Forgive Me My Time Away

Hi, everybody. Sorry I haven't posted a blog in such a long time. There are a lot of excuses running through my mind, but I admit it's mostly procrastination getting in the way.

I've enrolled in classes at Ft. Hays State University and am taking 4 classes this fall. I'm excited! (although my classes aren't the most exciting ones around.) So, I am a full time student and a part time teacher! How's that? lol

I've been looking into Internet Marketing recently. Since I'm going to be doing my classes online and working on the computer anyway, trying to make some money along the way would make sense. I'll be letting everyone know how it's going with that. I do know people who make money doing it.

We are also in the middle of county fair week. We entered several things for the kids yesterday morning (Josh did some crafts and drawings, Chris and Mike both entered "doodles" and Bee entered a three dimensional portrait of a Spartan and her quilt. Josh won 6 blue ribbons and 1 red, Chris and Mike both got 1 blue ribbon each and Bee got 2 blue ribbons. (Blue ribbons pay $3, red ribbons pay $2 and white ribbons pay $1.) Congratulations to them!!!

We also enjoyed looking at the chickens and rabbits. They even had a funny looking duck and two turkeys this year.

Looking through all the pictures was quite confusing. Some of the photos that didn't place very well were, in my opinion, very good while others that won blue ribbons were, again in my opinion, just awful. Thinking back on it, though, I guess that's what happens when you enter something in a county fair... family votes for family, amateurs don't know what to look for in quality, etc... Even, or maybe especially, in a small town it's all about who you are and who you know.

Here are my tips for a great photo:

1. Make sure your focus and lighting are optimal.
2. Pick a subject that speaks to you or that you know the judges will like.
3. Always remember the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 rule. (Don't center everything!)
4. Don't afraid to be creative.

I've noticed that people in Scott City like certain things: Agricultural themes, nice or pretty images, feel-good subjects. Some of the better photos this year weren't the "pretty" ones, but ones that evoked emotion that wasn't necessarily happy. None of these photos won a blue or a red ribbon.

Last night we had watermelon at the Watermelon Feed sponsored by Farm Credit. (They do this every year.) Tonight will be the Beefiesta which is roast beef sandwiches, baked beans and potato chips along with water or iced tea sponsored by several Scott City businesses. And then, on Saturday, we will have the County Parade, Tasting Booths (lots of free food, but also lots of standing in line!), the Kids Pedal Tractor Pull (Josh is old enough this year!) and Kids Day at the Grandstand where the kids run races and win prizes. (Last year Bee tried to catch both a greased pig and a chicken... she missed! lol)

I'll have some pictures to post after Saturday's fun, so be sure to check for them!

Activities I'll be doing today: Researching Internet Marketing, housework (YUK!), pulling weeds and County Fair stuff!