A Day on the Farm with Friends

It’s been forever since I’ve done a personal post, so I thought I’d take a little break from all the engagements and weddings I’ve been showing you to share a little of what’s been going on in my life these days (that is, when I’m not shooting, traveling, or editing!). Our good friends Will and Helen invited us up to Will’s parents’ farm in Hartselle, AL last week for Farm Day 2012. (At least, that’s what I’m calling it. And I’ve already decided that next year we’re making T-shirts. :) ) Since they hosted it on a Tuesday, I was actually able to join in on the fun, which has been rare these past few months now that my weekends are all about weddings. Don’t get me wrong- I LOVE what I do, and I actually really enjoy having the schedule that I do. I mean, I get to run errands on weekday mornings when most people are at work, so that’s pretty cool. And I get to spend my Saturdays surrounded by people having the best days of their lives, so I can’t complain. BUT I’ve been having to remind myself that it’s okay to take a “mental health” day now and again, because, to be honest with you, I’ve been kind of a workaholic since mid-March and haven’t had a real day off in weeks. So Farm Day was a perfect excuse to shut off my computer, get out of the house, see some sunshine, and spend quality time with friends. It was exactly the boost I needed, and I’m glad I allowed myself to enjoy it guilt-free.

And this day embodied everything I love about living in the South. The Alexanders live on a farm out in the country, where they have a beautiful plantation-style home filled with character and TONS of animals, plants, and fun things to do. We fished, rode around town piled in a Jeep, got shooting lessons from Will (at least, everyone else did- I was happy to watch from a very safe distance ;) ), ate fresh peaches, played with the kittens, fed the pig, and ended the day by cooking and eating the most delicious meal of ribs and fried okra, which had been picked on the property earlier that morning. Although I don’t think I’ll be moving to the country anytime soon, it sure is a fun place to visit to get my fill now and then. Thank you to the Alexanders for having us over, and to all my friends, both old and new, who made the whole day so memorable!