Sleigh Ride: Was it Worth it? You Decide!

by | Personal Story | 0 comments

This was the start of the wild ride that is my husband’s and my life. I can’t help but chuckle at this quirky adventure and can’t wait to share it with you!

The January Storm of 1976

As we huddle in our home to stay warm this winter I am reminded of another winter. The winter of 1976 was brutal. Two weeks of heavy storms buried our farm in Western New York under snowdrifts higher than the fences. The wind howled through the trees, carving icy sculptures along the roads, and the world felt frozen in time. The horses had been stuck in their stalls, restless and eager to run. Especially Vandi, our high-spirited carriage horse. He was ready to explode with energy.

I Knew Better

That’s when my boyfriend, Jim, had an idea.

“Let’s take the sleigh out,” he said, his face lit with excitement.

I knew better. Vandi wasn’t just any horse—he was fast, powerful, and hadn’t stretched his legs in weeks. He had the energy of a racehorse at the starting gate, just waiting for his moment to fly. But my parents, always up for an adventure, thought it was a great idea.

Readying for a Ride

I couldn’t believe my parents were condoning this! They were well aware that this was a dangerous venture. What were they up to? But they both were willing to help get ready the only horse who could pull the sleigh. Vandi, a horse that was a handful, even on a good day.

So, my dad and I harnessed him up in the stall while trying to keep him from climbing the walls. Once outside, Vandi reared as we positioned him between the shafts. My mom calmly placed a lap robe on the sleigh’s seat and we climbed aboard.

Frozen Wonderland

Off we went, bundled in layers, the sleigh runners gliding over the packed snow. The air was crisp, stinging our cheeks, but the world around us was breathtaking. Snow blanketed the rolling hills, turning them into an untouched canvas of white. The lake, frozen solid in the distance, glistened under the winter sun. Rhythmic jingles came from of the harness bells. Soft crunching of Vandi’s hooves on the snow accompanied the chorus.

It was beautiful. Peaceful. At least, for a moment.

Then, as we carefully negotiated the long sloping road leading from our driveway to the lake, Jim shifted beside me. He reached into his coat, fumbling with his gloves. When he pulled his hand out, a small box rested in his palm. The deep red velvet stood out against the white landscape. When he flipped it open, a diamond ring sparkled inside.

I gasped, my breath catching in my throat. I loosened my hold on the reins ever so slightly.

That was all Vandi needed.

A Wild Ride!

With the pent-up energy of two weeks cooped up, he surged forward into a full gallop. The sleigh barely touched the ground as we flew down the hill! The world became a dizzying blur of snow and speed. I scrambled to regain control, pulling at the reins, but Vandi had other plans. He ran like he had been waiting for this moment forever, kicking up flurries in his wake.

Oblivious!

Jim was sitting calmly beside me, enjoying the ride, oblivious to the danger. I, on the other hand, was trying to control the wild animal at the other end of the reins. The romantic moment he had planned had turned into an exhilarating, unexpected thrill ride.

As we flew down the hill there was no way to get off the road. Deep culverts lined both sides keeping us from driving into the field to stop the momentum. There were no options. We would soon run out of road where it would end in a sharp “T”. Vandi was not slowing! But luckily, horses have brains. He finally slowed to a stop just when we came to the end of road. I caught my breath. My heart pounded, my face was frozen from the cold wind, and my hands ached from clutching the reins.

Jim turned to me, his expression somewhere between amusement and concern. “So… is that a yes?”

I could barely speak, but through chattering teeth, I nodded. “Yes!” And then I said, “Do you still have the ring?”

Wild and Wonderful

We were married that summer, overlooking Lake Chautauqua, surrounded by the beauty of the farm that shaped me. That wild ride, that crazy moment, became one of the many stories woven into my life—and my art. My paintings today are more than just images of nature. They hold memories, movement, and meaning. They remind us of the wild, unexpected journeys life takes us on and the quiet moments in between. Of how nature connects us, grounds us, and sometimes, sweeps us off our feet.

Was it Worth it?

Sometimes, life surprises us in ways we never could have planned. A quiet sleigh ride becomes an unforgettable adventure. A farm girl’s childhood turns into a lifelong love for capturing the beauty of the world around her. And a moment of chaos becomes a story to tell for generations.

So, was the sleigh ride worth it? You decide.

As for me—I’d say it was just the beginning.

Artist Nancy Murnyack standing in front of artwork

Welcome!

Wearing two hats… as both an artist and an art educator, I find my passions inseparable. There is nothing quite like the fulfillment of guiding others on their creative journeys.

That’s why I’m thrilled to embark on this blogging adventure, where I’ll be sharing insights into

  • art and decor

  • reflections on my own artistic evolution

  • tips for nurturing your own creative spark

This blog isn’t just about me… it’s about us, a community of art enthusiasts eager to explore the wonders of creativity together.

I’m here to share my knowledge, so don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions, ideas and suggestions.

 

 

So, let’s embark on this journey together, shall we?

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