Change

Autumn is almost upon us...and this season brings change. Today's the day, folks, it's official, the name of my blog has also changed. See that back-to-school inspired banner up there? Yes, that's the new name: Learning Spanish at 41.

The Pfeiffer Photos name was associated with my {now defunct} photography shop on Etsy. This blog was originally about marketing that shop, my photo work, and other folks on Etsy. I'm still on Etsy (now selling vintage), still feature items from Etsy regularly (love that community), and just opened a *new shop* to offer up my original art but with a different look and vibe.

This blog has evolved and expanded far from what it once was. As my tag line says: photos, design, travel, food and life. My journey of learning, evolving and expanding should match what I offer here for you to enjoy. And, yes, I am learning Spanish at 41...and plenty of other things on a daily basis...aren't we all?

I hope you like the new name and continue to read and enjoy!

Image: Don't look back - fine art photo by Inspire Somebody LLC on Etsy.

Good People: Sanctuary Faith Trails

Native people have always seen the horse as a symbol of spirituality, and as a tie to a time when their culture was intact. The Hispanic community has the Vaquero tradition that is part of their history and culture. The Caucasian community is steeped in the cowboy and ranching history. Each of the ethnic groups that live in Madras, Oregon have a pre-programmed hot button deep within them to gather around this animal and while doing so increase their tolerance for each other.

Horses, by their very nature, are social herd and prey animals. Observing and working with horses teaches people about trust and community. The unique ability of the horse to teach about ones place in the world creates the place where barriers of gender, ethnicity, and age are more easily set aside and a community can grow. Individuals find fellowship with others.

Sanctuary Faith Trails identifies and implements ways to build community and support for individuals so they can achieve their potential and give back. Their mission is based around the use of horses, ranch experiences, stewardship of the land and relationship building to affect positive change in the lives of children, teens and families.

Work programs, student advocacy and family support

They use their stable operations at Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert Resort to give people a place to work where they love what they do. We serve many youth and adults in this program. They advocate for students, track performance, set both academic and behavioral goals, and help with acquiring the basic necessities, skill sets and time to experience success. The average student who sets a contract improves their GPA by 1.8. Through coordination of their facilities, horses, instruction, transportation and food they give families a positive place to gather. When people meet in these settings they know that it will be a safe, good-hearted group. They meet around people’s passions and develop a community for support as well as celebration.

Intervention and development

The staff at Sanctuary Faith Trails helps people fill the gaps and get the aide they need to succeed. They help with everything from emergency transportation, food deliveries, basic need packages, distribution of clothing, referrals for and transportation to counseling and medical assistance, advice, prayer requests, mediation and counsel. Everything they do strives to build cells of community that web into support networks. Building relationships to support people in making good choices and honoring the Creator in their lives is a key facet of their mission.

Animals, the land and human potential

Through gatherings at SFT, people acquire skills to care for both the land and the animals that live and work on it. These skills make a strong impact on their abilities to make changes in themselves. By becoming closer to the land the people they serve open their hearts and minds to new possibilities.

For more information about Sanctuary Faith Trails visit HERE.

Images copyright Sanctuary Faith Trails, 2009.

Poll: Please Vote

You may have noticed I've made some changes to my blog this year, I've been working to keep it more organized. I've also been shooting to publish three posts per day. While I love doing the research and sharing all the good stuff I learn and find with you, I am wondering if some of it just goes by the wayside. My readership is up but my comments are down.

I follow a few blogs that post multiple times, in short blurbs, each day. I follow a larger number of blogs that post once per day. I follow a small number of blogs that post about once per week (some less than that). I enjoy the bloggers who post more than once in 24 hours but am I alone in that preference?

Please take a moment to give me *your* opinion by leaving a comment for this post. Let me know which features you enjoy the most and which don't float your boat. Then cast a vote in my poll (see right margin). The poll will be open until Wednesday, 4/8/09 at midnight.

Thanks, readers, I appreciate your feedback!


Rusty Pole (pun intended) by Tina - Pfeiffer Photos 2009