I've been traveling quite a bit, and just returned home from West Texas. While I'm covered in bruises, and mesquite scratches, and this is fresh in my mind I just wanted to take a moment to make one simple request...

As I drove down the 18 miles of rough ranch road, and I mean so rough that you better be wearing a sports bra type rough, I was greeted by my friends. "Lainey, we've already caught Poncho for ya so you'll be ready to go in the morning" Great, I thought to myself! I was exhausted from making the trip, and it was dark so I figured I'd meet ol' Pancho in the morning. While sometimes I haul my own horses, for this trip it was just better to borrow a ranch pony since I'd be headed to the WRCA finals right after the fall works. 

I was told we needed to be out of the house by 4:30 a.m. , so I wiped the sleepy from my eyes, and we headed to the barn to catch horses, and then I heard it... "Lainey, there's Pancho...the war pony" As my eyes adjusted, I was making sure I was seeing straight through the darkness. Am I really seeing an Appy? Can these be real? Oh hell, now the jokes are gonna start I thought to myself. Dora the Explorer rides an appy with a backpack... and I carry a backpack...

Growing up my Grandpa always said the only reason Indians rode an Appaloosa was to be so ticked off they'd be ready to fight once they got to the war party. Oh if he could only see me now. I had a feeling my grandpa would be rolling in his grave a little bit, but I was grateful to borrow this horse, but I was worried about the Dora the Explorer jokes that was about to commence. 

( Poncho the Appy and I trailing behind above) 

We arrived to the sections we were to gather, and I unloaded ol' trusty appy.I didn't know a soul there, and I was the only female in sight. The cowboys were kinda starring as they were informed I was coming, but what a colorful display I was. I was later informed "Lainey, we knew you were alright once we saw you putting on your unicorn leggings" ha! Well, might as well add more color and stand out! 

Now ol' Appy is a trusty ranch mount, but here I am in Unicorn leggings, bundled up in more layers than a grands biscuit, carrying 30 pounds of camera gear, in unfamiliar country, and riding an appy. Lord, I might die today I thought. As I climbed upon this trusty stead all I could think of was "Laine, don't you dare get bucked off, and don't you dare whine" 

So I jumped in the back of the jig line, and away we went busting through mesquite brush, and jumping over cactus patches that would make an Olympic cross country horse jealous. Ol' Appy knew the country, and knew how to get around, and had a nice little trot to boot! As we came to the canyon to drop off, I just knew they'd slow down a bit, and boy was I wrong. We never busted stride, and off into the Canyon drop we went at a long trot. I couldn't show any fear, and I had been warned this country was rough, but I'm riding an Appaloosa... with 30 pounds of camera gear. So here goes nothing...

Away we went, and ol' App was pretty sure footed! I'm grateful at this point that this horse knew the country better than I did, because I think they underestimated it a little when they just called this country "Rough". I was feeling like the man from Snowy River, only I was female, and from Missouri, and we don't have canyons, or cactus...

These guys that work out here are tough! Their horses are even tougher, and I was just praying we had found all the strays because I could barely see through all the mesquite! 

Now you know if you go down, you must go back up, and the only way up was STRAIGHT UP! I mean, do we really have to be cowboys today? As we trotted in that canyon valley, I was trailing behind until we found the easiest way to get up the side of the canyon. Ol' Appy and I were just happy as a peach trotting along until I seen the size of the canyon we had to crawl out of. 

It's now or never I thought. I trailed behind one of the guys, and up and up he went. His horse lost it's footing for a moment, and I just knew my life was over. Ol' Appy had to check up a bit, and in about 2 seconds we were sliding backwards down the canyon. There was no where to go, and drop offs on both sides, and for the first time ever photographing off horseback I just knew this was it. We slid backwards for a bit, and ol' appy finally got his footing, and we got turned around, but at this point my nerves were shot. I just knew my obituary would read " She died on an Appaloosa in West Texas" and all of my friends back home would commence in the Dora the Explorer jokes for years to come. 

Now friends, this is all in good fun, and I was grateful to borrow a broke ranch pony that day, and thankful ol' Appy knew the country better than I did. But Lord, please don't ever let me die on an Appaloosa, and without a little lipstick on. I just wouldn't be able to see what kind of obituary my friends would write. ha! 

I'm still exhausted from our West Texas trip, and I was informed that day that it was an "easy' day... We ONLY trotted 8 miles... and they said that with a grin on their faces. I'm not sure if they were testing my ability, or my funny bone, but I'm alive, and still laughing through all the scratches & bruises. 

Thanks for the trip, boys! 

Sincerely the girl in Unicorn Leggings on the Appaloosa <3 

Good morning friends, While I sit and drink my morning coffee, I've been trying to find the motivation to go to the gym. It seems I really love tacos, beer and carbs. Who doesn't? As I turn on the tv to watch the morning news inspiration fills the airways with the hype of the Winter Olympics. Go USA! But have these athletes ever experienced spring calving season? It seems all of us ranchers become a little more athletic than what we let on. I mean who knew you could hurdle pickup truck doors when a mad momma is chasing you? 

As you climbed out of the pickup to tag that fresh new baby calf, you face death in the eyes. You're preparing yourself for a war. You have the tag gun ready, you're already scouting out your exit strategy, and you make sure you don't step in a big pile of fresh cow patty on your way. You're about to be face to face with a mad momma. The competition has started. That calf lets out a little bellar, and next thing you know you've become a ninja. Ducking and swerving to just get that little earring in before that tiger stripe has your lunch. That fire breathing dragon also known as a mad momma is hot on your heels and you're the next contestant for the hurdles, as you go flying through the air in through that pickup window. (You left that window down for a reason). Even Superman would be jealous of your flying skills.You just claimed the gold for the truck door hurdle event. 

But unlike the Olympics you have more than one event you can enter. I mean spring calving season just started, and every scenario has to have you prepared. Have you ever seen Pole Vaulting with a sorting stick? Yes, it should be a thing. I mean that sorting stick has you looking like a Jeti, as your flying that thing through the air to keep that momma at a distance. You swoosh, and holler, and jump around like the pasture is lava. If the sorting stick doesn't detour her, maybe the fact that you look like a loon will keep her at a distance. In the case she isn't impressed with your moves, you can always use that stick to pole vault your way to the bed of the pickup for cover. At this point you definitely have a spring in your step, and you can already imagine yourself up on the podium representing the U.S.A., with people cheering for miles! 

So here I am, on this treadmill, dreaming about carbs. I'm not training for the Olympics, but I need to increase my endurance. My motivation? Number #19. As I'm running on this treadmill all I can imagine is this waspy, high headed rip chasing me as my short little legs go as fast as they can.  No, I'm not a distance runner, but I need to up my average for the sprint division. The short meter races are the most important event in the Winter Ranching Olympics. You have to be fast.Honestly, if you ever see me sprinting you can be rest assured there IS something chasing me, and you should run too! But I'll warn ya since my legs are so short, I do not play fair. It's every man/woman for themselves out here, and I'm not above tripping or clothes lining you if you're faster. It's spring calving season, and we've all just become athletes. I'm already out of breath just thinking about it! Good luck out there my friends, go for the gold! 

Number 19, I'll be ready for our race soon. Maybe I'll even take up Yoga just to get more flexible at going through fences. 

xoxox 

Lainey 

Make sure to follow along on my Facebook page, and as always feel free to share! 

Good morning friends, it seems here in Missouri we're finally coming out of the deep freeze. The temps are rising, and the snow is finally starting to melt off. I think we're all ready for a little break in all the extra chores that extreme winter weather brings. If you own livestock you'll instantly relate to this story. 

You know that owning livestock is a chore during the winter, and there really are no days off. You face extreme temps, and you're hurrying around to make sure there's extra hay, extra bedding, and everything has fresh water.... Oh winter feeding, how you always produce the best comedy sessions in my option. 

It was -3 degrees with a wicked windchill on this fine particular morning, and to put it nicely our morning had just went to crap. We were hurrying around to pitch hay, and check water. You know those  fine pieces of equipment also known as water faucets? Yeah, they were frozen solid, and of course they were being made out of metal.Now these little inventions are great when they work correctly, but can be unpredictable in extreme temperatures even with a heat lamp on them. 

Now ladies, I'm perfectly fine with carrying a few buckets, but when you get a man involved it seems it's all about the challenge if they can get it "fixed" ...You know what I'm talking about don't you? 

So here my dad was, all bundled up in the warm down jacket, gloves, scotch cap, and carrying a blow torch. I mean for those big jobs why wouldn't you just get a blow torch? I'm kinda rolling my eyes, but I know it works so I went on my merry way. Before I go on remember I don't mind carrying buckets... and then...I heard the blow torch fire up, but I had already started filling up buckets. Ladies, I know you understand the 'Why' I had already started filling up buckets. (We don't want to hurt a man's pride, but the chores must be done regardless if he can conquer the challenge at hand) 

Remember that down jacket? Not the good kind, this was the cheap chore coats you get from the feed store. The really bulky fluffy, what kind of material is that even made out of kind. Well, apparently blow torches, and down jackets don't mix. A burst of flames had commenced, and now all the sudden my dad is hitting himself, jumping around like a Bantee rooster, hollering, saying a few cuss words, and honestly I didn't know my father could break dance like that. I mean Jagger would be jealous. 

Before I go on about this story, maybe I should include "Do not try this at home" because it seems we live in a society where everyone is eating Tide Pod's, and I really don't wanna get sued. So please, "Do not try this at home" 

So here we were in our horse barn, my dad is jumping around, using his gloves, and putting out this fire. The practical thing to do would've been stop, drop and roll, but being a man full of pride he just decided to stand there and smack himself around a little longer, jump around, hit himself some more, and cuss and holler until the flames were put out. It was quite the comedy show.

He DID however get the water thawed out, but needless to say all I could smell was the aroma of burnt plastic light material, and was about to gag.  I turned around to make sure he had this under control, and all I could see were feathers flying through the air like glitter. It was a beautiful sight actually, they almost sparkled in air, and were floating everywhere. He was cussing, and stomping around, and every step he made another pretty PUFF of these delicate little down feathers surrounded him. Except for the smell, it was almost like he had his own fog machine of feathers that followed him around. It was almost magical as the snow was sparking too! 

Chores were finished, water was thawed, my dad smelled terrible, but the coat was done for and it was time to head to the house to rest for the evening. 

Being a man do you think he threw that coat out? No. "It still might have some life left" he said, and I've been sweeping the floor up of feathers all morning I just now picked one out of my hair...Those little tiny delicate ones....flying around like glitter. 

 I'm sure if you're a daughter, sister, or wife to these kind of men you'll relate, or even if you own livestock you'll know what we all put ourselves through to make sure they're taken care of. I hope you all giggled as much as I have about the case of the flying feathers, and how the blow torch left its mark...literally. 

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Stay warm out there friends, 

XOXO

Lainey 

Here we are friends, it's already almost the middle of January in 2018. Where has time gone? Well with it being winter, and terrible weather it seems I've had a moment to work on a few images from last year, and let me just tell you there's a few that when I see them I can't help but crack up laughing. 

Now ladies, if you've ever traveled with a cowboy you know there's never a dull moment. For instance if you're half asleep walking to the barn to saddle horses be expecting the random hollering just to make you jump out of your skin, and see how awake you really are. Or Nirvana cranked up works too. 

Now being the only lady most of the time I guess I have a few good stories to tell to brighten your day. Which I guess you can say inspired this little diddy...

 For example, if you're in the middle of photographing spring works and a young pup brings a green fresh horse to drag 700 weight calves on, you make sure to stay out of the way. But just in case you're up against the fence, and this yellow horse decides to blow up I hope you have a ninja close by. 

That yellow horse had worked fine so I proceeded to click away right up against the fence, that is until that yellow fire breathing dragon decided he wasn't so fond of having a rope ran around him. He decided to bolt North as fast as Road Runner from Wiley. E. Coyote. I mean a north bound freight train, and he was headed our way. When I say our way, the whole ground crew, although I was thefirst to become his "speed bump". AKA Victim. Now friends, I shouldn't admit this, but I had two options. 1) I could take on the freight train and lose my camera, or 2) I could squeeze as tight as I could next to that fence, and shove that camera in my "airbags". So with my camera shoved in my airbags on my chest real tight,  I braced myself to take a hit, It kinda became a blur because out of nowhere there was NINJA! Gus flew over the top of me, grabbed the fence behind me real hard and used his body as a shield. I'm mashed up against the fence with only a camera between us. The horse headed on North, and I was rescued. Now while this happened so fast, neither of us got hit, I was still standing there mashed up against the fence because honestly I think it shocked us both, and Gus couldn't get his fingers to let go of the fence. I had never met Gus before this day, and with a look of seeing a ghost and embarrassment on his face all he could do was look at the ground and say "I'm sorry ma'am, I thought I was Superman"... 

Now the next one I'm gonna kinda tell on myself..again..I always pack snacks. The reason? Because I've rode with too many cowboys that never find the time to grab a quick bite. As I was catching a hard time one morning in the sandhills with packing some beef jerky in my purse, I just simple smiled and nodded. Yes I carry beef jerky in my purse. Well, why we had gathered a few sections, it had been a long time since we had that pop tart early that morning, and we still had another pasture to go. We were moving to another pasture all squeezed in this pickup and I heard one of them holler " Hey Laine, how about that purse jerky" haha! Ya boys, how about that purse jerky now? It was inhaled within minutes just for the record.

I know this post is getting long, so I'll finish it up with one more. He has already been warned this would be a blog because the moment I heard it, I warned him it would be a blog because I couldn't quit giggling. 

"Laine, can you carry my baby wipes?" I , at first thought "Oh, he's being thoughtful" in case I had to pee you know? So I said "Oh, that's so nice" and with a look of confusion upon his face, and as blunt as could be he said " I don't like when my hands get dirty" Now if you can imagine, I'm dying laughing. Bill is about as rugged as it comes, and real handy so I was in shock. Still serious he said "Well, I don't" . He then proceeded to tell me how he hates dirty hands after cutting calves. I understood, but I will never let him live down the one time I had to carry baby wipes in my jacket pocket for the tough Wild Bill. .... still laughing...

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Now I could go on and on about movie quotes, and if I had a dollar for every time I heard "Laine, don't you remember that movie?" and then that's followed by more movie quotes from a different movie, and then uncontrollable laughter. Maybe one of these days I'll catch up on my cinema knowledge, but for now I'm gonna write blogs on Superman, Beef Jerky, and Baby Wipes. Ha! 

Do you have any funny stories? Make sure to share them on Facebook page!

XOXOX

-Lainey 

"As we're running 90 mph across the pasture after a new baby calf, and here I sit trying to get a tag gun ready, and apply the perfect cat eye eyeliner..."

Dear Ladies that will be attending the NFR, 

I envy you. I envy the girls that were able to plan the perfect outfits for weeks. I envy the fact that you had every accessory, and every pair of boots that matched your outfits perfectly. You look adorable. Can you please tell me how you have your life all together?

A recent trip down Oklahoma's Hwy 69 reminded me that I need to get it together.As we're driving along in a one ton dually pickup headed to Texas I was reminded that

1) I need to invest in better bras

2) You should wake up earlier and apply makeup before you ever get in a pickup.

I guess I'm just lazy, and have always been on the "Throw & Go" method. Just throw in a few clothes, and pack the essentials. You can figure out the rest later. 

It seems after many years of this method, I would figure out it doesn't work.

Like the many times I've just thrown in my makeup bag thinking "I'll just put this on in the pickup" and next thing you know we're running 90 mph across the pasture sitting there trying to get a tagging gun ready, and apply the perfect cat eye eyeliner. Or the time when your brother in law calls and says "Load up, we're headed to a roping". Well, let me just tell you, have you ever tried to put on mascara with an ornery brother in law driving? Just as you are so excited you haven't put any bat shit all over your eyes, he slams on the brakes, looks at you and giggles, and suddenly you jammed that mascara wand into your eye making it look like you've turned into a raccoon that's been crying from watching too many hallmarks. 

Don't get me started on branding season. I look like the walking dead. How can a girl have it together at 4 a.m. to go saddle horses? Once again, I've said to myself the famous "I'll just put this on in the pickup" So here I sat, as we're driving down the gravel roads with a trailer full of horses. The ol' ranch pickup could use some new shocks, coffee flying out of coffee cups, sitting in the middle of old whataburger sacks,and the fact it's still dark really affects the perfect contour. I look like a clown that just ran away from the circus.

So this brings me to my conclusion that I learned from my grandma many years ago. "Throw on a little lipstick, and you feel like you have it all together." I've taken her up on this statement. 

My essentials have changed I guess you could say. I now just throw on my legging's & wild rag on those cold mornings, throw in a packet of hot hands, and a few colors of lipstick. 

So if you see me trotting across the pasture, or driving down Oklahoma roads looking like a raccoon, and lipstick on my teeth please be courteous and let me know. Grandma, I'm trying. I don't have it together.

Dear NFR girls, I envy you. 

I just got home after being on the road for 3 weeks, and after covering ground from South Texas to Nebraska it really leaves a lot of windshield time to think. I received a phone call while I was on the road from a dear friend that she had finally met a cowboy. He was the man of her dreams by the way her voice sounded, and I could tell she was already planning the wedding in her imagination. Well, hold your horses little darlin'. First off, I better explain I am no expert, but a man that makes his living horseback is a different kind of breed. I could tell she was already wrapped up in getting to ride horses daily, and how she could win his heart with her cooking skills, and while I was trying really hard not to giggle I just couldn't contain myself any longer.

She spoke of how they were going to go check pastures that weekend, and couldn't contain her excitement. She wasn't use to riding very often, but again she felt she had watched enough John Wayne movies, and the Pioneer Woman cooking show that she could tame this mythical creature that some call a cowpuncher. Oh, and she loved dogs! So she figured the dogs that trots beside him surely deserves enough treats, and she'd get use to the idea that his cow dog was now camped out on her fine italian leather furniture. 

So it's finally the weekend, she's been prepared all week. She makes the phone call to me frantically. "Laine, what do I do?" Well, like I said I'm no expert but there's a few things I've learned while photographing this lifestyle. Some of my best friends make their living horseback, and I'm lucky enough to get to tag along to photograph, and also do some under cover investigation for these sweet little town girls that think it's romantic to date a cowboy. 

Step 1: Did you read my blog on IF he saddles your horse? You didn't? Well here's the link:

http://www.memorylainephotography.com/blog/2016/3/-but-would-he-saddle-your-horse

Step 2: This is where I can really help you out. Read below.

 So here you are little darlin', it's finally the day. You've been looking forward to this day all week. Now in his mind you have to remember you are just free help. He sees this as spending time with you, but he also enjoys not having to get the gate. So, in his mind you are just free help. Do not get your feelings hurt, and just remember everything is a test but don't you dare whine! 

- So here you are in the barn. He grabs his extra working rig because it's the only one that the stirrups will go up high enough to fit your shorter legs (compared to his 40" inseam) 

-Little darlin' you pay close attention right now. If that horse is jumping around, snorting, and has a big hump in its back, you just turn around and walk out of that barn. He does not think very highly of you. He is just using you to put miles on a green colt and although you may be able to handle it you will know in that exact moment where you stand, and you don't need that kind of negativity in your life, ha! 

- But if he grabs that ol' fat wooly gelding that has a few scars on him, has a soft eye, and walks with a slow waltz to the barn. You can rest easy...

You see that ol' gelding has been around a time or two, he's worn many of wet saddle blankets, and helped keep him out of many of wrecks. He's been sure footed when it was questionable, and he's been solid to work the rope when an ol' mad tiger strip momma wouldn't cooperate. He's not just another using gelding. This one has been hauled many of miles, and has paid his dues. He's had more conversations with this horse than any phone call he's ever made. Little darlin' if he pulls out that ol' trusty bay, you can rest easy. He already respects you, and thinks highly of you. 

I've traveled quite a few miles, and ridden with some really great cowboys. Most of the time they just throw a horse in so I can ride around and photograph. I guess you can really call that trust. I like to tell funny stories from the road, and capture a lifestyle that I'm passionate about. I've called many of these guys that make their living horseback great friends, and the first to call if I need something. So ladies, if you don't have a sense of humor don't ever try to date a cowboy. If you're wondering how he feels about you, or wondering if there should be a second date than pay close attention to the type of horse he saddles for you. If its trusty ol' bay, you can be reassured you can accept his offer next weekend for Fiiiiine dining at Wataburger. 

P.S. Don't order anything too expensive off the menu because day wages are slim, and he's had his eye on a new Kerry Kelly bit for quite some time. :) 

Good luck out there ladies!  Sit easy on ol' bay because he just pulled him out of retirement , don't forget your sense of humor and you'll be just fine! 

XOXO

Lainey

This is a passion I have for capturing the true working cowboy & the western lifestyle through the lens & stories. This is a lost art & a dying breed of the working man. As technology has begun to take over, many little things have been taken for granted. It's about riding for your brand, the loyalty in a handshake, and the power of a man's word. Most of my photographs have been taken off horseback capturing the "working" cowboy during their normal everyday life. They're not posed, They're not staged, just raw and real through my experiences during sunrise on the back of a horse riding through green pastures.

Follow along the Facebook page. 

" You've moved more piles of trash, you're suddenly smelling like a feedlot, and you're avoiding the hot shot and multiple cattle needles flying around, Yet you're headed to town...Ladies, this is a test" 

Good morning friends, 

Now ladies, I'm mainly talking to you. After all it's easier for me to give out a female perspective, as I find most of my gal pals have been in this boat, and I suddenly turn counselor, ha!  If you've never been around a full time cowboy one might think it was "romantic" to get asked out for dinner by one of these fine young men. I mean they're mysterious, hard workers, always have great manners, live half way like a gypsy, and there's always plenty of horses to ride. Sounds pretty romantic right? Well, that depends on what you call romantic.  

He's finally asked you out, and you've accepted. You've got it in your head that all your dreams are coming true. You've made plans that he'll pick you up for dinner around 7, and while you've been primping in the mirror since 3 p.m., changing your outfit multiple times, and have clothes scattered all upon your floor,  He's been out doctoring foot rot on a bunch of heifers, and hasn't even looked at the time. You haven't heard from him, and your nerves are starting to kick in. You wonder if he even remembers or is going to blow you off. Your head is turning. It's 6 p.m., and you still haven't received a single text.  You're freaking out! You're starting to call me, "Laine, I haven't heard from him, what's going on?" 

Ladies, I'm in no way a therapist. I still don't understand men, however since I spend most of my time photographing this lifestyle I've become friends with a few. Now listen closely, "He has no idea what time it is, he also only has one thing on his brain, and that's to get everything doctored" 

He shows up at 6:59 with only a minute to spare, you hear that ol' ranch pickup flying in, and rattling down that gravel road. Did you expect him to drive something nice? Oh you did? Well, that's your first mistake. You're about ready to strangle him because he never called or texted. You're trying to not be upset, however he barely made it out of the pasture by 6:30, ran in the house and took a quick shower, threw on a shirt that wasn't wrinkled too bad, a pair of jeans that only had a few stains, and his good hat. Then he raced for your house with no time to spare. He never texted, he never called. He just showed up when he said he would. Ladies, the first test is 1) Never bother a man while he's working. 

The second test: The Ranch pickup. 

Now while he was out before daylight, he's seem to forgot about all of his treasures he's accumulated throughout the week. He rushes frantically to the passenger door, and just as he opens it for you, an old beer bottle rolls out, a couple of cattle catalogs, and his saddle pad fell to the ground. He's throwing stuff in the back seat faster than the pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. I mean horse brushes, old fast food sacks, cattle vaccines, extra clothes are a flying! You're standing outside the door, and you get your first whiff. It's the smell mixture of a feedlot, and wet cow dog. You're thinking to yourself at this point, "Are we really going to town in this?" Yes Ladies, you are. This is a test.

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Remember ladies, I said it depends on what you call romantic. You didn't really expect him to drive a Mercedes did you? He's half gypsy. He never knows where he'll be from day to day, or what he might need so he lives out of his pickup. 

He finally clears a spot for you, but don't expect a large spot. You should probably only take a small purse because his  gun will be pointed down to the floor board, and you'll still have to manage to make your way through the multiple hot shots, and leather trade goods he carries around. 

At this point, you're finally loaded up, but you're scared to look around. So you just focus on the road. The dash has inches of dust it's covered in, and suddenly you feel like you need to take a shower again, as your sitting where his cow dog that just got out of the pond was sitting a few minutes ago. You know those shoes you were worried about matching your outfit? Ya, those are now covered in cow poop, horse hair, and maybe a little Ivomec. 

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You don't dare to look in the back seat, but the temptation kills you so you give in to find tool boxes, trailer wiring, fencing pliers, a couple rolls of barb wire, extra clothes, rain coats, a warm jacket, and numerous old sale catalogs.  You quickly turn around, and pretend you didn't see anything. You're trying to just focus on the road as the dust in the cab is flying around like a whirlwind tornado, and meanwhile listening to him tell you about his day of doctoring. You're trying to pay attention, but you have so much dust caked onto your freshly applied lipstick that you're getting distracted.  You glance at him, and he's as happy as a field mouse with a little piece of cheese. He has a slight grin, and a twinkle in his eye. He knows he's testing you. 

Once you finally arrive to your destination, you hear a few belts squeaking as he turns that pickup into a nice establishment. The radio? Ya, it only works when it wants to. He might have his cow dog with him riding in the back, or he might have a load of feed on, but you don't dare to turn around. You focus on getting to that front door, and concentrate on not knocking anything out the door when you get out. 

Ladies, the ol' ranch pickup is a test. If you can handle going to town in this fine piece of equipment you'll probably get asked out on a second date. Plus you'll know exactly who to call if you're broke down on the side of the highway and need some tools, or need to repair a fence where some cattle got out on the fly, or who knows if you ever need your trailer re wired up, or if you need to borrow a pair of tennis shoes, need a horse brush, or a dose of Ivomec. You know the exact man for the job, and he will always be prepared. 

Stick it out for the second date ladies, you've already passed the first two tests, and if you're lucky you might he might stop and get you a Wendy's 99 cent Frosty on the way home! 

I'm in no means an expert, but hopefully you giggled a little! 

xoxox,

Lainey 

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"Don't worry Momma, I'm with Tara" were the last words out of my mouth... Little did I know then the joke was on me! 

Good morning friends, we've almost made it to Friday! I figured after a long week right before the holiday weekend I might give you a quick break, and warn you to be careful who you travel with, ha! 

As you know by now I travel quite a bit, and when you're traveling it seems stories just kinda happen. Most of the time they're not planned which is even more of an adventure! When two girls are traveling together it seems the stories just kinda happen a little more often. 

I've known my friend Tara since high school (that's what I've been told to say, ha!)  She could or could not of been my teacher, but I cannot confirm or deny that at this time because as a woman I would never want her to feel older than I was, and in her defense she was freshly out of college. So anyways, I've known Tara since high school. Tara is the owner/maker at Bull Creek cinches, and she travels just as must as I do. She's always attending multiple western trade shows, and it just makes sense to travel together. My momma always gets worried when I travel, but feels a little more at ease to know that Tara has always been safe, is a momma herself, and has a few years of traveling experience on me (I mean months since we were in high school together) "Don't worry Momma, I'm going with Tara" were the last words out of my mouth. To which it brings my mom at ease...little does she know! 

Here we are in Abilene Texas we had made it to the Western Heritage Classic. One event you must attend! Two girls, a Capri camper, and too much stuff packed. Hey, a girl has to be prepared with every accessory right? Do you remember those Capri campers? The kind that set in the bed of your pickup? Well, those little things are so handy! Unless of course you get stuck in the back of one.

The battery on our pickup had died, which led Tara to believe there was something wrong with the pickup, and then we'd be stranded in Texas. Which I was perfectly fine with the fact we may have to stay in Texas a little longer, but Tara was not fond of the idea. 

We jumped the battery to which it had the truck running, but on an ol' diesel it takes them a while to charge, so Tara wanted to take a quick lap down the interstate. At this point she's in her own world. She's freaked out, hates mechanical problems, and began calling her mechanic at home. While it was bad judgement on my part, I hollered and said "Hey wait just a second, I'm gonna grab my purse out of the camper before you take off" Did I mention she was in her own little world?

The moment I stepped up into that Capri camper, I felt movement. I really didn't think much about it until I opened the back door to find we were rolling on out. Jason Jones (a bit and spur maker) was sitting in his lawn chair and witnessed this as I flew the door open, and he saw the shock on my face.It was at this point and time I had to make an executive decision to jump for my life, or just ride this one out. Jason was still giggling, and I just waved as we were taking on off at a higher rate of speed " I guess I'm going with" 

So here I went, rattling down the road. Tara was in such a panic that we didn't put anything away in the Capri before she took off. Our accessories were flying all over the place as she mashed on the gas to go a little faster.I looked through the back glass. I could see her! And I had my cell phone. "I'll just call her real quick" I thought to myself. And I did. She was so worried about that battery gauge she kept hitting decline to my phone call. She still has no idea I'm riding in the Capri. I didn't want to tap on the glass because at this point she would've jumped out of her skin, and I could see us being on the news, and  all over the highway like a Griswold's Christmas vacation scene. I'll just call her again. She denied it once more. 

So here I am contemplating life in the back of a Capri camper going down the interstate. I'm in this for the long haul. Our stuff is scattered every where, and I'm pretty sure the only place I found to sit was the foot stool. Now friends, I've never been in a tornado, but I can only imagine what it would feel like as I was sitting in the back of the Capri getting hit by blow dryers, makeup, tooth brushes, and shampoo bottles rattling around. She wouldn't answer my phone call, and I wasn't about to scare her so I just rode it out at 70 mph down the interstate. How did I know we were going 70? I could see through the back glass, ha! 

Her "short" trip lasted about 20 minutes, and I could feel us pulling off on the exit ramp to return back to the fairgrounds. We then pulled slowly onto the gravel, and back right back into our camping spot. After I made sure the truck had made a complete stop, I pushed my way through all of our stuff, and opened that back door. Now if you can imagine a deer in the headlights, that was the look that came across Tara's face. She was in shock. Complete shock then turned into laughter so hard, and tears began flowing down her face. I was laughing, and still shuffling through the chaotic mess to try to get out.

At that moment I all I could think about was blurting out "And my mom doesn't worry when I'm with Tara" in my sarcastic tone. haha! 

Just another story from the road, ha! 

xoxoxo

Lainey 

You can follow along on Facebook 

  Good evening friends, 

It seems I've been able to catch my breath a little after these last few weeks of traveling, and now that spring works are winding down I've been able to enjoy being a home a little more. I sat down with my family this evening around our large kitchen table, and enjoyed a home cook meal. That's something you take for granite when you've been living out of a suitcase for a few weeks. My momma always made sure growing up that we sat at the table for supper, and participated in conversation about our day. As I've grown older and the hustle and bustle of life takes over I've always been thankful for that rule she made when I was little. 

After supper was all cleaned up I walked out to the barn tonight, and caught that hard to catch Blue Jay (My little niece named him). It seems a hard to catch horse can put a sour taste in your mouth right away, ha! But he is the ol' faithful, and I all I wanted to do was relax, and find a little inspiration to write. I've slacked off on writing, and I really enjoy it. 

Just as we pushed further into the back pasture, Blue Jay was walking along his merrily way with his ears perked up,  and then the noise in my head began to settle. The sun was disapearing  from the horizon, and left off this romantic glow through the tall fescue. The fireflies appeared out of nowhere, and began dancing among the tall grass. There were thousands, and thousands that lit up the pasture. The clouds looked like a paint brush had touched the sky, and the only noise that could be heard was hoof prints through the grass. 

I sat out there for a moment. Actually I sat out there for awhile. It was in that exact moment that I feel the needed to write. You see, I was headed back to the barn this evening, and in 2001 we lost the original barn to a fire. I lost every piece of handmade tack that my grandpa had past down to, I lost every trophy, and buckle my dad had won through the years, and many other items that just hold sentimental value. Non of our horses were injured, and it wouldn't be until a few years later when we would lose our house to a fire.

In 2013 the century old plantation home that my parents had worked so hard to rebuild through my child hood would be lost among the flames. We lost everything. So many of you already know that story, so I won't go into detail but it had me thinking tonight as I rode back.

We've rebuilt everything we've lost. Our lives have been spared, and our livestock has been taken care of by the grace of God. I guess when you lose everything, it kinda puts the world into perspective. 

My momma is still cancer free to this day, and while she still has an empty mass where they removed the brain tumor I've just been thankful I get to spend another day with her. God sure has answered our prayers. 

I recently got into the Salt Creek Gallery in Oklahoma, and while talking with the owner she wanted to know a little more about me. I became kinda shy, and I wasn't sure what I should say. "I'm just me" is what I think I said. I still wasn't sure what to say. As I reflect on this conversation sitting out in this big pasture I've thought to myself that every piece of my art work represents a little about who I am, what I represent, my heartbreaks, my laughter, and my journey. Although in that moment I couldn't find the words, It seems I've found a little more to my story as I sat there and watched those fireflies dance this evening. I'm not scared to tell my story anymore. It's molded me into the person I've become. It's made me trust in the Lord more than ever, to be thankful for every day, to help others, and learn to make due with what you have. 

There's no rules on how to be an artist, there doesn't seem to be right or wrong answer. I still haven't figured a fraction of it out, but as I have art work scattered across this globe, I'm so very thankful for each and every one of you that have hung my artwork in your home,  your sweet comments, and shares on Facebook.. You friends are my magical fireflies that have helped given me the courage to tell my story. 

Let your light shine before others - Mathew 5:16 

xoxo, 

Lainey

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Good morning friends, 

It seems I've been chasing those white lines on the highway quite a bit, and I haven't been able to keep up with all the new stories, and travel adventures. I just recently got back from the sandhills of Nebraska, and every time I think about this story it makes me chuckle, so I hope it brightens your day, and you can relate. 

My two new little buddies Braden & Kaylee. Aren't they adorable? 

I was informed that on Monday afternoon the cowboys & I were needed on the Lazy 5 ranch to go help gather cattle, and prepare for their branding later in the week. Little did I know then what adventure I had gotten myself into! I had borrowed a little horse named Copper, and I was about to meet a family that would would turn into friends. But that's a whole blog in itself. Anyway, Laine stay on track... 

So here we were driving down a sandy road up to the Lazy 5 ranch, the trailer was making all kinds of racket from all the bumps, and the boys were swapping all kinds of tall tales of cowboying stories. The clouds looked like it could come a down pour at any minute, and I began to worry a little bit because I didn't want all my camera gear ruined. 

We unloaded the horses, tightened our cinches, and away we went. And away I went into the great unknown. It seems I'm always trailing behind all the cowboys in my own little world, trying to find my next shot, and it just so happens that's where I met Kaylee & Braden. We were instantly pals. Kaylee told me all about her horse Blue Duck, and Braden told me all about his horse Jose, and how it use to be Kaylee's but she was nice enough to pass him down. We talked about school, hobbies, and summer activities planned. It seems I was so caught up in all their stories that I really didn't pay attention to where we were going, or where we had just came from. 

Now, this is where the real story takes place. We rode out for miles. Remember I'm from Missouri, so I'm use to trees, creeks, and a lot more fences. The sandhills has very few fences, and none of the other that I saw on their ranch. Except for some windmills scattered here and there. Windmills are the only landmarks. Remember I told you it was stormy also, so the sun was hidden. Well, Dusty their dad asked the kids if they just wanted to hang back with me, and the cowboys would ride further to go gather that cattle a few more miles away. The kids said "YES!!!, we want to stay with Laine" Well my friends that was the first mistake. I was instantly put in charge in foreign country with these sweet kiddos.

 Dusty, rode up next to us and said  "I'm gonna ride on and grab these other cattle, while you kids take all these cows and head North, and we'll meet at the windmill"  In my little pea brain that sure sounded easy enough, and the kids and I began telling more stories. When all of the sudden a look of panic came across my face, and I honestly realized I was in charge, and no idea where North was. The windmill? You mean the windmill that was miles back?!?! So here I am out in the middle of nowhere white as a ghost in full panic mode, but I was staying calm for the kids. 

I asked Kaylee, " Do you know where North is? Do you know where the pen is? How about the windmill?"  She said "No, I thought you did" Well, I thought I did too until I realized there's miles and miles of these gently rolling hills, and I can't see anything in sight. So I panic, and start looking around for an adult. Only to realize I am the adult, and I had just been put in charge! Not to mention that we were suppose to gather the strays, and that they were counting on use to get them to the pen. Ok Laine, stay calm. Do not start laughing in your ridiculous hyena laugh (I do that when I get scared) you will scare these poor kids. Laine, just ride up to the tallest sand hill, and see if you can see anything. So with the kids next to me we trotted to the top of the hill. Nothing. That's what was in sight. nothing. However I did find a few strays, so we gathered them up, and pushed them on an old cattle path. Surely the horses, and the cows know which way the windmill was. 

Ummm I'm pretty sure the cattle were just being difficult, and could see I was white as a ghost, and panic was across my face. They did not hardly move. So it was in this split second that I made an executive decision. We'd just have a little photo shoot. Yep, that's right. I decided I'd take pictures of the kids while I was coming up with an explanation in my head on how I was going to explain to their dad that I got us totally lost, and we'd just wait at the top of the hill until someone came to rescue us. haha! 

In the middle of our impromptu shoot, I saw a brown speck a few miles away. It was some of the cowboys, and they were pushing the cattle our direction. That old cattle path must be the way to water at the windmill. I quickly put my camera down, and the kids and I began pushing on. 

The windmill was in sight finally, and I had to let out my insane giggle. I mean who else could this happen to? The kids ended up having a blast, and not knowing the shear panic I was in. In fact I'm not so sure their story telling ever really stopped, ha! Dusty rode up to us, gave us new instructions on what to do with the cattle, and we ended up pushing them all in towards the trap where the windmill was at. I'd call it a success.

But please, please, please give me directions like turn left at the oak tree, or turn right at the feed bin because obviously I do not understand where North is, haha! 

P.S. My mom bought me a compass :)) 

Braden, Dusty, Kaylee Wilson - Lazy 5 Ranch 

You can see more images of the Lazy 5 ranch on my Facebook page 

" That's when she told me her family only uses a calf table, and I knew we didn't have a future..."

Good afternoon friends, 

It's grey and gloomy here in Missouri, and I've had a quick minute to sit down and write. It seems we're in the middle of branding season, and it's a time to catch up with old friends, see a few neighbors, and swap a few tall tales. And this is exactly how this story took place. Now, before I go any further keep your funny bone alert, and a smile on your face.

I was catching up with one of my ol' buddies asking how his family was, if he's been day working a bunch, and you know just normal small chit chat when he had mentioned he finally got to take the fiery red head out on a date that he had asked numerous times. "Alright buddy!" I said. I was happy she finally gave him a chance, and before I could even speak he quickly shut me down, and said "Ya but Laine, it just didn't work out" 

Now I'm confused. She had finally given him a chance, and how bad could it possibly be on a first date? He's a complete gentlemen so I knew he politely held the door, picked her up, paid for her supper, and kept his manners about him throughout the evening. So I just sat there with a confused look on my face, until he said "Her family only uses a calf table... and I knew we didn't have a future"

Now if you can imagine, I instantly busted out into laughter and tried to keep my wits about me as he began to say in a very serious tone "Laine, she said she was against branding the traditional way because any time they had tried to work cattle it never worked out right"  that was followed up with a "This is a craft I take very seriously. It's taken years horseback and being around lots of cattle to perfect this art. It's not just something that should be replaced with four wheelers and calf tables" I had to agree, and I sat there as an ear to listen. He said " What's wrong with seeing your neighbor and helping them out? What's wrong with getting together as a community and catching up? And what's wrong with a nice ranch horse that knows it's job?"  His feathers were getting fluffed, but he was absolutely correct. I'm still currently biting my tongue really hard.

I continued to bit my tongue because all I could really think about is who brings up branding cattle during supper on a first date?!?! Especially because you've asked her out 3 times! Only my buddy apparently. "Laine, her family only uses four wheelers" he said as he could hear me snicker, and then he said " We're in the heartland of America, this is tradition, this is my livelihood, I believe in helping your neighbors out, and then I found out her sister voted for Hilary and it was just too much!" he said as his voice got gruff, and huffy. And that's the exact moment I lost it, and had tears from laughter. I said " You can't hold a grudge because one of her family members voted for Hilary" "Laine, it's all just too much" 

I wasn't laughing at him because I believe in everything he stands for, but I was dying laughing for the simple fact that could he not of brought up normal conversation over a casual dinner like "How was your day?" Nope, might as well just get it all out in the open, and find out where this red head stands on her agricultural views from the very beginning. 

"Laine, it just didn't work out...they use calf tables" As he uttered, and shook his head.- A true story from my buddy a full time ranch hand who makes his living horseback every single day. hahaha! 

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Good morning, it seems we've all been there at one time or another. You know what I'm talking about, Ladies? The fact you haven't went to "town" in  a while so you take this blissful opportunity to put a little extra effort into how you look. Now you may just need to run a few errands, or you may be on your way home from church, but whatever the occasion you decide to treat yourself with a little extra pampering time before you leave the house. This also translates to the day the cattle got out.

So here you are feeling all beautified, curls a bouncing, lashes long, that pretty new lipstick you picked up months ago on, and those new heels you're finally getting to wear because for once you won't have to be out feeding livestock. You're driving along singing to the radio, you've got those fly sunglasses on, and you are feeling great! Enjoy this moment. It only last a second when you own livestock.

You feel like you could conquer the world in those heels, you've had a great day in town, but you're ready to be home. That is until you turn on your road and you see a gate that has been left open, and cattle are scattered on that country road like glitter. Not just any glitter, that really fine kind of glitter that goes everywhere if there's an ounce of wind. That kind of glitter. 

Now at this moment you have two choices. 1) You could run to the house to change your clothes, or 2) If you're like me you know those cattle can move pretty fast, so you fly out of the pickup and try to get them started back to the pens. 

So here I am out here like wonder woman, gathering up bovine in a set of 3" pumps. This road just became my runway as I'm trying to push these youngin's back towards the house. All is going well. I've got this. If the fashion runway could only see me now. Hair blowing in the breeze, and I'm owning that road. My lipstick is still freshly applied, and these cattle are moooooooving on out. That is until, my dad sees these glitter cows, and comes to help out. 

I shouldn't of spoke too soon. He starts hollering at me, because apparently I was doing this incorrectly. "Laine, get over there, don't lose them,  and block the other gate so they don't head towards the highway"  He doesn't blink an eye, and never notices I'm kinda in decent clothes, and in heels to top it off. It was literally 5 seconds after this "nice" warning my father shouted that they decided to scatter like cats. I mean those tails flew up over their backs, that fresh green grass kicked in, and they scattered. 

If you've ever worked cattle with family, or a spouse you know that you can never weaken. You will get a cussin, you have to have thick skin, and you can never complain. But, I was still in heels. So once again, I faced my options. 1) Run towards that gate in those heels looking like a newborn calf that just learned how to walk, or 2) get rid of those puppies and fly over there barefoot? Those heels went a flying. I was bolting towards that gate barefoot. Bobby Pins couldn't fly out of my hair fast enough, who knows what that lipstick looked like as I'm sure it was smeared across my face by now, and don't even mention the decent outfit I had on, as it is now covered in flying manure. 

So here I am standing there blocking a gate. Barefoot. HAIR A CRAZY SIGHT. and covered in manure, and mud head to toe...literally. Those heels? They're now in the dumpster. That outfit? It's right next to the heels. 

I've learned through multiple of these experiences that cattle like to curse a woman when she goes to town. They always pick the exact right time to run a marathon. As for me? I haven't wore heels in a while, they make hoping fences to take pictures of windmills a little difficult :)) 

Dear Cows, I Won. Heels and all. 

Hope you had a little giggle, and can relate! 

xoxox

Lainey

Make sure to follow along on my Facebook page 

" I'll get the gate" he said, as I just sat in the pickup like a Unicorn and a smart smirk upon my face... (giggle, giggle)

It seems we've all survived and enjoyed our holidays with the family. I figured after being around your distant relatives you could use a little extra humor in your life. ha!  It was a blistery cold morning, and I was to meet the two cowboys at the ranch house at the first break of day, now if you can imagine what a marshmallow looks like with two legs, and two arms then you have a visual of what I looked like on this morning. We had the trailers hooked up, and after loading the dogs,and horses we were to head out to the pasture to doctor sick cattle.

I hopped in the pickup in the back seat with all of my camera gear. Now ladies, if you can imagine riding down a gravel road in a pickup with a couple of cowboys on a blistery cold morning, you can visualize that they were feeling their oats. The sarcasm and wit was a flying, and I had to bring my A game to keep up! We pulled up to the gate, and they instantly just chuckled. They were smart. They had brought an automatic gate opener. In other words, I WAS the gate opener. But to my surprise one of them jumped out, and away we went. I was still kinda in shock.

We got the cattle all doctored, and were finishing up for the day and as we hopped back in the pickup I began to ponder why I didn't really have to get the gate. Now don't get me wrong these guys are first class gentlemen, but they also never miss a beat to give me a hard time, so the only conclusion I can come up with is that I'm a Unicorn! haha! 

So this blog is really for all of those city girls that might need a little help in the ranch education department. Make sure you always sit in the middle of the pickup, or in my case the back seat with child safety locks on, and you sit there like the Unicorn you are!  Haha! 

Haha, you guys know I'm kidding. I always try to help out wherever I can, but it's fun to give them a hard time right back, or life would be pretty dull. I hope when you're both so old sitting in your rocking chairs that you look at the images I took of this day, and you laugh at the good times that were made. Thank you for allowing the "Tourist" to tag along, and a special thanks for getting the gate! I'm totally spoiled now! 

You can view more of my stories and images on my Facebook page 

"Why sure I'll ride him" were the words that came out of the small framed, silver haired, 78 year young ladies mouth.

As I awoke on this morning, the frost had covered everything it touched, and the wind was so bitter it could cut right through you. I honestly wasn't sure if I wanted crawl out of my warm bed to go with the boys, but I knew I'd regret it if I didn't get tough. So I bundled up in more layers than an onion, and waddled my way to the ranch house where we would meet. 

The horses are already fuzzy with their winter coats, and on this cool morning their breath looked like a fire breathing dragon, and they had an extra spring in their step. They felt good! Ryan, climbed aboard ol' Ranger and after he got a few humps out of his back we were headed to the pasture to doctor sick cattle. ( That's a whole other story, ha!) 

I was informed that this ranch manager granny would be joining us today from the warmth of the farm truck. Now, I'm not gonna lie, I always look forward to seeing a cute little grandma, but the fact there would be a warm feed truck to boot kinda got a girl excited. I can't help it, I hate frozen toes! 

So as you can imagine, I rode around with granny for a while and watched the boys doctoring sick cattle in the pasture. We spoke of their ranch, and their operation, and how proud of her grandson she was. Now don't get me wrong this isn't your normal granny, she's a little spit fire and had me rolling with laughter as her short little legs could barely reach the gas petal, and we went hopping across the rough pasture in the feed truck. The boys had reached a stopping point, and we were about to switch pastures when Ryan walked up and saw an opportunity to give us a hard time. He said "Granny, you wanna ride this wild bronc back to the trailer?" in a joking manner. Well, I'm not so sure his face wasn't white as a ghost when she responded with a grin on her face and said "Sure"

Ryan, was still in shock I believe, but Granny climbed out of that feed truck, and my face lit up! This was really happening! Her cute little legs couldn't reach the stirrups so we brought ol' Ranger over to the pickup, and Granny was set! 

Ol' Ranger is use to Granny spoiling him with treats, and that horse just dropped his head and knew he had to take care of her. This wasn't the same horse as when Ryan was riding him. He had instantly became a babysitter, and knew his job was to take care of Granny.

Away they went back towards the trailers, and Ryan still white as a ghost in shock, and a smile on his face as big as Texas. They rode and chatted, and I took pictures out of the cab of the warm feed truck. At that point I was almost in tears. I'm not gonna lie. Ryan told me that it had been years since she had been horseback, and he never thought he could actually talk her into it. But those spit fire Granny's like to keep you on your toes! 

I was glad that I crawled out of bed that morning, and faced the cold bitter wind. This was a memory that will forever be cherished, and hung on the wall for years to come, right next to the photos of previous family members ranching. This is why I'm so passionate about capturing the ranch life. This is something that couldn't be captured in a stuffy studio, or in a posed photo shoot. This was an image of Granny living out her dream right next to her grandson. As we got back to the trailer I asked this sweet little doll " How was that?" and she simply responded with a big ol' grin on her face " He's gonna get extra treats tonight" 

 Feel free to view more images of this day on my Facebook Page. 

It seems summer has been flying by, and I'm really far behind on posting about the cross country trip with my 8 year old nephew Creek Canyon. Creek  and I have always had a special little bond. From driving gravel roads when he was a newborn because he had a severe case of colic, or to walking him endless hours when he was cutting teeth, somewhere in there we became pretty good buddies. His love for photography has just started to blossom in the last couple of years, but his love for animals, and wildlife has been existent since birth I believe. So when I mentioned I was going to a Montana ranch to photograph a horse drive, his blue eyes lit up, and you could see the inspiration on his face. 

I think I must be half crazy as I was asking his parents for permission to take an 8 year old across country. I mean this would mean hours and hours in the car, and his longest trip prior to this was to Oklahoma. Should I be worried? What if he gets home sick? or worse what if he gets car sick? ha! 

We left at 4 a.m. in one very loaded down rental car. Creek slept almost half way through Nebraska, and so far the trip was going well. The minute he woke up the questions began. " How many mustangs do you think we'll see"  " Do you think we'll see white ones like Cloud?" ( Thank you to his buddy Tyler for buying him the Cloud the Mustang Documentary, ha!... He's watched it a million times) " I just can't wait to see mustangs" So needless to say I heard all about the mustangs through the state of Nebraska and into Wyoming. About 1,000 miles worth of mustang information, ha! 

We arrived in Rock Springs Wyoming 15 and a half hours later. After some much needed rest, we awoke early the next morning to drive out to the BLM land to finally see his mustangs. I've never seen a kid so excited. It was really cold outside, and I figured he might change his mind. I was so wrong, haha! We bundled up and took off down this bumpy gravel road on the BLM land, and after a few miles he spotted his first band of bachelors. You would've thought he won the Powerball. He was rustling to grab my old camera in a frantic, and zip his coat up as fast as he could. "Lainey, you have to pull over, there they are, real live ones, I can't believe it" All I could do at this point was try to keep from laughing as stuff is flying all over the car. 

We sat out there for a couple of hours so he could just watch them all. He was amazed, and I was quickly changing his camera cards because he thought we needed a million photos of the mustangs. 

We left the BLM land and made our way to Jackson, Wyoming. I told Creek not to worry because we'd be seeing more mustangs on the ranch in Montana, along with a ton of wildlife as we were going to go through Yellowstone. He didn't make a peep. I think at this point he was overwhelmed with this adventure. His little heart was pounding as we made our way down the highway towards Jackson, and his first glimpse of the mountains was an unforgettable experience for me. We turned the bend, and there they were. Snow capped, and jagged. "Oh my gosh!, Lainey, that's a beautiful picture" as I could see the reflection in his big blue eyes. Once again items in the car went flying and he was digging for his camera. I'm not really sure to  how many photos we have of those mountains out of the car window because I'm still currently sorting through the thousands haha!  ​

We decided to get a little rest,and awake super early the next morning to make the drive to the Teton National Park. I didn't have to ask him twice to get out of bed. In fact, he put on clothes and boots, and flew out of the cabin. I'll be honest, I didn't make him brush his hair. We were camping, and on an adventure! Who has time for hair? It was dark, and we had thrown some breakfast burritos on the dash to warm up from the defroster, Our cameras were charged, and we would catch some early morning light, and hope to see a lot of wildlife. As we turned the bend on the gravel road, I could hear Creek's heart beating out of his chest almost as we were greeted with deer, and elk.  "This place is so beautiful" as he began to tell me all about elk habitats and what they like to eat.  I'm the adult here, and I'm getting information from an 8 year old tour guide, haha! 

We spent the next few days just traveling through the parks, and photographing every animal in sight. A few times I was even asked to stop so we could photograph a bird's nest, or a pretty rock he found. He was in his element. I figured he would be getting pretty home sick as a few days had past, but it was the opposite. He wanted to travel further,and further. I felt like I was driving a smaller version of a National Geographic photographer around. He would begin his day with telling me what he'd like to photograph,and I'd try my best to make it happen. His folks on the other hand we're having a terrible time missing him, and his little sisters called often. My sister aka Creek's mom was a wreck haha! 

After a few days of staying around the National Park's it was time to head towards the ranch. Creek was excited to see the mustangs again, and I was ready to be away from tourist. 

The ranch was beautiful, and Creek was in heaven being surrounded by hundreds of horses. He finally found his white "Cloud the Mustang" and we have thousands of images of him as well, haha! 

The horse drive was an experience, and the sound of thundering hooves against an old gravel road is one I will cherish forever. I'll post pictures on my facebook page when summer calms down a bit. 

As summer is quickly winding down, and school begins in session again I have a feeling Creek is going to have quite the stories to tell his classmates. He has decided to use his photography from this adventure to benefit Farmer Grove Homesteads, which is an organization that host foster children. Last year we made Christmas ornaments and all of the proceeds was donated to buy little kids boots so they could participate in the horse therapy program. He raised enough funds to buy four pairs of boots. 

As we rode through the mountains at the end of this trip, I realized that this could very well be the best adventure I've ever been on. Seeing the world through the eyes of an 8 year old little boy, and his excitement for life is refreshing. He taught me a lot about myself on that trip, and has inspired me to take more photographs of things I might've taken for granted, such as a birds nest. 

We made our long journey back home after being gone for more than 8 days. We were exhausted, our car was filthy, and we were ready for a long hot shower. Was I crazy to take my nephew across country? Maybe I was, but to see the joy in his face, and the million questions twirling around in his mind, and packing a camera everywhere he goes was priceless in my opinion. Since we have been home I've been informed that he is my new assistant, I have to take him on every adventure, we will be moving to Montana soon, and when he gets a wife I can still live in his log cabin so we can still go take pictures, haha! 

 I've been inspired by this little guy. Our mission this year is to raise enough funds for Farmer Grove Homesteads to buy 5 pairs of boots for foster children so that they can participate in the horse therapy program. His way of sharing his love for animals.

I hope his story inspires you. I hope his story let's you know what's right in the world, and most of all how fast kindness can be spread. One 8 year old little boy with the love of photography, buying boots for little cowboys and cowgirls in need :)) 

xoxoxo

Lainey & Creek's Big Adventures 

P.S. Watch my facebook page for some of Creek's images, and some new items he  will have up for sale this fall to help him with his goals 

I'm sitting here writing this little gem as I'm covered in sweat, and feeling like I just ran a marathon. I'm covered in soaking wet horse hair, and my face is a flushed as a tomato. My whole body feels as I've just did a thousand jumping jacks, and I smell terrible. Welcome to the summer heat and humidity of Missouri. 

 I asked my dad last night if he would feed my horse for me this morning so I could catch up on a few things, and he gladly agreed. Now this could've been the biggest mistake. I arrived at the barn in the early morning hours, a cup of coffee in my hand, and was getting ready to catch my horse when I noticed all of the other horses running, and bucking like little young colts. I thought to myself "Hmm, everyone must be feeling good since it's a little cooler this morning" 

 As I noticed the other horses lapping around, and prancing in the pasture, I just kinda giggled and watched for a moment as I went to halter my horse. The moment I put that halter on my horse, and he also began to snort I giggled and knew he was feeling better, and liking his new home. I walked him over to tie him up, and began brushing and combing his wild mustang hair out, and he settled right down. Now this is the horse I know. We had quite the conversation until I threw that saddle pad over his back. That big black head came flying up, and he was instantly alert, and you could tell he might just take flight at any minute. Now this is the moment that you have to decide if you're going to be brave enough to saddle and climb on this fire breathing dragon. I took my chances. 

The other horses were still acting like they were in a zoo, or out on open range, and I couldn't figure out why. I climbed up on my supposedly "gentle" horse, and I knew when that ol' head came flying up he was feeling good, and I was about to ride a gazelle. We trotted around a bit, and I knew the cooler weather felt better, but at this point I'm riding a giraffe. His ol' head was high, and you could feel the spring in his step. At any moment I'm thinking he's gonna kick over the moon, and I'm gonna be a yard dart out here in the back pasture. So we trotted and loped a few extra circles. Yes, he definitely has received some TLC in the last few days he's been here, but surely just plain rolled oats wouldn't bring him up that fast.

 Remember, I asked my dad to feed? Yeah, well my dad also has thoroughbreds at the house right now, and those horses are on super high protein grain with supplements. Real life race fuel. They need to be in top condition for racing season, and they burn a lot of calories, so a higher protein is needed. However, our normal riding horses get a smaller mixture of rolled oats. As I finished my longer ride this morning, I thought I'd just check what grain my dad fed. I was right. He fed my ol' gentle horse racing fuel. No wonder I felt like I was riding a gazelle thru the pasture. The moral of this story is, never bring a horse to my house that needs some TLC from previous owners. He will have them jumping over the moon in no time, and your morning ride sessions will have you feeling like you've rode a gazelle from here to Mexico! ha! 

P.S. I guess on the plus side I found out that blue horse can long trot quite the distance. I thought he was a Honda, not a Ferrari, thanks Dad :) 

It seems my soul gets lost in the romantic idea of being able to pack a suitcase, and leave within a moments notice. Some might call it living like a gypsy. I like to think of it as freedom. Traveling inspires me. I've been informed I need to invest in a teepee, so I can get the full "authentic" effect of cow camp, and hotels are not so easy to find in a one horse town. So let the lessons begin. 

I was invited out to the ranch to update photography for War Bonnets Brands, and with handmade western jewelry why not take photograph everything it represents, and learn how to set up a teepee in the process? Setting up a teepee was a little overwhelming for this girl, but here goes nothing! 

We drove through the tall grass on a bumpy pasture road, and decided that it was the perfect place to photograph. I was instructed to grab a large sledge hammer out of the back of the pickup, as we'd be needing this to stake down the teepee through the Osage rocks. 

Now ladies keep in mind, I'm out in the middle of a bull pasture with a cowpuncher who doesn't lack a sense of humor, or never misses the opportunity to give me hard time. I knew I couldn't mess up this process, so I was paying close attention to every word Colonel (as we like to call him)  had to say. With a serious look on my face, and my full attention he began the lessons. "Laine, the first step to setting up a teepee is...crack a beer" Oh gosh, here we go with the hard time, as he just began laughing at my expense, and the serious look on my face, ha! 

We unfolded that sucker, and I began using that huge sledge hammer to stake it down, and I didn't even hit my thumb, win! Put up the poles, and Boom! Mobile home complete! I really think it could be homey once you put a bedroll in it. It's spacious, and there's enough space you could actually stand up. The canvas is rain proof, and blocks the wind better than a regular tent. 

As we concluded the photoshoot, and headed back to the house ,Colonel informed me of staying in a teepee for months on end. Cowboys on the wagons can't get far from the herd ,so it's a requirement. His eyes light up every time he talks about being a 2 day drive from the nearest town, and living in a teepee for months in the middle of nowhere. Literally. 

As the world seems to be spinning out of control, and the amount of greed and hate seems to fill the media outlets. I felt my soul refreshed to be out in the middle of the bull pasture, disconnected from every day life, with the crickets chirping, and the sound of a whippoorwill off in the distance. You can "Glam" up those teepee's up a bit right? Turquoise canvas? Ha! 

I think I just found my new weekend retreat. Have teepee, and bedroll. Will travel. 

If you've followed my Facebook page you know that I'm an Aunt to 3 kiddos. Creek Canyon ( age:8), Paisley Golden (Age:4), and then the little dumpling Coral Mae (age: almost 2).

Summer is in full swing, and if you can imagine having 3 kids that love to be outside, you know that it takes a village to keep them all tracked down. Being the aunt, I like to think of it as "Herding Feral Cats" 

If you've ever tried to herd a bunch of feral cats, you know that it's quite the under taking. It's best to divide and conquer. That's where the village comes into play. I've been nominated as the 'Village Go-To" lately when the little dumpling (AKA; Coral Mae) needs someone to keep her occupied while my sister and brother in law try to catch a little break once in a while, or grocery shopping. I mean who wants to herd cats in a grocery store? ha! 

The other day Coral Mae, and I were spending the day together, and our plans of planting flowers didn't pan out because it was pouring down rain. Now, can you imagine a wild beast caged for hours just pacing back and forth to get out? That explains Coral Mae's attitude as this country kid loves to be outside. Aunt Lainey was running out of options for entertainment indoors, and my hair was quickly thinning. 

I didn't know if the dress she had on was from a boutique or a hand-me down, but at this point I was willing to face her mother, and buy her a new one just to let the caged beast burn off some energy! ha! 

I noticed these pretty little shallow puddles, and I just so happened to have her rain boots, although I was soon informed that rain boots must be for sissies, ha! Of course, I grabbed my camera, headed down the drive with the almost two year old beast, and all of the dogs in tow. We began stomping, and splashing, and soon that little yellow dress was covered in mud. Those blonde curls were soaked, and that little wild child was finally taming down. 

If you're a mother, I commend you. The beast had to go down for a nap shortly after our puddle jumping, and I...well... I had to finish cleaning up jelly that she had decided to fling all over the kitchen that morning. 

I adore the precious time I get to spend with the kids, and I have to say I'm getting pretty creative at "Beast Taming" these days... Maybe that's why the kids have been begging to stay the with Aunt "Yainey" more often,Oh no! What have I done? ha! 

Hope your summer is being filled with mud pies :))

xoxox

Lainey aka "Beast Tamer"  

Good morning friends, it's been awhile since I've had a chance to sit down at a computer. It seems life has been really busy! So speaking of busy, I know some of you ladies will understand this blog, and maybe it's not just me that's been cursed? 

I've decided that Ranch Girls are a beautiful majestic creature! They're the Unicorns of today's society. These kind of women can work as hard as a man, but can do so with such class and grace it almost seems magical. Now, with that being said, I have a small confession...

I like to feel like a woman. I enjoy hot showers after a long day, and getting dolled up on a Saturday night. I also enjoy getting my nails done. It's true. I can tie a slipknot, or fancy braid a mane and tail, but I can't for the life of me paint my darn fingernails without it looking like a toddler got a hold of a spray can on my hands. So for the sake of society, I have to pay someone to paint my nails. 

It just seems I've been cursed...

​It never fails that the moment I leave the nail salon it opens up the flood gates for shear disaster on the home front! 

Just last week, I left the nail salon, and someone had ran through the 5 strand barb wire fence taking out six T-Posts, and scattering horses along the old highway. 

Fresh Manicure= Fixing Fence, and catching snorty horses. There goes that manicure.

This week I thought to myself, I'll book my appointment early on in the week in hopes that it would last a few extra days. Boy was I dead wrong. 

Horse owners know that it's always unpredictable. The disaster always waits for the worst timing! In my case the disasters always wait until I get home from the nail salon. 

So here I am driving home, radio up, and windows down looking at my perfectly painted nails in a blush pink color, and as I pulled into the driveway I saw a horse limping towards the barn...

I found myself moments later with my fresh painted nails elbow deep into a bucket of epsom salt. It seems nail salon day is a great time to tell me that you have an abscess.

The moral of the story is Ranch girls have to try 100 times harder to look glamorous, and most of the times we run around looking like a hot mess, or homeless, but we sure can fix fence, doctor horses, and catch snorty broncs when they decide to bust free. 

I am cursed with the " I can never have nice nails while I own horses" curse 

xoxoxox

Lainey 

IMG_7438 You travel hundreds of miles to get there, pay a small fortune for entry fees, and after the crowd quits cheering, and the event comes to an end you wait for your images to show up on Facebook. Now social media is a great thing! It's allowed me to make friends all over the world, however once an image is put up and your friends comment  " Nice job buddy", or " Good ride" it seems that moment is forgotten after a few short hours. 

IMG_7481

The "Glory Days" of your roping, or bronc busting career will come to an end. Social media may not be around when we're all in the nursing home telling these epic stories of that wooly bronc, or the steer that had a perfect hop to win you that large check. My point is this, if you don't have these stories in print how can you pass them down to the younger generation? I know I personally love old photos. I've collected a few over the years from when my Grandpa was an ol' horse trader, and they're some of my most treasured processions.

I know we're all a little young to be thinking of the nursing home, but are you really going to be able to show your friends on Facebook in 100 years from now? A professional print is guaranteed to last 100+ years... Can you really put a value on a moment when it becomes a memory? 

Print your photos, buy prints from small artist. They cost less than dinner on the way home, and I guarantee you'll remember them far longer than you remember what you even ordered. 

- Lainey xoxox 

As you read in the first blog post, the first day of cow camp was pretty rough on us gals.

If you missed the first post,and want to catch up, here's the link:

There's something about being surrounded by a bunch of cowboys that makes you want to try harder to look, and feel like a lady,however.Maybe, it's the fact we knew the cowboys hadn't showered in days, their clothes were still covered in manure, and they definitely smelled like a "man". At this point Beth, had been cooking 3 squares a day for a crew of 20 or so, and that's a whole lot of food to prepare! We deserved to look a little rough at 5:30 a.m. to serve breakfast. It definitely called for yoga pants, hoodies, and hair in a messy pony tail. 

But Beth, and I were worn, and we needed to put on our war paint (makeup) to make us feel a little better. We snuck off to the house after serving lunch thinking we'd have a little time for a 'girl time" You know a hot shower, makeup, and possibly a little siesta for a little beauty sleep before serving dinner on the wagon that night. 

Well, Well, Well, we had just dozed off for a few minutes after our hot showers, when we were awoke to the sound of Beth's husband entering saying "You're teaching my dogs bad tricks by just lying around", of course I giggled, but Beth just shot the look of death his direction. Which then made me giggle a little more. I think poor Colonel could see the look of exhaustion upon our faces, and left the house immediately, or maybe he was scared for his life from that death look, but regardless we were left alone to put on a little makeup, and put on proper clothes for dinner hosting. 

We arrived at the wagon to find the boys cleaning "calf fries" aka Rocky Mountain Oysters. Sounds fancy, right? We were told they'd be perfect appetizers to our champagne cocktail hour... 

As I sit here tonight utterly exhausted, I don't really comprehend how cowboys do this days on end. My fingers feel like they're 50 lbs just typing the keys to tell you this little story, with a little dash of humor. We've been up for 17 hours straight. 17 hours, and still going...I mean someone has to do the dishes, right?

As we awoke our sleepy eyes at 5 a.m. to start Breakfast for the cowboys that morning, I was ecstatic to head to camp to capture images of the working cowboy in their "offices" . But, that was also at 5 a.m. Here it is 17 hours later...

After breakfast is cleaned up, you start cooking lunch. A group of hungry cowboys will be expecting a hot meal by noon. Are you kidding? We just got done serving breakfast, and now we have to cook again?!?! 

​And then dinner... I have spent my whole day cooking, and cleaning,and sneaking in a few photos along the way. Am I having fun? Yes, of course, but...

Haven't these cowboys ever heard of catering? Are they not okay with a ham sandwich? Who decides that cow camp entitles everything authentic? What about an old biscuit, and a pot of 3 day old beans? 

​Now it could be pure exhaustion speaking, but as my friend Beth and I were driving back to the ranch house covered in manure, with a horrible smell between us, only to realize that it was us that smelled so bad, our hair a fright, and so dog tired we can barely move, it got us to thinking...

Maybe we're not cut out to be ranch wives. Maybe we like Mimosa's at brunch, and sleeping at the Hilton with really fancy soaps, being able to brush your hair, and smile without the feeling of grit of dust, or better yet, clothes that aren't covered in cow manure.

Then I realized one more thing... I'm not married, and I didn't sign up for this. However my fashionista friend, Beth decided she WAS gonna marry a cowboy, and not just any cowboy. A cowboy who is use to being out on the wagon for weeks on end, and never seeing civilization. 

And on the drive back home to the ranch house Beth simply stated " I don't want to be a cowboy's wife anymore, I like mimosa's, and being able to brush my hair" 

Did I mention it's only day one, and we'll see you in the morning at 5:30 a.m. for breakfast on day two of cow camp 

P.S, This is all in good humor as we're both just so exhausted we have the giggles, and can't help but chanting in our Jerry Seinfeld voice " I don't want to be a cowboy" Ha! 

As I drove through the beautiful Osage with a travel cup of coffee in my hand, one of my best friends playing co-pilot. and a small baby blue colored Honda covered in dirt I arrived in Cherokee Oklahoma after a few hours. When I pulled into the arena it looked like a normal saddle club. The wind was gusty, and the dust was flying. The bucking horses were in their holding pens, and the abundance of cowboys and gals filled the bleachers, and rodeo grounds. I had just arrived to the Rylee Miller Memorial Ranch Bronc Ride. 

While I never met this young lady that was killed in a car accident a few years ago, her spirit flooded these rodeo grounds. The amount of folks that came to celebrate her life in this memorial was overwhelming. As the event began, they brought Rylee's horse into the arena for a tribute to her life that was ended too soon. This horse was lead by James, the man hosting the event, and the love of her life. I was brought to tears. 

To make matters a little more emotional, they followed this by the waving of ol' Glory. I don't care how many rodeos or events I attend, the waving of Ol' Glory always gives me goosebumps. The cowboy lifestyle sure knows how to give thanks to our Veterans, and our freedom in the most respectful powerful ways.

The opening ceremonies were followed up by a prayer to celebrate the life of this young lady. In my opinion you sure can't beat a bunch of country folks coming together for such a great event, and to take a moment to thank the good Lord for this country, and the many blessings he has bestowed upon us. What a start to such a great event! 

The Ranch Bronc riding event is something that's a little different than saddle bronc riding that's often times seen in Rodeo's. The rules are they have to ride in a ranch type saddle with a horn, ride for 8 seconds, and it's pretty much stay on if ya can. You're allowed to use the horn but you receive higher points if you "fan" your hat. This event came about from cowboys trying to "break" young colts on the ranch. 

While this event is much more than just bucking horses, I was in awe of the stock. They were rank! 

The dust filled the air, and as I made a little seat at the edge of the arena I began to get covered. I loved every minute. However I did find it hilarious as one guy was walking back down to the bucking chutes, looked over at me sitting by the fence, and begin to crack up laughing as he said "Miss, you're all dusty" . "Yes sir, I'm quite sure I am" I wouldn't even look in a mirror because I was quite certain that if a guy who had just rode a bronc noticed how dusty I was that it certainly had to be terrible. In fact all you could see was the whites of my eyes, and my teeth after I finally looked in the mirror, ha! 

Fanning one so much you blow out the top of your hat! Now that's pretty western! 

There were plenty of volunteers to help run the silent auction, the cook shack, the loading of the stock, and the abundance of pickup men. The silent auction was to benefit the Rylee Miller Scholorship Fund, and there were plentiful of items! 

This event even hosts women's ranch bronc riding, and those ladies can take a rough event, and make it look beautiful! 

Those girls might be my new hero's :)) 

As I was covered in dust, literally... and I loaded up my camera gear for the drive home back to Southwest Missouri, I thought to myself that even though I never met this Rylee Miller, that I hope I live my life like she did. She obviously was loved,and respected by so many for them all to come together in her honor. 

The Rylee Miller Memorial Bronc Ride just concluded it's 3rd year, and they're already planning on the 4th annual for 2017. As this event continues to grow, and grow you can expect a pen of rank stock, authentic cowboys that come off the ranch to showcase their talents, and a silent auction full of handmade items from cowboy gear makers. Put it on your calendar for 2017! 

Hey friends, so it's been a while since I've had time to sit down and write. I apologize. Something from a conversation last weekend came up, and usually on these kind of things I process them for a few days, and then decide if I want to actually write about them. However, I keep going back to this conversation, and I know some of you may not like what you hear, or actually don't want to hear it at all, but that's okay. Keep an open mind. 

A friend of mine called,and was just devastated over this "cowboy" who had broke her heart, and while I'm terrible at advice, and even WORSE when it comes to "cowboys" and their way of thinking,  all I could think of was this...

 My sister has  been married to my brother in law now for..well, a long time, and 3 kids later they're still going strong. Her job requires her to work on Saturdays, and since Saturdays are usually the only day that my brother in law Darrell can get away, it becomes quite the adventure to get away to work cattle with kids. Now Darrell, and I have been friends for longer than I can count, so we have quite the brother and sister type friendship. So on most Saturdays when we have to go work cattle, I get a phone call the night before 'Hey Lainey, can you be at the house by 4:30 a.m.? We're leaving out early" In other words, he needs help with the kids, and I can tag along and take pictures..haha! 

So now you're thinking to yourself "Ok, Laine... What does this have to do with being single, and having your heart broke?" Well, you see, Darrell and I have a system for early mornings like this. He starts the pickup to get it warm, saddles the horses, hooks on the trailer, and gets all the gear loaded from the barn. While I get to the house, make coffee, pack a thermos, pack the "snack bag" & breakfast for the kids, and get them dressed and ready. We then meet back at the house, and carry sleeping kiddos wrapped in blankets to put them in their car seats, and head off to the pens to meet the rest of the crew. It's a system we've used for a long time, and it works for our traveling circus, and what a circus it is! 

So here we are in this new age of technology, and it got me thinking... I think we as females should be independent, but strong enough to go about it like a team. Of course we can saddle our own horses, and we can hook on the trailer, but is this man you're crushing over/dating  worthy of your time if he wouldn't even saddle your horse for you? So when it comes to advice on being a single gal, I have none, but you can always ask yourself this "Would he saddle your horse for you?, or hook on the trailer if you needed him to?" It's about being a team, and a little old fashioned. 

My brother in law & dad have raised the standards pretty high for this gal. They don't text, they call, they don't believe in Facebook, and they have never sent an email haha! As far as my friend goes, her heart is mending, she's making her own coffee, and saddling her own horse with a smile upon her face... and my advice consisted of telling her that I bet that "cowboy" didn't even know how to saddle a horse, haha! 

My nephew Creek Canyon on one of our family adventures... It takes a village to help raise kids, and I'm proud to be an aunt! 

 It seems I just blinked and it's already Thursday?!?! How did this happen? It seems life is running a little "unbridled" in every direction lately, and I can't help but to feel a little overwhelmed, but blessed beyond measure! 

I found out a couple of weeks ago that I was accepted into the Cowboy True Art Show & Exhibit in Texas! Someone needed to pinch me! I never thought in a million years that I would get accepted to show next to some of the United States top artists! Actually, I'm still in shock as I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to determine what pieces I need to take. This is always a struggle with me. I seem to have sentimental value to a lot of photographs. I'm sure it will all come together, you just gotta have faith, and at this point that's all I'm running on.. Dreams & Faith! 

Now it seems the flood gates we're opened because shortly after I received the news about the art show, I was blessed to have an idea I've always wanted to do come together. The good Lord let Ryan Mileham's and I path cross on one cold wintery day, and I'm sure glad he did! 

We've come together to create a coffee table style book called "Stuck To My Boots" , and it's a collection of cowboy poetry, and western photography. Am I dreaming? A little piece of our heart and souls have been put into this book, and I can't wait to release it! 

As life seems to be running away, I'm simply reminded that all of these long hours, dark circles under my eyes, & endless pots of coffee that I can't help but to keep a smile on my face. This is a journey, and on a journey you get to experience life, life at it's fullest. These are my dreams. My dreams are coming true with every turn of a page, and I'm enjoying this chapter. 

The book is set to release on March 19th at the TallGrass Gallery in Pawhuska Oklahoma. Book signing begins at 6 p.m. 

If you happen to be in the Wichita Falls Texas, or Pawhuska Oklahoma on any of these dates, I'd personally like to thank you for supporting these dreams, and encouraging me to run free on this journey.  Please feel free to stop by, sure would love to see ya! 

I drove down the 4 miles of rough gravel listening to the sound my car makes as it feels like it's about ready to rattle apart towards the ranch. My small duffle bag in the backseat, coffee in my cupholder (about to splatter everywhere), and a smile upon my face as I approach the ranch to meet the girls for our trip to Stillwater for the Agri-Women's Conference at OSU. 

I've traveled more miles than I care to admit, but this would be the first time I've actually traveled with ranch wives to "town" . Keep in mind throughout this blog, that the "town" of Stillwater is approximately only 48,000 people. Relatively small compared to some in my opinion, however to a ranch wife a town this size automatically translates to Las Vegas..

As I pulled into the driveway, I was instantly greeted with a calf in the front yard. This is normal right? The little feller was under the weather, and Beth said 'Don't think anything about the calf in the yard, we had to move him closer to keep him doctored, and an eye on him" I didn't expect him to literally be in the front yard, but there he was saying "hello" ha! 

"Oh, Hello!"

Now this is where I received my education on traveling with a Ranch wife.. Remember, I just packed for 2 days, so we said our hello's and began loading the pickup to head to "Town". I grabbed my purse, threw in my duffle bag (2 days, I need to keep repeating 2 days so you understand it's only 48 hours, and what I just witnessed) I'm just gonna show you a picture of what I witnessed.. See below..

This picture does not do it ALL justice..

Are you in shock yet? This picture doesn't even show my little duffle bag.. This picture just represents stuff from 2 ranch ladies, and this is only for 2 days worth... 2 days.. in 'Town'..A moment of shear panic came across my face, as I thought to myself " Oh no, I didn't pack correctly", or 'I thought we were just going to an Ag Conference', and even the thought of 'Now,what am I gonna wear?' Don't worry they quickly assured me, that if I didn't bring an outfit to wear that they had plenty of extras, and I could pick out one from the 10 extra they packed..ha! 

Then when you go to "Town" you have to make sure your nails are in pristine condition. You can't have nails that look like you've been loading feed, or help haul hay, you have to get pampered when you go to "town" So of course we had to stop by a nail salon! 

If you're not laughing by now, then I've obviously failed at this blog, or you've never traveled with a ranch wife. We all know ranch wives don't get to go to town much, and when they do, they make up for lost time. Time in town obviously means a reason to put on makeup, to wear clothes that aren't covered in cow manure, and boots that aren't covered in mud. The thing about a ranch wife is she is flexible. She can go from your right hand partner, to a beautiful butterfly, but don't expect her to pack light! 

Back to the ranch, and Beth doing morning chores as 'fashionable" as ever! 

P.S Thank you ladies for decking me out in your finest jewelry. Who knew we'd need every accessory for each outfit. Good thing you packed that extra suitcase just for accessories, ha! 

 Oh the dreaded Valentine's Day, a day where retailers mark up the price of flowers, chocolate and teddy bears.. plus not to mention how picked over the aisle's are as most males wait until the very last minute to make their purchases before they head home for the evening. I know this, because at one point I worked in a floral shop. It's a look of shear panic across their face! Oh the pressure! 

 As I've traveled to ranches, I was introduced to these very rare gems in which I can personally relate to. They're the backbone of an operation, and their title is "Ranch Wife" . A ranch wife, or girlfriend is a very species. They can go from shoving herself into a pair of Spanxx to fit into the beautiful dress on a Saturday night, to pulling in the driveway to notice a heifer calving, and having to help in her heels..They're the kind of ladies that can get a blood stain out of any kind of fabric, that can whip up a 5 course meal for a bunch of hungry day workers in a moments notice, can back a truck and trailer into a loading ramp, and can hold it all together with grace when the cattle market plummets.

These women truly are a gift from God, as they pour their heart and soul into an operation supporting their husbands. They're classy, elegant, yet tough & supportive. They act like a lady, but can work like a man. They may have painted nails, & lips, but aren't afraid to be the first to help you at 2 a.m. with a downed heifer. 

To all the ranch husbands, I don't think it was a coincidence that Valentine's Day falls right in the middle of calving season. This is one day to remind your wife what a gem she truly is, however you know that this gem of a species doesn't want you to waste  money on overpriced flowers, chocolate, or teddy bears.. 

So I'm here to help all you guys for the pressure of Valentine's day. These rare ladies, deserve a sweet card of appreciation, a gift certificate to get her nails done because she's ruined her fresh manicures so many times by helping you out, and a new hot shot! That old hot shot you have behind the seat of your pickup is junk, and your lady shouldn't have to settle for a junky hot shot! ha!

P.S.- Guys I'm just kidding, take the time to put some thought into a special gesture that truly represents what this woman means to you, these ranch wives truly are the backbone of an operation, and the first to support your dreams. 

xoxox- Lainey 

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   As the crisp morning air touches my face, and I head to the barn to saddle a horse for the day, I always have the feeling of butterflies in my stomach. I've never been able to explain this. Is it the pressure I put on myself to grab the perfect shot? or is it the excitement of the stories waiting to be told? 

There's not a better feeling than pulling into the pen in the early morning light, and watching the cowboys all stand around smiling as they're quickly catching up before they go to work that day. It's also a pretty good feeling when they start giving you a hard time saying " The tourist" has arrived, because if they didn't give you a hard time then you know you wouldn't be welcomed. Ha! So you embrace it when they give you grief..

​"It's about riding for your brand, the loyalty in a handshake, and the power of a man's word" 

This is so much more than just working cattle, or riding nice horses. This is about the friendships you make along the way with the ones that share the same visions, and dreams as you. It's about helping your neighbor out when they need a hand. 

So you see it's much more than just "branding" , the smell of burnt hair, the vaccinations, or even the cattle. It's a time for ranchers with the same dream, & vision that come together to once or twice a year that help their neighbors out by the sweat of their brow. 

These images were captured in Southwest Missouri on the Squibb ranch. Feel free to share, or sign the guest book. I'll be posting more images of this branding shortly. -Lainey 

This is not to misunderstood with the guys that "go to town" and only wear their hat to impress the ladies. This is a different type. The guys/gals I photograph represent a lifestyle of respect, integrity, and morals. They don't wear their worn hats to impress anyone, this is a part of who they are. This is their life. They represent a lifestyle that is put under attack every single day, and they wear them with pride. 

I just wanted to write a simple blog to the folks I may have photographed, or will in the future, and say that I'm sorry if I don't capture many images of you in your ball cap. Please don't take it personal. My camera is always drawn to the grit, the character, and the stories you wear upon your head in the shape of a felt or straw. 

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 I just got back from a cattle gathering, and one of my friends had offered their spare bedroom for an overnight stay.  The closest hotel was 30-40 minute drive away, so I gladly took them up on their offer. I pulled into their driveway later than expected that night, and was greeted inside to the smell of tacos & margaritas, now that's my kind of welcome! 

 As I was trying to warm up from the being out in the bitter temps that day, and as we were all catching up, somehow we got on the subject of old cowboy stories. Now, if you know me, I could sit , drink coffee and listen to these kind of stories for hours!  I was in Heaven, as Justin began to explain the "Wagons" as he called it out in Arizona. I guess I've been sheltered to this kind of knowledge, because I just sat there in fascination, as he began to tell me about the "Spring Wagons" , and the "Fall Wagons" 

The Spring & Fall Wagons hire around 10 guys or so (each season) to come in, and they leave from the headquarters to go work one camp cowboys "section"( which could include miles and miles to cover) , they camp out in teepee's, sleep in bedrolls, and have their own string of horses. They do this for months...MONTHS! There's a camp cook that takes care of all the supplies needed, because the cowboys only come back in to shower every 2 weeks (There's no way I could do without a shower!) Then he said, between the "Wagons" (Spring & Fall) there is a "Clean Up Crew" , which means they hire a small set of cowboys to go gather all the strays that might have been missed between the spring and fall wagons. 

Justin was hired out in Arizona for the clean up crew, and then Beth smiled at me with a twinkle in her eye, and handed Justin an old leather covered photo album to show me the images he had captured while out there. He explained how rough the country is, how you'd have to use binoculars to find cattle on a far away ridge, and then once you spotted the cattle you had to find a way to sneak around the mountain to bring them down. I know I probably looked silly, as my jaw was just dropping from amazement of what these guys did in a full days work. Justin explained about the large rocks, the cactus, the deep ravines, and having a good using string of horses was crucial. 

The next thing I know, he pulls out an old "ranch" documentary ( As Beth calls it) made in the 1980's of Arizona cowboys, and their lifestyle. It truly is a lifestyle that only some could endure, and town is a full days drive, and some places have no electricity, only propane. It was quicker to pack supplies in on mules rather than drive a pickup. I couldn't finish watching the whole thing, because the next thing I knew it was almost midnight, and my eyes were so sleepy. 

We awoke in the early morning hours, Beth brewed a fresh pot of coffee, and invited me to join them on their feeding dates, ha! 

The beauty of the Osage in the early morning hours is an amazing sight to see. The sun glistens on the tall grass, and the cattle breath sparkles as they run towards the cake truck. It was the perfect way to enjoy a cup of coffee in a to-go cup.

As we were headed back to headquarters, a few deer ran out of the woods, and then I heard the cake truck turn on, and drop a few range cubes. They of course needed a little breakfast too! 

As I was leaving the ranch that morning to head to another branding, I was driving down their long driveway, and thinking to myself "Do I have a passion for the photography, the stories, or just the experience more?" 

I still don't have an answer to that question, but I think it's a combination of it all with the great folks that I've become friends with that share the passion of this lifestyle.

I'll have another blog post on the branding later this week. I hope you all have a great week, &  I hope to hear from you! Feel free to sign my GuestBook, or check out my Facebook  page. 

It's located on the outskirts of a quiet little town called Carthage, off an out of place back road, you're just driving and all of the sudden you see this little "town", and it's in pristine condition. This isn't your ordinary setting, these buildings have history, and were moved to this location. Lowell Davis is an artist, and the owner of Red Oak II. Red Oak II was brought about when Lowell left the corporate world, and returned home to his home town, only to discover it had become a ghost town. To my understanding he quickly began buying up these old structures, moved them to his current location, and began restoring them to their original condition! 

There's an original General Store where you can purchase some of Lowell Davis artwork (you can also purchase online), that has been restored to original condition. Can you imagine sitting on that porch with a glass of iced tea? 

This Black Smith shop is very sentimental to Lowell Davis because his great grandfather practiced his trade there.

A mechanic's garage, complete with some antique tools 

A Phillips 66 Gas Station  This is where the milk man lives

As you can see from the images above, almost every single detail has been taken care of for a small town. A church, a school house, a carriage shop, a town Marshall, and a few houses thrown in for residence. 

You can find the whole history online at www.redoakiimissouri.com , the website also includes an autobiography book of Lowell Davis titled " There ain't no memories in first class" 

​His character, and artistic ability is dispersed throughout all of Red Oak II. If you're out for a Sunday drive, I highly recommend stopping in! 

A case of cabin fever had hit my friend Amy and I so we decided to grab breakfast & coffee, and catch up.. Did I mention that I'm not a Starbucks kinda girl,and I wanted to take Amy to this neat little place I had found a few months ago..It's called Hangar Kafe, and you can eat your breakfast, and watch skydivers, or the crop dusting airplanes. It's found at the end of a gravel road, in the middle of nowhere. My kind of place!

The natural sunlight from the large windows is very refreshing on a winter's day! 

Breakfast arrived very quickly, and was delicious! Our server was friendly, and the place is spotless! 

Of course the decor is all aviation based, and I couldn't wait to see one of the small planes take off.

It was really windy out today, so the dust was flying once the plane started up. 

After breakfast Amy, and I were still catching up so we decided to turn breakfast into a back road adventure. This really isn't out of the normal for me when I have my camera in hand. 

​I make frequent random stops for old barns. I decided we should head towards the old ghost town of Avilla, Mo. It's located on the old route 66, and I've read some history on how the town use to thrive when tourism was in full swing. 

​Old route 66 never disappoints for photo opportunities! 

When you haven't seen you friends for awhile, you just go ahead and decide to make a day of it, ha! Why not? The weather was beautiful, our bellies were full, and we had nothing but the open road ahead. Which lead us into the town of Carthage. 

When route 66 was thriving you could find these old road side motels with their distinctive neon lights lined up along the whole route. Today most of them sit in ruins or very poor condition since the new interstates have been put in. The character & charm of these motels were very unique, and it's sad they've just let them all go. 

We visited one more place today, but that will be in a blog post all in it's own. I hoped you enjoyed our Sunday back road travels, and plan a trip to the Hangar Kafe, or down the historic Route 66 in your near future! It's worth the trip! 

Two friends with the thirst for wanderlust, out on a Sunday afternoon drive is just what I needed today! 

Here's just a few highlights from 2015.

January started off with lots of snow in Missouri, and the beginning to many laughs in the "farm truck chronicles" ( 3 Girls, 1 puppy, and 1 sick baby calf stuck in a single cab feed truck) .  When the snow flies, days get longer, and there's no vacation days.

The end of February, and the first of March I headed to West Texas to visit a ranch. The warm sunshine on my face while I was there was much needed, and being in the middle of 95,000 acres also ignites my creative side. This was an experience of a lifetime, and really puts everyday life into perspective.

I guess I really like Texas in the month of March because two weeks later Amy & I headed back to deliver a horse

After we delivered the horse, we headed further South & met up with the Robinson family. We were immediately welcomed, and the love Greg has for the Lord, and his children is contagious. We left Texas with new friends, and a smile upon our faces, plus I was able to grab some shots from their branding so it was a win, win!

April & May seemed to be chilly and wet, but I squeezed in a few shots. Isn't Jim (the horse) so pretty? I'm in my element even though I'm bundled like a oompa lumpa, ha!

I snuck away for a few days to visit my second family in Wisconsin, and they live in the middle of Amish country, so of course I packed my camera.

A visit to Iowa also happened to St. Clair Quarter Horses, what an experience that was! Check out all those colors!

This year I got to witness my 7 year old nephew Creek Canyon brand his first calf. His excitement had all the guys laughing, and of course we came home with a few stories.

I'm surprised my ears didn't fall off that day because Creek talked them off the whole time we gathered with the boys that day, but I couldn't quit laughing.

So thankful & blessed to call these guys friends, they've supported these dreams since day one!

It's a view that only some will understand.

I still made time to capture a few back road sunsets, and treasures. I just love old barns!

I was accepted into the TallGrass Art Gallery in Pawhuska, Oklahoma this year, and this has been a dream come true! Bruce Carter the gallery owner  has become a great mentor, and friend.

After dropping off a few pieces to the gallery, Jana and I were onward to Amarillo for the Ranch Rodeo finals. This is our girls getaway vacation. A little piece of our hearts are in Texas I guess you could say.

While in Amarillo we visited the Palo Duro Canyon, and what a sight to see!

l

After returning from Texas I just knew I had to go back to Pawhuska to see the TallGrass Prairie, and it was there that my heart fluttered, and I fell in love. I love the raw beauty, the free roaming bison, and all the wildlife. I've been multiple times since then because I just can't seem to stay away, ha!

I even made some new friends in Pawhuska and was invited to their branding. Gosh the beauty of Osage County can't be described in words! It's a must see!

Right before the holidays, I was informed that I was losing my full time job, but just as one door closes, I was presented with a new chapter. Real American Cowboy Magazine called and wanted me on there team. It really is a dream come true! I'm pushing forward into 2016 with a fresh new start, new friends, and lots of memories! Thank you to each and every one of you that has made this journey unforgettable! I can't wait to see where I visit, what stories are to be made, and what memories will be captured, and most of all I can't wait to share! I hope your New Year is filled with many blessings. ~ The 'Tourist", Lainey

   I've kept I-44 Interstate & the highways well traveled this month, and I've had a lot of requests to "Where in the world are you taking all of these Buffalo pictures from?" I just giggle, because it's not a secret, and in fact it's a hidden treasure that more people should know about!

It's called the TallGrass Prairie Preserve & it's about 45 miles North of Tulsa, Oklahoma and just North of the town of Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

As you drive into the small town of Pawhuska the streets poles are lined with lit up Christmas trees, wreaths, and lights, as the feel of old fashioned small town charm fills the air. If you're hungry for lunch (before you head out to the prairie) Grill 125 is a great stop, and I high recommend the mushroom/swiss burger! When you're in cattle country you can guarantee the beef is fresh! The service is great, and the atmosphere is inviting & cozy.

As you drive North of Pawhuska, you'll start to see the wide opens spaces and then once you cross that cattle guard into the prairie preserve your heart will begin to flutter.. It's a view that can't be described with words. You're now on the open range road.

You'll need to be prepared to make frequent stops on the open range road for the abundant wildlife. Pack a camera and make a day of it!

As you spend most of your day at the prairie don't forget to save some time to visit the Tall Grass Art Gallery & Osage Outfitters on your way back into Pawhuska.

The TallGrass Gallery has been kind enough to feature my work next to some amazing artist across Oklahoma & Kansas! Bruce  (The gallery owner & metalsmith) will welcome you, and I bet you'll even hear a story or two while you're there. He's top notch, and knows all about every artist & their work.  

The Gallery features art such as: sculptures, paintings, charcoal drawings, furniture, wood work, and of course photography.

Don't forget to stop next door to from the gallery and visit Osage Outfitters too! This store has everything you'd need for the working rancher or a night on the town! Huge boot selection, and high quality goods! The owners are very friendly, and I've always been greeted with a warm welcome. .also right down the street is Spurs & Arrows, and this little store is full of charm! Custom t-shirts, western décor, and even kitchen ware. I should just say, plan to shop and stay a few hours while you're in Pawhuska, ha!

This place & town is a must see!

Tall Grass Prairie Preserve

Tall Grass Art Gallery

Osage Outfitters

Spurs & Arrows

Grill 125

My 7 year old nephew has a heart of gold and has the passion of photography. I asked him" Buddy what are we gonna do with your pictures?"  Are you ready for his response? He simply stated "Well maybe we could sell some and buy little kids shoes, not all little kids have shoes" of course my heart melted, and I knew I had to do something. We've teamed up with @lazyktdesigns designs to create these ornaments and 100% of the profits will be donated to Farmers Grove Homesteads. Farmers Grove Homesteads is an organization for foster children, and after speaking with the coordinator she said most kids show up with a plastic bag with just a few personal belongings. So we're on a mission to help as many kids as possible with a 7 years olds vision through his photography, and making it come to life with the help of Lazy KT Designs.. If you'd like to purchase one of these one of a kind ornaments please visit www.lazyktdesigns.com , in the store you will find Creek Canyon, his story, and available options for purchases. We're hoping to raise enough money to purchase new clothes, suitcases & anything else these foster children might need.

May you all have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! - Lainey & Creek

Then she said: "you'll see a sign at the end of the driveway, then turn left at those two feed bins" just as I lost all cell phone reception..

               I packed up that baby blue little Honda and headed West about 5:30 a.m. last Friday, and I guess I was in a big hurry because that nice police officer in Chetopa,Kansas clocked me going a little too fast.. I think he kinda found my situation humorous because my little car was loaded down with coats, and I do mean a lot of winter wear ( I don't like freezing) , a backpack full of camera gear, a purse, and hot coffee.. He just simply smiled and sent me on my way with a nice warning, and a "Have a great time today".. Whew! Well that was just the beginning to this adventure. I had put the address in my GPS but when you're visiting 16,000 acres GPS doesn't really work for an "official" location, and so you frantically try to make the phone call to get the directions, and you realize you have no cell service... So here I am just driving around trying to remember the way. I played phone tag a few times, and I finally could hear, turn left at the sign, that's the "driveway" then turn left at the feed bins, and that will take you to the house. Well, well, in my part of the world a "driveway' is a short distance. ha! After driving what felt like 5 miles down this "driveway" I finally saw the feed bins, but I still had no cell phone reception, so at this point you just try to find your way & snap a few pics! My heart was fluttering because it was beautiful, and I don't mind being "lost" in beautiful country.

I arrived at the house and I was greeted with a warm welcome. We then ventured on up to headquarters where I was introduced to all the day workers, ranch hands & managers. All the men removed their well worn cowboy hats, and shook my hand firmly. I instantly felt welcomed.

Beth & I were told to help drive the truck and trailers back from "caking" the cows ( No it's not like chocolate cake, ha! It's range cubes) So here I was meeting some of these folks for the first time, they welcomed me into their home, and now I'm driving their farm truck? I love it here! I even got an educational lesson on Native American rocks, ha! ( that's a blog all in itself)

The guys all gathered a few momma's & babies, and then a home cooked meal consisting of Cowboy beans, corn bread, onions, tea, & cake was served. We then proceeded to the branding pen where all the young riders were allowed to rope first while the guys with the most experience worked on the ground crew. This is why I have a passion for ranch photography, it's about capturing the traditions of the older guys and passing it down to younger generations.

The ranch was breathtaking! The folks welcomed me like family, I received many good stories to tell at a later date, I didn't get a speeding ticket, met a few new friends, and hopefully captured a few new wall hangers. Thank you Ball Ranch & crew for being top notch! - Lainey xoxo

P.S. you can view all the photos from this ranch under the gallery "Ball Ranch"

P.S. I'm going to try to become better at posting blogs a little more often <3 

 

I'll never forget the night I decided to venture downtown to a little hole in the wall venue. It was dark, the floors creaked when you walked, the old bar was weathered from old water stains, and the stage could tell many stories I'm sure. It was a cold week night & I had got invited to see some old friends perform that evening, and to be honest I really didn't want to go, but I'm sure glad I did...

If you know me personally, you know I'm a huge music addict (for lack of better terms) and as I sit here this evening Waylon Jennings is playing softly in the background. I've found many memories reappear when you put an old Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, or Merle Haggard on the radio. Memories of riding around in the old rusty feed truck, or many heartbreaks along the way. Music is just something that speaks to me. It's these old legends that truly knew about the soul in a song, they put their hearts out there every time. 

It was on this particular evening I saw things in a new perspective as I sat there, and listened to the new songs my buddy had wrote.. I was blown away..This was real, this was heartbreak, this was the great memories & the sad all mixed into a beautiful melody. This is the same buddy who months prior, was living out of his jeep, and couch surfing from friends houses while writing and getting as many gigs as he could book. It seemed he booked every little gig he could, he just wanted to play. 

After their set was over that evening, we were all sitting around telling stories & catching up, and I witnessed something right there. One guy turned and said 'Hey man, you're getting really skinny", my buddies response  (after he giggled a little) "Ya, well sometimes all ya got is Ramen" meaning ramen noodles. It caught me off guard. Here is is putting himself out there on stage, writing those soulful, fill your heart, bring a tear, or bring up a fond memory kind of songs, and he's doing it for the passion of what he loves & believes in. That little line has inspired me more than he'll ever know. 

I guess we're all dreamers in our own ways, and I always seem to relate to musicians & ranchers. Every time I'm invited to go to a ranch or branding I have that nervous feeling in my gut. I put the pressure on myself to make sure an image captures the heart,tradition,and heritage and it's just not a photo.Songwriters & Ranchers are pouring their thoughts & feelings into the lyrics, and  trying to scrap by with what they have until they afford better equipment, more cattle, or more land. It's about making the best with what you have. We're all chasing these different dreams, and dealing with life in between, but there's those times that "Sometimes there's Ramen", and you just roll with the punches & keep putting yourself out there. Every .Single .Day. 

P.S. My singer/songwriter buddy is currently living in the city, and set to release his first album. I'm so proud & I'll be posting when it's availble for purchase. It's amazing! 

-Lainey xoxo

A day spent with a man who has traveled over 30,000 miles on horseback to fulfill his dream of swimming in the ocean, Jeremiah Brinkley. 

These were questions that were submitted via Facebook, or here on the blog: 

1. What was your favorite or most memorable sunset?

J: " Yucca valley and it was about 70 degrees, I was sitting on Tom's front porch smoking my pipe and drinking coffee when the sun light rays shined down and hit the mountains, it was beautiful.. Have you ever seen rays like that?" 

2. What were your previous horses like? 

J: " I first got Lady J, and bred her to a tobiano stud and that's how I have Anna Marie. The other two in between just didn't work out, they were ornery ( he giggled) and I gave them  away to a forever friendly home. Anna Marie has been my favorite, and her and I have a special bond.

3. Do you have any regrets?

J: "NONE, except I should've done this sooner"

4. What have you learned about others? 

J: " That most people are good inside, and you have to look at it from a Christian point of view and decide that most people are good inside, and if not than it's just the sin" 

5. What do you think about in the evening?

J; What I've been blessed with that day, and just to thank the Lord for everything he did bless me with or what he wanted me to learn"

6: What all do you carry with you?

J: Sleeping bag, tent, Anna's brushes, water, one extra set of clothes, a little food, 2 knives and a sharpening stone"

7. What's the most difficult obstacle you and Anna have overcome?

J: "Quicksand, for sure quicksand.. We started in, and there was nothing I could do. It was covered in grass, but Anna pulled out perfectly. She's a smart horse., and also we've been lost in the woods before" 

8.Do you ever hit dead ends?

J: "yep ( he laughs) but I'm not on a time schedule so I just turn around if I do"

9. How do you pay for necessities? 

J: " I work odd jobs, I've landscaped, sheet rocked, pulled weeds, shoveled manure really anything anyone needs done, I'll do it" 

10. What advice would you give America's youth?

J: " Just to follow their dreams, and not give up. If you want something bad enough then there's no excuse"

11. What concerns you about America that you've seen?

J: "That we're getting further away from God, and they're making more laws than we can follow.. They're making more laws than we can keep up with" 

This interview was conducted over lunch, and when asked where he wanted to eat & that I would take him anywhere he chose "The Gateway Cafe" in Spokane, Mo and ordered a Chef Salad & coffee. Just the life of a simple man, a vision, the love of a horse, and riding on faith. Happy Trails Jeremiah until we meet again. You've inspired me more than you'll ever know. <3 

His words create visions of the sights he's seen, his voice creates an atmosphere of freedom, and his horse create a overwhelming feeling of pure love. So I need your help.. What are some questions you would ask Jeremiah? I'm gonna write these down, and try to get some answered over the weekend & I will post a whole blog interview :)) Let's hear them, what would you ask a man that has been horseback for 25 years & has seen all the sights he has? 

~ Lainey 

The fire was crackling, the smell of coffee & dutch oven apple crisp filled  the air as we were camped along that river bottom. The horses were tended to for the evening, and we all pulled up a chair around that campfire. The tall tales of outlaw horses, buckles almost won, and stories of the many miles traveled down the ol' highway all chasing our own dreams were flowing. The sound of a quail, and a hoot owl is off in the distance, and the warmth of the fire upon our faces seem to calm even the loudest of worries. I sat around that fire that evening, knowing it would be a early morning filled with gathering & branding but for a moment, I was in the company of great friends, a full belly, and a warm place to rest my head for the night. These are the moments that pictures can't do it justice, and you're overwhelmed with a feeling of being blessed. 

-Laine