i am happy. :)

Well, I didn't take first place.  However, I couldn't be happier.  I was excited to be chosen at all, and then to be a finalist was fantastic.  My favorite thing about the entire contest was the feedback I got from Pioneer Woman herself.  It meant the world to me. I am going to take it as a sign that I just might be on the right track.  Thanks Pioneer Woman and thank you to all of those that shared this experience with me.  Love you all!!

 Aschwarck, this photo is glorious. The composition is awesome, the depth-of-field wonderful, and the focus terrific…but what I love is that you captured the horse’s spunky personality. And as a commenter pointed out, it does look like the horse is excited to see the photographer, and is running toward him/her. I just adore this shot. ~Pioneer Woman

PS-Update on Reba aka Princess...I saw her last night and she is now the proud momma of an adorable baby colt.  She and baby are doing great at my brother-in-law Tony's farm. Cal named the colt Bullseye. Of course(Toy Story). :)

Finalist!!!

Sooooooooo  excited!  My photo is a finalist in Pioneer Woman's Horse Photo Contest!  Here are some of the wonderful comments that people left about my photo.  So nice to get some positive feedback. :)  Thanks everyone.  It means so much to me!

~christina b. On Tuesday, April 5 at 8:53 am
aschwarck is definitely the best one. the focus, coloring, etc. is perfect!

~Lisa S. On Tuesday, April 5 at 10:24 am
The one by aschwarck. A horse in motion is magnificent and beautiful, especially if the horse looks happy.

~Aparna E. On Tuesday, April 5 at 10:26 am
My favorite is the one by aschwarck. I think it completely shows the essence of a horse Beautiful! Congrats to all the finalists!

~Brittney - Our Greener Acres On Monday, April 4 at 9:07 pm
Number 4 is my favorite!! To me, it shows everything of what a horse is

~MontanaMom On Monday, April 4 at 9:15 pm
I can’t decide between the 7MSN Ranch, the Cotton Wife, LeesaMaree or aschwarck! But then again, they’re all so lovely!!

~Becky On Monday, April 4 at 9:43 pm
Wow! What a hard choice…but my favorite is aschwarck–such power and beauty!!

~Alyssa On Monday, April 4 at 10:25 pm
I love the one by aschwarck. It is an amazing picture and my favorite!

~Linda G. On Monday, April 4 at 10:32 pm
All winners in my book, but I really love the one by aschwarck. Not only does it capture everything beautiful about a horse, but to me it looks like he’s running toward a beloved owner (the photographer).

~Carolyn On Monday, April 4 at 10:38 pm
I don’t usually comment on these, but I have to say, when I was just browsing through them, the one by Aschwark literally took my breath away. It looks like I am there, and that is such a beautiful photo in every way. Wow!!! Kudos to a great photographer!

~Okiemama On Monday, April 4 at 10:42 pm
They’re all spectacular. But I’m so drawn to aschwarck. It’s like I’m breathing in the fresh, cold air right in that moment. So much energy and beauty and strength.

~Ann On Monday, April 4 at 11:04 pm
They are all incredible! Something about the one by aschwarck: the mane flying, the horse’s nostrils, the gallop, the white, white snow…

~Clare Jones On Monday, April 4 at 11:25 pm
I love number 4… did the 1st run round, even more so now.. and the cat and horse is great too…although I don’t like cats, so it will have to be no. 4.

~Karen On Tuesday, April 5 at 7:44 am
Wow…this is one of the best overall finals you’ve had so far. I’m going to give my top nod to aschwarck, but there are easily 4-5 in there that would make good winners in my book. Great job everyone!

~Media On Tuesday, April 5 at 8:27 am
I think the one by aschwarck just absolutely sums up everything that the word “horse” means.. Good luck to all!

~donna On Tuesday, April 5 at 8:40 am
aschwarck is my favorite! beautiful!

~Cowgirl Wannabe On Wednesday, March 30 at 6:18 pm
My vote, even though we’re not, is for aschwarck!!!! The horse is stunning! Just loving life!! BEAUTIFUL!!!

~bobbie On Wednesday, March 30 at 6:28 pm
Oh. My. I usually don’t comment on individual pix, but I MUST on rebawinter… Love the picture, love the horse!!

~Leesha On Wednesday, March 30 at 8:26 pm
aschwarck, WOW! I love your photo!

~Lisa K On Wednesday, March 30 at 10:57 pm
LOVE the horse in the snow. What a gorgeous shot!

~Media On Thursday, March 31 at 8:23 am
I’m in love, the one by aschwarck gets my vote!!

~Becky On Thursday, March 31 at 9:07 am
All of them are beautiful but I LOVE the aschwarck one–so simple and gorgeous!!

~Cindy On Saturday, April 2 at 7:11 pm
I love the snowy shot by aschwarck!

Pioneer Woman

I am just giddy today!  I woke up, peeled myself out of bed, got ready, got the boys ready, dropped them off at daycare and came to work.  That's not what I am giddy about. :)  I started up my computer and checked my email and then decided to check my favorite blog, Pioneer Woman.  I entered a photo in her horse photo contest a couple of days ago, so I thought I would check out the photos that beat me out.  I scrolled down and what did I see????  Reba!!! (aka Princess...Her registered name is Reba, but my brother-in-law, Tony, renamed her Princess.  I know, isn't that sweet? :)  PW herself chose my photo out of hundreds of entries to be in today's top 20!  This made my day.  It may have made my week or even my month.  She will take the top photos from each day this week and then will pic the top 5.  I doubt I will make the final cut, but I don't care.   I am beyond excited!  Thanks Reba (aka Princess) and thank you PW!!!

Click HERE to see Reba (aka Princess) on http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/