This is my Mother:
Correction. This is my Mother, quite in her element. For as long as I can remember, there have been large (and small) four-legged creatures roaming our property in the suburbs of Chicago. In other words, yes, I was the girl who grew up with a pony (and her name was Star).
But much has happened since the days of Star. I decided that horseback riding was not a hobby, after falling off around age 12 and fracturing my arm (my mother tells a different story). I moved on to writing and research. Since I can remember, I was writing short stories to bring home to my parents. So, I got my college degree (in English) and like most of my generation, moved right back home.
She was there for me, though. And I must not discount my Father, for he was an excellent support system as well. This was right around the time I decided to become a teacher. I wasn't interested in teaching in Illinois, however. I wasn't even interesting in teaching in The States. I set my goals higher. I was Europe bound. Italy. (Most of my prior readers will know this seeing as I spent the five weeks in Italy blogging about my adventures. By the by, THANK YOU ALL for reading.)
Both of my parents were supportive and told me to follow my dreams. And I did. But not alone. I asked my Mother to come with me for the first ten days. And she did! : )
Italy was wonderful and I will always have very fond memories. I have been fortunate enough to travel a decent amount in my soon-to-be 27 years: a few stints to Europe, cruising to Mexico and countless backseat car rides out west. My Mom always loved those trips out west.
I arrived back in The States, after Italy, and back into my parents’ house. One night, my Mom and I were watching T.V. when she mentioned how much she desired to experience an authentic dude ranch. My reply was, "Let's do it." Her prompt retort was, "Oh Megan, I'd never get you to a dude ranch..." Seeing how I was fairly soured on horseback riding as a child, I tried to appease my Mom every few years and go on a trail ride with her, but she was right; horseback riding is not really... my thing. But I told her, "Mom, is this something you have always wanted to do?" Her reply, "Yep." So I said, "Let's do it. For your birthday, next year, you and I are going." And ever since that faithful conversation, I have been in planning mode.
Now, my Mom, bless her heart, gave my multiple chances to renig on my offer. But I told her, "No. You came to Italy with me to accomplish my dream. We are going out west to head-up a dude ranch." My argument extended its genuineness after I gave her further reasoning. "Mom," I said. "Think about it... There is no place in the entire world, that you can recall the experience of Wild West for all that it was and is. That sounds like a great adventure in itself. And if this is something you have always wanted to do, we NEED to do it!"
I stumbled across Black Mountain Ranch, through my Aunt Debbie (also an avid traveler). She mentioned to me about a giveaway they were having and I couldn't resist. I had to enter.
Thus, fellow followers, you are reading my entry. It's the least I could do to fulfill a dream of my Mom's. She would do anything to make me happy and allow me to follow my dreams. The least I can do is repay the favor.
Thank you for the consideration, Black Mountain Ranch!
