366 Days Ago.... GIVEAWAY!!!

366 days ago I made my first blog entry.

I started this blog as a creative outlet for my brain that was overloaded with ideas, opinions and interests. It started as a "Dear Diary" kinda thing.

I expected to just have fun and make my blog entries with no expectations that anyone would read it.

Over the year, this blog has made me do some serious soul searching. This blog has made me dig deep inside myself to figure out who I am and why I am the way I am.

I found out that not everybody likes what I have to say, which is fine by me, because I appreciate everyone's opinion. But I also realized I care TOO much that not everbody likes what I have to say.

I realized that people are quickly to judge me by a few words that I might say but not take the time to really get to know me. I guess that was a shocker for my sheltered self, thinking that everyone lived in harmony and felt that everyone is allowed to have their own opinions and beliefs and people just accepted that fact.

Since I take everything to heart, it has made me realize that I shouldn't always.

This blog has gone from a few entries a month to about 15 a month.

It has gone from 2-5 pageviews a day to 100-200 pageviews a day! That's exciting! I didn't know I knew 100-200 people.

It got it's own Facebook page.

It has it's own email.

It is now it's own dot com!!! Wahoo for dot com's! http://www.lifeaskaciknowsit.com/

It has made me strive to be better in all aspects of my life: wife, mother, daughter, friend, blogger, cook, career woman, and volunteer. It is a constant self refelction.

What I did not expect was to have this blog be a vehicle for realizing my dreams and true passions. That part is especially exciting to me because for the past several years I have been tormented with the fact that I don't know what I am supposed to be when I grow up.

For everyone that reads this silly little blog of mine, THANK YOU! I can't believe I actually stuck with something for a whole year! I don't usually stick to a hobby long enough for it to evolve in to a lifestyle change.

It means so much to me when I hear that you saw something on my blog that you liked or that I made you feel good about yourself, or that you realized a dream of yours, too!

The inspiration for me starting my blog has been The Pioneer Woman and since I love her so much, and I love YOU so much for sticking with me for a year, I am giving away her latest, greatest, and oh so fabulous cook book!!! "The Pionner Woman Cooks: Food From My Frontier.

This cookbook along with her first has made me go from a wife that would burn water to a wife that my husband now sings my praises everytime I cook him a meal. Yeah, it's THAT monumental!

So what do you have to do to win???????

I'm going to make this SUPER easy since other giveaways of mine seem to confuse and scare people away. I'm going to try this Rafflecopter thing on for size. Let me know what you think!

Good Luck!!!!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

*** This giveaway is sponsored by Life As Kaci Knows It****

Advice From A Tree

Just right under the surface of myself lies a tree-huggin', free lovin', Earth savin' hippy that just begs to show it's flower-adorned head every once in a while.

Clint used to think I was crazy but I see little instances where I have rubbed off on my rugged cowboy husband. When we go grocery shopping, he pays more attention to ingredients (good boy), he buys organic and he even buys Earth friendly products! I'm so proud!

I saw this on one of my fellow hippy friend's, Katie, Facebook page. I hope she doesn't mind me calling her my fellow hippy friend. Do you mind me calling you my fellow hippy friend, Katie? She is my hippy friend because she is a yoga instructor, a gardener, and a naturalist. She emailed me today saying that she is thinking about starting a blog of her own about yoga life and I cannot WAIT to see what she comes up with. Katie has been an awesome friend to me. She has been my counselor at times, my shoulder to cry on on more than a few occasions, and she's also been my partner in crime. I love her.

She shared this photo from Homesteading / Survivalism and I felt the need to share with you all. You should also check out Homesteading / Survivalism's website and Facebook page. It has tons of good information and tips.

Speaking of, I will be working on doing a little canning of my own this weekend. Stay tuned for what is most likely to be a comedic post about my first canning experience.

Back to the photo. I am sharing it because it is a good reminder that we all could take some tips from nature. It is, afterall, what was intended.

Clearly I Have Made Some Bad Decisions

I had to share this photo just because it is hilarious!!!

I would never get a tattoo like this for one very simple reason... I do not regret not one single ounce of ink that I have on my body. I never have and I never will.

I hear all the time, "Think about when you get to be an old lady, your tattoo is going to be in a different place."

You know what I say to that? I say, how do I know I'm going to grow old enough to be an old lady, huh?

I hear all the time, "Think about your children. They are going to be embarrassed of you because you have tattoos."

Well you know what? That may be true but I hope that my child realizes that I was my own person and I made decisions for myself for my own reasons and I didn't let anybody sway my decision. Hopefully my child will see that I was a free spirit and that having tattoos doesn't make me a lesser of a person. It makes me a lover of life, expression and love.

So if you were wondering, I love every single one of my tattoos. Every single one has a deep meaning to me. I don't regret any of them. I want more.

I don't believe in regrets. Because all of my decisions have shaped me into the person I am today. I'm not perfect, but I sleep at night. At the end of the day, I'm proud of the person I am.... bad decisions and all!!

Yay for being yourself!

xoxoxo
-Kaci

Photography Workshop: Intro

It seems likes photography  has become increasing popular lately. 

With all the wonderful technology at our fingertips and the viral popularity of social media, there are photographers popping up everywhere.

I have always had an appreciation and love for photography.

I remember when I was a little girl, I would get those disposable cameras and try to take artistic and different point of view photos.

My subject matter at that time was my ridiculous collection of stuffed animals. Then it progressed to my trophies when I would win at play days or at sports. After that, my animals and any animal I could find found it's way into my viewfinder. I would marvel over the pages of "Sports Illustrated" of my dad's. I remember looking over the pages and thinking "what a beautifully captured photo." When I laid my eyes on the swim suit issue of "Sports Illustrated" is when I started getting interested in model photography. I had to get my hands on everything modeling. I loved looking through the pages of "Elle" , "Vogue" and "Harper's Bazaar" and seeing the high fashion models with their bold looks and eyes that would pierce right through you.

I guess I have always loved a beautiful photo. I get into a very deep and WAY over thought out explanation about artistic photography.... it's kind of disturbing. So I won't bore you about all that.

But what I DO want to bore talk to you about is beginning photography and getting off auto mode.

When I first got my camera, nobody told me what an aperture was, or how fast my shutter speed should be in low light, or when to use my flash, or what all the buttons on my camera meant.

That is the reason why I was scared to death to take my camera off auto mode. I was afraid I would miss out on an awesome picture because I didn't have all my settings right. Going manual is SO fun and it produces exponentially better photos. I promise once you go manual, you will never go back to auto.... Ever. From this point forward, we are going to reference auto mode as our ex-boyfriend... or ex-girlfriend....

In my quest to learn how to operate this wonderful piece of machinery I searched the internet and any photography forums for classes. Nothing.

I tried to ask other people with cameras. Nothing.

I tried reading my camera manual. Boring.

You see, I don't learn by reading. I am a visual learner. I need pictures and I need direction. Once I get what I need, it's all smooth sailing from there, baby.

Since I am learning by good ol' hard work (watching tutorial videos, reading every word of photography information that my brain can soak in, learning the hard way) I want to pave the road for others that are maybe starting out in photography, have an interest in photography or have nothing better to do than read me ramble ramble ramble.....

I'm going to break it on down for my peeps. Because navigating your way through your camera and to a beautiful picture can get a little cray cray, Mama is gonna make it a little easier for you.

I am no camera expert, I'm just trying to help those out that are in the same situation that I was in several months ago. I know the questions that you have about the little stuff because I had the same ones.

I know you've probably heard, "To get this picture, you need to adjust your aperture." or "You're ISO is too high."

Ok? What the hell is an aperture and how do I adjust it??? ISO? ISO, what? ISO awesome? I'll take it.

In this Photography Workshop, I will talk about the anatomy of your camera, basic camera functions, photo composition, photo editing, starting out in Photoshop Elements among many, many, many other subjects.

So all you budding photogs, sit down, buckle up and prepare to take yourself, your brain and your camera on a little tour. You are going to be getting to know eachother VERY well.

Can't wait to share all this good info with you!!!!

Soul Gravy Giveaway [Winner Announced]

Ok, hopefully it works this time. I have been trying to post since Sunday and the blogging gods haven't been letting me. So here goes nothin'..........

The random number generator selected comment #7 so the winner is..........

Maybe i miss your body lieing right next to mine. Maybe I miss your touch just a little to much.~Dyanna

Congratulations Dyanna and thank you to everybody that participated! Dyanna, email me at lifeaskaciknowsit@gmail.com so I can send your good to ya!

Be on the look out for more giveaways soon!!!



When I get on a certain subject, I tend to run it into the ground until another topic piques my interest. Thanks obsessive A.D.D. I have been so wrapped up in photography lately that I have neglected two very important things that makes up the essence of this blog.

1. Rock n Roll

2. Giveaways

So to kill two birds with one stone (because I'm efficient), I am going to give away rock n roll!

No, I'm not going to send Guns N Roses to your house. Because if I had the opportunity to meet Guns N Roses, I would keep them for myself. Sorry guys. I just might pass out if I ever get to meet Slash. He is my favorite musician EVA!

What I AM going to do is give away my most favorite CD in the entire universe of music, Soul Gravy by Cross Canadian Ragweed.

Why is it my favorite, you ask? From the first guitar riff to the last note sung on this album speaks to the person I was, who I am, and who I want to be. It will always be a part of the soundtrack to my life. Even though I evolve and it stays the same, it takes on a relatable meaning in my life at all times. Since it came out in 2004, I have been listening to the whole thing on repeat without ever skipping a song.

This album came along at a time in my life where I was trying to figure out who I was as a person. It nursed me through break ups, my parents divorce, leaving home for college, finding my place in this world, some of the most wonderful times of my life and becoming a young responsible adult.

Don't think that I haven't played the air drums, air guitar and sang in to my fist thousands of times to this album. Over and over and over and over again. That's right, I am multi-talented. It takes a special person to play that many air instruments. Maybe I will give away lessons next time.

So what do you have to do to enter to win???????

Well there are 5 ways to get entries:

1. Answer this question in the comments:
    What is your favorite album ever and why?

2. Give me 2 lines from any song on the "Soul Gravy" album in the comments.

3. "Like" the "Life As Kaci Knows It" Facebook page.
If you already like the Facebook page, just say so in the comments.

4. Share this giveaway with your friends by posting a link to this page on your Facebook, Twitter, email or whatev. If you do, write in the comments that you did.

5. If your friends enter the contest and comment that you sent them, you both get another entry!

- Write separate comments for each entry, ya dig?
- Each answer equals one entry with a maximum of 5 entries.
- A winner will be selected at random using this handy dandy little tool called the random number generator.
- Entries will not be judged on how awesome they are. Totally random.

A winner will be selected on Sunday June 17, 2012 at 12 noon and will be announced on the blog. The winner will need to contact me via email with their address so I can mail them their goods.

Happy commenting!!!

Peace, Love & Rock n Roll!!!

-Kaci

***This giveaway is sponsored by me. Cross Canadian Ragweed doesn't even know I exist. It would be alot cooler if they did.*****

Wine Walk 2012

When you grow up in a small town, all you think about it getting out.

For me, I didn't loath my hometown of Granbury, Texas as much as my other friends and classmates but I didn't appreciate it either.

I never cared about the history, or the architecture, or even the culture.

Since we were on the road my whole life whether it be for sports or rodeos, my hometown was just a place in the background of my life.

Now that I'm grown and have a family of my own, it has come apparent to me that I know nothing about the place I've lived in for over 20 years.

A couple of weekends ago, Granbury hosted its annual Wine Walk that showcased dozens of Texas wineries, several home made cheese vendors and several handmade crafters.

As I was walking around the square of our hometown, I didn't realize how beautiful the architecture and the history that lies in between the layers of Granbury, Texas.

Here are a few pictures from the 2012 Wine Walk. 

We got these wine glasses to sample wine = I was drunk
by the time I sampled 15 different wines.

Awesome furniture made from wine barrels. I didn't get their card
and I'm mad at myself for not. Anyone know anybody that
makes wine barrel furniture?

This homemade cheese was delish!

This guy from Marrs Art Glass Company was making
hand blown glass and it was so cool!

We lunched at Christina's on the Granbury square. It is a new bistro
and it is a must if you ever visit my little town.

There is the Granbury Courthouse.
Ain't she a beaut?

Lone Wolf Photography

This past weekend when me and Clint were helping out with the All Around Ranch Rodeo in Glen Rose, I brought along my camera because I knew there would be plenty of opportunities to get some good pictures. A couple of things happened photography wise this weekend.

1. I successfully learned how to shoot in full manual mode!!!!! WAHOO!!! It is so not as hard as it may seem. I wish I could carry around my camera 24/7 to test my manual mode skills. I would look a little funny sitting at a desk in a doctor's office with a camera around my neck snapping pictures though.

2. I did NOT successfully learn how to use my new flash in a low light, action setting... darn it.

3. I got some AMAZING pictures of the broncs when they were let out in to the arena to exercise before the rodeo.

4. And the most important and exciting thing that happened was that I met Gabe and Stephanie from Lone Wolf Photography. They are usually at the ropings and rodeos that we go to taking the event pictures but I haven't been able to meet them yet.

I have followed their work for a couple of years now. Gabe takes some of the most beautiful pictures. He takes the sport that I love so much and captures it from an artistic and very beautiful angle. I aspire to resemble just a smidge of his work. I dig art, beauty, and photography. Hmmm... there's a t-shirt idea for myself.

On Thursday when the stock contractor let the broncs loose in the arena to exercise like I was talking about before, I stopped what I was doing and grabbed my camera. I raced down to the arena and found a corner that I could hide behind a panel so I could take pictures of these beautiful animals without them noticing me.

As I was clicking away, Gabe came over to where I was sitting with his much larger and better camera and his much larger and better lenses and started taking pictures too.

We were both sitting there in awe of the pecking order these horses displayed as our camera were constantly snapping pictures with a mind of their own.

I said to Gabe, "I'm just a beginner, do you have any advise for me?" I braced myself for the rejection because some photographers can be a little protective of their craft.

Then Gabe said, "You know, you just need to take your camera with you everywhere you go, take pictures of everything you see, find your own style and just go with it. Soak up any information you can."

I was in shock that I wasn't completely shut down.

We continued to discuss photography, lenses, photo editing, cameras, angles and everything under the sun about the subject. I found out that we both see photography as an artistic expression and a somewhat spiritual experience. It was great talking to Gabe.

I think highly of him for sharing his advice with me and I will be forever grateful.

If you get a chance, you should check out Lone Wolf Photography , you will not be dissapointed.

Peace, Love & Picture Taking!
-Kaci

Rodeo Broncs

At the Ranch Rodeo in between the slack and the performance each day, the rough stock contractor let the broncs out in the arena to exercise.

On the first day, when I saw the herd coming down the alley and spilling out in to the arena I immediately found my camera, ran down to the arena and found me a corner behind a set of panels to where I could sit down on the ground and get a good view point to snap a few pictures.

I love broncs. They aren't like our tame, trained, and gentle horses that Clay and Clint train at the ranch. They are free spirited, more cautious of their surroundings and they act on instinct, not with cognitive thinking.

I love how they have that look about them that just says , "I'm wild".

When horses are in herds like this, they form a heirarchy within the group and the pecking order is very distinct if you just watch and pay attention to their behaviors.

My index finger had a mind of it's own as it wouldn't stop making the shutter on my Canon close. I couldn't get enough of these beautiful creatures. They took my breath away.

Eventhough I thought I was hidden, the black stud on the right
seemed to always have his eye on me.

Out of the many, the bay with a star on his head stands out.
Bay horses are my favorite. Probably because my Dad's rodeo
horse, Billy Idol, was a bay and my first horse love.

There is not many things more beautiful
 than horses running.

Can you tell who's in charge?

This is another one of my favorite horses.
He definitely has the wild look to him.

Getting a good belly rub.

I think this is the definition of, "shake it like a polaroid picture."
Corny, I know. Now you can't get that song out of your head.
You're welcome.

"Oh this feels so gooooooood!"

Everybody was standing at attention.

How cool is this horse? Look at his cool dark eyes and crazy hair.
I would love for my hair to look that cool on its own. It takes alot
of hairspray to get mine to look that cool.

Look at the horse with the blaze face in the middle.

Steeds.

See what I mean about pecking order?

I hope you enjoy my pictures. Capturing life as I know it on camera has developed itself into a deep love affair. It feeds my soul and gives me another purpose in life.

Love, Kaci

"Hello, My Name Is Carlos"

It's no secret that I am an animal lover. It's also not a secret that I can't refuse tiny animals needing a home. My heart just can't take it.

It may be a secret that I absolutely LOVE orange cats. I always have since I was a kid and had the coolest orange cat named Chuck. He acted more like a dog than any cat that I've ever known.

When I saw Carlos, I had an instant weakness for him and had to bring him home.

Clint wasn't too happy

Carlos came in to my life with his brother, Pinocchio. Pinocchio didn't make it, and it physically hurts me to say that.

So since Carlos has been hanging around the ranch for a about a month now, I feel it's safe to introduce him as part of the family. I hope I just didn't jinx him because you know how expendable barn cats can be.

So without any further adieu, I introduce you, Carlos the cat.

Wildlife Drive

Clint, Kutter, Blaze and myself went for a little drive on our neighbor's ranch the other day.

I took my camera along just in case I saw something worth snapping. I saw a few things...

Caught a hawk in mid flight.

This coyote didn't know what was coming next. Clint
brought his gun.

Doe, a deer, a female deer.