Amateur Dilemma

By, Meredith Rogers

I’ve written here before about how aging has been difficult for me. While I have not quite come to terms with my mortality, I do think I’ve gained some wisdom along with these aching joints. One of the best pieces of this great knowledge that I will share with you youngins is: “Buy the purple shoes.” I believe it was originally said about red boots or something like that but my favorite color is purple and you can substitute whatever color you like. Despite its brevity, it actually carries a lot of meaning.

First, it means if you want to wear purple shoes, go for it no matter what you think other people will say about them. If they make you happy that’s all that matters. A more profound perspective on this quote is to be confident in your life choices. Don’t try to please others; do what’s in your own heart. Second, it means go for it, whether that be purchasing purple shoes or taking that job or going on that date, or in my case, buying the baby horse. Life is too short.

I had (and still have) dressage goals. Six and a half years ago, I felt that it was now or never to try to accomplish those goals, and I started it all with the purchase of a feral coming 3-year-old that showed talent running around a muddy field. Since then I have been fortunate in that Leo has enabled me to exceed all expectations, and hopefully we’re not done yet. However, for every triumph, there have been numerous setbacks. Although some of these setbacks turned out to be minor bumps in the road, at the time they seemed unsurmountable. It has taught me that since you never know when the next hurdle will become a roadblock, you need to take every opportunity you can when it presents itself. There may not be a next show or next season; there are no guarantees even if the odds look good.

Taking my mantra a little more literally, I recently purchased a custom watercolor of Little Leo. I saw on Facebook the work of an artist that just spoke to me. However, due to…stuff, it became a bad time to frivolously spend money. I hemmed and hawed about it, but ultimately decided to get it. In large part, because Leo and I have currently hit one of those bumps in the road and the future isn’t as certain as it used to be. Now or never.

I couldn’t be happier with the results. The artist is Michelle Clarke (https://www.facebook.com/michelleclarkephotography). She’s out of New Zealand and paints more than just horses, and she’s also a rider. I sent her a bunch of photos and told her what I was looking for (it was based on another work she had done). She even got his little underbite! Every time I look at it I feel both nostalgic for all we’ve experienced together and sad at the current situation, but also hopeful for our return. And that’s exactly what art is supposed to do.