It's Kansas Day! The state turns 154 years old today, and I am happy to have been a part of it for 27 of those years. Even though I have recently spent most of my time outside of Kansas, I am always happy to get home for a visit and my heart aches every time I leave. Growing up in the vast prairies under a teacup sky and through an amazing variety of weather patterns, I can say that I've been one of the lucky ones to have experienced true beauty. There are many people who have told me beauty is the last word they would use to describe the Sunflower State, but to them I've always posed a question: have you ever spent a few days alone in the prairie, hearing the wind blow through the grasses like water in the ocean and sleeping under the Milky Way between breathtaking sunsets and sunrises? Have you ever experienced the spine-chilling event of a cold front suddenly sweeping through and bringing with it tumultuous clouds and spectacular lightning shows? If you have, and you still don't believe Kansas to be one of the most beautiful places in the world, then I guess we have different views of beauty.
Kansas will always be one of the most spectacular places I've ever been able to see. I'm lucky to be able to go back every now and again, and even luckier I got to spend my past summer at home. I took advantage of being there for a few months, and I'd like to share some of my favorite shots during that time. Happy Birthday, Kansas. I'm sad I can't be there today, but I'll be sure to keep you in my mind.
