July 21, 2010

i applaud you....

for some kids
the fair isn't about
riding the rides
it's about
pride and ownership
which involves
an incredible amount of hard work
and
buckets of sweat
~
so to all of you
4-H kids and 4-H parents
spending hours on your feet
showing your pride and joy to those of us who have never worked as hard as you do
ever
especially
in the 90 degree heat
and
then sleeping in the barns with your animals at night
with nothing but a fan to keep you cool
thank you
for what you do
~
you amaze me

26 comments:

  1. that would be amazing - can you believe it's going to be 110 here this weekend?

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  2. AnonymousJuly 21, 2010

    those are beautiful horses.

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  3. I found your blog yesterday and can't stop reading it! The beautiful simplicity of your writing combined with the deep thought involved in creating each post just blows me away. Keep it up!

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  4. Absolutely. Three cheers for the 4-H ers. My favorite thing at a fair is walking up and down the barns looking at the wonderful animals submitted by the 4-H kids.

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  5. Yes, it is so great to see kids that age with that kind of dedication...applause!

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  6. Beautiful horses! What dedication for those kids!

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  7. 4H is hard core...and something about the midwest I really miss! There is nothing like a State fair and the 4H club. Yeah, we have an Orange County state fair here...but it's kinda different! :) I wonder if they have a botox booth?? Hmmmm, might have to go this year....

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  8. Yes. Dedication. Compassion. Care. Follow through. Connection. All things we want to teach. All things these young adults have learned.

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  9. I did some 4H when I was younger and live out in the county...
    I learned more than the embroidery and bread making.

    you are so right, Beth.

    and the pictures are incredible.

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  10. Nice one, Kind Chick. Gorgeous shots too.

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  11. A fine tribute -- they amaze me, too!

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  12. great fair pictures but, it's the horses that steal the show for me. they're such beautiful creatures. and yes, the hard work of these 4H participants is showing. hope all is well.

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  13. When I was a teen I was in 4-H and have wonderful memories of going to all the local fairs and showing my rabbit...the only farm animal my parents would allow me to have:) I assisted my best friend who showed sheep which are very, very, very labor intensive. The memories will last my lifetime. Those kids and their leaders really deserve a pat on the back!

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  14. Beth, the photos are absolutely brilliant, I used to belong to 4H, brings back many memories. I wanted to show cattle, but I was stuck doing what girls needed to learn, like make an apron, etc. it was a good time though. Beth I cleaned my computer room yesterday. I am putting up the flags today. I kept thinking, I put them in a special place so I would not lose them, and where is that place, so I just feel so relieved.do you ever lose things. take care...I want to go to a fair now too. hugs.

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  15. What a beautiful horse!!! Yes they do work hard...they are amazing kids and their parents really rock!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  16. What a lovely post, the kids and parents really do put their hearts and souls into it. Lovely pictures.. :)

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  17. A much deserved tribute. The largest extracurricular in our school is FFA. Our voag teacher's schedule is full. The voag students are often more responsible in other ways, not just in caring for animals. I respect what they and their families do. Thank you for 'applauding' them.

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  18. I LOVE the last horse photo... his expression reminds me of my old dog, Simba....such an intelligent look.

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  19. seriously love this tribute!! LOVE.

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  20. Dedication is a word to describe these 4H animal lovers. Your photos are delightful. I was thinking of you today as I was photographing the noses of the cows I will be eating later this year.

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  21. True, true words...a lovely post.

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  22. I am amazed when I see them too. I know the barns are shaded but the heat just seeps in. Such love and devotion to their animals.

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  23. AnonymousJuly 22, 2010

    i was always the kid who wandered through the stables at our local state fair. getting to pet the animals and gawk at their owners. love this post!
    kt

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  24. Beth, I just love the photos of the Big Wheel.
    For me, the fair was always about going on the Big Wheel. I didn't like most of the other rides--too scary. But the sensation of rising slowly up into the air was just sublime. I'll never forget the first time I went on one with my mum.

    It's funny, because I must have seen photos on your blog of a fair before, as when the fair came to our local park, last weekend, I thought of you, and I intended to head out with my camera to catch some snaps of the Big Wheel. But... but... I didn't go in the end, and now I'm sorry that I didn't. Oh well.

    If you have time, I've started a new space for my writing and my photos, at www.emergingintowholeness.com and would love it if you could stop by to say hi.

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  25. Love the horse photos!
    So true - those kids work hard. All for love though!
    I was once a horse crazy teenager. Horses kept me out of trouble and I learned so much from them.
    4-H is the best.

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  26. LOVE that ferris wheel photo...amazing!

    and those horses. well. i have an infatuation with horses that i just can't stop. i feel like i'm seven all over again when i'm around them. or even see pictures of them. i hope that it is my fate to own one someday.

    truly.

    have a lovely day~
    chasity

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**I love reading the comments you leave, as they make me feel like we're sitting in my kitchen, having a cup of tea, discussing life and wondering where all the time has gone ...beth