This is Mimi (Prized Spirit) munching on peppermints. She earned them - she did an excellent timed work early that morning.
And this is Mimi with her mother. The photo was taken by the breeder, Steve Birks. We are so fortunate to share ownership of this beautiful filly with Foxcroft Racing.
Below the story is an update on Audi's World.
I wrote 'Friendship' for the July Uxbridge Writers' Circle meeting. The words I had to use are shown in italics.
Friendship
Parker was excited. He’d worked out a scheme so he could join his friend at the fireworks display in Elgin Park on Canada Day. His parents wouldn’t permit it. He was to stay at home and do his chores. Besides, the black family who lived two doors down always went. His parents had watched them leave the house each year for the past five years, and Parker wasn’t allowed to associate with them.
But Parker didn’t share his parents’ beliefs and values. He didn’t know how or why he’d formed his own opinions and views, but he hung onto them dearly. He didn’t want to be like his mom or dad.
He dreamt of a future where he had a job—preferably one he enjoyed—and his own home and a loving family. While he didn’t like being deceitful, he’d decided he had to start living his life the way he wanted to.
Zeb met him at the side entrance to the park, out of view of Parker’s house.
“How did you escape?” he asked.
“They’re drinking beer in the basement and watching baseball, so it was easy. I’ve got a bolt on my door now. I locked the door and cranked up the music—so they won’t be able to check if I’m there. I climbed out the window.”
Zeb pats him on the back. “We’re in time to see the horses.”
“Cool.”
“Do you have any money?”
“Not much. My granny gave me five dollars for my birthday, that’s all. Why?”
“Hotdogs are cheap. Fancy one?”
“Yeah.” Parker couldn’t believe a hotdog could taste that good. “This is awesome.”
“It’s just a hotdog. You must have hotdogs.”
“They don’t taste like this—smokey and juicy, and you can take as much ketchup as you want.”
“What do your mom and dad do all day?”
“Argue, smoke, drink beer, and shout at me. I wish I could leave.”
“What about your granny? You like her. Could you live at her place?”
“I’ve thought about it. I don’t know.”
The sound of the bells on the harnesses of the draft horses reminded Parker of the tambourine he played in the school band. He liked music and he was a decent student in other subjects too. But he was bullied because his poverty was blatantly obvious. His faded clothes were usually too small for him, and the soles of his shoes flapped and tripped him up. He also had to stay behind at school when there were field trips—his parents wouldn’t or couldn’t pay for any. And he was ashamed of his meagre lunches of bread and Cheese Whiz.
Zeb was bullied too, but that was simply due to the colour of his skin.
They’d become mates when they were both in the washrooms at the same time—crying.
“How about I talk to your gran?” Zeb asks. “I know you won’t get the chance, but I can visit her. She knows me.”
It took the whole evening for Zeb to convince Parker he was serious, and there was nothing to lose, but Parker still wavered. He liked his gran, but she didn’t visit often. Disapproval of the way her son and daughter-in-law lived was written all over her face. Parker thought she looked as if she was sucking on a lemon whenever she was at his home. But she would hug him and tell his mother he needed new clothes and to put on some weight. And she’d give him a little money. When she once gave him twenty dollars, his father snatched it before Parker could touch the note.
The fireworks were loud, dazzling, and thrilling. Parker and Zeb oohed and aahed with the crowd. Zeb bought Parker the most delicious ice cream he’d ever tasted. It was bubble gum flavour. He hadn’t known such a flavour existed.
Parker said he’d think about Zeb’s offer and tell him the next day. He’d meet him at the side gate to the park at about the same time.
He was lucky again. This time his mom and dad were having a blazing row. He retreated to his room, climbed out of his window and, sure enough, Zeb was at the gate as promised.
Parker’s granny held him in her arms, and he wondered if she’d ever let him go. His parents made a half-hearted attempt to have him returned, but nothing more.
Parker believes he owes everything to his Granny Bea. She was the kind of hard-working, caring, and loving person Parker needed in his life.
He made his granny proud by graduating from university and landing a job as a computer analyst. He now owns his own computer consultancy business with his partner, Zeb. They are a successful business team.
And they are members of 100 Men Who Care and support local charities—especially those that help youth.
Vicky Earle Copyright 2024
Audi's Update
Audi's World returned from his vacation a little while ago, but we weren't able to visit him at the racetrack until recently.
We were fortunate to be there when he did a timed work and everyone was pleased with his effort - including Audi!
Here's a short clip of his gallop (please excuse the poor quality!). He is the one closest to the camera.
We're hopeful that both Prized Spirit and Audi's World will be both physically and mentally ready to race at least once this season.
Book 6!
I'm still not sure if I will have Book 6 (Love and Death is the working title) of my Meg Sheppard Mystery Series ready for release this year. Blue Heron Books is extremely busy and I still have some editing to do.
I haven't ruled it out yet, though!
Thank you for reading my post - and please share.
Vicky
Heartwarming story!!!