Today was the final day of our state fair. Our whole family loves the fair, and we spend a lot of time there every year camping with my parents. In fact, our daughter has practically grown up there, camping the entire time with her grandparents. She knows the fairgrounds better than anyone. It's like our backyard, only much better, of course.
But having lost my mom back in May, this year's fair was really hard for us. With her gone, I suddenly realized that one of the main reasons I love the fair so much is because of her. Whether it was checking out her latest blue ribbon dollhouse or watching her let a wobbly calf suck on her finger, she made it fun. Every day was a new adventure.
Without her, I had to work really hard this year to find fun.
That's why we took Lily to the fair in competition. That's why Daughter entered her dessert creations and photography. That's why we forced ourselves to camp this year, even when our hearts ached. It's what we've always done, and my mom would have insisted that we squeeze as much fun as possible out of every single day.
So in the spirit of finding fun, I gave myself a few photography challenges during the fair. Today's subject: rabbits. :-) To do this challenge, I spent quite a bit of time in the rabbit judging area. I got to pet a little gray and white bunny, and his owner told me that rabbits can actually live quite well with cats. In fact, the rabbits eventually end up keeping the cats in line! Don't worry...I'm not considering adopting a rabbit anytime soon, but it's certainly tempting!
But having lost my mom back in May, this year's fair was really hard for us. With her gone, I suddenly realized that one of the main reasons I love the fair so much is because of her. Whether it was checking out her latest blue ribbon dollhouse or watching her let a wobbly calf suck on her finger, she made it fun. Every day was a new adventure.
Without her, I had to work really hard this year to find fun.
That's why we took Lily to the fair in competition. That's why Daughter entered her dessert creations and photography. That's why we forced ourselves to camp this year, even when our hearts ached. It's what we've always done, and my mom would have insisted that we squeeze as much fun as possible out of every single day.
So in the spirit of finding fun, I gave myself a few photography challenges during the fair. Today's subject: rabbits. :-) To do this challenge, I spent quite a bit of time in the rabbit judging area. I got to pet a little gray and white bunny, and his owner told me that rabbits can actually live quite well with cats. In fact, the rabbits eventually end up keeping the cats in line! Don't worry...I'm not considering adopting a rabbit anytime soon, but it's certainly tempting!
(Click on the collage to bigify these bunnies! Find the Lily-colored rabbit. Check out the bunnies sharing a carrot!)
So here's to another fair. Different, to be sure, but the good stuff is still there. Like in life, I just have to look a little harder to find it.
So here's to another fair. Different, to be sure, but the good stuff is still there. Like in life, I just have to look a little harder to find it.
10 comments:
I used to have a roommate that had a rabbit, and I had two cats. They used to play together (the rabbit was litter trained so she got to roam about every so often) and sometimes we'd find them curled up together taking naps.
These are cute pictures. I love their little noses and the white bunny with the pink ears. This was fun. Not being a "state fair" person I am enjoying all your pictures. Thanks so much for sharing. I know how hard it has been for you this year. Your mom would be proud of you for finding some fun.
I'm so sorry about your mom. The first year is always the hardest. The bunny pics are so sweet. I had bunnies as a kid and I miss them
I'm sure your mom was there in spirit and happy to see you all enjoying the fair. Love your photos. The idea of a rabbit chasing Lily & Tinsel around had me laughing. Not sure my two would care for that either.
I'm sure your mom was happy that you all were enjoying the fair. Beautiful rabbit photos!
Love the fuzziness. Love Ringo's curiosity. Love all the snuggly cuteness. They don't purr, but they'll do in a pinch! I sometimes visit the bunny kiosk at the mall during my lunch break, just for a little fur therapy :)
Bless your heart, I'm glad you went and found the fun :)
Love those bunnies, you got some nice shots. I've been thinking about you this past fair week, hoping you were doing OK. I'm glad you could still enjoy it, just with a new perspective.
I'm glad that you and your family were together and remembering your Mom.
The bunnies are adorable...I'd love one except I have a bunny-hunting beagle. NOT a good combination;) I have heard you can house-train (litter?) bunnies...
*hugs* to you...I'm sure it was difficult to "force" yourself to go and try to do all your usual things at the fair even with an empty spot in your heart.
Awwwww... I had a rabbit years ago. Love the grey one!!!
Good for you Janet for continuing your family traditions even though your family isn't as large as it used to be. Your mom would be proud.
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