Lost on the Horizon Photography: Blog

Love

(Lost on the Horizon Photography) — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 15:43:00 GMT

In all my miles up and down Hwy 90, I never noticed the love locks until we stopped last summer.

If you're unfamiliar with Love Locks, they are a symbol of love and commitment. A tradition where lovers lock a padlock on a chain or gate and then throw away the key, symbolically locking their love forever.

It makes sense that they started one in Valentine, Texas.

#lsotonthehorizonphotography #lostonthehorizon #adventurephotographer #adventurephotography #adventures #lovelocks #texas #westtexasphotographer #valentinetexas

IMG_9288_WM

I Want Ta' Be a Cowboy

(Lost on the Horizon Photography) — Sun, 31 May 2020 21:15:35 GMT

A few years ago, I had the absolute pleasure to meet one of the most extraordinary men I have ever crossed paths. Cowboy extraordinaire
is an understatement. Not only a revered boot maker, historian, philosopher, writer, horse trainer, actor, friend, musician...he is an amazing storyteller. Don gifted us his book, Strictly Western Cowboy Poetry, and with his permission, I am able to share his works. I sure do miss our Saturday mornings together.

I hope you enjoy as much as I do.

The photo was taken while at spring works in Mertzon, Texas with the Blanks Land & Cattle Co.

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SpringWorksI Want Ta' Be a Cowboy
I Want ta' Be a Cowboy
D.C. Decker - Cowboy Word Painter

I want to be a cowboy,
and with the cowboys stand.
With leather chaps n' boots n' hats
and a lariat in my hand.

Right now I'm just a greenhorn
waitin' ta' learn the trade.
I want ta' be tough n' macho;
tough as rawhide n' tailor made.

I want ta' be a bronc buster
n' ride a buckin' horse.
I'll scratch em' in the shoulders,
with my silver spurs of course.

I'll rake em' up and down his side;
you bet I'll fan the breeze.
I'll ride my silver saddle
n' ride em' with great ease.

I want ta' be a cowboy
n' work in the big outside.
So I can ride in a cowherd,
n' cut one high n' wide.

On Friday night I'll get ta' town,
a cowboy? I'll make it slick!
At punchin' cows I know I'll shine.
But brother, I can't dance a lick.

Free

(Lost on the Horizon Photography) — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 17:12:33 GMT

It's no secret I have not putting much time into my photography lately.

I have felt less than inspired.

Less than artistic.

Not wanting to conform.

Wanting to be free from caring what people think. Free from subjecting myself to critiques, criticism, comments.

To just be free.

And so, I am.

Free to roam. To write. To play. To bake. To laugh or even cry when I want.

Last weekend, we ( my trusty partner and myself) packed up the camera and just drove.

Until we found the perfect place to stop. Peaceful, serene, and during the golden hour.

As I was preparing to take the first shot I've taken in some time, this furball pops up in my frame!

As I sat there laughing with her trying to find her place in my lap, I thought, THIS ... whatever this is, is the secret to a happy life.

Stay tuned for more (dog free) photos!

Red

#lostonthehorizon #lostonthehorizonphotography #landscapes #landscapephotography #landscapephotographer #nature #naturephotography #naturephotographer #lifewithrubyred

Twinkle in His Eyes

(Lost on the Horizon Photography) — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 14:56:19 GMT

His sweat stained hat, weathered skin, quiet nature, callused hands, and gentle smile. They all tell all a story, but nothing like the twinkle in his eye or his smirk when stories of the old days are being told.

#lostonthehorizn #lostonthehorizonphotography #cowboys #cowboylife #western #westernphotography #ranchlife #rancher #ranching #texas

#myheroeshavealwaysbeencowboys

My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys

(Lost on the Horizon Photography) — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 15:22:15 GMT

I can remember growing up, my granddaddy would tell me in his most tender of voices to look up, look the world in the eye, watch your step, don't drag your feet. Listen to your surroundings, learn how the earth moves beneath a summer breeze.

It's no secret my heroes have always been cowboys. Cowboys are slow to speak and quick to listen. They can ride fence from sun up to sun down, travel a 1,000 miles or go days inside without uttering a word. But when they do speak, they'll get your attention every time. They're full of wisdom and wit, charm, and stories that are almost too good to be true. A cowboy's attire isn't for show. He doesn't care about labels or brands. They're a hard working breed for little pay, praise or fame. Fancy surroundings and big cities don't suit their style - they'd rather give you a summer sky full of twinkling stars and wide open spaces that you can see from near and far. A cowboy would give you the last two dollars he had, the shirt of his back - he'd run through hell to save you and would defend you to his death. Cowboys are a special breed, a rare find. It takes more than a tip of the hat or a jingle in the spur to make a man a real cowboy. You'll know him by the quiet in his voice and the twinkle in his eye, his faithful nature and his hard working hands.

(PS...just so you know, this cowboy was definitely my hero this day - he wasn't just standing around looking pretty...he was watching something on the ground...very next pic is of him jumping off his horse, without hesitation, and killing a snake with nothing but his rope.)

Valley of Death

(Lost on the Horizon Photography) — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 22:30:00 GMT

I am so humbled and blessed to be a part of Save the Cowboy. Thank you to KW for sharing my work in the Spring 2016 magazine. ~ RED Valley of DeathValley of Death - 2016

We're all familiar with the lifestyle the cowboy lives - even when it's not out on the open range. The lifestyle isn't where he is, it's who he is. The cowboy can be horseback, in battle, or in the board room, but there is definitely something distinct about his innate character, his moral fiber, and his spirit.

From the moment I captured this image, this verse has been running through my mind: 'Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.' ~ Psalm 23:4 (Living Bible). We've romanticized the image of the cowboy to a point that we've forgotten who they really are, what they are made of from the depth of their soul, and what they really are capable of enduring, overcoming, and accomplishing.

There is a strength and fortitude in the character of a cowboy that can only come from the darkness that he's witnessed. They have risen out of the ashes of difficulty and moved forward with determination. They're not immune to getting kicked, drug, or knocked down and sometimes they'll stay right where they are for a short while, in that hole, nursing their wounds like a small child. But they're not void of moments of clarity and happiness, and sooner or later, those moments turn into minutes and then into hours and then days and weeks.

Most men will use the challenges, road blocks, and bad choices they’ve made as a crutch, making themselves out to be a victim to the circumstances of their life. The cowboy will use those very same challenges to grow his faith, his passions, and his purpose. They’ve made sacrifices and suffered losses that most people will never understand and they’ll use that darkness to shine a light and make a difference in the lives of those who can’t quite find their way yet.

He’ll continue to grow into a man of character – one who stands up for who and what he believes, a protector, a guardian. While worn and sometimes ragged on the outside, he’ll use what’s happened to him to let his tender side – the caring, kind, compassionate one – show through. He’ll use his rugged hands to share a tender touch with a small child or an aging parent. His stern voice will tremble with gentle words for a lost soul, a wounded friend.

Never underestimate the strength or the courage of the cowboy. He was born for a purpose and divinely given the blessings and power to achieve it.

(c) Michelle A. Farley | Lost on the Horizon Photography