Tonight as I opened the door to do chores the cold hit me right in the face. I have been spoiled yet again by the 40 degree weather. With the cold surrounding us, my trusty companion Sadie and I ventured out into the thick night and walked toward the hungry bellows from within the confines of the barn. If you have never felt needed, well my friend, then get a sheep. Actually more than one and your need will be fulfilled. Even when their needs are met they still need you. I have not figured out when they stop needing you. In fact did you know that sheep even talk when their mouths are stuffed full of alfalfa? Well, I am here to inform you that they do... it is more of a garbled up growl of some sort but they are still asking for more of what? I do not know. They baffle me. But I still love them. Tonight they have inspired a story in me and as I walked the long cold driveway with Sadie, I let my mind run through the night and embrace all that is right with this crazy world. I locked out all that is amiss and ran with the wind in my face back to the warmth of the barn. And who met me there? Yes, my girls... mouths and bellies full, still asking for more. I gave them love and came inside. My heart warmed for yet another night.

Huck our Boy

Where do I begin with this post? The joy or the pain. I guess a little of both is a good start.

Eleven or twelve years ago our dog, Duchess, gave birth to puppies on Thanksgiving Day. Well as luck would have it, Randy and I were in Wisconsin with family and had to turn around. Our dear neighbors were watching her and went through the pain of her delivery... it is something they will never forget and neither will I. She lost three but had three. They were adorable and not a single one looked like their mother. They all looked like their father who was a Golden Retriever. There was a Golden girl, a black girl and a black boy. We found a home for the black girl I had candidly named Jill. And I just could not separate from the other two, they were a part of my family. The boy I named Huckleberry Finn and his sister, Bailey Lynne. They have been two partners in crime and love ever since. We have been through the ups and downs of illnesses, wrong doings, barking at night, escaping under and over fences, dancing with us to music in the kitchen, loving us non stop and always loving one another.

When I found out I was pregnant, I thought immediately that Huck would be Caleb's dog. You know, boys stick together. But the day we brought Caleb home, I found out that Caleb was Bailey and Huck's boy. Caleb is now eight and he and those dogs have traveled many miles on foot and paw on adventures in the backyard and on trips to the lake. If you saw one you saw three, they have been inseparable and always look out for the other. Their love for Caleb has shown in everything they did. bailey sleeps by his bed and Huck slept by his door. Best friends they are and always will be.

So with so many close calls throughout their wonderful and crazy life, we were devastated yesterday when Huck came in from chasing the chickens, a past time he loved but not really allowed to do, and he was having a very hard time breathing. I immediately grabbed my cell and called the vet and explained what was going on. I truly thought he had swallowed chicken feathers and just could not get them past. We had to quickly get him to the vet after she heard his breathing and said,"He is in trouble, get him here." Caleb and I worked quickly and I must admit I was aggravated. I have been very sick and we had wanted to take everyone to the track and walk, but NOOOO, Huck had to go and hurt himself. On the way to the vet I knew something was not right, but just figured he had eaten a stick and it was lodged. We arrived and got him into the exam room where Dr. Rasmussen helped and at first thought it was an allergic reaction. Then it seemed more serious and Dr. Ragan was brought in. All in a matter of 25minutes I was having to make a decision on Huck and his life. His breathing was worse and they were baffled. After a chest X-Ray, it seemed his lungs were filled with fluid. He was struggling worse to breathe and surgery was an option, but 30 mins. away and it was not something they felt he could make it to or through. So looking at Huck whose eyes were full of questions and love and pain, it was made. I have been through the loss of many pets, but was very prepared for them. This one I was not and not ready to let him go. He was a family member and I felt like I was giving up on him, but yet I knew it was the right thing. He had gone out doing what he loved... loving us and life.

Caleb and I spent the rest of the evening in sobbing states and the tears would flow and stop and flow again. Today has been full of tears and digging. Something Huck loved doing. He is at peace now and Caleb and I are trying to find our peace with this life change. I must say that bringing him home was therapeutic for me and knowing that he is with those who have always loved him helps tremendously. Perspective is gained at times like these and it hits you square in the face. As I went through images last night I kicked myself for not taking my three beautiful dogs and making images of them in the studio. Part of the reason is their fear of lights, but now I only have in my head what I have wanted on print.

Huck was a lover and adored us, even when we were upset with his actions. This morning as I came down the stairs I missed his 'gotta go potty dance' and the tears welled up. I do not know when the pain will ever go away, but he lives with and through us. Bailey and Sadie are aware things have changed and after the funeral this afternoon it was apparent that they know. I felt it only fair for them to say good bye and they did. I am so thankful that the animal world still respects one another in the deepest of ways.

Huck old boy with the most expressive eyes and love to fetch and roll in the snow... we miss you and thank you for choosing us as your love.

We did find out through autopsy that what caused his episode was a heart attack.

The Dance

January 27, 2009 entry from my personal journal

God has begun this week like a fancy baker. He has taken a wintry form of confectioners sugar and continued to sprinkle the white across the country. As I sit by the window, with Deano' serenading me, the sprinkles spin me into a land I love. One that is mine.

The sheep are warm and woolen and fed. The chickens all poofed in their feathery splendor and huddled on their roosts. The cats are warm and curled in the garage while the three dogs are asleep in their places. My boy? He is tucked snug as a bug in a rug. He is dreaming of snowflakes. How do I know? He told me so. Randy is playing Poker. And I? The fireplace is blazing, the tunes are gently swaying and I am writing.

I love getting lost in the snow swirls. As I stood outside this evening, the cold wrapped around me awakening my senses. Gazing up into the sky the snowflakes danced their way down to me. I closed my eyes and let them tickle my face, leaving their wet, gentle kisses, such a welcome touch. The crunch of the snow under my feet is a welcome sound. My toes want to squish the snow between themselves. They are fooled thinking it will feel like the sand on the shore. Ahhhh, my mind knows better, so I wiggle my toes inside my wool socks and imagine. My eyes open, the flakes are getting larger and swirling in their downward spiral. Faster and faster they fall. I realize they only have one dance in their life and what a dance it is. They are dancing with Old Man Winter. It is beautiful how life is so well orchestrated on occasion. I open my arms and embrace Winter, my polar opposite. We begin to sway and move as one. The steps are light and full of air. The gentle hold he has on me I welcome. I fall into him as we gracefully waltz through the thick night. The geese are moving in the storm and their calls break the heavy silence. We pause for a moment and feel the rush of life above. Then I feel the soft tug and my feet glide along the ever deepening carpet of white. Winter has come and loved me once again. He can be rough and hard, down right bitter, but all he wants is love. Tonight, Winter has been loved by Spring.

Catching up

1984. What do recall about that year? I remember Mrs. Austin and Greek Mythology. Well today I had the privilege to reconnect with an old classmate I had not seen since then. And I got to do it in person! It was so great to see her and we both realized immediately that yes, we have changed. We grew up. After all these years how awesome it is to actually live 25 miles from one another! Kudos to Facebook for being the connecting factor.

I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting her gem of a daughter and sharing so much about our past and present. We each spoke of our childhoods and what we went through those many years ago, along with many other current topics. While sharing with each other I had emotions that began to come to surface that had been forgotten and memories of good and bad times. I clearly remembered feeling so alone at many times and thought I was the only with problems and insecurities. But today I realized that even those that I thought had it all together had issues. It helped put so many things in perspective for me. When you are growing up in this crazy world sometimes you can not see the forest for the trees and you get lost. As a child, your parents, and friends are there to help you, but sometimes as a child you do not know to ask.

We continued to talk and I allowed myself to soak it all in and looked at both of us and how our paths crossed for a time, then they separated to only cross again. I could not have planned this if I would have tried. I do believe God brings people into our lives for reasons we do not even know. So today, we are older with many contrasting stories, but there are still common bonds. The familiarity that we share of having the same home state of NC, our elementary school years and so many memories. They are each gifts and are very much treasured. I loved the fact that we easily fell into sharing, laughing and being open about ourselves. I was given a gift today and I love gifts. Especially ones of friendship.

I am blessed to have another seed planted in Spring's forever growing Wildflower Garden.

Antarctic Diorama : What Drama

What fun this day was. My fantastic son had a class project to do. A Diorama with his choice of habitat. Caleb chose an Arctic habitat. Today was the day I could help and dedicate my time to him and the project. What a job!!!!

It has turned out quite well, but not without lots of hairs out of my head and his. Just kidding. We used tissue paper of all kinds, some plastic animals and made some animals out of salt dough. We recycled packing material and were very creative in the design. I just hope that it does not look so much like his mom helped him. Before bed tonight he did look at it and finished the penguin and smiled. He likes it, but he still wants to make one out of a shoebox.

This weekend has also been full of homemade pizzas and great family movies that make you cry. Last night we watched "Where The Red Fern Grows" and tonight Caleb and I watched a fantastic movie titled "Duma". "Duma" definitely has adventure, imagination and peril, many of which makes you want to hide behind a blanket. I admit that one of us did and I wanted to also but hey! I am mom, hear me roar. The story draws you into the boy's life and the videography is astounding. Someday I will travel to Africa, but with a very long lens. The young boy reminded me of Caleb very much. And I loved learning about the Cheetah and their mannerisms. As for "Where The Red Fern Grows", this story is one of my favorites from childhood reading. Grab the tissues though. There are scenes in this movie that the lighting is breathtaking grabbing at my heart and making me want to be in the hills back home. Then listening to the baying of the hounds brings back memories of the nights I went coon hunting in the woods of North Carolina with my Blue Tick and the boys. The movie also shows perseverance and hard work, much of which is a lost art these days. Both of these movies are thought provoking and motivating for young boys. If you have not seen them maybe add them to your to do list, whether you be boy or girl.

Well, the day is almost complete, the snow is almost gone, the dishes are done and the animals fed. And now I must be off to bed.

Yes, Happy New Year and so much more

Looking at my unsettled future

Happy New Year!!!!

What does that mean to an eight year old boy? It means getting to stay up until after midnight and drink bubbly stuff that I don't really like, but I'm going to drink it anyway cause it is cool. (Sparkling Grape Juice) Some big ball drops and everyone seems so happy and "Look at all that litter!" and people are kissing!!! Yuck!!!" It means I have another day off of school. It means mom has to start her taxes again and papers everywhere. It means . . . . . . counting, counting, counting... 358 more days until Santa comes again. It means New Years Resolutions. Here are Caleb's for 2009...
1. Beat Lego Star Wars the complete saga.
2. Skip the third grade.

Isn't life more fun through the eyes of a child.

So today is Inauguration Day.
The 44th President. History has been made with every man before him being sworn in as an American President. Correct me if I am wrong but doesn't that mean that history is made every four years. I totally understand the significance, but that is what is so great about this great nation... he had the opportunity to do what he desired and the paths of his walk led him there. Each of us has the opportunity. Folks he is a man, just like all the others before him. What matters to me is his foundational beliefs, his love, hope and protection of what our country believes and his ability to fight for it and hold it steadfast and true. I am saddened about the way much of our country is putting so much expectation on one man. He is a man married to a woman. They have faults just like each of us, they are human. I see the Change bumper stickers. Folks, change begins with each and everyone of us. Where has that been forgotten? And now I feel that many of my countrymen are getting lost in the hype and forgetting the foundations. My prayer is that we as Americans rethink our so called progress, be thoughtful and see where it has brought us and how we can move ahead but get back the important things we have lost. With so much at our fingertips my deeply rooted belief is that we have lost more than we will ever know. When I turn the TV on, which is very little these days I cringe at what we as a society call entertainment. I cringe at those who do crime but never pay. I cringe at the realization that children are not taught right from wrong because there is always an exception to a rule. Wait a minute are there still rules? I cringe at how the media controls so much and yet no one seems to control them.

I am hopeful as I have always tried to be before and pray that Americans take this chance to better themselves and not wait or expect someone to do it for them. I do find it enlightening that during the election many got the impression that they would be taken care of once Obama was elected. How will he fulfill that? My guess is he will tell each and everyone of us that it is time for us to step up to the plate and be better people and make better choices. For that is what needs to happen. There will be many shocked faces I am guessing after it all sinks in, but I am hopeful in us. After all, we have the freedom of choice... or at least those that make it out of the womb do.

I love making my own bread. My mother was visiting in Sept through November and she helped me get started. I have not bought a loaf of bread since the beginning of November. My son has been experiencing some trouble focusing in school and after speaking with one of my doctors, I took him and us off food colors, additives, artificial flavors and preservatives. Okay, don't go bonkers, it is difficult with those items being in pretty much everything, but I do my best to limit these things from our diet. It has helped tremendously. Making bread is actually not that hard and I receive many compliments on my baking. I have wanted to take pictures of many of the batches and seeing as how I am off work for a while I thought I could pull out the trusty dusty. Let me know what you think... I know I need a food stylist. :)

Hello....
Christmas has come and gone but stays in my heart always. However, this year it was tough. I was so busy before and then was so exhausted I kinda missed Christmas. So.... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! I wish each and everyone a smile and a laugh, lift your glass and toast someone new and someone old. If you have been hurt or hurt someone, then forgive and forget or get it out in the open. Life is to short my friends. Look around, all we have is each other.
I cherish life and desire to live it Godly and happily.
Love and most Seasonally,
Spring Renee

My handsome boy... just a few snaps of Mr. Personality. A few were taken by a fellow colleague when we switched family sessions. Credit should be given where it is due. Enjoy and What fun!!

In Memory of Cisco

A very sad day on the farm for me. My baby that I saved two years ago, Cisco passed away. I am not sure why but after speaking with the vet and another shepherd, we think it was from something that is called overeating disease. I will be looking into the details of it tomorrow, but for now I am exhausted and my mind is emotionally drained. There are two newborns in the barn but I guess with life there is death. That is a fact. I will miss his sweet call to me in the mornings and his being first to me at feed time. He will be missed greatly.

What a Day!!!! My first deer ever!!!!

For several years now I have wanted to go hunting. So last year I asked my friend Roger if he would take me. He said I had to prove to him that I could shoot. I said 'Great. When can we do that?' A couple of days later we went over and I got my lesson on the rifle and the safety. I took aim and fired away I believe 3 rounds the first time. We all got up and went to see the target. I had done very well... only one out of the big circle. I was excited and said I wanted to do it again. The next time I hit in the tiny circle and several in the smaller one out. I was pleased with my deonstration, but couldn't tell waht everybody else thought. We went inside with me feeling accomplished and glad my shooting lessons beginning at the age of five with my dad paid off. Visiting went on and then it was time to go. As I was putting my coat on to go, Roger said, "Well, you exceeded my expectations. I did not even think you would hit the target. If you really want to go hunting, be here at 5 tomorrow morning and we will go." I was so thrilled and replied, "I will be here."

The next morning was early and cold, but I was there. I adorned the necessary orange coat and hats not worrying about the fashion no no, just ready to go. We went and sat in the homemade deer stand wagon. It was cold and my body was nervous. I kept thinking I saw one, but it never was. What we did see was a beautiful red tailed hawk swoop into the grass. Then a rather large coyote walked right by us and then we saw the most fantastic red fox I have ever seen. He had the blackest ears and the most gorgeous tail that was all poofy with a black ring and then a silver tip on the end. The way he moved across the field was so graceful, I was stunned and even forgot in that moment of beauty that I had my camera and I could have shot him, but then he caught our scent, looked at us and lept into the tall grass. The morning went on and we saw nothing. Back to the house for a late but delicious breakfast.

I did go hunting again on the last day of deer season and I sat in the stand for several hours and saw nothing. however, there was a time that my heart began to race and pound when the leaves were rustling and my mind began to say "It is right behind you. You have to be prepared to shoot it...." I would slowly turn around to see nothing, but I definitely heard leaves moving. Twice that happened and my nerves were shot.... I thought that Roger was trying to freak me out, but no! It was a little squirrel. I found out they are very noisy and deer are not. Dusk was falling and I put the safety on and put the gun down. I was going to shoot SOMETHING this year! I picked up my camera and began capturing the sunset on the bluffs for the colors were radiant. I shot for about 8 minutes and as I finished and turned around, there was a small buck just standing there watching me. He flipped his head and in two bounds he had turned around and disappeared into the woods. OH well, I was his entertainment for the day. At least I had finally seen one. The season ended with my freezer empty but me knowing I could go the next year.

this story and images will continue, but this is rush holiday season....

A Great Loss

Being a photographer requires so much of each of us. The long hours, the joyful praise, the nitpicks, labs that run late, the shipper who does or doesn't show up, the albums that come back the wrong size, the cameras that are temperamental and so much more, but our rewards are so much greater. We are invited to share in people's lives, telling their stories of birth and beginnings, true love, age milestones, and the joy of life itself in all forms. I have always looked at my profession as one of great importance for we as photographers capture people's lives with our vision and they touch ours with their joy and spirit. Tonight I saw first hand that touching of people's lives.

Last Wednesday evening a fellow photographer was taken from this life unexpectedly and the outpouring of those he touched was true and full. As Randy and I waited in the line, I spoke with a young woman who had worked for Bruce, knew his kids when they were little, he photographed her wedding and so many other people that she knew. Photographers do not just take pictures, we touch lives. Bruce did that. It was apparent that many loved and appreciated him for who he was. I met Bruce Cannon several years ago and just last spring had a great conversation about a certain local photography company that neither of us care for and we ended the conversation with, "Let's get together sometime.", and tonight I am so regretting not taking the time in this rat race we know as life to have him and his wife over for dinner. I may not have known him like others but there is this common bond between photographers... we share a gift of seeing things in a different light and we know the trials that we all share. When one of us needs help, we are there to help the other, when one goes down we all feel the loss. I have felt the loss since last Weds. morning when I received the call and it hurts. It just doesn't seem fair. Last Wednesday the photography community lost a special soul who touched so many. My heart is full and my thoughts are with each and every one of his loved ones.

Out of the mouth of babes

So today, 3 days after the election things are a little calmer on the radio. However, today I had on talk radio and they were playing an excerpt of Obama's speech from Tuesday night. He was talking about change and what he cared about etc... but the moment I was captured by, was my son. At that moment Caleb was walking through the kitchen making a yogurt mustache and candidly stated like a politician of eight years old, "Yeah, Blah, blah, blah... all I care about is me, me, me, myself." Please understand he was referring to Obama and not speaking of himself. I immediately thought WOW!!! And out of the mouth of babes the truth is spoken.

The Ricardos: A True American Family

"Lucyyyyyy, I'm Home!!!" Yes, Halloween has come and gone, but not without lots of fun and song. We were The Ricardo family this year and I think we pulled it off quite well. I was amazed at how many people did not know who Lucille Ball was. Kinda sad if you ask me, generations that don't know what clean comedy truly is. At first Caleb was unhappy about "Being someone that nobody was going to know." But after the first two houses he changed his tune and 'Babaloo' began. The weather was fantastic and although we had several parties and places to go, we did what we could and had a blast doing it. I have always wanted to pretend to be the great Lucille Ball and this year it meant more.

The Ricardo's were a true American family that lived the American dream. The American Dream.... it seems that so many have lost sight of what America is all about. The system is all askew and we are struggling with how to fix it. As I go on with my daily life and live in the community I notice that so many Americans have their blinders on and have given up on hard work, values, high standards and their dreams. I have never wanted a handout and do not expect anyone to bail me out, if I am in a predicament, I put myself there and must get myself out. With life, freedom and choice, there is responsibility. What has happened to Americans taking responsibility? And at this time in our great country when there is so much at stake, I hope and have been praying that all of us will take the time to not only reflect on what is right and precious to us all, but also what could be lost, not just for those of us now, but for the generations to come. Stop expecting a handout. Instead work hard and believe in yourself, the reward is so much greater. Remember, the past is the past.... hello!!!! Please research the candidates, their true values, their plans, their friends, their enemies, their past, their beliefs. Don't take others words for it and for goodness sake not the medias word. Knowledge is the most powerful weapon.... get it and use it. I still believe in this great country and speak that belief everywhere I go. I am only one person in the ocean but with one grain of sand the ripples that I can make are amazing and a fact. Imagine what will happen when we drop our grain of sand in the ocean. Our forefathers were not perfect and neither is any other human being on this planet, but we have been given a great gift and that is freedom.... protect it and may we put a foot forward for what is right and what this country was founded on. On November 4th, may truth, morals, and American family values roar loudly from sea to shining sea. Change will come... it always does, but change doesn't begin with a new president it must first begin with ourselves.

Charlotte

As I was going through files today and cleaning some out, I found one of my most intriguing sessions. Meet Charlotte. She was right on time as well as I remember and the session began with her eyeballing me and my crazy angles right away. She did not ask any questions but I think she really wanted to. I found her quite amazing. Her ability to stay focused on the pose was incredible. If only all my clients had her 'staying with it' power. Her images are incredible and she watched me carefully and intently the entire shoot. During the session a guest dropped by but was not able to leave. Charlotte seems to have this extremely catching personality. Happy October everybody and thanks for dropping by.

Plays on words were intended and I approve this blog. I would love to know what you think of my posts. Please leave a comment or send me email.

Caleb's First Cat Fish

How exciting!!! On Sunday Caleb came home from going fishing with dad and Uncle Roger to have caught his first Catfish. Not just one, but two!! As you can see he was beaming and very proud. "It weighed 15 pounds." Actually it was 22" long, but none the less, it was huge for my adorable 8 year old son. I was busy Sunday and missed the excitement, but luckily Aunt Linda took some pictures and sent them. Thank you. Caleb is ready for more fishing. It is a shame summer is almost over.

Welcome Gifts

Cheers. What an evening of joy filled the farm Thursday evening. It began with Caleb and I discussing a walk with the dogs after our dinner. We each collectively said no and then ok and then no and then ok. After dishes were put away off we went. He on his bike and me on my feet. Half way down the lane I remembered trash day was Friday and decided to carry/drag the can to the end of the lane. Yes it is a long lane but I was up to the task. Caleb came up and began to help me which was great, considering my screaming back issues. As we continued our task talking about the wind and the seeping dusk I realized a sheep was talking to me. I gave a shout out and we continued walking. Then Caleb and I both looked out into the dusk laden pasture to see Pepper, one of our ewes, butting heads with Cisco and really talking to me. That was odd and why is she away form the herd, I thought. I began to pay more attention. Then I realized she was talking to me with her 'I'm having a lamb.' tone. Midwife mode kicked in. The trash can was left stranded on the side of the road and full speed ahead went Caleb and I. We had to get her to the barn and we were hoping we were not to late. I threw on my muck boots and grabbed the most handy of all devices (besides the microwave) the cell phone and began to quickly dial neighbors numbers, but no answers. I finally got a hold of a friend, Michael, and he agreed to come help. I hung up thankful. I tethered the Bully ram to the front post and he became an unhappy camper. I began to try and corral Pepper to the front gate but had to follow and chase her many times before successfully roping her. Caleb and I discussed the plan to get her out of the pasture and waited for the 'hero', as Caleb called him, for we were being attacked by mosquitoes and running out of time. Michael arrived and we three put the plan into motion. Somehow between the baaing cries, the biting mosquitoes, the confused sheep, and the mother who wanted to run away, we managed to get Pepper out of the fence by the light of truck headlamps. Once out of the pasture the gate went up, buckets gathered, fence turned hot, and the ram loosed, I joined Michael and Caleb walking Pepper to the barn. She was going as willingly as an ewe in labor could go, but needed persistent pushes, coaxing, and pulls. And then it happened, she was in the stall. A small wave of relief ran over me, for after three years of not so great lamb seasons I knew what might lie ahead. We put some more saw dust down and fixed some lights where the bugs would be drawn away and the three of us went into the house to give her some quiet time. Caleb and Michael played cards while I finished up some chores and then it was bed time for Caleb. With Caleb in bed Michael and I grabbed some drinks of water and headed out to check on her progress. The closer we got to the barn the louder I heard the sound of birthing taking place. Lights came on and the miracle of life was revealed in less than a few minutes of our arrival. It was amazing, and the newborn had made his entry into the world naturally. I did my best not to worry and let Pepper's instinct kick in and take over. However I did make sure he was breathing and then I backed off. As we watched I mentioned to Michael that I would know we were done when I saw the afterbirth. He commented, "There could be another?" And like magic she began and in just a little bit another was on the ground. She came out in a flip and Pepper began to lick her but it was on the wrong end. I knew she needed to breathe and waited as long as I could but I had to go in and clean off her nose. We watched and listened as momma cared for the lambs and talked to them. It was amazing to see the smallest of the two be the first to make it to her feet. After an hour and neither had nursed yet, it was time to move in and give a little incentive, plus I was exhausted and ready to go bed. How I love the circle of life,... ok, maybe not all of it sometimes, but it all works. As I helped the boy begin to feel what it is like to make his back legs work my heart swelled. I love animals and to feel a new life in your hands and know you are helping them stand for the first time... it is just working. I could explain it but you are probably bored stiff by now... so Michael came in and helped with getting the lambs their first taste of nourishment. Pepper was a little confused about what was going on with her body parts and needed a little encouragement also. After a fair amount of time had passed with us helping the lambs we were leaning on the barn door watching and a wave of relief washed over me along with joy. I said, "I like fall lambing. No temps under 0 degrees, the mother had them on her own and has accepted both of them. Tonight was just perfect." He responded with, "This was my first birthing ever." I had had no idea. We then talked for a little bit and I asked or maybe I said "You get to name them." He thought for a bit and said"How about Elliot and Sam?" I thought and agreed... I liked Elliot, Sam or Samantha needed to grow on me. We stayed and watched and felt good about their abilities before calling it an evening. I told Michael thank you and went inside to clean up. It was a great night. I am thankful for the lambing to have gone so well and that the stars were out and twinkling. I could have done without the mosquitoes the size of hummingbirds, but this is Missouri. Having friends that care is something that I do not take lightly. I have many friends, mostly two legged, but quite a few four. And now I have two more. Caleb saw them the next morning and called 'Sam' Salsa... well it stuck. Elliot and Salsa are doing well and Pepper is a fantastic mother. Thanks again Michael.

September Morning

The seasons are changing and everyone on the farm feels it. On this crisp morning the cool air mingles with the heavy dew laden fields creating a place of peace in this time of uncertainty that surrounds us. As I drove Caleb to school this morning my thoughts turned to so many items of interest, but one really stood out. The beauty that we were passing. It was all around and I wondered how many commuters were actually seeing it. The fog laying heavy over the water that just this past Sunday was wreaking havoc on our daily commutes. It was a sight of serenity. The fields of grass looked as if diamonds had blossomed overnight. The golden rays of sun caressing the stalks of corn awaiting their harvest. The sheep bounding briskly in the pasture all fluffy and white creating an image of cotton balls on the run. I put the window down and welcomed the chill, breathed in the crispness of the air and thanked my heavenly Father for this beautiful land that we are blessed to share. There is uncertainty all around us, but we as Americans have the choice to find our certainty. I am grateful for that and do not take my freedom lightly. Sure times might be tough, but truly what is tough? I believe that so many of us have forgotten. I have been reading a book that was written 141 years ago to Caleb this week. You might know it? The Little House in The Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. By todays standard they had it rough!! But after just one chapter my eight year old son exclaimed the next morning that he sorta wished it was like it was back then... that we didn't have all the technology. We discussed it over breakfast and his reasoning was that people would be closer and not allow the distractions to run their lives. So, after one day of no TV we are deciding to make it a week and log what we do differently and how much fun we have together. For starters we picked apples. He found out he could climb a tree and gently ask the tree with a little limb shake to let go of its amazing fruit. Then he learned that underneath the outside covering of dirt and grime when you give a fast rub on your pants an apples true beauty comes forth in all its brilliance, deep color and shine. He worked on one for over half an hour. "I am going to give this one to my teacher and it is shining like a red ruby." We have also taken a long walk by the light of the Harvest moon laughing and sharing, looking and listening. Embracing this earth and each other is what matters in life.... at least that is what it is for me. Ok. Sure, those of you who know me are fully aware that I am a complicated woman, but deep down I hold onto the truths and the simple things this life has to offer. Have a great day and look for that hidden treasure.

Flight Study I

I am working on much... what do you think of this one?

North Carolina Trip August 2007 part 1

My dear friends I am very aware that I have so much to get caught up on. The reality hits me daily. Can you believe that Caleb, Sadie and I had the most incredible trip last August and I am just now downloading images off the cards. Crazy? I agree, but that shows you that I put others first.
This image is of Carolina Beach North Pier. It is one of many images and stories that are on the way. Keep the season.