On a day like this...

This is a day for dirt under my fingernails, and my freshly painted pedicure.

It's the day for a hat to hide the greasy, curly, swim hair.

... and no make up, just moisturizer. Thank God for moisturizer.

Yesterday I hung out in the dry daylight and managed to get my hands dirty on the farm. There is definitely a proportionate relationship between my desire to be OCD clean and the dirt caked beneath my fingernails from a day on the farm.

There is one thing I am convinced of, and that is that the ultimate truth finds me on a farm. The dirt, hay and everything else about it gets in the cracks of my skin and messes me up but still somehow makes me miss it the next day.

Did my family or I ever think I would have a heart wrenching desire to live on a farm, or even come near living anywhere outside of a city... probably not. But on this day,  I walked around and dreamed big dreams of what I would love to have some day.

I pondered and smiled at the thought of living in a farmhouse with a wrap around porch.

Oh, and a super cool old barn tucked back in the long wheat grass.

I want acreage, just enough for my children to run free with a little time left for me to be alone. As years tick by my desire becomes stronger and I want it more.

Today was one of those days, where everything smelled so nasty it was so good, and there is so much to consume in one day, it's best to make it two.

Even though the smell was hardly worth barring, I wanted to stick around for this mama pig. I felt like she needed me.

Fresno State really knows what's going on... they are more than willing to make a farm experience a memory that can never be forgotten.

My heart was happy when I spotted a big red tractor. It reminds me of my grandpa who taught me that the color green was not accepted in our family. It's all about International Harvester baby.

Lucky me, I made it in time to experience the milking process. Let's just say, I'm glad I am not a milk drinker. Although, one day I will own one. Those suckers can bring in some mooo-lah.

These fellas my friends, were hungry... looking at me as if I should be their top of the month meal. Especially 805.

The sunset that night didn't seem real. I could either grab my camera and snap some photos or stand there and enjoy it until it's no longer.

Summer is beginning to wind down, and it's scary. Where did the time go? Weren't we just putting up Christmas lights and opening gifts? Don't run off and smell the Autumn leaves just yet. Even though it's August she's earned her due. Lets embrace it and make the most of these next few weeks. 

-Natalie 

Fig Fest

Never thought I was a fig fan, until today. Meandering around to several different booths sipping on vino, listening to a local band, and eating figs set the mood straight. Not just plain raw figs but a variety of fig creations.

Here it is... a lonely fig.

And more... lonely figs. 

It's a dangerous event, since you're not quite sure how much wine the body is consuming. Little sample here, little sample there, with a fig bite in between.

Several restaurants were showing off their version of fig inspired food. Trelio, a local favorite restaurant won with a Creme Brulee Stuffed Fig dessert. Yummmmmmmmmmy.

Have you ever had a chocolate dipped fig, sprinkled with walnuts? Well I did, and to say the least it was phenomenal. I would have gone back for thirds & fourths if I wasn't concerned about looking like a crazy woman.

Little did I know, a local company Bouquet of Fruits creates this delectable treat. They provide whole fruit gift baskets that can be shipped across the United States. 

The event was very well organized and fun. Fresno State was a great venue with trees providing lots of shade. The food was a hit too. 

Note to self: Arrive earlier next year, as the food was almost gone during the last hour. 

Mom & I enjoyed our afternoon, tasting wine and sampling creative fig foods. My calendar is already cleared for next years Fig Fest. 

Next time I'll take a picture WITH wine IN the glass.