Life is about the journey...

It's not about the final destination.... it's about the journey along the way.... 

Home Sweet Home...

 It's always funny to me where I end up in life... sometimes by my own doing, sometimes by intervention not of my own... but here I am, back in my home state of Colorado, out on the plains, in the middle of nowhere... living and working on a Guest and Cattle Ranch in New Raymer, Colorado... and I'm loving it. This is my current "Home Sweet Home" pictured above. Complete with indoor arena, horses in pasture, snow, rolling hills and did I mention snow? We live in the barn, off to the right where the vehicles are parked. It's a cozy little accommodation, where the bed is always warm, the food is always ready and there are more horses than you can shake a stick at... pretty much perfect in this cowgirls eyes! 

Horses in the pasture, enjoying the last bit of warmth in the day before another cold night! 

Everyone around here is excited for Spring!  

 One of my favorite sights every morning. This little guy is always looking for us and what treats we have brought him. He has such a gentle spirit, and he's so loving and curious! Always ready for a scratch behind the ears- more like a big dog than a donkey! 

Check out some more of his "personality" on the blog I write for the ranch: 

http://www.coloradocattleco.blogspot.com/

Just a fine art shot of the light playing on the snow~ it really can be quite beautiful! 

Quote of the Day

"It is not sufficient to see and to know the beauty of a work. We must feel and be affected by it." 

~Voltaire

I guess this means it's officially winter...

Woke up this morning to the plains filled white with snow... and wind. Yes, I might have forgotten to mention the wind, it is also a significant factor.... but it can make for some very interesting photographs as the snow blows across the lens while you are trying to focus... Here's a few that I got before I lost my index finger to frostbite.... (just kidding- I think).

I have fallen in LOVE with this Haflinger, his name is Miles. He has a partner in crime named Vernon and they are trained to pull a wagon. Not today though, today you can have the day off Miles... sound good, ok?

This little guy is totally surprised to see that there is someone else still moving amongst this snow and wind. He gave me a look like, "Can you help me somehow?" Not sure what I can do for ya buddy, but it's a definite good choice for a Halloween costume next year!

So mad her horns are dripping icicles.... 

(Sorry, couldn't think of anything funny here, but she cracks me up)

Perhaps the most entertaining stunt of the morning, these guys are in the "RETIRED" pasture. HA HA! Keep it moving boys, maybe your hooves won't freeze to the ground if you keep running in circles!

Really? The perfect Christmas Card Photograph.... just add caption.... (open to suggestions!)

I like to call this one, "EYE" sicles.... 

(I know, I know, lame...) 

An homage to Arthur Rainville. I saw this image first thing this morning when I pulled back the curtains and looked out into the Winter Wonderland! Christmas is a week early! It's so etheral and lovely, don't you think?

Keep Warm- Drink Peppermint Hot Chocolate! Cheers!

Being a Cowgirl!

Having recently relocated back to my Native state of Colorado, I've found myself feeling sometimes a little "displaced," but also having found a true sense of peace. There's sort of a weird sense of being "back home" when driving across the open prairies, but also knowing that this destination at this point in time is just one of the many. But, seeing all this beautiful wide open space again really makes me appreciate some of the values and beauty of this country again. Here, in Colorado, in this place, Farmers are raising crops to feed our country, Ranchers are running beef to line the supermarket shelves... it's real out here. Sure, people have a lot of "farm equipment" piled up in their yards, but they are up at sunrise and in for down home country cooked dinners by sunset. Horses and cattle speckle the scenery, where you can see for miles. And here I am, modestly living... the life of a Cowgirl. AND- right now, in this very moment, I couldn't be happier. 

Just wanted to mention that I helped stack ALL of this firewood and I was exhausted at the end of the day, but there really isn't a way to feel more fulfilled than physically working hard for your supper! All you need is a good pair of workgloves and a song to sing to yourself all day long while loading and unloading the wood. (Hopefully your song isn't "Purple Rain" by Prince like mine was, that can make for a long day!)

Ahhh, the glorious sunlight at dusk...

There's just something about rusty old pickup trucks with flat tires parked next to dead trees... right? Anyone else feel me on this one? 

In my opinion, there isn't a prettier color than "RUST," perhaps someone should bottle that as a nailpolish or lipstick color? Maybe I've missed my calling... nevermind. 

Couldn't decide which "hole" I liked better. In either case, Mother Nature (or a passing rock) did a good job in making both of them and letting the light shine in at just the right moment to make it look more like "art," rather than a hole in a windshield.

This is what I'm trying to say about the nailpolish and lipstick colors... see what I mean? Dazzling and a little rustic, all at the same time. So multi-dimensional. 

I am especially in love with this image as the geese fly by at dusk on the river.
The house on this particular river (The North Platte River) is where I came home from the hospital after I was born. I grew up loving this property, my horses are there. It's a little piece of Heaven, just outside of a small town called Kersey in Colorado.

I don't know what these little gear things are, but they sure add a nice graphic element to the photograph.

Bucking S Ranch, Hanna, Wyoming

It depends on how you look at it... can you really call this work? 

Most days, the sun is shining, there is a light breeze, you still have the stars in your eyes from the night's sky last night, but then you sort of wake up and look around and realize you are on horseback....

riding through some of the most beautiful country you've ever seen.... in Wyoming. 

And the best part for me? Taking my camera along to capture some of the most

grand scenery and fun moments on horseback for the guests at the Bucking S Ranch in Hanna, Wyoming. This is the 6th ranch I've had the opportunity to photograph in the past year, and it's really been like living in a Cowboy Dream every day doing what I love. 

I keep pinching myself and telling myself it can't last forever... 

but until the winter comes or the camera falls off the horse, 

I keep snapping! 

In country this "BIG"- the only way to find your way around is to look for distinguishing landmarks. This is our marker to find the way back to the ranch. It just happens to be beautiful!  

 Working Cattle in the sagebrush and dust- dirty work, but makes for some awesome PHOTOS!

Just another moment where you can stop and go, "AHHHHHHHH..." (deep breath).

Ranch Dogs- can't live with 'em, can't get rid of 'em...

Bringing in the Herd!

The quaint and cozy cabin accommodations were hand-built, and are decorated to the hilt with Cowboy Garb. Feels like you are right at home!

Overview of the Ranch coming down the hill from one of the rides!

No ranch is complete without the roping steer and some old stiff lassos!

A few of my favorite shots of the Guests!

You can visit the Bucking S Website 

and book your reservation for a stay today! 

I know there is still some space for the last week in September, 

we would love to have you! 

http://www.buckingsranch.com/