What I AM Getting for Christmas - A Country Wish Come True

A few weeks ago, I posted about a gorgeous horse I saw and titled it “What I Want for Christmas.” Well… spoiler alert: I’m not getting him.

But here’s what I am getting instead—Talon, my very own living, breathing, breathtaking Gypsy Vanner, (also called a Gypsy Cob).

Even as I write that, it still feels a little unreal. Not long ago, I was firmly planted in the “No way can I afford a Gypsy” camp. I’d convinced myself it was a dream better suited for Pinterest boards and daydreams than real life. And yet here I am, grinning like a kid on Christmas morning, checking feed prices, revisiting training notes, and repeating his name out loud just because I love how it sounds. Talon. It fits him perfectly—strong, graceful, and just a little mysterious.

He’s everything I ever imagined when I thought of my “someday horse.” Long flowing mane, feathered legs that look like he’s trotting on clouds, a steady, kind personality, and that unmistakable Gypsy Vanner presence that makes you stop in your tracks just to watch.

A huge thank-you goes to Sharon Teague at Big Sky Gypsy Horses, who helped turn this crazy dream into reality. She’s been wonderful—patient, knowledgeable, and every bit as passionate about these amazing horses as I am. And, of course, I have to thank my husband. He’s not exactly a “horse person,” but he is a me person—and that makes all the difference. I love you, honey.

Though, between us, I think he secretly likes the horses more than he admits. Every time we’re around them, they gravitate straight to him. Can’t say I blame them—he gives Olympic-level scratches. Horses know a good thing when they find it.

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©2009 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm

What I Want For Christmas — Dear Santa, I've Been a Good Country Farmer

Have you ever had that moment when you see something so beautiful, so perfect, that your heart skips a beat and your brain immediately starts whispering, “What if?” It doesn’t happen often—life keeps us too busy with practical things like bills, chores, and grocery lists—but every once in a while, something breaks through all that noise and grabs you right by the heart.

That’s exactly what happened when I came across a photo of the most breathtaking horse I’ve ever seen. He’s strong, elegant, and carries himself like he knows exactly how magnificent he is. His name, fittingly enough, is Romeo. And believe me, the name suits him. One look at that flowing mane, that proud stance, those intelligent eyes, and—well, I was smitten. Utterly, hopelessly smitten.

Now, don’t breathe a word of this to my husband. I’m not sure how he’d take the news that he’s been replaced, at least in my daydreams, by a four-legged heartthrob with feathers on his legs. But truly, Romeo looks like he stepped right out of a fairytale. The kind of horse that makes you imagine riding through misty meadows at sunrise or standing together under an old oak tree while violins play softly in the distance.

Of course, there’s one small hitch—he’s way out of my price range. (We’re talking “win the lottery first” territory.) So I’ll just admire him from afar, sigh dramatically now and then, and maybe make him my new computer wallpaper.

P.S. — All donations are accepted. Just kidding! Don’t you dare.
P.P.S.S. — I just found out he’s not even for sale anyway. Phew! I’m safe—temporarily at least. But still… a girl can dream, right?

Because sometimes love at first sight isn’t about practicality—it’s about beauty that reminds your soul to dream again.

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©2009 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm

Say Thank You to Our Service Men and Women and First Responders

Some gestures don’t need words — they just need heart. The video “The Gratitude Campaign” is a beautiful reminder of that. It shows a simple way to say “thank you” to the men and women who serve — in the military, in law enforcement, as firefighters, EMTs, and every kind of first responder — using a sign language gesture that anyone can learn. It’s a small movement, but it carries a message miles wide.

Jim never misses a chance to shake a hand or offer a thank-you when he sees someone in uniform. He’ll stop in parking lots, at gas stations, even in line at the feed store — it doesn’t matter where we are. But sometimes that’s not possible. You see them at a distance, or driving by, or working behind barricades where you can’t get close. That’s where this gesture comes in. You can send gratitude across a room, a field, or a highway. And you can be sure it’s received.

In a world that’s gotten too quick to complain and too slow to appreciate, this campaign brings back something we’ve lost — simple, visible gratitude. It doesn’t cost a thing, it doesn’t require a speech, and it reminds us that service deserves recognition, not just on holidays but every day.

The first time I saw the video, I thought, this is exactly what we need more of. Respect doesn’t go out of style, and neither does saying thank you — whether it’s with a handshake or a heartfelt gesture from afar. If you’ve ever wanted to say thanks but couldn’t quite reach them, now you can.

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©2009 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm