Second Half of the Year

Today marks the beginning of the second half of the year and what a year it's been so far. Pre-COVID, I had high hopes of implementing a bunch of new programs and doing some additional fundraisers. That all came to a screeching halt. With such a small presences online, we don't know how to proceed with any fundraising online so this will definitely be a tight year.


I am really stressing over funds for our upcoming winter hay. I did chat with our hay guy so we do have that lined up. Well, at least he knows we want hay and we also have access to small squares of hay. But again, it all costs money and we need to figure out where that money is coming from. With only one fundraiser this spring just before COVID-19 hit, we haven't been able to get ourselves out there. And I don't feel comfortable right now asking for funds. There are too many people who need their money to keep a roof over their heads but on the other hand, we need to keep food in our horses's bellies.


So it means we will be tightening our belts and pinching pennies to see where we can make the most of what we need. I'm hoping we can talk with our hay guy this weekend over the long holiday and get everything lined up (when to haul, cost, etc.). I'd like to get everything lined up now rather than later.


But it also means that we won't be able to accept any additional horses into the Sanctuary for long-term retirement. It makes me sad to say no and to even consider the possibility that we can't help horses in need but we have to be protective of our current horses. My biggest fear is that we will become a rescue that needs to be rescued.


Hopefully soon I can get my focus back and return to thinking about the Sanctuary. It's been a day-by-day sort of living since the pandemic hit mid March. Some days I think I have it together and the next day I sit in tears questioning everything.


I know I could really use some help. Most everything I need help with is online or helping me brainstorm and implement my ideas. I am great with ideas and terrible with follow through. And the more time I spend behind a computer instead of out in the real world, the more introverted I become. Any introvert will understand that feeling.


We have many projects that still need to be tackled this summer. In fact there are more projects that are on the list than what we can get done because of our personal life schedules being so chaotic (it's hard to do major projects when you're making sure your toddler doesnt' wander off into the corn field!)


So fingers crossed that the second half of the year is much easier than the first half, there are less stresses and tears, and that we can continue to do what we do. Without your support, we can't keep our doors open and help our seniors enjoy their twilight years.