Dirt Face

On. Horse. Back.

 

It had been a long time since I had last been on a horse.  When I was a youngster, I used to go riding at least once a week.  I liked horses, a lot.  I felt very comfortable on a horse, riding at many levels.

Well, that was a long time ago.

Last Saturday, Nico's family and their family friends from Texas decided to go on a little adventure, horseback riding! The entire fam was going, so they very generously invited me to join.  I was stoked, heck yeah!

I got my riding gear ready the day before: leather boots (no spurs this time), dark leggings, a shirt that breathed well, and of course aviators.  I was ready for some horsey action...

 
Getting up on the horse was a little more difficult than I had remembered.  I suppose it's always easier to hoist yourself up when you weigh 35 less pounds.  Once I got seated comfortably, had my stirrups adjusted properly, I could already feel the discomfort coming on.  My butt was going to be so sore tomorrow.  And it was.

However, having an uncomfortable rear was really the least of my worries. Two minutes into our trail ride, the dust began to rise in our faces.  Oh, and did it rise, and cover..everything.  I was breathing dust the entire time, whilst attempting to cover my camera from the little brown specks.  Unfortunately, I didn't do a very good job, as my camera still has a brown film covering it.

Ahhh, nature.

The Newest Element

On Tuesday after work, I took a little bike tour through the city streets of Santa Barbara on my way to the Farmer's Market. Whilst walking through the fresh produce and colorful sunflowers, I had a strange urge to walk over to the little camera store that I knew was close by. Lately, I have been toying with the idea of buying a new camera.

A hop, skip and a jump later, I found myself peering over the glass counters at the camera store. SO MANY pretty ones to choose from!!! Nikon or Canon..Aaah, not to mention a lifetime's worth of savings to purchase one of these little guys! Hmmm. Well, I decided to give it some consideration on my bike ride home. I realized that if I bought the camera the next day, or a year from now..I was still going to buy one. I was too excited. I had to get one. It had to be tomorrow.

When I woke up on the next morning, I pleaded with my dad to come to the camera shop with me. Bobby, after all, was always a great photographer and recognized a good camera when he saw one. If I was going to buy a camera, he had to be there to approve.

The next thing I knew, I had made the final decision to buy a new Canon. It was a very scary decision because I knew that I'm going to have it for the rest of my life. This little guy is going to be my best friend in so many ways. He (still haven't found a suitable name) and I will hopefully see many great parts of the world together.

Anyhoo, you may guess what my first subject was with the camera...any??








Yes, that's right. PIXIE