“The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.”

- Henry Miller

Earlier this year, hubby and I was contemplating on what we were going to do with our tax refund. We wanted to be good stewards of our money and not blow it like we usually have done in the past.

We really wanted to visit family down in Texas. As we were contemplating our first vacation in 3 years, I told hubby that I didn’t think we could afford it, not with the price of gas as it was. I told hubby that I predicted the gas to be up to $4 by summer.

Sometimes I hate it when I am right…

It’s Theme Thursday again over at The Land of K.A. and this week’s theme is Sunshine!

We had a weekend of rain but by Tuesday, the weather had turned beautiful. Very sunny but not hot at all. Just a gorgeous day to head out to the horse ranch. Taking photos in the sunshine has always given me trouble. Professional photographers know that the best time to shoot is either at dawn or dusk. I have kids who play during midday and have meltdowns at dusk, so currently the dawn/dusk option is not a valid one for me.

I really don’t know if it is “user error” or limitations of my photography equipment or all of the above, but I never can get great pictures in full sun. I’d like to get a polarizer lens one day and maybe even a reflector but in the meantime, I keep practicing with what I’ve got.

Here are my humble attempts:

(Click on image to view larger version.)

It was dinnertime at the ranch and all of the horses were eager to eat. Most of them are in darkened stalls, but this one was on the end next to an open door. The west sun provided just enough light to show his gorgeous face.

(Click on image to see larger version.)

My youngest daughter was enamored by the horses in the west paddock and was watching them eat their hay. I used the on-board flash to balance out the sun. Her face would have been in shadows otherwise.

(Click on image to view larger version.)

One of the horses in the paddock that my daughter was watching. Have you ever watched horses graze? It is so peaceful. Really. The slow, rhythmic way they graze across the hay or grass is almost mesmerizing.

(Click on image for a larger version.)

Rachel made friends with one of the 2 ranch dogs. This one gave her a kiss for being friends with him. (and talk about a lot of reflecting of light going on! A white dog and a fair skinned 3 year old! Whew! It is almost blinding in real life!)

Don’t forget to visit other Sunshine photos at The Land of K.A.