I first met Lauren about seven years ago when she was dating my cousin-in-law Keith Malloy, and we immediately connected. Since then Lauren and Keith have gotten married, started a family - their children are similar ages to mine - and built their home on a picturesque plot of land north of Santa Barbara.

On Lauren and Keith's ranch they care for horses, chickens, mini jersey cows, and the newest addition to the family - a baby calf. Lauren's committed as well to growing their own food, teaching her family the importance of true organic living and proper treatment of animals. She recently started the company Women's Heritage with two of her mama friends, a collaborative project with the goal of bringing traditional homesteading knowledge into everyday life. They seek to inspire modern women like themselves to discover their passions, learn new skills, use their hands and make things from scratch, making traditional slow living ideals accessible to everyone.

Lauren Ross is an amazing photographer and dear friend of Lauren Malloy's. Another Santa Barbara local, Lauren captures nature with honesty and beauty and was excited to photograph the family and their new baby calf for a DÔEN Journal. See below for more images of the afternoon on the ranch with Lauren and June.

-Hilary Walsh