Nest Blessings
Happy Holidays From Our Nest to Yours!
This holiday season is full of tradition and symbolism. “Bird’s nests are symbols of home,” the website My Growing Traditions quotes German company Inge Glas. “They represent love, commitment, and the effort it takes to build a happy home.” Legend goes on to say that any home that finds a nest tucked in the branches of their Christmas tree will be blessed with prosperity in the coming year.
It has been a tradition in my family to decorate our tree with a special nest. It is rich with meaning for me, as it represents the best in us and the hope that keeps a home alive.
Foxhaven is evolving and everyday we are blessed to live in this mountain paradise we call home. Our ‘nesting’ has borne the fruit of creating a haven for us, our beloved animals and an oasis from the pace of urban life for family and friends. It is said that home is a collection of things a person loves, and that a home is a mirror of who we are. We pray our home shows our heart and that all who visit here leave blessed and encouraged.
We have added some lovely art that speaks to our connection with and commitment to nature. I fell in love with a piece done by an incredibly talented artist, Cathy Sheeter, at Art for the Sangres, a show to benefit the San Isabel Land Trust. Bill knew I couldn’t take my eyes of the fox, Sly; he surprised me with the purchase! At a benefit for The Cloud Foundation, I was able to acquire an incredible photograph of Encore, Cloud’s daughter, by Kristen Collett, Arrowhead Wild Horse Photography. I would encourage folks to look into the plight of our wild mustangs and their mismanagement by the BLM. The situation is critical and they need our voice.
We also added some wonderful alpaca rugs; I love bringing in natural elements whenever I can, to our home. What makes them so special is that they are from the wool fiber of a dear friend and her darling alpacas. The darker reddish color is from Cheyenne, the lighter red from Zoe (pictured below) and the cream colors from Indie and Spike. The rugs were woven by Texas Handwoven Creations. They did a lovely job and were easy to work with to create special sizes and color patterns.
Our big projects included landscaping the front, new decks in the back and Hardie Board siding on our house to match our barn colors. LOVE it. It is coming together inside and out!
The best part of creating a home is having friends and family come ‘nest’ for awhile. We had many visitors this summer. They enjoyed our animal friends and it is plain to see that the animals enjoyed them, as well. Everyone at Foxhaven is sweet and loves to have company.
We have feathered our nest with some new animal friends and companions. As you know, we added two English Khaki Campbells, Meghan and Kate, to our little flock of ducks this spring. All four are doing great and bring us smiles daily. However, our best and biggest new family member is our Friesian/Morgan colt, Theodoor’s RedFox Sable (Jaimie), from Sable Ranch. We had a magical summer with him, and his mother, Raz. We were blessed to keep her here until Jaimie was weaned. I feel in love with her sweet spirit; it was a gift to have her trust. Having her stay with us made for a seamless transition for Jaimie into our herd. It is a dream come true for us to raise up a colt from the ‘get go’.
Our New Year will be blessed as we get more involved in the community, nourish friendships, attend several horsemanship clinics, riding (& Bill in NATRC) and grow professionally. Bill fully enjoys managing his onshore and overseas application teams; I am so proud of him as I overhear conversations. He leads by example and his counseling skills make him a good listener and negotiator. I hope to grow NEST, as we focus on managing vacation rental properties, and creating the feeling of ‘home’ for vacation stays in our lovely Wet Mountain Valley.
Finally, Foxhaven will be graced with both Rose (in the spring) and Hazel (in the summer) doing some nesting of their own. That means puppies!! Rose’s due date (yet to be confirmed by ultrasound in mid January) is Valentine’s Day. We hope to breed Hazel & Beau, pending a few genetic tests and OFA radiographs, this summer. See Blessing Wheatens website for updates; and soon Foxhaven Collies website.
Nesting is a rich and ongoing experience. We love our life in Westcliffe. Bill and I wish you a happy holiday & a new year of sweet nesting!
