I didn't think you'd believe me unless I showed you.

Cowboys. My stay thus far has consisted of hanging out with people I've only seen in movies. I listen in on hunting stories, boasts of rodeo championships, and who owns how many cows. The men speak with drawls and spit, and the women have teased, very blonde hair. There are at least three people named Monte, and the little kids run around in chaps, boots, and cowboy hats playing with their toy shotguns. Also, might I add the decor in these ranches is impeccable. Buffalo, deer, elk, bears, pheasants, rifles, knifes, ropes, and framed photos of Jesus fill up every square inch of the walls of every home I've visited.

And it's beautiful out here. I feel so isolated and foreign. One ranch sits on acres of land, surrounded by the Rockies and mile-high sky. There are storms at least three times a day, and you can see the lightning clear across the fields, until it gets so close you can feel the hairs on your arm stand up. Here's to hoping it doesn't storm on us tomorrow!

I never thought my portfolio would consist of these things. What an unexpected opportunity :]

I leave for Colorado today,

weather report:

This will be an interesting wedding to photograph, to say the least. We'll see which way it goes.

I love thunderstorms, really. But six days straight of apocalyptic weather and tornado warnings might just change my mind.

Nah, right? :)

It looks perfect.

July 17. I need to figure out a way to see it.

Orkest.

Nine months ago, my dad bought my mom tickets to see Andre Rieu for her birthday. Then he found out he was going to Kenya, so it was up to me to surprise her with tickets this morning. She "eeeped", we put on our dresses, and drove to Ontario for the show. Can I tell you what percentage of the audience was over 50? Can you guess?

Seriously though, it was so cute to be surrounded by all these ladies for whom this guy was a rock star. We sat with this cute old lady from Austria who kept standing up, dancing, and "wooo!"-ing all night. The show was great--kitschy beyond anything I've ever seen in my life, but there's no denying it was entertaining. I think at one point in the show there were women dressed in traditional Dutch clothing, dancing , tapping their wooden clogs. And they might have played My Heart Will Go On. But then also, Italian opera, Beethoven concertos, and Viennese waltzes. The waltzes! During The Blue Danube, all these elderly couples started waltzing. It was so stinkin' cute.

And my mom was so hyped, it was adorable. In the middle of the show, he played the Happy Birthday song and she blushed so hard when he announced that he would be giving signed albums to anyone who had a birthday on this day. "Eeep! I never win anything! Can you believe it?"

Happy Birthday, Mom :)

My dad just emptied his pockets of Hungarian currency into my hands.

"I won't need these as soon as you will."

Because I'm going to be in Budapest in 20 days,

Because he's going to Kenya tomorrow.

I am my father's daughter.

dear heart,

things are looking up.

I was born.

On June 6, we celebrated my 20th year.

We grabbed our picnic and our books, and headed to the lighthouse on the edge of Discovery Park. Stepping out of the car, you were struck with the smell of the sea. We wound our way through the rocks and around the pointe, finally coming across a clearing just off the shore. It was the perfect view of the lighthouse and the sailboats passing by. Purple and yellow flowers dotted the sweep of tall sea grasses. No better place to celebrate being alive. 

Then the commencement of the picnic! I am convinced that there is nothing greater on this earth than being in the presence of good company, sharing good food. My dear Ashley made me a birthday cake that cracked, and she declared it ruined. I said I wouldn't have it any other way, and that it's nothing a few strawberries couldn't fix. Hence, the scary-face birthday cake. I found it endearing. And so we ate, we sang, we read aloud to each other. 

Life is best enjoyed simply.

God,

like water, like air, like bread.

Expanding on the nanny life,

I had an afternoon with darling, 7 year old Hugo today. After about an hour of playing fully-clothed in the sprinklers, we dry off and settle down in the kitchen with some popsicles. Our conversation, for the next hour mind you, goes concerning his career.

Hugo: "Tasha, what do you think about me becoming a spy?"

Me: "I think it's brilliant. But you know, you're going to need some high-tech gadgets and black clothes."

Hugo: "You're probably right. I don't think I want to steal things from other people. I mostly just want to get the skills so I can guard my house."

We spend the next 58 minutes discussing the pros and cons, qualifications, and salary of the following: international spy, secret agent, Jedi, and veterinarian. 

Conclusion:

Hugo: "You know, I think I'll buy a house in the woods by myself and hunt for crystals in the wilderness."

As for myself, I think I'll stay away from career counseling. I love Wednesdays.