RDJentsch.com

I suppose from the moment I could hold a pencil I began writing. My younger brother has accused me for years of never being able to find a blank piece of paper in any notebook I ever owned. I have been a prolific note-taker, journal writer and storyteller. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a means to get my voice heard by anyone but me. I have been trying to establish myself as a person for so long, I cannot remember for how long. So I wrote.

The Greek Philosopher, Epictetus wrote, “If you wish to be a writer; write!” I have taken this to heart. There are seven reasons writer’s write. Fame, fortune, to further a cause, to further a career, impart knowledge, for personal satisfaction, or because the person is compelled to write. I am the last. I feel compelled to write it all down. I am only a small hull without my writing. It fills the empty parts of my heart. I feel compelled to put it all down on paper.

To this, you probably think I am a recluse. To the contrary, I am never at home. I experience things first hand. I am constantly on the road. I come across many people, with many personalities. I am never sedentary. I am never alone and I am never without pen in my hand. To some this sounds boring, but to me it is home. I cannot be home, so I take it with me. Notebook in a bag and pen in hand.

The other part of the writing process I have become bonded to, my iPod. It is the tool of choice. The inspiration comes from my nephew, my nieces, my family and friends. My iPod affords me silence in a chaotic, ear piercing world. Without this invention from Steve Jobs, I would be unable to write as quickly and as much as I would like. The process would be more painful for me. At the present time, I find it simple, expressive and limitless.

I don’t say this to be full of myself, but I say it because it is true. I suppose I am the truest form of a romantic there could possibly be. I believe writer’s are all romantics, even if they do not admit it. They fall in love with words. The simplest of words lures them into a state of constant passion and anxiety. If you write, you will agree.

Frank Sinatra sings, “I’ve got you under my skin.” Writing is just that, it’s under my skin. I will never be free of it, and I would never want to be. I am forever enthralled, entwined and seduced by it. I have found true love, even though there are more important things in my life, writing is currently my soul mate. It may have to move over to allow for another, but it will be a fight I am sure.

Some have asked, where my inspiration comes from. I have to say, I do not have any children of my own. I have not been blessed with that privilege as of yet. I have been blessed with a nephew and nieces. I fell in love with them the moment they entered my life. I would less of a person without those beautiful children. My ‘kids’ are my inspiration. They are silly, creative, have boundless energy and drive me crazy all at one time. Who could ask for anything more? I have been smitten. They bring me more joy than I could ever hope for.

I have been blessed with a vivid imagination as well. Anything can set it off. I have conversations with myself. Yes, I probably am slightly touched, but who isn’t? My grandfather told me stories as a child, but he also said, he talked to himself because he like to hear a good man. It makes me smile now, but without that, I would probably be lost. I am lost without him, but I am trying. I have had the privilege of falling in love once in my life. To that, I wouldn’t be who I am now. I would never have known love, passion, pain and anguish. I would be emotionless, for that I am thankful.

I have been inspired by God’s creations, especially his most incredible creation, besides man, the horse. I have been privileged to care for this noble creature. I have brought many into this world, cared for, nursed and laid some to rest, with joy and gut wrenching sorrow. I cannot begin to tell the emotions these beauties bring to me. If you love them as I do, even the smell of them never parts from you. The love affair with the horse can not be summed up in words. As a writer, this distresses me, but I do the best I can. All the horse lover’s out there I am sure agree with me, no matter what they do, it only strengthens the bond between you and them. They allow us into their lives, we are of no consequence.

I have the privilege of being the care taker of approximately 14 of these noble creatures. My stallions can hear me talking at night, the mares rule the roost and the geldings run the herd. I heard once if there are ten horses in a herd are you number one or number eleven. I am number one, in my herd, but in retrospect, I will feel forever like number eleven. My heart melts. I can’t stand mistreatment or any ‘whoop and ride’. I have graduated from such low standards. I am 100% natural. I thank my mother, along with Pat and Linda Parelli for their superior teaching methods. I hope beyond all hope every horse owner finds them sooner and not later. Your salvation with horses depends on it.

On a last note, I am a living breathing horse woman. I am a writer. I am an aunt, a romantic, a highly spiritual person with extensive desires to live forever. In that, please know I am who I am because you read the words on this page. To that I thank you.

Regards,

RD

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