And It All Worked Out After all
When 2 + 1 = 2
On September 15th, after driving in from Las Vegas, I pulled into Project Barnyard located in Rockville, Utah. Over the next couple of days, I would spend time with Tessa and meet all the animals and her sweet husband, Easton. As I have said before, one of my favorite aspects of RTR is getting to know the people behind the rescue - they become friends and I get even more motivated to help them.
I never really know what my “mission” is until it reveals itself along the way. Each rescue has a different story - like rescuing Lasso for Huck’s companion at SMRR where the teal necklace sold like crazy, or helping Lauren at HHHH raise money for her new ranch with our specially designed pendants, and in this case, it was to find Fanny Mae a forever friend with the help of featuring Project Barnyard’s namesake bracelet and print, Lucille.
In the past month, we launched our new Ranch Candy line - necklaces and bracelets hand-made in Las Vegas by another horse lover, Maria. While our daughters were home this fall, we got to do a quick photo shoot and bring this jewelry to life.
We also launched our “Merry Everything” card illustrated by Cole Calfee out of Nashville. We featured rescue animals from HHHH, ASIAB, SMRR, and Project Barnyard. It has been a great seller and if you haven’t bought some holiday cards yet, this is your cue!
With all of the new prints, jewelry, and cards, plus an ANGEL donor, we raised $6,000 for Tessa to attend an auction in Colorado. The hope was that she could save two lives. As you know, it didn’t go as planned or as we had hoped as no donkeys were dropped off. While we were of course disappointed, we took this as a sign and had faith that in the end, it would all work out. So another few weeks passed which allowed us to sell more products and raise more money.
This time, Tessa and Easton, planned to attend a different auction - now located in Arizona. The search for Fanny Mae’s best friend continued and I think I speak for everyone, but I was pretty excited about last night. Early into the evening, Tessa sent me a video of a mama and baby donkey that were dropped off. The video made me sad because this is the reality of auctions - the animals are scared, and frightened and oftentimes separated from their moms and/or bonded friends.
Tessa also noticed a couple of older horses in need. So, we stood by, nervously awaiting any news. I had faith that no matter what happened, Tessa would make the right decision for her barnyard and the animals - she knows what will work the best. I have to admit, I was secretly hoping that she would be able to save the mama and baby (together!). The baby was still nursing so she needed her mama. And her mama needed her.
This morning I woke up to the amazing news that not only did Tessa get the mom and baby, but she also rescued the chestnut gelding who is an older gentleman who deserves a soft landing. So, today, she and Easton will load up the three and start their seven-hour journey back home to paradise and a life full of love and rest.
And as I dreamed of……….. 2 + 1 did equal 2.
Such a happy ending
What a wonderful ending to an emotional week for so many on many levels. In times of despair we give, we create and we hope. xoxox