The ChaseThere's so many things to love about summer. Living a long ways from Tornado Alley makes me really love storms! We were out for a walk with our daughters and could see this storm building off in the distance. We decided to power walk back to our house to grab my camera and jump in our truck to get a better look. The clouds were incredible! Luckily this ominous looking fella only dumped much needed rain and nothing else on the area we were at.....not sure what it did elsewhere. There's so many things to love about summer. Living a long ways from Tornado Alley makes me really love storms! We were out for a walk with our daughters and could see this storm building off in the distance. We decided to power walk back to our house to grab my camera and jump in our truck to get a better look. The clouds were incredible! Luckily this ominous looking fella only dumped much needed rain and nothing else on the area we were at.....not sure what it did elsewhere.
Million Star AccommodationsWhen's the last time you got out of your comfort zone, physically or mentally? Over the Labor Day weekend my hubby and I packed up our herd, loaded some provisions on our backs and set out on our first ever family backpacking trip. Two tiny tents, a few comforts from home, a package of glow sticks, 3 days worth of 'just add water' food, enough beef jerky to feed a small country, and the six of us were off on a great adventure! We dove off the main trail and into the backcountry.....further from the comfort zone. The sites, the comradery of my hiking companions, the weather, it was all beautiful! I couldn't help but wonder how many people had ventured into the backcountry we were exploring. It wasn't the easiest or the hardest hiking but man was it worth it! We could have easily stuck to the well marked and traveled trail but then we would have missed out on some beautiful sights and some great family moments. With night setting in before 8:30 pm and no one ready for bed we broke out the glow sticks and had a dance party that evolved into a game of catch! I'm not overly confident this is something we would have done at home or anywhere else. I can just hear them laughing and being silly every time I look at the crazy colorful pictures from that night. So I encourage you to leave your comfort zone (and your phone!) and go explore!
Food for ThoughtHave you ever given much thought to your leather products or where your delicious steak and burgers come from? To be honest, I hadn’t given it much thought until a couple days ago. Some good friends of mine are ranchers and I had the honor of spending the day with them as they tended to their herd. This was such an incredible and eye opening experience. It was absolutely fascinating to watch my friends in action. It was like watching a bovine ballet. They were so in tune to each other and their cattle. They never missed a beat! Even their darling daughters were in sync with what was going and they make the cutest two supervisors you’ll ever meet! I left that day filled with gratitude for my friends and marveled over how great God is. I also came away with a newfound appreciation for the entire ranching community. Next time you see a rancher, hug them or at least thank them! This photo is my favorite of my time on the ranch. This epitomizes their life, their livelihood, and is one of the many reasons I admire them.
John 13:7I love this image. From a photographer stand point and someone who just loves nature. From its rich texture and contrasting colors, you can tell the land has seen better days. Even in its current state, it's still something that catches your attention and has a purpose. It won't stay in this state forever. If your going through your own personal rough season, remember you still have purpose and its all part of a bigger plan! :)
 
Behind the ShotGrowing up, winter was such a magical time. Snow forts, snowballs, snowman, ice skating......I could go on. There was something about these activities and my age that somehow made me oblivious to the cold. As an adult winter hasn't always been so intriguing. Now as a photographer, winter has become one of my favorite times of the year.....I just wish I could get that whole oblivious to the cold thing back from my childhood. :)
This moment was captured on the Missouri River south of Washburn. I had all four of my mighty explorers with me. I don't remember the exact temperature but it definitely cold! We hiked downstream for about 10 minutes. Maybe that's part of the reason why I like photography so much. You have to get off the beaten path and, many times, out of your comfort zone......in this case your heated car! This was the aftermath, about 10 minutes after the sun had retired. The colors were incredible and vivid. This picture reminds me of how cold and intimidating the world can be. Even when its getting dark we need to concentrate on the light and push forward. It never ceases to amaze how therapeutic and insightful time outdoors can be. Be bold, be brave, be courageous. Joshua 1:9
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