Category Archives: Blog Series

A Day In The Life… Fort Worth

Life is not meant to be boring for this girl hailing from Vermont. I’ve decided to start this new series, “A Day In The Life” which will follow me for an entire day, wherever I happen to be. Some day’s I need a break but other’s amaze even myself when it comes to the moments that I come across.

Day In The Life - Ft. Worth 020814For the first installment, where better to start than one of my favorite places in Texas and the place that I call my “Texas home”, Fort Worth.

The first part of the day was spent running errands so I won’t get into that. Next came lunch. I’ve been looking for a new BBQ place to try and heard this was the place! (Funny thing was I drove by this location a year ago on a random drive.) Great BBQ, a dessert that will “blow your mind” (ask for the Pecan cake) and some Texas scenery, this is now my place – Billy’s Oak Acres BBQ. Sure the building gives the “are we sure about this” appearance but once inside you are surrounded by the greatness of what BBQ and Texas is all about.

Billy's Oak Acres BBQThis visit was different than what one would normally find. This was day one of setting up shop for a TV show that would be filmed all this week. I even was asked for an interview on my experience at the restaurant. Let me tell you – being in front of the camera is much different than being behind it. No preparation and being put on the spot – oy! [If you’re looking for a TV opp and some delicious BBQ – this is your place this week!]

Next up – I headed to the old part of Fort Worth – The Fort Worth Stockyards. Beware, this is a huge tourist spot. Don’t let all the “tourist” locations only suck you in, there’s so much more! If you happen to head this way, there’s so much more than what meets the eye, especially depending on what time you visit. For me, this visit was purely concentrated on photographing some of the old buildings but I found a few other gems along the way.

Day In The Life Ft Worth 020814(1)The sights in this area are incredible. Bring your camera, even if you are a local. The buildings and art work located on them are truly a gem but don’t let your eye bypass the other sights along the way.  A simple boot shine sign, yep – they’ve got it. Slip on into a small restaurant to listen to some local flavor, you can find it here too. Plus there’s always the fun of peeking into the boutiques or looking and dreaming about your next pair of boots! You can never have too many pairs!

A quick stop at home, followed by a short walk in a local park (the weather was actually decent enough for a walk so I took advantage) followed up by getting ready for a sold out show. Patty Griffin was playing at The Live Oak in Fort Worth. I’ve waited months for this show. This venue has turned into one of my favorites (except for how packed it was for this show). We ended up eating dinner here as well. The service happened to be a bit slow and a little packed. So packed, we shared a table with a couple in front of us who were on their first date. Oh, moments! Excellent musicians, plenty of microbrews on tap and a good crowd of people.

(For more video’s, check out my YouTube channel)

The show ended early, so why stop there? The Southside Fort Worth district is amazing. Every once in a while it’s good to venture from the downtown or West 7th Street areas. I found my way to Shipping and Receiving and upon a band that was right on the money. Wally West & Them Lostbound Souls. Reminded me a bit of Ryan Bingham. Great, small local band to come across.

Wally West and Them Lostbound SoulsLastly, I ended the night venturing to one more late night stop and a local food truck. Heck, if you can end your day with good breakfast food from a food truck – it was a pretty good day! Until next time Fort Worth!

Have you been to any of these places? What are your favorites in Fort Worth?

Masons Mama

Catch the Moment, Week 5

Each day in 2014, I am taking a photo. There is no telling what the photo will be or where the “inspiration” will come from. All photos are taken either with my Nikon D5100 or the iPhone (for those times on the go). Come back each Friday for a complete compilation of the past seven days and link to join / view others as part of the 365 projects!

This week’s photos – well… Between being super busy and exhausted, these photos really lack any kind of luster, maybe? Here we go…

This week:

Day 30/365: January 30, 2014
Seriously one of my favorite places in all of Texas, quite possibly the entire US. Everytime I look at my sign, I get a little more excited about going back!

(30-365) 001Day 31/365: January 31, 2014
Ended January with a fun soccer game and some Top Golf. Tried out a new location and this one is better than ever! Can’t wait to go back here too!
(31-365) 064
Day 32/365:
February 1, 2014
One of my favorite musicians in one of my favorite venues in Ft. Worth and his first sold out show! Such a good place to be! Moments!
(32-365) 111Day 33/365:
February 2, 2014
So tired and so little energy to move. Meet my blankets.
(33-365) 123 Day 34/365:
February 3, 2014
…this day wasn’t much better. I almost forgot to grab a photo. Meet my lamp…

(34-365) 131Day 35/365: February 4, 2014
Looking alive. Dinner out at Fireside Pies in Fort Worth. Delicious food, fantastic wine and good company.

(35-365) 133Day 36/365: February 5, 2014
I promise I wasn’t drinking when this happened. I was actually putting away dishes when, whoops – there goes my favorite and biggest wine glass.
(36-365) 137Any highlights in your week? Any exciting plans this weekend?

Nurse Loves Farmer

 

Click It Up A Notch

Wide Open Spaces, Part II

As previously mentioned, a recent trip to Oklahoma left me in awe of the beauty of the country. Not that I didn’t already realize this but there’s something completely different in the South as opposed to the North. It leaves me in a peaceful state that the world can seem so busy and hectic but then find yourself in a completely tranquil and beautiful surrounding.

As I left The Pink Pistol, perused around town and left to go home, the sun was beginning to set. On my way back towards Texas, I was surrounded by rolling prairies and silhouettes. The best one was of a cowboy walking across a field at the top of a hill (compared to where the road was) and all I could see was the outline of him, his hat and the beautiful sky behind him. If only, I could’ve stopped and grabbed some of these moments. Here are a few that I was able to capture.

Notice the windmill in the middle of the trees. This may be my favorite photo. I wish you could’ve seen this sunset. Ah!

Oklahoma, sunset, silhouette, windmill, countryHitting the road…

Texas, Oklahoma, ranching, farming Texas, Oklahoma, ranching, farming Texas, Oklahoma, ranching, farmingThis was at a crossroads. After a while I forgot where the Texas / Oklahoma border was so I’m not exactly sure where this was except off Highway 377. In the middle of nowhere, surrounded by fields, lies this little ole truck stop.Truck Stop, Oklahoma, Texas, Highway 377Welcome to Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Home to Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton. This town seems so peaceful. I love these small towns! Old style Main Streets, art work on painted brick. Character – something that’s lost in the big cities. Tishomingo, Oklahoma, buildings, paintingTishomingo, Oklahoma, downtown, sunsetAfter I finished shopping at the Pink Pistol, I took some time to drive around and check out the “sights”. Mostly because I absolutely love these little towns and all the hidden gems in them. A few sights I found along the way… Texas, Oklahoma, ranching, farming, barns Ten Point Ranch, Ranch, Oklahoma Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma, SunsetI mean – look at that view. Talk about wanting to park your car and take a break from the world. Too bad I had a drive home ahead of me.

Hope you enjoyed these! Have you gone on a drive recently? I’d love to see or hear a glimpse on something you’ve seen!

Today I’m linking up with Communal GlobalThe Jenny EvolutionPhotography Essentials and Create With Joy for {Wordless Wednesday}.