call sign: moneypenny.

"Negative, Ghost Rider. The pattern is full."

{Yes. That is a Top Gun reference.}

That's me in that photo. Pretty bad ass, huh?

Yesterday I flew in an F16. I'm still recovering from the following:

1. Pulling 7 Gs.
2. Going 750 mph. (That's a little over Mach 1.)
3. Bolting straight up to 18,000 feet while going a little over Mach 1.
4. Doing a barrel roll.
5. Flying inverted (that's upside down, folks) several times.
6. Puking.
7. See #6.

So, until the vertigo stops and I get back to normal, the photo above will have to tide you over.

with love from Pittsburgh,
Laura (aka "Moneypenny")

i'm here! i'm here! really!

Hi! I've missed you! First, my apologies for putting my blog on lock-down last month. After The Secret Agent L Project reveal party, my life sort of, um, exploded. I was contacted by CNN to do a live interview, and as a preemptive move, I put my blog on lock-down until the media hype subsided. I think things are calming down a bit regarding said media, so I thought I'd have my blog come out of hiding. But, if something else big comes along, I'll put it on lock-down again. But just for a bit. I'm trying to maintain a normal side of my life and didn't want the contents of my blog spilled all over for the world to see. Not that the world can't see it now, but you get where I'm coming from.

So, I'll keep this post short and just say this:

1. My life is so blessed. I am overwhelmed by how God is using me for goodness and blessing me with goodness in return. Like, woah.

2. I've missed you all.

3. Tomorrow I'm flying in an F-16 Falcon fighter jet with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.

Yes. You read that right.

I've been selected as a Hometown Hero as a result of The Secret Agent L Project and have been chosen to fly in an F-16. I feel so honored, and I'm so excited that I can't even express it in words.

Will post video and pictures afterward!

Love to you all!

with love from Pittsburgh,
Laura