
There is a little girl named Allyson. She lives on a ranch with endless skies, wide open spaces, and her big sister Olivia.
Together they explore all kinds of places with so many animals and things to do.


There are dogs that bark. And cows that moo.



Kittens to hold and catch mice and horny toads, too.
Butterflies flutter, turtles crawl, and bees buzz.

Guineas squawk, chickens cluck, and turkeys gobble.
Of course, the horses say neigh.


Cottontail bunnies visit and then hop away.
Scissortail flycatchers and robinsā what colorful eggs they lay!

On Allysonās ranch, itās always a beautiful day!




And a BIG Happy Birthday to my most favorite four-year-old, my GREAT niece, Allyson Kate! She reminds me of the JOY to be found in small pleasures. The gorgeous photography featured is courtesy of Allysonās Mom. Follow her Instagram @shesdoinok .
I think the world would instantly be a better place if we ALL returned to such simple pleasures. Thereās hopefully a little Allyson left in all of us.
Great post! Iām still smiling š
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Most of my posts are reminders to myself. So much to learn from four-year-old Allyson! Thanks for visiting, David. Have a good one!
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What a simple life of appreciation. We could all look to the children and animals for inspiration on how to dial back. Great pix from Allyson’s Mom. Thanks for sharing the images and words, Crystal. Allan
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I have to give it to Allysonās parents for cultivating a menagerie. šš» I had an inkling you would enjoy those pix! Thanks for stopping by, Allan.
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I agree with what others have said here. Childrens know to find so much Joy in simple things. A very Happy Birthday to Allyson.
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Thank you, Perth Girl! My intuition tells me Allyson will have a happy day!
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Hi Crystal, WOW! Great essay. You have to feel good after reading it or your hay is in the wrong stack. Have a wonderful day. Jerry
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Good morning, Jerry! I appreciate that. The photos enhance, for sure. Iām happy to add this one to the collection. Have a wonderful day yourself!
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A delightful story
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Hello Derrick, I followed your lead, except borrowed the photos. Thank you!
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š
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How beautiful!
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Thank you, Ashley Leia! š
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Beautiful, thank you ššš
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A glimpse of country life in the US. Thanks for visiting, Alaedin!
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Wonderful pictures, you are always welcome š š
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That poor little cat – I remember our kids picking our cats up like that when they were little š
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I have been assured that no cats were harmed in this photo shoot. However, I canāt vouch for the day-to-day safety of the chickens. Such is life on the farm.
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Love this!!
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Me, too! I just want to squeeze her. Thank you!!
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Bows and a big smile for you. This put a smile on my face and in my heart. Be well.
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Hello Bryan! That was the goal. All of it makes me smile, too.
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Really beautiful. Happy Birthday Allyson!
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Thanks so much, Ancient Skies!! š
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ššš
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A simply wonderful post with cute pictures galore!
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Thank you! Thank you! Very much!
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What a delightful post! The pictures are amazing. I especially love the one with the sisters on the swing. The sheer joy on their faces-oh my!
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Hi Rhonda! Thank you. These girls are such a light in my life. Allysonās mom IS talented. And that swing picāperfection!
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I love this post, so sweet, like life used to be! š
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I want to be like Allyson!
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Oh Crystal, your writing and your photography are warmly evocative!
They covey perfectly childhood’s wonders and contentment. They reveal a beautiful world that’s just so, a magical place where day dreams and night dreams are indistinguishable. Where every grove, loft and corner beckons exploration and discovery.
You know what? The special universe you celebrate looks pretty darn appealing to those of us in the “grown-up” world too. As was obvious when you last posted about your nieces, these honeyed years will build the women they will become, and they will enrich the memories your nieces will embrace through the decades.
Your lucky readers, too, when we close our eyes and imagine…
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I only wish I could claim the photos. Instead I asked to borrow them from Allyās mom, and they inspired the rest. Oh to beāso carefree! ā¤ļø
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That was hard warming, thank you!
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I grew up, not exactly in the country, but in a small town surrounded by farmland. My sister married a farmer, and her son farms with his dad. I have to wonder if one of these little girls will carry on the farm.
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My better half grew up on a farm nearly in the outback … the one uncle who took the farm actually did pretty well for himself! It’s a completly different kind of live out there. Maybe one of the girls will be up for it? Fingers crossed
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This one has been in the family for awhile, like generations. I can see one of these spunky girls taking the challenge. š¤š»
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Wow!!! She is lucky to have the most beautiful loving surrounding šš. Amazing article
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Thank you so much! And I feel lucky for the little girls in my life!
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What a perfect childhood they have. I grew up on a farm myself and still talk about it to this day. They will too.
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I grew up in town, but I love the surrounding countryside. I live vicariously through the girls. Thanks for visiting!
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