Assateague Island, split between the state of Maryland and Virginia, is a barrier island and is protected as a National Seashore on the Maryland side and as a National Wildlife Refuge on the Virginia side. It is here that the Chincoteague Ponies live in the saltwater marshes, wild and free. There is only one way on and off for them… and so begins the swim back home.... until the next penning. It has been a great Pony Week on Chincoteague island and just so appropriate that they go home on this #BeautifulSunday. Sublimely so.
The Saltwater Cowboys are a never fail. They do an awesome job.
E.V.E.R.Y. S.I.N.G.L.E. Y.E.A.R.
Are we there yet? Oh, my little ponies. How I love thee.
It was hot. It is close to one hundred degrees and I am drenched in my own sweat. Totally wet and we haven't even hit the water yet.
So, let us take a moment or three to stop and smell the roses, so to speak...
As always, there is a flower. Always. This picture is for #SundayPurple #ColorChallenge by @Kalemandra., who colors my world.
Bee the person you have imagined yourself, if only for a moment, a moment in time.
”Stop thinking so much and go where your heart takes you” Lori Deschene
Guiding them towards the water for the swim back to their island. I sigh just a bit, knowing that this is the beginning of the end. To be able to be so up close and personal with the entire herd is beyond a dream.
They jump in and begin their swim. Some of the ponies turn back towards the shore and try to come back, so they whip the water to move them in the right direction. This week was so much fun and attention, perhaps they want to stay longer?
Day is done. The Saltwater Cowboys turn their horses towards the action at the Fairgrounds, where there is still excitement leftover from the pony auction and the raffle for Queen Neptune, which is the designated name for the first foal to make it to the beach in the swim.
@c0ff33a. I do love my 
@c0ff33 and he likes eclectic! A definite match made in my heaven.And just like that, the pony swim is done. I want to thank 
@ace108 and @c0ff33a for hosting these challenges and just so you know, although much sun and shine was used up today, I can guarantee that there is still a little left in my heart. Have a most fabulous day!
@ace108 and @c0ff33a for hosting these challenges and just so you know, although much sun and shine was used up today, I can guarantee that there is still a little left in my heart. Have a most fabulous day!Thank you for visiting and reading my post 💖 Don't ever forget what a wonderful world we live in, people. Kindness counts. Wherever you go, whatever you do.
I always post this poem down at the bottom of my posts. It is one that has become so near and dear to my heart. I only post the most famous part of it, but, wanted to post it in its entirety today.
they set my aunts house on fire
i cried the way women on tv do
folding at the middle
like a five pound note.
i called the boy who use to love me
tried to ‘okay’ my voice
i said hello
he said warsan, what’s wrong, what’s happened?
i’ve been praying,
and these are what my prayers look like;
dear god
i come from two countries
one is thirsty
the other is on fire
both need water.
later that night
i held an atlas in my lap
ran my fingers across the whole world
and whispered,
"where does it hurt?"
it answered,
"everywhere"
"everywhere"
"everywhere"
warsan shire