As I sit here to reflect on the last 365 days, I can't help but to feel my heart is headed in the right direction. I've met so many new friends this year,  have covered so many miles, and have seen things that some only dream of. 2015, you truly have been an adventure, and I'll be sad to see you go, but I'm so excited for this new chapter in 2016.

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!

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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