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