About Thomas Newnam
From the time I could walk, there were two main things I was known for around our small Pennsylvania town. The first was my bright red hair, which sometimes brought teasing, and the second thing was my precocious knowledge of, and love for, horses. Anybody who knew anything about me understood that there was nothing I wanted more than my own pony. That was my life’s dream, ambition and obsession. I also knew my pony was looking for me.
While other boys were fishing or trading baseball cards, I was collecting miniature horse statures and hanging paint-by-number horse pictures around my room. On Saturdays, when friends wanted to go the movies or roller skating, I’d first have to be sure there wasn’t a horse show around. By the age of eight, if anything was clear to me it was that If I didn’t get a pony, everything would be wrong in my world. And I understood that my only chance was to win one.
Though our apartment was too small, with a rent too large, my parents seemed happy to buy me a ticket for every win-a-pony contest that came along. The only price I had to pay for each new chance was to put up with hearing over and over again how much the “odds” were against me. I was too young to understand the concept of “the odds” but I figured whatever they were, I didn’t like em. I didn’t like any thing that was bent on keeping me and my pony apart.
So from the time I was a toddler until the age of ten, I entered every pony contest I could find. All based on what everybody called “luck.” I’m sure that most adults considered me to be one misguided little wrangler, caught in a poignant and hopeless pony quest, destined only and ultimately to have his fondest dream trampled. Perhaps that explains why the more excited I grew, with each new ticket of opportunity, the easier it was to see real concern on my parent’s faces. I’m not sure which they were more worried about: that I would have my dream crushed… or that I might actually win a pony and present us all, given or living situation, with a real nightmare.
But I never believed that luck would, or could, have anything to do with me getting my pony. And whether that was the beauty of innocence, or some kind of soul-certainty I was born with, I knew that all I needed to do was keep trusting the wisdom of my heart. That and keep my hopes up. But not hopes that God would roll the dice and a pony might just randomly happen to clip clop onto my doorstep accidentally. No. I mean hopes that I would be able to stay strong and true to my most authentic self. That I would be able to tame this buckin bronco called “luck” – kick those pesky odds to the curb…and not allow any kind of doubt to throw me off the trail. And In truth, it really wasn’t that difficult. I felt so connected to my dream that it was as if I already had my pony. It was as if she was stabled somewhere in my soul. All I needed to do was keep trusting this prayer – this calling…this knowing in the center of my being.
Sunny Days
Well… here we are. And because I think I’ve been leading you along, long enough, let me just jump right in here and tell you (flat out and oh so happily) that I did finally win my pony!
I don’t know about ‘beat’, but I guess I did somehow manage to run roughshod over those odds!
And, truth of my heart, it was every bit the blessed highlight and turning point of my life that you could imagine. And wouldn’t you also know; just to make it even more like a fairy tale, it happened just four days before Christmas,1957. I guess I don’t need to tell you – Santa really out did himself that year! And for quite a long time, I think I actually may have been the happiest boy in the world.
My parents, on the other hand…well…after the initial shock and repeated feinting spells…they soon realized that my dream would be theirs to embrace as well. That is because, almost immediately, unexpected opportunities and “coincidences” kicked in to help us accommodate our pony.
What happened was: I had entered a TV contest offered on a local kids show. The hostess of the show was a beautiful cowgirl. I never missed her cartoons and western movies. One day… I was shocked and surprised (to say the very least) when she suddenly announced that the station was offering a free pony to any boy or girl who could make the best cattle brand out of their initials . “Yee-ha,This is it!” My heart rang out. “My pony is calling to me.” I knew instantly, and beyond all doubt, that the sun was going to shine again… and that my world was going to be just fine.
I won’t pretend it was easy, or that it didn’t take me more than a few hours of racking my brain…but, finally, I took my initials – TAN – turned the A into a rounded, upside down horseshoe with the top part of the T still in it, and then stretched the N across the whole thing like a lightning bolt. Excitedly, I titled the brand the “Lightning-T-Horseshoe”…mailed it in… And I won!
I got to appear on the TV show to receive my pony (who I ironically named “Lucky”) and as it turned out… we were able to keep her in an unused, little barn beside my father’s work. Plus, a retired caretaker offered to feed her whenever we couldn’t be there. Everything worked out beautifully – like it was meant to happen. My father even got a promotion, enabling us to stock up on plenty of hay and oats.
By the time the universe had wrapped up granting me this great gift to myself…this deepest wish – this soulful realization and fulfillment of my heart…all that my younger brother and I needed to do was walk about a mile to the barn, throw the red saddle on our beautiful Shetland, and joyfully gallop around the country side. Getting periodically, and deservedly, getting bucked off now and again, of course…but wow – What truly wonderful memories. And I loved letting my friends ride my pony anytime they wanted. Wait a sec… now that I think of it, my red hair all of a sudden became less the object of ridicule.
Glad that Lightning Struck
Now days, I am a white haired grandfather still sharing my pony stories with my children and their children. I have also written a book about those beautiful times with Lucky, in which I share wisdom from the lessons she taught me. Using artwork, humor, sound mind/body/spirit principles and growth tips, along with and many other beautiful stories, my book reveals how my Lightning-T-Horseshoe experience set the stage for me to continue to realize many dreams to come.
A key realization for me is that it was because of they way I choose to think that enabled me to find my original (real) pony, and then continue throughout my life’s journey rounding-up many other important dreams “metaphorical ponies.”
It is clear that trusting your inner wisdom, rather than relying on outside luck, is the best way to round up the “ponies” – dreams in your heart. Thank you for riding along with me and Lucky.
I believe as Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “Work and acquire, and thou hast chained the wheel of chance.”
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Hi Tom
What wonderful, inspiring and beautiful words. I was once a person who trusted, believed and saw beauty and manifestation in the world. Unfortunately I trusted too much and saw the good when there was none. Your words comfort me in a time of uncertainty and un-inspiration. I hope one day I can find my dreams, goals and inspiration and get back on the path of seeing only good and beauty in the world!
Keep up the good work
Elizabeth Lynne Louise Sharon Becky Sara Cat Gibney
Elizabeth Lynne Louise Sharon Becky Sara Cat Gibney,
One day at a time. I often wonder how we can find a way to get back on track and I’ve found that the only way is to create a balance within our own foundation of needs.
Meeting your needs
One day at a time, one moment at a time. If yu are getting caught up in negative or confusing thoughts, take a risk – stop for a second. Take a breathe and begin your next action from a positive thought. This happens to all of us.
best of luck,
Brian
Brian @ Progressive Transformation recently posted..Discovering Creativity
Thank you for your kind words: Elizabeth Lynne Louise Sharon Becky Sara Cat Gibney.
I can hear that you have been hurt and disillusioned, and I am glad you find comfort in my words. I am inspired to add to Brian’s beautiful and helpful advise (Thank you Brian) – something Gandhi once said, which is:
“Faith is not something to grasp, it is a state to grow into.”
I think, the fact that you have already ‘been there’ in terms of seeing the beauty in all things and having faith in the benevolence of the universe is proof you are capable of being beautifully aligned and in love with your own dreams.
And I believe: that coupled with the reality that you are still growing and learning — those things (especially when you throw in a healthy dose of your heartfelt intention)- are not only hopeful, but beautiful.
All Blessings to you.
Thank you for sharing this wonderfully inspiring story…
You are very welcome, Uparima. I am brand (no pun intended)new at this article writing and grateful for the opportunity. I value everyone’s feed back very much. It helps me a lot. Thank you so much.
Hi Tom, It is believed that red-haired people possess great metaphysical abilities, food for thought. You would love it where I live because every other home practically has at least one horse.
Justin Mazza recently posted..Fantastic Five Ways to Start a Weight Loss Program
Hi Justin – Thanks for the easy to digest ‘food for thought.’
I’m sure I would appreciate wher you live. I still love even just seeing horses grazing in the pasture.
Thanks again for your supportive remarks:)
Very touching and sincere story… Thank you so much for sharing it
BuySellWordpress recently posted..Photography WordPress Themes
BuySellWordpress: Thank you so much for taking time to say that:)It is validating and heartening:)
Did I miss a point/page here? Your title Buckaroo Buddha is terribly misleading. Misusing the Buddha name to arouse curiosity to your site is good for marketing but insulting to the Millions who respect the Buddha as The Great Teacher.
Hi Terry,
Your comment has helped me the most. Thank you. You pushed the perfect button to bring up my defenses. I have always had a tendency to be “too clever” for my own good.
Hopefully it wasn’t out of pure ignorance…but what I meant for the name of Buddha to reflect was only (and respectfully) The Great Teacher’s Universal Wisdom. In no way did I intend to diminish him or his name…or compare myself to such a revered Master.
No, quite honestly…I actually meant it as a tribute to his Great Teachings.
My thinking was more along the lines – that I was honoring the Buddha nature in all of us — and in accordance with what he meant (or, again, at least what I thought he meant) when he offered:
“He who experiences unity of life sees his own self in all beings, and all beings in his own self…and looks on everything with an impartial eye.”
In sharing this story, my intent and hope was only to convey a child’s version of experiencing some degree of that feeling and awareness of the “unity of life” – in as much as my head – heart – and soul were all beaufitully, and effectively aligned.
Respecting my self and my dream… and wherever all of that comes from (because I think we are more vessels than oracles) finding my pony taught me a lifetimes worth of the beautiful lessons. A world of good and helping others grew out of that experience (which was over fifty years ago, now). So much loving energy – like I always associate with Buddha.
Your heartfelt comment (gift) helps me – not only to see how much I still tend to write out of the defensiveness I like to deny…but also to always remember something else Buddha once said, which is (perhaps more to your point:)
“Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care… for people will hear them and be influenced by them, for good or ill.”
Thank you again Terry. All Blessings to you.
Oh my gosh, I was the little girl version of you! I lived and breathed horses. Although we lived in the city, my parents got me an old nag we boarded at a country stable. I lived for the weekends when my mom would drop me off in the morning with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in a paper bag. She would pick me up at dinner time, rolling her eyes and smiling at my sweaty, dirty, manure smelling little self. I was in heaven.
Galen Pearl recently posted..The Kindness of Strangers
What a beautiful story, Galen Pearl. thank you, thank you, thank you.
I can see and feel (and smell:) your wonderful experiences, because of the way you’ve described it all. So Beautifully.
Wasn’t it so great…being blessed to have and love our pomes:)
If you follow your passion long enough, one day you will unexpectedly meet outrageous success.
M. Tohami recently posted..How Do Some People Kill Their Passions and Are You One of Them?
I think that is beautiful, M. Tohami. So well put – and so true:) Thank you sir.
How truly inspiring…thank you sharing your story!
Marcelina Hardy recently posted..Communication Problem #2: Screening for Problems
Thank you, Marcelina – for commenting in such a validating and supportive way. I deeply appreciate it.
Wow, that’s a heart-warming and inspiring story. You are a live example of ‘seeing’ your dream, believing it intensely and your passion actually brought what you want to reality. Truly awesome, Thomas, it’s a motivation to all the others, thanks~
Noel recently posted..Motivational Quotes For Women To Move On
Thank you, Noel. That story was just based on the first chapter of my book.
The “formula” you so accurately have discerned and describe of “seeing your dream, believing in it passionately” is one I continued to use throughout my life.
I am blessed to have gone on, after such a life changing – and enhancing – experience…to (consciously)bring many more (metaphorical) “ponies” (Blessings) into my life.
It works to stay self-respecting…heart-centered…focused…intent (and even content to some extent)on honoring your heart’s desires.
I discovered that such a (perhaps seemingly selfish)”way” or path leads to the most generous thing we can do: which I think is:
(1) Become your best (most authentic) self — line up with your truest intrests and apptitudes and talents…
(and 2) Share your unique gifts with everybody else, respectfully and lovingly.
After-all…life is about giving, sharing and caring — and learning in each new moment of each new day…more about surrendering into heart-centeredness, and releasing compassion. And…in the process (the beautiful process of being a spiritual being having a human experience) learning about that which is of most importance to all mankind — LOVE.
inspiring article. i’m also learning to give unconditionally and to se the beauty in the world instead of only negativity
Noch Noch
Noch Noch | be me. be natural. recently posted..today I laughed: how is business done in China?
Dear Noch Noch – be me. be natural,
Thank you for taking the time to read my article and to comment. All best to you as you journey closer and closer to your heart…discovering beauty wherever you look:)
This story really drew me in. Thanks for sharing it. Yeah, I’ve found that focusing your attention on that “one thing” does seems to bring it into your life faster.
Although I never tried it with a pony…hmmmm. Nah, landlord wouldn’t be too happy with that one!
Dean | Conversation Skills Core recently posted..NEW & IMPROVED: Re-Release of My Popular FREE Social Success Video Series
Thank you, Dean. I appreciate your kind response. Yeah, pony – apartment…we do have to be careful about what we wish for:)
“Coincidently” just a little while ago, I heard a lady Yoga Instructor (on TV in another room) say: “Where our attention goes – energy flows.”
Pretty apt…pretty true. And when you think about it: What isn’t energy?
I’m glad to know there are still writers out there that can create good thought-provoking content. I really like this article and the writer’s unique point of view. There’s a lot of good information here.
huller88 recently posted..Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G Android Phone (Sprint)
Thank you for your complimentary remarks, Huller88.
I had pretty much concluded that all of the comments I would be getting were in by now. So I was especially (and most pleasantly) surprised to discover your kind posting.
Your timing is perfect…, and very helpful, as I was definately in need of a bit of an uplift and validation today:)
So Thank you — Thank you — Thank you. I appreciate it very much.