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 

Country Girl at Heart

Last week as I was hustling out of church a couple stopped me and asked me a question. It took me a minute to respond. I stood in silence for a second, felt the butterflies building up inside and then agreed to help.

The question was to take their engagement pictures. 

I quickly warned them that I do have some experience taking pictures of food, but not people, ah! Not to mention, she's a photographer herself. (insert: high pitched squeal).

I decided to take my camera and a friend of mine out to an area that I love. 

Country.

I dream of a home on a ton of land, that requires a ton of maintenance (sarcasm). No but really, I would love to live on acres of dry, long, dead grass that sway in the wind as I look out my kitchen window. Beautiful. 

There's only 1 problem. I hate rodents. Mice, lizards, ground squirrels, you name it. I don't like them and they don't like me. I haven't figured out how living in a country home on a ton of land would not have rodent issues. What I do know is, I don't have to worry about it right now. (thats another post coming up)

I have the greatest friends, always willing to help a sister out. Miss Mary was kind enough to be my model for the day. It was nothing but fun, sweat, apricot ale, and giggles. The day was complete. 

For a rookie photographer like myself, I think they turned out pretty good. I'm still fresh with picture taking let alone editing, yikes! This gal's photos didn't need much. A little brightening here, a little contrast there.   

Needless to say, in a few weeks I will be taking pictures of two lovely people who will be tying the knot next year. Pictures are a beautiful thing and capture life's greatest moments. I'm feeling humbled that I get to share this with them.  Until then, I will have my fair share of practicing.