If there is one thing nonprofit work and being part of the Mustang community has taught me, is that there is so much kindness, so many good people out there.
People who are willing to share and give so generously, be that knowledge, talents, encouragement, time, pasture land, equipment or money.
I have no family – well, no two-legged family anyway – in this country but what I do have are amazing friends from all different walks of life. Most of them I’ve met through the Mustangs. The ones I had before have since become involved with Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy in one way or another.
I’ve witnessed and experienced more kindness since moving to the US than I did in the nearly 25 years of living in Germany. I know I have people here I can count on, no matter what. That’s something I’ll never take for granted.
When a good friend who has always been kind to me and the Mustangs was dealt a really rough hand some time ago (having the family ranch sold out from under him counts as a really, really rough hand I believe), I wanted to at least do something to show I cared.
I contacted Kaila Gallegos of Twisted Pine Arts and asked if she’d do a painting of him, his horse and his herd of registered Herefords surrounded by the land he loves and knows so well, loosely based on a photo I’d taken the year prior. She agreed.
I met Kaila a couple of years ago when she came out to meet a yearling Mustang I had up for adoption. Kaila has since adopted two wild ones. I respect her so much for the woman, wife, mother, artist, horsewoman, WHOA volunteer and wonderful friend she is.
Two days ago was the big day. The oil painting is done, it’s beautiful and is now hanging in his home.
He’s never been one to show big emotions but if the look in his eyes is any indication, I think we did alright.
It – life, nonprofit work, anything – takes a village and I’m proud to say I have a great one.
If you’re looking for a talented artist to do a custom painting or drawing for you or a loved one, I can’t recommend Kaila enough.
