27/365: Gratka

27/365: Gratka, originally uploaded by Magic Madzik.

January 27th

The horse I rode today. She's called Gratka, which is a derivation of the word 'gratis' (latin 'gratiis' meaning 'out of kindness'). 'Gratis' nowadays means 'free of charge'. In Polish, 'gratka' will be the word you use to describe something which was a really great opportunity, something you just had to grab as soon as you saw it because it was such a good deal. 'Ale gratka!' you might exclaim, when the universe gives you a present and asks for no extra charge. What luck!

Gratka is a nice horse, a bit round, a bit slow, and a bit lazy, but that's all right. I'm a beginner, I need a patient horse who doesn't mind a stupid rider.

23/365: Little shantytown

23/365: Little shantytown, originally uploaded by Magic Madzik.

January 23rd

2011 is certainly turning out to be the Year of Abandoned Places. Here is a little cluster of trailers and shacks, empty under the snow. I was careful in approaching but I didn't have to get very close to know nobody was there. If I didn't go further it was because of the snow. So thick, it could hide wells and pits and other hazards. I wasn't in the mood to break a leg.

11/365: Horses

11/365: Horses, originally uploaded by Magic Madzik.

January 11th

Third horseriding lesson. The snow melted then froze over again, so we couldn't go in the round pen because it was solid ice. However because we are total beginners the trainer said it wasn't a loss, we could just go longeing in the field and learn a bit of technique. In my world, that means 'try not to bounce around like a ragdoll while the horse trots'. I am not graceful. But evidently I am not hopeless, either, as she said that on friday's lesson we could ditch the longe and just ride by ourselves. So awesome. I have no idea what I'm doing but it's fun :D

Below, not me (no one to take pictures) but Kasia whom I share this New Year's Resolution with :D