I miss the morning routine most of all.
First thing you should know about me is that I’m more of a middle-of-the-day or night person than a morning person. Most of the sunrises I’ve witnessed have been after long nights of staying up.
But every morning at Eatons I’m excited to get up just as the sky is beginning to show some lightness. First glance is out the window to see what the clouds have in store for us. And the excitement begins to build. Will this be the morning that I get that perfect shot?
I throw on my clothes and hustle out to meet the group. At this point the light is just a glimmer above the horizon and we head for Chocolate Drop. We scramble up the hill about ½ hour before the wranglers even head out from the barn. The excitement seems palpable.
It seems like some of the horses are just there waiting for us. Coming over to see what we’re doing and giving a snuggle here and there. Others are much further afield. Chocolate drop is a huge mountain pasture so with 200 horses to wrangle in the mornings, it takes a little time. As the light begins to fill the sky we chat, share our experiences, and comment about the amazing scenery.
And then like magic the light appears above the mountain just as the horses are making their way past us.
The air is fresh and being with like-minded artists fills my heart. I find myself thanking the universe every morning for the amazing opportunity to create a workshop where others can feel the same immense gratefulness for the world we live in.
“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
When I’m standing at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, photographing 200 horses rushing past me, and living in the moment…I’m happy. It’s all so clear and simple at that point.
Editing the photos now brings me right back to those mornings. I’ve even printed one and taped it to my computer to remind me how important it is to break the chain of our daily routine, travel to new places, make new friends, and do something that feeds the soul.
Every year I look forward to this amazing adventure in Wyoming and I’m honored to be able to share it with some of you. If you want to join me up Chocolate Drop at 6:30am every morning, I’d love to meet you up there.
What do you think? Tell me the adventures in your life have have brought you the most joy?
Be well….be creative,
This brought tears to my eyes—and such happy memories! I have love my Eaton’s days and your workshops so much!!! Can’t wait to do it again!
Bama
Thanks Elizabeth, a workshop at Eatons’ Ranch wouldn’t be the same without you along!
I’m so glad you’re back and writing again. It’s the spark I need to remind me to pick up my camera again and create. Even if it’s just one image. To take some me time and look beyond. I get so caught up in what I think I need to do every day and forget what I REALY need to do… Stop, think, experience, create! Thank you so much! Michael
I love this……YES, stop, think, experience, create…..that is what it’s all about. Let it come from the heart.
I live in Wyoming and would LOVE TO JOIN YOU NEXT SEPT.
I will most definitely keep you posted Heather! Would love to have you join us:)