Sunday, October 07, 2007

Alpacas as a metaphor for life

This is Narya. She had a rough start in life.
Born to a first time mother who got udder edema, Narya had to be supplemented when all she wanted was mom.

Many crias would have given up. At first, we weren't sure she was going to make it. But, here she is, at 9 days old.
As you can see, she is doing great- despite the odds. She fought the good fight- to great results.
Cheerful and bright, she races around the pen, then collapses in a heap to bask in the sunlight- heedless of how close a call she had in her first days of life. She is friendly, outgoing, and care free. She doesn't let life get in the way. A living testament to overcoming overwhelming circumstances.

She is an inspiration to anyone who strives to survive hardship, and a reminder to live life every day to it's fullest.

As the color changes on the poison oak, it reminds me of how something potentially so devastating and painful can be beautiful as well.

I am looking for the beauty...........................

Right now I am trying to learn a lesson from both Narya and the poison oak. My husband got laid off on my birthday. Life was criated, and hope was destroyed both on the same day- how is this possible? At first I simply rejoiced in the criation part, and ignored reality. But reality has a terrible way of intruding........

I am trying to learn......... this is the third time since 2001, and I don't know how I will learn whatever lesson there is if I haven't learned it already.

I am looking for the lesson................................

They say behind every hardship- there is a blessing in disguise.

I am looking for the blessing.............................

I am looking.........................................................

for the light at the end of the tunnel.


24 comments:

silfiriel said...

That's my girl, strong and beautiful.
There are no odds with life you know. Life always strives to go on, < despite the odds :)b/>.
In the driest, darkest corner of the world any seed will take roots and aim for the sun.

Casdok said...

You will find it.

phaseoutgirl said...

Hey Rachelle,

Hope always springs. I know it is always easy for other people to say this, but I do truly believe in it. You are one of the strongest people I have seen and read among my blog-friends, and this is just another blip, you will not only find light at the end of the tunnel, but a whole ray of sunshine, bright and beautiful!!

hugs,
Cecilia

Shrink Wrapped Scream said...

You always find the good in everything - I know you will find it now. This post sums you up - it's full of strife and hope - you've overcome so much bonny lass, this is just one more step along the way. You will always rise above whatever it is that is thrown at you, it's what you do. I'm sending really positive, warm thoughts and wishes - know you are very much loved. ((big, big hugs)) x

little things said...

What can I say other than I can relate! Just keep your eye on your little Cria, and remember to lie down and soak up some sun when you need a rest...

i beati said...

My friend says Everything happens for a reason, but I'll be darned if I can see this reason so close to the holidays, is it always to be looking inside ourselves. I wage a war with cancer when I want to feel good and enjoy my son or grandaughter, i am sick..why??Isit to look inside ourselves. It must only be to make us stronger than the average bear, and persevere with a smile , I guess. Blessings all !!!Thank you for the light you shine for me ..

B.T.Bear (esq.) said...

I cayme over to let yu kno that I drew yu as a dolfin. But it's the ferst time I've drorn a dolfin. So it duzzent look VERY much like a dolfin. Sorry bowt that.

Enyway.

Wenwver yu feel down giv yor pacas a hug. An yor bear too, if yu hav wun.

Mummy waz mayde redundant 3 times in wun yeer befor, an then lost her howse. But things cayme out all rite in the end. If that haddent happend she wud never hav met me an Daddy. She sez 'everything comes out in the wash'. Wich she sez meens that it'll all be ok in the end.

But I'm sendin you lots ov nose hugs.

Another thing she sez is that life is like a tapestry an yu can ownly see the messy side. Arfter a wile yu can look bak on the other side an see the real pikcher.

If yor mukky there'll be a bear or two in the pikcher. (She duzzent say that bit, but I thort I'd do an improovment)

:@}

B.T.Bear (esq.) said...

LUKKY! LUKKY! Not mukky!

Hehehee

Sandy Kessler said...

how is the mother of Narya now??

Gattina said...

Besides the very cute pictures of little Narya your post sounds quite depressed. It happens very often to people especially in automn that they see everything in dark colors. But after each black tunnel in life their will be light again when you go through it ! Good luck !

I will sent you some more infos about how to put your header in. Maybe the look of a new blog can make you smile a little !

Rachelle said...

Dear Silfiriel,
Thanks for the boost! I don't know about odds, seems to me life is full of them, but I can see where you are coming from.
I have overcome overwhelming obstacles to get where I am today, so I like to think I beat the odds :))
Narya says hi!
Slainte~
Rachelle

Rachelle said...

Dear Casdok,
Thanks! I think I might not find out the "why" but I will find the light at the end- I always have found my way back from the abyss.
Slainte~
Rachelle

Rachelle said...

Dear Cecilia,
Thank you so much for your strength. Your words are so kind, and lift me up.
Thank you my friend!
Slainte~
Rachelle

Rachelle said...

Dear Carol,
What would I do without you my friend? I thank god for bringing you into my life.
You are a pillar,and a positive influence in my life,
Thank you!
Slainte~
Rachelle

Rachelle said...

Dear ITLT,
You said it girl, boy- same boat same paddle same creek huh?
You are not alone!
Slainte~
Rachelle

Anonymous said...

Hi Rachelle, been away for a little while, came back to read your blog only to find you in a bit of a black hole!! find the ladder girl and get your butt out o there. Hope Narya's mum is ok now. Cozmic

Rachelle said...

Dear Sandy,
I don't know, every layoff has come right before Christmas! It is so disheartening....
So, we will have to sell an alpaca before Christmas to be able to have one this year.
Oh well, we have each other and this time we are not in danger of losing our home! We will pull through, here's hoping it happens before I lose ALL my hair LOL!!
SLainte~
Rachelle

Rachelle said...

Dear B.T.,
Your mummy is an inspiration for me. She has overcome sooooo much to be the strong, wonderful woman she is today. I celebrate her victory, one day at a time- clink!

It's a good thing she has you to give her nose hugs, I think it's time I pulled Simba out for one myself! Thank you for the long distance ones from you :))

And I love the tapestry referral- one of my favorite songs is from Prince of Egypt- all about a tapestry and life, and where we find our place in it.
Cool beans methinks.
Slainte~
Rachelle

Rachelle said...

Dear B.T.,
Ps.....
Tee-hee-hee-hee-hee!!!!
Lukky, not mukky....
:)))))))))))))
Rachelle

Rachelle said...

Hay COZMIC!!!!!

You snuck in here whilst I was typing responses :))
How in the WORLD have you been?
Talking about a black hole, you kinda disappeared onto one, ya?
LOL, good to see you back!

Don't worry, the ladder is up and I'm on my way to the top. It might take me a while, but I don't linger in dark places long anymore.

come back and visit more often, huh? I miss you! I want to hear all about what you have been doing and where you've been!!
Details, DETAILS!!! LOL
Slainte~
Rachelle

Rachelle said...

Dear Sandy,
She seems to be doing well now, her udder has gone down so much, and little one is strong enough to nurse and really work milk production back up.
I have high hopes that the supplementation will only be temporary.
She is a really great momma!
Slainte~
Rachelle

Rachelle said...

Dear Gattina,
Yup, I was very depressed when I wrote it.
Losing our only source of income for the third time in 6 years will do that to me every time! LOL
We are not rich alpaca owners, the only reason we are able to have them is because my hubby works full time, so when there is a layoff- there is always the fear that we might lose our ranch.
It is terrifying.

I promise to be all laughter and sunshine again soon.
I hope to be able to figure out the header thing soon, I want it on my blog!!!
Slainte~
Rachelle

Victorya said...

Oh Rachelle (hugs) Wanna share my rope ladder? I haven't needed it that much lately, hooks onto that well of despair quite nicely.

Prince of Egypt is a great soundtrack, isn't it? And hug Narya for me. While personally I stopped thinking there is a reason for bad things, I do think in the end there is a soft spot to land in, get up from, and dust yourself off as you start walking on life's journey (go to an Anastasia song for that one, "heart don't fail me now, courage don't desert me")

Oh yeah, and you're never alone! We're all here for you, as are many others, human and animal/spiritual/natural.

Rachelle said...

Dear Victorya,
Wow, I love both the soundtracks!
Also, I like the one to Quest for Camelot, beautiful.
Thanks for the support, it means so very much!
Yup, sned over the ladder girl! Fed Ex it so it gets here quick!
((hugs))
Rachelle