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Post by Sage Cheesman on Jun 7, 2012 17:46:57 GMT -5
Just got done reading this, this is super awesome! Rena is realistically drawn as a teenage girl, with teenage girl awkwardness and with her finding strength she didn't know she had. And finding something she really likes (horses) is just the icing on the cake.
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Post by Rena Humble on Jun 7, 2012 23:25:32 GMT -5
Just got done reading this, this is super awesome! Rena is realistically drawn as a teenage girl, with teenage girl awkwardness and with her finding strength she didn't know she had. And finding something she really likes (horses) is just the icing on the cake. I'm always glad to hear that she's realistic I do try to strike a balance between 'torturing' her with sad events and giving her a boost but teenage years suck so I figure it's not that far off, heh. Alright, struggled with today's update. Couldn't think of what to write for like two hours, then it finally came to me past midnight but it was meant to be yesterday's update so
Rena chewed her lip nervously as she stood, hands shaking, waiting for her turn .She opted to stand on the ground and watch the competitors for fear of just fainting and completely falling off of Maybel. At least being on the ground let her grip the bar tightly and keep some semblance of consciousness.
The rhythmic sounds of hoofbeats occupy her thoughts and she closes her eyes. She counts silently, matching up to each jump. If only she could do this with her eyes closed, maybe she’d survive. Instead she has to watch everybody watching her. Just… focus on Maybel.
Johanna ran a clear round, looking smug as she exited the ring. She worked well with her horse, but there was something off about her style that Rena couldn’t quite put her finger on. Meanwhile, Maranda had an almost clear round, knocking down a single pole on her jump and Rena felt pity for her as the girl exited the ring after finishing, head down. They might have even been friends if Johanna wasn’t in the picture.
There were a few more competitors between Maranda and Rena and her stomach clenched tightly into a knot as Rena leaned against the rail. She walked away, heading toward the barn where the horses were staying for the weekend and walked down the aisle to look out at the lake.
“Feeling anxious? Don’t worry, you’ll do fine. I still remember my first show, had knots in my stomach for days. It gets easier,”
Mags spoke conversationally as she moved beside Rena, facing her as she leaned against the fence. Rena blew out a soft sigh before glancing to the side.
“Does it ever go away?”
Mags laughed softly.
“Never.”
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Post by Margo May Kane on Jun 7, 2012 23:54:46 GMT -5
Aww--looks like she's got stiff competition! I know how nerve-wracking that must feel, but at least she has Mags to help her through it all the way. It's kinda sad, that if Johanna wasn't around things may have been different for Rena... but all it takes is one person to make things miserable. Love your writing, as always! Excited to see how Rena performs! Go Rena, go!
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Ann Taylor
Approved Member
Straight thinking is the way to success.
Posts: 1,498
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Post by Ann Taylor on Jun 8, 2012 13:32:27 GMT -5
So glad Mags is there to encourage Rena. Everyone needs somebody like that, sometimes. Rena more often than others, i guess. Crossing my fingers for her.
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Post by Lidija Rotherford on Jun 8, 2012 13:49:28 GMT -5
Love your writing, as always! Excited to see how Rena performs! Go Rena, go! When you want to say something perfect - just quote Margo! Your story inspires me so much every time I read it I was thinking to start a story of my own with my character (now when I'll be moving to my new facilities)... didn't get any opinions on that however...
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Ann Taylor
Approved Member
Straight thinking is the way to success.
Posts: 1,498
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Post by Ann Taylor on Jun 8, 2012 14:23:33 GMT -5
Lidija, I'd love to read a story from you. Your pictures alone tell so much. You wouldn't even need any text. <3
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Post by Lidija Rotherford on Jun 8, 2012 14:46:40 GMT -5
Aw Ann, thanks
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Post by Vicentia Estates on Jun 8, 2012 16:14:11 GMT -5
I would love to see your story too! I love reading any stories, especially if they have pretty pictures to accompany them, haha.
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Post by Sage Cheesman on Jun 8, 2012 18:03:32 GMT -5
Agreed on all counts, this is totally inspiring. Just need RL to stop sucking so I can concentrate... hehe
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Post by Rena Humble on Jun 8, 2012 21:20:08 GMT -5
Yes, that is who you think it is
She was up next and every minute that passed by felt like an eternity. She circled Maybel in a loose circle, trying to her ready for when it was her turn. Maybel wasn’t having any of it and she tossed her head up, front legs just leaving the ground slightly as Rena pulled the reins in, trying to regain control of the mare. Maybe this was a bad omen, maybe they could just forfeit and go home and pretend this never happened.
As the rider exited the ring, Rena watched as she patted her mare on the neck and Rena couldn’t suppress the small smile at the interaction. It was so different than what she was used to seeing at the barn, with the other girls who controlled every movement their horses made. This girl she… she really appreciated her horse.
It was her turn now. Rena’s hand tightened on the reins and Maybel swung her head around to nudge Rena’s leg just slightly and Rena relaxed. This felt right.
Together they worked as a team, they were in sync. She trusted Maybel, she knew that Maybel knew what to do and how to do it but she needed Rena to guide her and together they could accomplish anything they set their minds to. Time flies when you're having fun.
As they sailed over the last jump, Rena couldn’t help but wonder about how much they had improved already. She didn’t like to think about it because she felt like it might be bragging but they really did improve. Maybel didn’t over jump as often or even at all and Rena had become a more confident rider, even if they hit bumps in the road occasionally.
And they were done. They exited the ring and Rena could practically feel the stares from Johanna and Maranda and she chanced a look at them. Johanna was practically seething, probably because the last time she had seen Rena ride was the first time she had sat in an English saddle.
Rena contemplated scaring them with Maybel but decided against it. She wouldn’t stoop to their level. That and she was terrified that they would find a way to make her life worse and torment her even more. Her hands found their way into Maybel's mane and she leaned forward, praising the horse quietly, fingers gently massaging Maybel's neck.
Now it was time to wait for the results.
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Post by Margo May Kane on Jun 8, 2012 22:35:46 GMT -5
Brb, need to release my flails~
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Post by Vicentia Estates on Jun 9, 2012 0:48:32 GMT -5
;D
I had the idea to have Margo make a cameo in the story as a person in the background ever since I entered Rena in her first show. At first I pictured her as just, literally, in the background and it'd be very vague and then my friend helped me come up with this, haha.
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Post by Margo May Kane on Jun 9, 2012 0:59:10 GMT -5
Hahaha, it's perfect!! I seriously am so ecstatic, you have no idea! I literally took one look at the image and let out an audible squeal. Pretty sure my hubby thinks I'm crazy now (if he didn't before, ha!). It tickles me to see her with Rena for a cameo--I'm excited that I'll get to do the same for you, soon(ish)! I love Rena's thoughts about her, too--a very astute observation. <3 I'm really excited to see Dusty in someone else's game, too--she would be *horrible* in a jumping competition, but all the better for Rena. So she wins. Ahem. GO RENA! Also want to say--I love the writing on this chapter. The dynamic between her and Maybel is priceless. I absolutely love reading about them--I just ooze all over the place from the adorables! ♥ I shall be hanging in the balance with Rena while we wait for those results!
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Post by Erin@Equus on Jun 9, 2012 12:07:49 GMT -5
Haha, I didn't even realize that was Margo until I saw Kaleeko flailing! I was like, "Oh, that Sim looks familiar, who is it . . . ?" but wasn't able to make the connection between the two stories in my head. Oops! Anyway, love seeing the competition pictures, and am pulling for Rena, of course! (Sorry, Margo! ) I'm so happy for her and Maybel that they did well in their round!
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Post by Lidija Rotherford on Jun 9, 2012 14:49:04 GMT -5
Can't wait to hear the results, oh my!
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