Reserve.

After a rough few weeks in college I finally found time to explore the nature reserve that is by my campus.

A mile or so walk was greatly appreciated today.

I saw two little deer most likely just kicked out by their mother. I did not take very good photos of them, however they were very curious of me and the piece of pumpkin I was offering them. They edged rather close to me and were simply adorable.

Near the end of my journey I saw the sun shimmering on the lake as in set into the trees. It was wonderful, peaceful, and exactly the break I needed.

Vegetables.

Most people think that children hate vegetables, however, when I was a child I loved my veggies. When my mother gave me meat for the first time I spit it out -- apparently it's not like I actually remember my first meat meal. To me cauliflower tastes like heaven, I love it! Cooked vegetables are alright, but I enjoy raw veggies way more. I am in fact a vegetarian - in case you were wondering.. I feel bad for an animal being killed for nutrition people could easily find elsewhere. If you aren't a vegetarian my only request is respect. I can't bare when people insult my life choices. Basically what I'm saying is don't be a hater.. Classy message I know. Have a great week everyone and remember everyone: PSA -- don't be hatin.

Tea.

Life is more dramatic and lovely by candle light.

Mid-day tea and a vanilla candle is exactly what I needed today. Photos may be dark by candle light, but every once in a while a dark picture is needed.

This ginger peach tea was so good for me.

I move in to college on Saturday, I'll try to take a few more country pictures before I move into the city.

Hope all of you got to relax a bit today. Enjoy what is left of your summer!

Moon.

A few nights ago my view of the moon was wonderful. My simple point and shoot camera in no way does this natural beauty justice.

The moon was bleeding into the cloud.

Reuben.

On yet another day outside I found a frog in my mother's flowers! I enjoy frog flowers, it's almost like they are intentionally posing for me.

Usually when I take my dog along on a hike he acts as if I'm a tree. However, today he was quite photogenic.

I love my little puppy Reuben more than anything in the world.

A little snow in summer.

Relax.

A nice cup of tea, some poetry, and a bit of journal writing is what I think of as a perfectly relaxing night. I use my laptop for a picture frame of my absolutely favorite photo. I took it while in Colorado and I think it is my best work. It is my preferred ambiance for a quiet night in.

A delicious cup of ice cream tops off my wonderful night in. Also since I topped off my ice cream with fruit it defiantly means it's healthy!

At least once a week I like to take a night off from life and take a little time for me. Relaxing is amazing for you.

Gratitude.

Recently I celebrated my graduation with a small get-together of family and friends. As always, however, after every great party comes the slightly annoying task of the Thank You notes. Granted the people who came to my party brought their share of gifts and advice, but I loath writing Thank You notes.

I am thankful for the thought and sentiment of course that my family and friends put forth, but the time spent writing these notes could be much better spent hiking, going for a bike ride, or even working. Thank You notes are time consuming and a waste of paper. I don't like getting them or giving them.

I'd feel even more thanked by a person if they came up to me in person and thanked me rather then writing a thank you note.

Everyday.

Being a country girl is an interesting life. I love the nature and the peaceful sounds of all the crickets and frogs at night. I love waking up and having beauty all around my house.

My mother - when time permits her - is an amazing gardener. Shown above are her wonderful tulips that bloomed in our front garden.

Along with beautiful surroundings comes a bit of work. Helping my father in the woods is quite a regular part of my life. He makes firewood for my grandfather's wood burning oven - on occasion he cuts extra and sells it for a small profit to a few of his friends.

Although this is a slightly awkward butt picture I think it is a perfect description of my father. He is a complete farm boy and loves being in the woods more then being anywhere else. His five hundred dollar H tractor is his most prized possession. Anyone can tell he thinks his tractor makes him sexy - and he works it.

:)

Nature.

On yet another hike I tried to utilize my camera to the best of it's abilities - meaning my camera sucks. However in these two photos I feel my camera performed admirably.

Shown above is a luna moth that I noticed just in time to save it from my friend's foot.

The picture directly above is moss on a tree stump. I, for some reason, absolutely adore this photo. It shows me that beauty can be found in the smallest places.

Graduate.

This beaming child photo is me at the ripe age of about five.

 The photo below has been on my fridge since the day it was developed.

Almost two months ago now I graduated from high school. In the same month I turned eighteen. It's amazing how much and how little in my life has changed since these two events happened. I voted for the first time this past week and I bought a lottery ticket. However my life past high school is so far exactly the same as it was before my graduation. I now once college starts is when my life really will change, but right now in this moment I just feel free. Free from school and responsibility. Even though I have a job and a schedule I love this free feeling.

My graduation flower was a sunflower and I thought it was perfect to put these two photos together to show the change and similarities between the "young me" and the "even younger" me.

Hike.

It has been a while since I have explored the forest next to my house. I usually take my hikes in state parks or at my friends tree farm. Today however I was feeling nostalgic for my childhood romping grounds so I went on a sort journey through the wilderness.

After a few morning showers I set out on my adventure with my camera and my dog. A short walk down my country road and I was back in my dewy childhood meadow.

I never came here often because I felt that frequent visits may ruin the magic of the area. However, every once and a while when I had the urge to run away, I would come here and sit until the ants found me and I'd just think. I enjoy thinking. It's probably my number one pass time.

While walking through the forest next to my meadow of thought I found nature and beautiful photos as well! I hope you enjoyed the tale of my hike. I hope someone looks upon these photos with a kind eye.

Slightly epic tree.

Rain.

On a rainy Wisconsin day all one must do is sit with the windows open and enjoy the sounds. This entertainment is unique and beautiful - a lovely atmosphere to think of life. Think of the future and the past. Think of anything and everything. Rain allows a much needed peace to seep into our everyday lives. I believe that rain represents new life and a fresh view on old life. Rain is peace.