tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65638153717999892442024-03-18T19:56:20.140-07:00Just This RanchBecause Two Cowgirls Fell in LoveUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05259805463457270863noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563815371799989244.post-10454833490235044392012-10-21T10:13:00.002-07:002012-10-21T11:06:30.122-07:00We Needed You to Know <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dearest family and friends,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
promise this is the only time I will ever write you a letter like this.
In fact, I am only brave enough to share these thoughts with you
because I know you care. I know you care about both of us - my beloved
Melinda and me. The mutual respect we share has provided the courage
needed to share these words with you. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">To
begin, I am not asking anything from you. If your understanding and
support is offered it will be a blessing I could never have asked for.
For true understanding is a gift. In this case it would carry a
significance and meaning that is life-changing. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We
live in a country where freedom and individual rights are not like
privileges which can be given or taken away. They are written into our
Constitution and the laws which govern us. Generation after generation
of brave men and women have fought to protect these rights and freedoms
including both of my grandfathers. We honor them every time we exercise
the rights we have as US citizens, and each time we protect the
individual rights and freedoms of our people. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Although our country hasn’t always gotten it right byway of civil rights and liberties I believe that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">we strive to</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.
New generations come along and demand more equality for our people.
Freedom and individual rights are what we stand. That is why this is a
sacred land and a place I am so proud to be from. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The
thing is, today, right now, Melinda and I are still being denied our
rights as US citizens. We are not full citizens under the law. We would
never ask for special rights but we want the rights you already have.
The legal right to marry is actually only one of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">hundreds</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
of legal rights we are being denied because we love each other. We are
tax paying citizens under the same laws as you just with different
treatment of them. This is contrary to everything I know about our
country. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Although a Presidential election is so much bigger than any one issue the
bottom line is this election is about our civil rights; which makes all
others issues a far second. Regardless of the collective choice for
President, on November 7th, you will still have your rights. However one
of the nominees for President has promised he will continue to deny us our rights. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Not
only has he promised to choose a Attorney General who will spend
millions of US tax dollars to defend the Defense of Marriage Act, he
has promised to forge a campaign to Amend the Constitution of the
United States to permanently deny Melinda and I the nearly 1,300 tax and
legal rights that come with marriage and our ability to take care of each
other. Our ability to take care of our children. Our rights to be
treated fairly and equally under the law. What is more American than
that? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
know the value of your vote. I respect your choice. It is solely yours.
But, because you care about us, I felt compelled to share that if the
next President believes Melinda and I should be denied our rights as US
citizens than chances are so will the one or two Supreme Court Justices
he selects. That makes this election about far more than four
years. It makes it about the rest of our lives. It means this
election will determine whether or not our children will ever get to
see their parents have the rights of full US citizens. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
know voting for Romney may be a vote for many things you believe in. He
may represent things you want for the next four years. I respect that.
But a vote for Romney is also a vote against us and our rights. I
wish this wasn’t his position but it is. And, we needed you to know. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With love,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Alexa Benson-Valavanis </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01872773129832500608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563815371799989244.post-8313582340741136792012-07-29T15:23:00.002-07:002012-07-29T20:00:59.602-07:00A Blessing in Every BiteThe warm, sweet taste of
a peach right off its branch.
A simple, unmistakable reminder
of the many blessings
which grace our days.
We are grateful.
We are so grateful.
Today's harvest at Just This Ranch.
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01872773129832500608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563815371799989244.post-4867313880896098912012-06-19T20:02:00.001-07:002012-06-19T20:02:55.575-07:00Just This Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAG2zLtGxwnDlG5WII7u777tAE6hQKL3L8jfMXKrIIX-clhEDr9WH_65SjowoLpxQLGdjlojgiVXWjOzjCDDfs769L-G9WkUDK7HwsXcgXVwTg7rJAraJEOYqWeWrIaZsBfSWi5LOxziE/s1600/photo+5+%284%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAG2zLtGxwnDlG5WII7u777tAE6hQKL3L8jfMXKrIIX-clhEDr9WH_65SjowoLpxQLGdjlojgiVXWjOzjCDDfs769L-G9WkUDK7HwsXcgXVwTg7rJAraJEOYqWeWrIaZsBfSWi5LOxziE/s320/photo+5+%284%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The sunflowers were welcoming the sunlight,<br />
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The "teenage" hens were hunting for worms in the grass,<br />
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The Sun-Tea was brewing,<br />
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Our first ear of corn was sprouting a cute hair-do,<br />
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And some of us, were just trying to wake up!<br />
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12851388847690409650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563815371799989244.post-6341015217841465932012-06-13T11:50:00.002-07:002012-06-19T19:51:44.461-07:00An Old Fence...I got a lot of crazy looks and people shook their heads at me and smiled, thinking I was going to save a stack of old fencing for years and Never Re-use it!<br />
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Well...<br />
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Here is what I have to say in response:<br />
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A potting Bench<br />
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A Recycled Wine-barrel Table<br />
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(Inspiration from Pinterest)<br />
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Our Beloved "Barn Bar" <br />
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A stack of crates...<br />
that have so many uses<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWe7PM_C0JHi3Rk0JS-pgBtCFLjzZ67Tb_B1Jlx5Odw_tFgVYCJI_StEd0uO4scNGGr0q19-OV_6zHsJ1JDAVR9oV-y3bE7Czp4U4Eon-Cu2sv0OV_RYQUaCa9xA6TS_ogrhPTjLSljRA/s1600/frame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWe7PM_C0JHi3Rk0JS-pgBtCFLjzZ67Tb_B1Jlx5Odw_tFgVYCJI_StEd0uO4scNGGr0q19-OV_6zHsJ1JDAVR9oV-y3bE7Czp4U4Eon-Cu2sv0OV_RYQUaCa9xA6TS_ogrhPTjLSljRA/s320/frame.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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A large frame<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJByKreqB97TxVSgQ5qhacEMyrV1oIUEbkbrE2FQ0jG8RfmPW6d11m9YWYeMfQnbo9wqMljGF84ln6ATE1mNwZ7G_qIcvc1ebvCrVYPE-2LTg3I1XTFtXWQ4ephZtyBTRv3FmZiMk6lM/s1600/AJ+barnbar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJByKreqB97TxVSgQ5qhacEMyrV1oIUEbkbrE2FQ0jG8RfmPW6d11m9YWYeMfQnbo9wqMljGF84ln6ATE1mNwZ7G_qIcvc1ebvCrVYPE-2LTg3I1XTFtXWQ4ephZtyBTRv3FmZiMk6lM/s320/AJ+barnbar.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And a bonus photo of AJ on the Barn Bar! </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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No summary needed, but an Old Fence is quite a find!Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12851388847690409650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563815371799989244.post-2129986768742764672012-03-17T19:41:00.002-07:002012-03-17T19:44:00.837-07:00They're Already Growing Up...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H5OZlNdyt6Gfs1nMei3egEOVl7s9uiUI2pVNHDcsJ8UJT126aDaNtKxPoTkvrk4kTewOUV8REQoRuYdRM8AA-AzEQJVq_LTACHtWFrVXsEU9impBUmYf_L-rBm9glEvNLhwNiYWg258/s1600/photo+3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H5OZlNdyt6Gfs1nMei3egEOVl7s9uiUI2pVNHDcsJ8UJT126aDaNtKxPoTkvrk4kTewOUV8REQoRuYdRM8AA-AzEQJVq_LTACHtWFrVXsEU9impBUmYf_L-rBm9glEvNLhwNiYWg258/s400/photo+3-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05259805463457270863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563815371799989244.post-37533744012437363472012-03-13T08:09:00.000-07:002012-03-13T09:50:50.482-07:00The Best Part of Waking Up...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you live on a farm there are always little surprises. Though we knew our Chief Hen, Cheese, was warming eggs we were delighted to find our newest additions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Introducing... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aprille, Bringsmae, and Flowers</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAXiZHXHeC3xAMueWXGQzEFeaNuVtkDO0F9guQTkWCriTZ_Eg_Us9lNtt8Izh54tixJQPJt3dencaRT45s8M9lG2PKZukdR2UFplhyphenhyphenryOx75pcMkqD5v4ci0Txsa8cdjFoU0H8H87Pvw/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAXiZHXHeC3xAMueWXGQzEFeaNuVtkDO0F9guQTkWCriTZ_Eg_Us9lNtt8Izh54tixJQPJt3dencaRT45s8M9lG2PKZukdR2UFplhyphenhyphenryOx75pcMkqD5v4ci0Txsa8cdjFoU0H8H87Pvw/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12851388847690409650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563815371799989244.post-86689358104262344282012-02-14T14:27:00.000-08:002012-02-14T16:21:43.069-08:00Valentine's Day<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February 2012 | </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why Marriage Equality <i>STILL</i> Matters</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two years ago I wrote an editorial on marriage
equality. When I wrote it I had not yet
met the love of my life. I had not yet
met the future mother of my children or the one person on earth with whom I
would share every joy and sorrow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even so, even though I had yet to meet the person I would
promise forever to - I knew I deserved that right. Both of my grandfathers fought in World War II
against tyranny, hatred and discrimination so I learned as a young child what
our nation stood for. I never questioned whether or not I would be treated
equally. I never questioned whether or not I deserved the right to life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness. I
certainly never wondered if I would be able to get married to the person I
loved. Of course I would. For what is a
life without love? And, what of love if you cannot promise "to have and to hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health..." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I am still an American and I still don't have the rights my grandfathers fought for. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m not going to speak to the differences between domestic partnerships and marriage. If you believe separate is equal than my heart aches for the world you must see. But, if you believe that all American citizens deserve equal rights under the law than I ask you what I asked of you two years ago, please speak up. Tell your friends. Tell your children. Tell your state and federal representatives. Speak out for equality. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two courts have ruled that to deny Melinda and I the right to marriage is unconstitutional. The fact that Melinda and I cannot get married and raise our children under that legal protection is not something I am willing to accept. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It does not matter how long it takes the only end to the fight for civil rights is when everyone of our citizens has them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Two Years Ago...</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February 2010 | </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why Marriage Equality Matters</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know we have pressing matters to tend to. Our
homeless need shelter, our sick need care, our schools need resources, and our
children need to be left a world they can thrive in; a world with clean water
and air, with art and innovation, with religious freedom and equality. In fact,
these are the very objects of my affection and what I’ve dedicated my life’s
work to insuring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I understand busy. Each one of us is occupied in
various and numerous ways. We have our “urgents” and our “importants” battling
for every minute of our days. There is only so much we can get involved in.
Perhaps, our gay friends and their fight for marriage equality will have to
wait a bit longer for our attention? I say this and I am gay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I can only imagine where this issue ranks in your
to-do list. But, the truth is, marriage equality is no more a gay issue than
slavery was a black issue. In 2010, hundreds of thousands of Americans are
being treated as partial citizens. The very men and women we trust to fight our
wars, protect our streets, teach our children and heal our sick can’t get
married.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can’t get married. I am an American citizen, living
under the same constitution as you, abiding by the same tax laws as you, yet
without the same rights as you. Doesn’t that matter?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marriage matters. It matters in our society. It
matters in our laws. It matters in our hearts. Equal rights and equality
protection under the law - matters. For as long as we allow discrimination in
our laws it will remain in our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently heard the story of a Missouri state
trooper, Dennis Engelhard, who was killed on Christmas day. He was helping a
motorist when a car driving past lost control, hitting and killing the 49-year
old trooper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dennis was gay. He had committed his life to his
partner of fifteen years. After his tragic death, the state denied the normal
pension benefits that would have been given to any other spouse. In Missouri
there is no legal way for same-sex couples to marry. They are not protected
under the very laws that Dennis fought to defend day in and day out. Marriage
matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are countless stories like that of Dennis
Engelhard being told in a small courtroom in Sacramento, during the Proposition
8 trials. If you haven’t read the arguments for both sides of this issue yet,
please spend a few minutes at www.prop8trialtracker.com.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Within the testimonies of each witness and expert one
fact prevails. There are societal, psychological, emotional, and economic
ramifications linked to marriage. Denying marriage to an entire class of people
has negative consequences which extend beyond those individuals, and impact
their families, their friends and their communities. Moreover, denying same-sex
couples the right to marry has a negative impact our economy as a whole.
Oppression is oppression no matter what way you look at it and is harmful to
society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m writing this editorial as a friend of this
community and a firm believer in the values we built our nation’s democracy on.
I also believe there is no greater foundation than that of our family, friends
and faith. It is that foundation which led me to public service, and has
provided the compass needed to negotiate the difficult waters I’ve faced. It is
not easy to be gay in America.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, I am not writing this as a victim. I’m not
writing this to stand on a soup-box or run for office. It simply occurred to me
that maybe no one has asked you yet; asked you to get involved. If that was the
case, I wanted to be the first.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It will take all of us to abolish institutionalized
discrimination from our state and federal laws. Only then will we have a nation
worthy of our children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>~ Alexa Benson-Valavanis </b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05259805463457270863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563815371799989244.post-32348075325111539982012-01-19T16:17:00.000-08:002012-04-05T08:23:57.673-07:00Heaven's Drink<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rain drops slide down the old wooden house's frame tap-dancing along the way. The chimney smokes sweet dry oak trees. The dogs settle in for a deep afternoon nap as I start to keep track of time. I know soon my darling cowgirl will return. The chickens who at first scratched about undeterred by heaven's drink now find refuge in shelter. The goats like a warm funnel cake from the county fair remain intertwined. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How this has become my life is beyond understanding? Where thoughts once lingered now only gratitude remains; overwhelming uncontrollable gratefulness. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05259805463457270863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563815371799989244.post-41728852398652622562011-10-16T17:50:00.001-07:002012-01-19T21:36:07.839-08:00Marry Me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Today and Everyday</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/6_WZcBXRufU/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6_WZcBXRufU&fs=1&source=uds" />
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<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6_WZcBXRufU&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05259805463457270863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563815371799989244.post-50928041568080674542011-09-18T13:23:00.001-07:002012-04-05T08:24:15.999-07:00Morning Light<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><i>For Melinda Lee </i></span></span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2212810226057758741" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 590px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"> <br />
There she lay<br />
in the morning light<br />
naked, save the shadows<br />
cast by her own curves<br />
flawless, complete<br />
<br />
Her soft blue eyes<br />
remain closed<br />
untouched by fear<br />
holding only the slight<br />
remnants of sorrow<br />
from living raw and alive<br />
in a numb world<br />
<br />
Reluctantly I move</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">unwilling to stir her, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">to pull her </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">from the dreams<br />
keeping company<br />
with her heart<br />
<br />
Instead I remove my shirt<br />
slowly press my chest<br />
against her back<br />
wrap my small hand<br />
around her waist<br />
and, breathe in<br />
<br />
I breathe her in<br />
I breathe her </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">so deeply </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">so completely<br />
into my soul<br />
<br />
The morning light<br />
unabashed, dances on<br />
through the fruit trees<br />
inside the dawn<br />
as our witness.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">~Alexa </span></div>Ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05259805463457270863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563815371799989244.post-53070671338462751662011-09-18T12:44:00.001-07:002011-09-18T12:45:12.728-07:00Just Love.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/QdiaskmCQT4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05259805463457270863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563815371799989244.post-58251492714352673202011-09-15T14:03:00.000-07:002012-01-19T16:27:06.906-08:00A Country Sunrise<div class="date-outer" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">The white porcelain mug</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">rested on her fingertips</span></div>
<div class="date-posts">
<div class="post-outer">
<div class="post hentry">
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1484170325502536912">
<span style="font-size: small;">her lips yearned for the sweet</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">familiar taste of morning</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">with its warm hazelnut finish</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">and soft sunrise</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Her eyes held the orange kiss</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">between the earth and sky</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">a horizon which promised</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">uninterrupted time </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">minutes free to live, to love </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">without the constant</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">interpretation from God's believers</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">about what form love should take</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">As if they know what it took to make</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">the heavens and the seas</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">For that gentle moment</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">inside the new dawn</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">when the cold morning's breath</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">met the rooster's song</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">she bowed her head </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">She prayed for freedom</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">from the fear in their hearts </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">knowing she would offer it back to them</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">if it wasn't love they needed so much more. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">~Alexa </span></div>
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<h2 class="date-header">
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</h2>Ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05259805463457270863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6563815371799989244.post-68664384664798891432011-08-03T09:31:00.000-07:002012-01-19T16:27:15.247-08:00End of the Dirt Road<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">For Melinda Lee.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">My love</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">like a tall slim street lamp</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">illuminates </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">each room she </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">graces</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">barefooted </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">and breathtaking </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">in ripped jeans </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">and quiet brilliance</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Not far from her reach</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">a country morning</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> hums</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">dinner plate dahlias burst</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">and untamed oak trees dance</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;">against the sleepy sun's yawn </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Our minds tiptoe towards light </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">still intertwined </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;">in last night's dreams</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">our bodies tangled in soft sheets</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">with no reason in the world</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;">to rush </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;">awake </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> house at the end of the dirt road </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">amid almond trees </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;">and wild gratitude</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I fall into the bliss </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">of finding </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">the very woman </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 22px;">I was born to love. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">~Alexa</span></div>Ushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05259805463457270863noreply@blogger.com0