When I love something, I tend to really love it. From second grade to tenth, my obsession was horses, and it was horses that really lead to my love of drawing. Any picture I drew had a horse in it. In fifth grade I would draw horses during class. A girl named Carrie had the desk next to mine, and she would take away whatever picture I was working on in an attempt to get me to pay attention. I, ever one to take a hint...kept a huge stack of paper in my desk so that whenever she took one away I could just start again. I rode every week. I owned more Breyer Horses (damn right, they're better than Barbies) than should be legal, because they were the only thing I ever asked for. And every year, the Triple Crown is the only sporting event I never miss.

When there's a filly (read: female) I always root for her. Last year Rags to Riches won the Belmont and I was thrilled. This year a filly named Eight Belles ran in the Derby, and did fantastic - giving the favorite, Big Brown, a run for his money up until the end. She ran like a champ and she came in second.

And then literally SECONDS later she broke both her front ankles and had to be put down right there on the track.

I never know what to say when this happens. At least she's not in pain anymore. But still, it breaks my heart.

ETA //

A Happy Birthday, nonetheless, to anyone who might have one today. Take that as you will.