Bluebonnet

For the first time ever, I do not have a model in the NaMoPaiMo Winners' Circle. I tried really hard, but somethings just aren't meant to be.

The good news is despite this setback, I still managed to add a cute new pony to my herd in February. This is Bluebonnet. Here's her story.

Back in 2019,  Anne Veeneman-van der Weel traveled from her home in the Netherlands to Aurora, Colorado to attend the Jennifer Show.

She brought with her two copies of her friend, Anna Dobrowolska-Oczko's Shetland pony sculpture, Bunnetie. One was part of her Big Dreams Performance entry. The other one quickly became mine.

Last fall, I managed to score a commission spot with another 2019 Jennifer Show attendee, Christine Jordan.

I told her to take as much time as she needed, but was secretly delighted when she decided to make Bunnetie one of her NaMoPaiMo side projects. 

I watched her come together as the month progressed, all the time hoping that she'd be ready for delivery at BreyerWest.

She was!

Last Thursday, I drove to the airport to pick up Christine and Tara Reich.

They were both all decked out in their Studio Thornrose attire. So chic!

We drove straight to the barn and had a pony party.

It was so fun.

After that was over, we adjourned to my house for a different kind of pony party. 

I didn't think to take any photos, but here is Bunnetie - now named Bluebonnet - in all her adorable glory.

This is such a cute sculpture, and Christine's finishwork really brings her to life. Even without the friends connection, I'd be happy to own her.

But really, the friends connection is what this pony - and this hobby - is all about. When I look at Bluebonnet, I think of Anne, Anna and Christine; three artists I admire, three women with whom I have ridden, three people I feel honored to call my friends. Thank you, Anne, Anna and Christine. I absolutely love my new pony.