Marion Therapeutic Riding Association

I'm so ridiculously last minute. Well, not really. I've been Facebooking and Twittering and passing out flyers. It's been listed in the newspaper. Twice. How remiss of me to not post this on my very own blog.

Our monthly event at VoilART! Gallery + Studio entitled Coffee & Conversation is featuring a presentation by the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. Tomorrow. That would be Saturday, January 15th at 4:00pm. Program Director Kate Robbins will help us learn all about this amazing organization that changes the lives of people with special needs via horseback riding or driving. Oh, the many wonders of horses. We've heard of all the miraculous successes - now you ask questions about how and why.

So, let me invite you to our gallery to have a cup of coffee, munch some snacks, and sit and relax for awhile. We're in downtown Ocala: 108 E. Fort King St. (one block south of the square behind the Bank of America). 4:00 o'clock tomorrow, Saturday.

 "In riding a horse we borrow freedom" - Helen Thomson

Notes from First "Coffee & Conversation"

The inaugural "Coffee & Conversation" was an assured hit. We hosted a friendly group of curious adventure seekers who turned out to listen to Lucy Beebe Tobias talk about her book "50 Great Walks in Florida". Coffee aroma wafted throughout the gallery as we all viewed a continuous slide show and chatted with Lucy about all manner of exploring Florida.

The ambiance was laid back and relaxed, just as we wanted it to be. After all, it's about savoring a good walk, not hiking.

I learned about geocaching. Nine hundred something in Ocala alone. GPS required. Intriguing.

Clearly enjoying the discussion, Lucy entertained us with stories, anecdotes, history and told great snake and alligator tales. You know she had MY attention.

“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking” - Friedrich Nietzsche

Coffee & Conversation

Still need to shed those extra holiday pounds? You know, walking is the best exercise.


Saturday, January 23rd from 4:00 to 6:00pm, Lucy Beebe Tobias will give a presentation at Voilart! Gallery + Studio. It's free, just make a reservation to hold your seat. She'll discuss five walks she considers apropos to art lovers from her fabulous book: "50 Great Walks in Florida."

Lucy's talk will be the first in a new monthly event: "Coffee & Conversation" that partner Jackie Schindehette and I are hosting to feature artists, writers, poets, musicians and any other talent we think you'll find interesting. Six months of fascinating people are already booked, so do stay tuned.

Coffee & Conversation
featuring Lucy Beebe Tobias: "50 Great Walks in Florida"
Saturday, January 23rd, 4:00-6:00 pm
Voilart! Gallery + Studio
108 E. Fort King St.
Ocala, Florida 34471