I spent a couple of days in the country with my mom about a month ago. And by country, I mean there are no street lights, no sidewalks and no one to hear you scream if stumble upon ax murderer kind of country.
I’m a city slicker – the closest I get to nature are the three New Guinea impatiens and coleus plant I have on my deck. The wildlife in the city includes pigeons, rats the size of cats, and the dudes preaching on the street corners.
Being in a new environment had me excited to take a photo walk in the early morning hours. I envisioned a zen walk through the country taking pictures of rolling hills with cows, horses and sheep. I didn’t see any cows or sheep, but I did see some horses on some rolling hills – so not a total bust.
Horses in Pasture, Iowa 2021
Herd of Horses, Iowa 2021
Of course, my walk was anything but zen. I spent the entire time terrified that I’d run into a snake or worse, a crazed hill billy careening down the gravel road in his pick-up truck. I’m fully aware that my fears are ridiculous. If I had any sense, I’d be afraid to walk down dark alleys in a city that has over 400 homicides in 2021. But alas, I find the country infinitely more terrifying than Chicago.
Dock, Iowa 2021
Ridiculous fears aside, I’m pleased with the way the photographs turned out. It’s hard to not like pictures of horses.