I’m galloping next to the Rio Grande River in Bernalillo while Sandia Mountain glows pink in the distance. My horse, a gorgeous paint named “Hollywood”, is excited I have finally allowed him to take flight. And flying we are.
Jorasio, a Mexican cowboy, yells “Dale,” as our ponies pick up speed. I have the biggest smile on my face when all of a sudden my horse’s front end sinks. Sky becomes dirt which then becomes sky again and the only thought in my head is, “this horse’s back-end is going to crush me.” That’s when I hear Jorasio and his horse also tumbling to my right.
A few seconds of chaos turn into complete silence. Only to be broken by grunts as we slowly stand up. Our horses are gone and our ribs are bruised. We are lucky to be standing.
Today, I turn 26-years-old. Due to this epic fall 2 days ago, it now hurts when I laugh, but I have never felt better!
I feel so alive. These past few months I have felt hunger, thirst, happiness, sadness, pain. I have seen places I will never forget – mountains, rivers, lakes and meadows, each one more special than the other. The people I have met have filled my mind with stories and my soul with a complete belief in humanity. With my horses, I have lived intensely and made the open road my home. I don’t have many things, only what the pack-saddle can carry – this makes me feel free. Something I have always strived for.
I am not a fancy man. I travel light and live lighter. I dream big and fly higher. Simply put, I am happy.
Freedom to me is happiness. Boundaries scare me. I hate lists but I love checking things off. My hair is rebellious. Ernesto Che Guevara, Bob Marley and John Lennon are the three people I wish I had met. Horses bring me peace. Traveling makes my heart pump. Love is essential – so is good wine. Summer time smiles are but a beautiful sunset. Hunger must end before we achieve “world peace”. If a president declares a war he or she must be forced to fight it on the ground. Ignorance is bliss. Cowboy is not a style, it’s a way of life. Water is not to be taken for granted. We must listen to one another. Money is our jail and our cocaine. The war on drugs must end NOW. Innocent people are dying in the developing world so those who inhabit the developed can get high. Politicians need to stop stealing. Farmers and Ranchers must be given the respect they deserve. Food does not come from the grocery store. Dreams are meant to be lived. Love is the nucleus. Bob Dylan is the man. Music is liberating so turn the volume up and dance like no one is watching.
Don’t let fear stop you from living. Some times in life you will be in a full gallop when all of a sudden the ground caves from under you. Don’t let it keep you down. Brush the dirt off and run after your horse so you can get back on and continue your journey.
Much love & Happy birthday to Anthony Kiedis.
– Filipe
