A Woman's Work

A Woman's Work - Images by Pat Shannahan

I recently had the opportunity to photograph Arizona rancher Maryann Pratt working on her ranch in a rural valley near Payson. Maryann ranches her piece of land all by herself. There is no calling in sick, no procrastination, and no one around to pass the buck. If something breaks, she has to fix it. If cattle need to be moved, she has to move them. Like a modern Zane Grey character, she lives off the grid. Solar panels power her home. A generator supplies water from her well. Satellite internet keeps her in touch with the rest of the world. She also grows much of her own food. It's refreshing to know there are still people like Maryann providing for themselves off the land and living the old west lifestyle in the new west.