Pick your battles

Some evenings when I manage to take the time to read these blogs, I am amused, aggravated, frustrated....and more.  All to different degrees.  Some times I think "Do you have any idea how uneducated that comment looks?"  "..... how ridiculous that sounds?"  "...... how wrong you are?" I put my cursor in the comment box to make wonderfully profound statements, that to me, are going to make such sense, I could solve the World's problems.  I start to type, and hesitate, backspace...type, backspace.  And then, I just decide, if they don't see sense now, no matter their age, or how they were raised, they aren't going to listen to me.  And that's been shown from time to time.  Basically, I decide "Jessie, pick your battles"  My battle, is to have my life, and help to teach kids that this IS a great Country to live in.  We have freedoms.  We have diversity.  The old values, are still of ultimate value.  Patriotism isn't just OK, it's necessary.  Faith is how you live, live it.  You are nothing if not Loyal.  Think quickly, speak slowly, mean what you say, say what you mean.  Expect and accept consequences for what you do.  Love Freely and Generously. 

My blog is about sharing the beauty.  Beauty of Life, Mountain Home, Idaho, America.....and well, just what I think is beautiful.  There is a reason I chose the name, and the topic.  While some want to bicker and 'be right'   I hope I can remind us all, that we are here, and should fight for these rights, lives, and the lives of our up and coming future. 

With that thought in mind......

I spend as much time as I can behind a camera.  The images I capture are often timeless.  These same things were happening hundreds of years ago...and will hopefully be for hundreds more to come. 

This is last Saturday, we've saddled up, and are both  heading over to start shooting.  Wayne, with his rope, me with my camera.  These first shots were taken by a friend.  She is a young wife of a local rancher, raising little children in this lifestyle.  These photos show how I get some of my upclose shots.  Many of the shots would be impossible, if I was on the 'other side of the fence'  but, horseback, I'm safe enough to be in the midst of the meelee.... and it's tons more fun!

It just makes it so much easier to be right out there, when I'm horseback.  I can move quicker and be out of the way, when needed.

Beamer provides a resting post from time to time.

The rest of these are my photos.We are getting ready to start, just gathering together, chatting and catching up. 

These kids will grow up knowing the value of really hard work, and really fun fun.  And be able to appreciate both as necessary.

Here, Wayne is giving a toddler a ride.  She also will know hard work and great fun. 

The newborn is less than a month old.  She'll grow up knowing her family works hard, and appreciates friends who come to help and play.

Marshmallow has found herself another Palomino friend!

Let the branding/roping begin!

Father and Son

Watching these first two guys rope together is an amazing site to see.  Slow and precise, with as least amount of stress to the stock as possible.  I love watching, and it was cool they were both on Palominos for my photos.

Pretty loops are thrown

Then we break for lunch.  One of the most amazing things about these events, where people come together to help one another, is the FOOD.  It's just about always home cooked, and DELICIOUS!  Talk Tailgating!

Horse enjoy their break too

Kids have a job also.  This little guy is in charge of making sure everyone has a plate.  He takes it seriously, and it makes him feel important.  He'll always remember this.

More visiting and happy times.  Times like this, it seems like there are no problems in the world.  Just beautiful skies, landscapes and the life we love

They could be home playing video games, or plugged into a TV.  What do you suppose they'll remember in their later years?  I think they will look back and remember that Mom and Dad took them with them, even though it might have been 'easier' not to.  We have to work as a group to be vigilant and make sure their safety is always first and foremost.  We want them to have long and successful lives and be able to remember that we all loved them.

Back to work.  I realize that some of this might seem cruel, and offend you.  I have to say, well, it's our life, and our LIVING.  Ever had a burger?

This gal is one reason I prefer to be horseback!

We even have some acrobatics!  He's picking a rope off of the ground. 

This is quite a trick!  Going directly from one horse to another! 

After Marshamallow works the morning, I get to use her as my seat in the afternoon.

Jeff has changed horses too.  I'm excited to see that they are both on Bay/Bald face horses.  A matching team!  If you ever are invited to go to one of these, whether to help on the ground, or just to watch, you really ought to go.  There is a real art to all of this, ...in the entire process.  Not to mention FUN!

Nice and Quiet.  Horse's head down and relaxed, ears forward, not going fast, calf is caught, but just trotting along, not being dragged.  This is how they try to make each shot, if possible. 

All the while, the children are a priority.  She got one inside her coat too.  THAT is a Mom thru and thru.

So, I picked my battle.  Engaging in something I love, rather than something I don't..... it's the right choice for me, though I slip once in awhile.  This is the life I prefer to be immersed in.

Jessie