The Unfettered Freedom of a Little Cowgirl by alophoto

The Unfettered Freedom of a Little Cowgirl

Oh to be this carefree, lacking of inhibitions, unfettered to be able to just tear across a field…in costume even. A little peek into heaven perhaps? I have tastes of it sometimes on earth. And it's often in a great green field, and always in the spring, a time of brand new life. Surely it must always be spring in heaven?

Life is just heavy sometimes, often. Adulting is hard. I feel burdened and weighed down and comparatively my life is easy. A happy marriage, 3 healthy children, a nice warm roof over our heads, food and plenty of love. I’ve got a good, blessed, beautiful life. And I. am. tired. I have a girlfriend who is my age and she became an unexpected widow this year. I have a friend sick and perhaps dying of cancer. A friend who just lost her mother. A friend younger than me that was paralyzed by a freak infection from a c-section, but is actually able to walk again after years of physical therapy...she is getting stronger, but she is worn out being a mother of two and struggling just to get around.

This life is so freakin’ hard. Why on earth as kids did we wish to be adults so badly? Oh I wish I had stayed a kid sometimes. There are days that I just want to be taken care of for a change.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." I yearn for that, long for that...I need that rest. My own strength is so very weak.

And someday, in my mind's eye, I image me as this little cowgirl, running the last legs of my race, with my hat off, and dragging my horse. There will be spectators on the sides, though, cheering me and urging me on. Those I had loved and who loved me. And at the finish line, I imagine Jesus himself, smiling and nodding to me. When I cross, perhaps he'll give me a high five or a fist bump. And I hope that I hear the words, Well done. Oh what a beautiful day that will be. How I long for it.

This little taste of heaven as I see it was on a heavenly day and date with my littlest. We were done with our photo shoot and she was running back to the car, excited for the promised ice cream. Not the planned shot, but my favorite.

Have a well done kind of day:). Happy Friday!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38j7p5WWNV0

Pea
Love!
April 8th, 2016  
And this is easily one of my favorites of all time from you. The narrative is beautifully written and oh so true. I strive to experience my childhood self for a least a few minutes everyday (and 365 really helps with that!) Thanks for a lovely reminder to appreciate each day, and look forward to a wonderful eternity.
April 8th, 2016  
So sweet! I just love it!
April 8th, 2016  
Really nice shot. I wish I could be as uninhibited as my children, sometimes anyhow.

Life truly can be tough, and sorry to hear that life seems particularly hard around you lately. May you and those around you get some of that rest that you desire.
April 8th, 2016  
Super shot.
April 8th, 2016  
lovely, full of joy and beauty
April 8th, 2016  
Beautiful photo.
April 8th, 2016  
beautifully written narrative for a beautifully captured moment...this reminds me of my little girl, about a dozen years ago...such a fleeting time...and you're right...adulting can be hard, life can be heavy and pain unrelenting...relief can be found by sharing it with someone else, and is sometimes the only thing you can do...that and prayer if you have a mind to...tears work too...i have a friend, divorced mother of 4, who used to cry in the shower...it was the only time she could...and her wish was exactly what you said about being the one being looked after...your expression is this amazing image that comes straight from your heart.... big hugs little cowgirls mum... :o)
April 8th, 2016  
What a beautiful image with a lovely narrative to accompany it.
April 8th, 2016  
Beautiful shot :), I also like the story this picture portrays really profound and beautiful too.
April 8th, 2016  
Lovely candid shot -- welcome back Amanda !!
April 8th, 2016  
Wonderful capture of a child's happiness...Amanda your narrative was deep and touching.
April 8th, 2016  
Thank you for the update Amanda dear (and by they way there's nothing plain or old about you). Been thinking about you lately. Much respect for your candor, sense of weariness, and the questions you hold. In Buddhism the world for this is "dukha", which used to be translated as "suffering" and more lately as "stress". It's the first Noble Truth: Life is Dukha. And yet we have these tools for working with it, like watching a healthy young person run unfettered across a field. Good to see you Amanda! And a fav.
April 8th, 2016  
Such a fun shot!! FAV.
April 8th, 2016  
A lovely feeling of freedom. Made me smile ☺. Fav!! 😃
April 8th, 2016  
very poignant - photo and narrative. but somewhere in other parts of the world there are children who wish they were adults so they can work and help their families, augment their parents income so they can help put food on the table, that they are in school and learn other things to expand their horizon and knowledge, that as children, they should have children-size problems and not carry the world's burden. count your blessings, kiddo. you're one of the luckiest ones. see http://365project.org/ruthmouch/365/2016-04-07 ♥ you.
April 8th, 2016  
@summerfield Yes, maam, I absolutely know that. I am very blessed and have it very good. LOOOOONG week...sick Clara and Mike traveling and working more than usual. Just worn out.
April 8th, 2016  
beautiful composition.. such precious moments you capture of your little one.. a treasure for life..fav
April 8th, 2016  
What a wonderful photo and love what you wrote, Amanda. Life is this crazy here too with way too much suffering and sadness at the moment. To be healthy, happy and love life and appreciate it as much as one can is all we can want for. Happy Friday to you. FAV
April 8th, 2016  
Lovley shot nicely portrays what it's like to be a child again.
April 8th, 2016  
Definitely the best sort of shot, the natural, the carefree, the childlike freedom xx
April 8th, 2016  
Wonderful capture.
April 8th, 2016  
Wonderful childhood photo ♥♥♥
April 8th, 2016  
Aw, yes, Lev said today I am almost grown up now, and Sep measured himself against the fridge, look mama, I'm grown :-) They want to be big and strong like us, but they don't know yet that when you're big, your not always strong.

Beautiful image and thoughts.
April 8th, 2016  
Love the atmosphere, love the care free mood. This is simply lovely, fav
April 8th, 2016  
Very heart-felt narrative - made me think of many things in my life too. And I can absolutely see why this would be your favourite picture. It's beautiful on so many levels.
April 8th, 2016  
I do think you should change your name Amanda! Its not good for your soul! You will believe it! There is nothing plain or old (otherwise some nurse or other would be taking care of you!) about you. You are an inspiration, a light, a joy in all our lives! I wish I could run like this!
April 8th, 2016  
Love the carefree moment. Sounds like a hard week - enjoy the weekend
April 8th, 2016  
@maggiemae So hard to land on a good name. Better?
April 8th, 2016  
I know what you mean... So much on your plate, right? And yet, we're so fortunate compared to others... I've had a crazy busy stressful unsuccessful week... And every night I come home reminding myself that it's all first world problems, and tomorrow is another day... Sweet shot of your little one... May we all get another chance at youthful freedom...
April 8th, 2016  
Beautiful shot and imagery created by your heartfelt comments.
April 9th, 2016  
Carefree :)))
April 9th, 2016  
Hello Amanda greetings from Edmonton Alberta Canada. I love this image and enjoyed your narrative. As I read of some of those people and what they went through my heart breaks for them. My wife Melody and I are chaplains at Marketplace Chapel here in Edmonton at West Edmonton Mall. I do know that The Lord certainly gives rest and strength to those who need it. Be blessed as you and your family continue to serve Him
April 9th, 2016  
I love the freedom and innocence that this photo invokes! At least we can try to be kids at heart. Also, is it just me or is somebody's username keep changing...hmmm? Haha.
April 9th, 2016  
@cjphoto I just can't nail down who I want to be anymore. I make a change and people hate it. Now, who could hate simply amanda. Sounds like a healthy food.
April 9th, 2016  
@alophoto - Well healthy food is good for you! So perhaps Simply Amanda is good for you (and us) too! :) I like it! In any case, hope this one or any other another username you choose becomes just right for you.
April 9th, 2016  
I stopped by to comment on your multiple personalities - Sewer Tart, lncognito, Plain. Old. Amanda., Simply Amanda and a coupl;e of others that I seem to have forgotten but this Picture and your narrative blew me away. The photo is perfect for a story book and the narrative is very thought provoking.
April 9th, 2016  
Beautiful image! and reflection. I love your authenticity. For the first time ever, I have 2 close friends recently diagnosed with cancer and it breaks my heart (as well as other world news and atrocities)...it all reminds me that life is but a vapor. I have James 1-5 on my 5 columns in my studio to remind me of that..and other reasons. Best advice ---tho you didn't ask :-/ ---is prioritize alone time and grateful journal (3 a day, so I'm on #296 today!), and started Bible journaling as well....(google images of it :-) SO COOL. Once again, lovely image!
April 9th, 2016  
@moreyoulessme I really really need to journal. I did write last night a bit, just typed it out. But I should be better about this. And focusing on gratitude. Thanks for your kind words and thoughts!
April 9th, 2016  
@teiko Really appreciate you taking time to share your thoughts and beliefs!
April 9th, 2016  
@bkbinthecity Thanks so much for your kind words. Love that you and your wife serve as chaplains.
April 9th, 2016  
I keep waiting for the hammer to drop and try to enjoy each and every day. This is one crazy world we live in. Hope you can relax a little and enjoy the weekend. I love the child inside you that coming out in your pictures. You are an amazing woman Amanda. Some days are just hard ...........
April 9th, 2016  
Brilliant typical Amanda fun shot. Fav
April 9th, 2016  
Simply Amanda...ah the joys of being so carefree as your child and knowing she doesn't have a care in this world besides ice cream with mom, says so much to the type of mom you are to your kids. Who says just because everything's going right for you doesn't mean you can't feel down and weary. obviously you're hurting for those close friends around you who are suffering and maybe wondering why them? Don't beat yourself up, give yourself a reprieve, refuel and you'll feel like yourself in no time, counting your blessings once again. I like Jerri's @moreyoulessme idea of a grateful journal too but I must admit I haven't Bible journaled in years. However if those ideas help you, than go for it. This is a special shot of your little cowgirl, I love it and I hope you'll feel like yourself again soon.
April 9th, 2016  
That is definitely better - 'simply' as in 'purely'! Not as in Simple Simon!
April 9th, 2016  
Love the childhood joy in this beautiful photo. It is SO hard to "adult." The spectator fun of parenting makes up for some of it. Her "kick up your heels" spirit sings through here. Nice shot, mom.
April 9th, 2016  
@maggiemae the first time I typed it in it was accidentally simple.:-)
April 9th, 2016  
this is a beautiful image Amanda and your heartfelt honesty is also beautiful - life is often hard - unfair - tiresome - fortunately the joys of life - sharing your little ones joy - make it all worthwhile
April 9th, 2016  
When I started 365 over five years ago the photo was the all important thing to get just right but now it's the words every time & your lovely honest narrative above is just wonderful. I find I can say stuff on here that I wouldn't necessarily say out loud to others around me.
All your efforts in life are worth it & we always have our guardian angel watching over us!
April 9th, 2016  
@alophoto ...lol!
April 9th, 2016  
I love the natural joyful nature of this shot. I think it is normal to have ups and downs, and sometimes life does seem a little overwhelming. I'm hoping you get some time to relax and some time for yourself soon.
April 9th, 2016  
cute.. fav
April 9th, 2016  
@happypat I agree...the story is just as important to me as the photo. Love that this is somewhat of a journal for me
April 9th, 2016  
Mysterious Amanda, I love, love, love this photo of carefree childhood and the old fashioned processing you have done to it. Sending you some lightness and love.
April 10th, 2016  
@mrslaloggie thanks so much!!!
April 10th, 2016  
Truly, a perfect snapshot of how life should be more of the time than it is! My New Year's resolution this year was to try and stop giving up on the day too early- I only have one kid so far, but there are mornings when the whole thing starts so badly, I find myself wishing that it was the next day already, and I could just start over. I am trying to remember that no matter how badly the day starts out, moments like these can still crop up if you keep your eyes open for them.
April 10th, 2016  
That's a wonderful photo :)
April 11th, 2016  
Adorable and nice processing. Fave.
April 12th, 2016  
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