If you're a longtime subscriber, you may remember this one from before. Last time we ran this story we got a scolding, a chuckle, and everything in between as we talked about nudity, posture and breast cancer awareness. The newsletter that debuted this story still holds records in multiple tracking statistics areas. It was by far the most blocked by ISPs, so many folks never got to read it. It had the highest open rate that we'd seen in months. And probably the highest click rate ever. So this told me that even if folks were disapproving of the subject line (Tits to the sky!), they still clicked on it to see what it was all about. And the unsubscribe/spam complaint rates did NOT increase from previous editions, so it's safe to assume that once folks got to the actual newsletter, they did not find it offensive enough to request that we stop sending subsequent issues. Interesting stuff.

But, I have a point, really. And it's POSTURE. I spent my youth at home with my mom poking me in the back; "Stand up straight!" she'd whisper whenever we were in public. I must have gotten better, as she quit telling me once I went off to college (or maybe she just gave up). But, now that I am older, I am hearing the same thing from my husband; "Stand up straight!". And I notice an awful lot of other women around me who also need to be told "Stand up straight!". I think life does that to us - you feel like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders - after a while it tends to smoosh you down....

So I kept trying to remind myself - so hubby wouldn't have to. Mostly I just forgot and then was annoyed at him for sounding like my mom. Then, I read this blog post . It gave me such a chuckle that I decided to replace "Stand up straight!" with "Tits to the sky!" (in my head, of course). And every time I think it I get a little laugh from the story - and I stand a little straighter.

Ever get the urge to ride your horse naked?   
While wielding a dagger? If so, this one's for you! This silver alloy pendant is a big 1.5" tall, hangs on a sturdy loop so you can use as a keychain, bridle tag, necklace, whatever.

Another goddess in our jewelry department is the Celtic Epona Pendant. Epona, the celtic goddess of horses, is molded into this silver alloy 1" tall pendant. It hangs on an adjustable (18" to 26"), knotted waxed cotton cord. You can choose Pink or Brown Cord, to order click here.

Here's what wikipedia says about Epona: "In Gallo-Roman religion, Epona was a protector of horses, donkeys, and mules. She was particularly a goddess of fertility, as shown by her attributes of a patera, cornucopia, ears of grain and the presence of foals in some sculptures suggested that the goddess and her horses were leaders of the soul in the after-life ride, with parallels in Rhiannon of the Mabinogion."

Epona is celebrated in Michigan each year;
"On Mackinac Island, Michigan, Epona is celebrated each June with stable tours, a blessing of the animals and the Epona and Barkus Parade. Mackinac Island, Michigan does not permit any personal automobiles: the primary source of transportation remains the horse, so celebrating Epona has special significance on this island in the Upper Midwest."

HoofPrints PINK PRODUCTS raise money for breast cancer research. 
This sterling silver pin has a pink enameled ribbon on the horse's hip... it's made in the USA by Hand and Hammer Silversmiths.
2010 was our first year for HoofPrints Breast Cancer Awareness products, and I'm proud to share that from the sale of these items, every year since then we've been able to send a donation check to the  Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

New for this fall is this comfortable Stretch Bracelet with an inspirational message; "Life is Tough - But I Am Tougher".
This cute little number is a bargain at only $9.95, but we've sweetened the deal and made it so if you buy 3, you get the 4th FREE!
To order click here

Shown here is February's calendar girl - Mimi. The minimally marked paint mare that landed at the Camelot Auction in New Jersey. She was smallish, unkempt, barely broke, and had a bad eye. But when Bev Goff saw her, she knew that she was "the one". For $260. It's All About Me (Mimi) was hers. Mimi's eye problem resolved quickly and her vision is fine. It soon became apparent that she's one of those horses that has a mind that riders and trainers covet. Bright, willing, interested and trainable. She's pictured here at her very first show, where she performed like a pro - brought home several ribbons and tied for overall reserve champion! You can read more about her in Sarah's blog post here.

The Horses and Hope calendar showcases happy ending stories like this one. We worked to keep the tone positive and encouraging. The unwanted horse problem is a big one, but this calendar is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when determined group of folks pool their talents together to make a difference!
This is our second edition of this calendar (collectable 2012's are still available at half price here). 100% of the profit from the sale of this calendar goes to One Horse At A Time. This amount is approaching $90,000. to date, and One Horse At A Time has distributed it wisely and judiciously in ways that an average person wanting to help could not. They are incredibly well networked, both with equine service providers and with entities displaying need. They monitor political happenings that affect the equine industry. They've been around the block and are not apt to be duped by someone scamming for funds. In short, they are doing all the necessary things to make sure monies get where they can do the most good. Stuff that we all wish we could but don't have the time (or stomach) for. More about my assessment of the volunteers associated with that effort here.

My efforts to clear the warehouse (and my house- house) of accumulated oddball products continues to gain momentum. I've written about it before. The point continues to be, sometimes the space becomes more valuable than the items that are occupying it. So this is where most places say... "our loss is your gain!" Well, check out this super-cheap stuff and BUY IT. And your gain will be our gain, too. Because we need that space on the shelf.

The Half Price Page is here - check this often as they're one-of-a-kind things that will sell quickly and be replaced with whatever else starts to get on my nerves.

RECAP - From the last newsletter - Here's what we talked about last time