And the day. Starts.

Screeching alarm.
Warm bed evacuated in an "I'm going to be late" attitude.
Dragging a clutzy self to the coffee pot only semiconscious then back to cold jeans.
Late. Late. Going to be late.
Jump into jeans.
Land, digging a spur rowel into a bare heel.
Let out a screech of a not so ladylike term followed by the thud of boots being hucked across the bedroom.
Shirt loosely flapping its tail.
Pants hanging partly over boot tops leaving some white skin to light the morning darkness.
Halter. Where's the halter.
*Trip* "Wow...did not see that rock"
"Whoa bud. Don't run. We gotta get goin."
Mud. Mud caked. Caked all over a once golden hide.
Dust powdering my lips as a curry comb claws at chunks of plastered, muddy hair.
Saddle pad.
Soft thump as my saddle sets into place.
Clanking buckles as the cinches drop.
Tight enough. Loose enough.
Latigo slaps in its hanger.
Breast collar. Too long. Too short. Adjusting. Clock still running.
Hackamore hooked in an elbow.
Lead rope thrown over a shoulder.
Hands. Full. Tingling. Rough. Ungirly except three oval slivers of silver stacked upon each other.
*Toom. Toom. Toom-toom.* The drumbeat of hooves on a trailer floor.
Shivering lips whisper "I love you."
Truck door creaks to a close, engine fires up. And the day. Starts.

~Gussie

Faces of Agriculture

Friends! I want you all to get on   http://facesofagriculture.blogspot.com/2012/07/kricket-and-gussie-keetch-utah-ffa.html   and check out that awesome blog! They have awesome stories about awesome agriculture people! Recently they put a thing on about me and Krick so you should check out their blog! :) Give them lots a feed back! :)
Also, a big shout out to Ms. Martin for posting us on there! :) Thank ya much!

Good Morning. Just a Good Morning.

3:17 am. "..could've been a spanish ranch cowboy .. and a california girl..."
Roll out of bed. Dog perks up in nearby chair but is too comfy to move.
Kitchen. I need coffee.
Turn on bathroom sink. Wash my face.
Mascara and at 3:30 am, yes, lips. Dark lipliner and barbie pink lipstick.
Brush a tangled mess, braid the previously tangled mess.
Old jeans, ripped and worn thin.
White shirt tucked in.
The sting on your fingers where to pull loops on Tony's dig in.
Jacket.
Sunbody hat. Will be much appreciated later.
Pull the dog reluctantly off her chair.
Clanking spurs and a pointer dog's thumping tail as you sneak down the hall.
Grab coffee mug mid trip out the door.
Hook a halter over my arm, open a backwards gate.
Palomino horse turns and goes for the far corner. He knows what's going on.
Walk up clutzily, grip a chunk of mane and pally sticks his nose in the halter.
Trailer door squeaks an early morn protest.
First pony in. Tying knot.
Sister and second pony. Duck under sis's arm.
Jump out together. Close double doors. Double check the lock.
Truck doesn't wanna start. Radio turned up.
4:01am. Singing "Put Your Picture Away" with voices still crackling.
Talking quietly about concerns in life. It's too early to recognize reality so there is no shame between us of our worries and wonderings about people, horses, God and life.
Washboardy gravel road. Park.
Unload. Little horse slowly gets out in lazy steps.
Quick brush. Saddle blankets slide into place.
Toss up a saddle in the dark. Leave chinches loose. Buckle breast collar.
Chaps on. Hackamore laid over my arm.
Jump ponies all mingling into boss's trailer.
Drive.
Unload again.
Hackamore slipped over alert, foxy ears.
Suck up custom cinch made by sissy. Unique. Purply turquoise with a rosy cross.
A prayer to God.
One grip on rope and other on mecate. Foot in stirrup. Leg over.
Trot out collected and brisk.
Smile with teeth chattering.
Good morning. Just a good morning.
:)

<3 Gus