So is it “technically” considered stealing, if it is put out to be taken?
Post #352
Stealing Apples
Having just finished a marathon of art fairs my kitchen counter is brimming with apples. As has become my habit I have returned each weekend with a armload of stolen apples for my horse.
Well . . . technically they aren’t stolen. (I think) I mean if hotels put them out for people to eat for breakfast, they are there for the taking right? In my defense I often look for the bruised and least appetizing fruit. I figure most folks wouldn’t eat it anyway and so it would just get thrown. And thus, the rationalization for my taking apples is complete.
Just so you know my life of crime will eventually end. Last year we planted a Honey Crisp apple tree. (Honey Crisps are my favorite apples. I will spend more per pound on those babies than I will beef.) In a few years (providing we continue to keep the deer and rabbits at bay) we (Chicory and myself) will be enjoying the “fruits” of our (Mike and my) labor.
How the crime spree began
When Chicory was very young and I had just gotten him, I was trying to give him all sorts of treats, (because I was raised that food equals love) but other than grain, Chicory refused whatever goodies I offered.
If your curious why I don’t eat the pilfered apples myself. Well, I am a fruit snob.
The hotels we stay at only put out the cheapest of apples and being a diabetic means whatever sugars I put into my body, have to be worth the spike in my blood sugar levels. So I eat only really good fruit.
In fact, the first time I gave him some apple, he spit it out, waggled his tongue around to make sure absolutely no bits might yet be stuck in his teeth and gave me a very distinct “are you trying to poison me!” look. I pretended not to notice and took another bite of the apple while using my best high school drama class acting abilities, I made it clear that this apple was the best thing ever.
He watched closely for a few moments and then kinda snuffled at me hinting that I should share. I gave him another chunk, and he promptly spit it out looking confused. I continued eating and eventually he’d get too curious and start nosing about again.
As I offered another bite, I warned him it was his last chance. He pushed it around my palm, then picked it up ever so delicately. As he chewed, he bobbed hid head vigorously (You could see the wheels turning) and then swallowed. After a few moments he snuffled for more.
And thus began his love affair with apples. At this point he drools like a Pavlovian dog when he thinks he’s gonna get some. And yes, I do buy him apples now and again. But mostly I get wind-fall apples from neighbors trees. Even after all these years, it’s pretty much the only treat food he’ll eat besides a grain ration. Well that and an occasional granola bar. But really all a granola bar is, is just a grain ration in stick form.
Raven painting
The gallery is still blessedly busy so I’ve no time to begin the Raven over. Hopefully tomorrow or the next day. I’ll post something when I get something done.
The latest issue of Apples ‘n Oats is out in all it’s glossy horse magazine goodness. In this issue, I write about Chicory and the creation of the new Soul painting.
Knee Deep and Belly High
Well I finally got my Fat Boy out on pasture. I’ve spent over 3 weeks waiting for the grass to age and getting his gut adjusted and today was the day. 
It is another rainy Sunday, so I am spending it in the gallery. I am hoping to finish up Chicory’s portrait, Soul today. I don’t think it will happen, but I should get really quite close.
Here is the progress so far. His face looks a little wonky as I have yet to fully sort out the highlights and shadows (especially on the left.) I have to put in the neck area before those decisions are made. Also I think his marking being off center throws it all a bit. We’ll see how it ends up in a day or so. (That’s my overly optimistic estimation of how long until I can complete this piece.)
Okay, I am such a sci-fi geek that I couldn’t resist.
So here it is after a few more hours on Sunday afternoon. I know it doesn’t really look like a lot of progress has been made, but bear in mind this is just about life sized.
Soul Chicory’s Portrait



