KJ Aartila
Stories (297)
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An Intended Money-making Vocal Strategy Not to Use
I will have been on Vocal+ for a year in April. It's been good! That first few months, with bonuses, tips and Top Stories, my subscription paid for itself. Now, not so much. In December, reads and engagement went way down everywhere in general, but also in the Vocal groups. Not surprising, I figured, with all the Holiday hustle-and- bustle. But, beginning in January, I decided I needed to plan a strategy for the 2022 year to gauge and improve my reader engagement and stats. Because that’s what this analytical mind does – it makes a spreadsheet and a plan. I proceeded to plan it and put it into action in early January.
By KJ Aartila4 years ago in Journal
New
Darcy brought Jewel home from the auction and turned the frightened little mare loose in the corral where she could safely expend her nervous energy. Darcy sat on the top rail, watching her pace and whinny and explore her surroundings until she finally settled down enough to eat the hay that Darcy placed in the pen. Tomorrow, Darcy and her Dad would go shopping to get a few things to begin working with Jewel.
By KJ Aartila4 years ago in Fiction
A Journey of Intention Discovered through Horses - Part 9
I’m sitting here, inside, listening to the wind howl and rattle the house. Will winter ever go away this year? Every time I go out the door, I hear nickers and the horses start pacing. They know it’s grain time. At least I know I’m still loved (lol!) They all look healthy, so I am grateful for that.
By KJ Aartila4 years ago in Petlife
A Brilliant Jewel
A Brilliant Jewel Before the start of the auction, Darcy and her dad had scoped out the horses being offered in the sale. She merrily drowns in the overpowering scent of horses, and revels in the overwhelming sounds of conversation as people discussed horses and potential purchases. The father-daughter pair spoke to the owners of a few prospects, including the handler of an ornery, black filly, who showed them his horse by leading her gruffly from the stall. When he attempted to lay his hands on her to point out the mare’s excellent conformation, she struck out with a hind foot and squealed. She missed the man, but made her point. He spoke a few angry-toned words before standing insecurely by her head in his dirty sweatshirt and unkempt beard. He fumbled with the lead rope as he hesitantly answered their questions. They were skeptical of is honesty when they asked the mare’s age, training and temperament.
By KJ Aartila4 years ago in Petlife
A Journey of Intention Discovered through Horses - Part 8
“Do your best until you know better. Then. when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou It’s mid-January, and I’m chomping at the bit to ride my horses again. It’s been months, I think! The forecast teased me saying around 30F degree temps, but changed it to colder two days later. It turned out to be mid-20’s and windy. Not my thing. I stayed in the house. And now it’s supposed to get even colder again-like single digits and negatives. So, I don’t ride. I stay antsy indoors and I think too much. My physical limitations keep me basically housebound when there’s too much snow or ice or cold.
By KJ Aartila4 years ago in Petlife
Hay You!
She climbed the make-shift steps to the hayloft – pieces of wood nailed to the wall – to throw some fresh hay down to feed the two hungry horses she just stalled for the night. She pulled herself up through the opening to the loft as she had done hundreds of times before, nothing unusual. As she stood up and flipped on the old light switch, she glimpsed the owl staring down at her from the high rafters.
By KJ Aartila4 years ago in Fiction
