I second that!!!! I don’t even know where to begin….how about here….I love your hair, au natural!!! You look wonderful and I see your soul shining through. Thanks, for all your wonderful words of encouragement, I am cutting this out and hanging it by my computer…..no wait a minute…by my mirror! 😉

I turned 50 two weeks ago and this entry really speaks to me. Thank you so much for your ability to convey what I’m thinking and feeling.

Amen, sister! Thank you so much for promoting my love of pearls, both kinds. And I still aspire to be more like you when I "grow up". I’m very glad to have you in my life. Hugs.

The new me happened 2 years ago when I cut off my red hair to 1/2" and let the silver shine! I feel just like you. I am more me now then I ever have been in my life! Joy is taking a walk at dusk and embracing the sunset, where as I never fully appreciated it before. My friends like yours very from 92 to 20 something. Life is grand! Love it and love to read your blog!

Oh Shery,
Ner’ were truer words said! I so agree with you….
I too am in that "age of wonderment",,,,
I wonder how I could have squandered my youth away.
I wonder how many true friends I forgot to take time with.
I wonder how much money I spent on clothes, cosmetics & hair dye to be ‘young’ & trendy.
I wonder why I thought being ‘somebody’ was more important then being me, a good wife & mother.
I wonder how God could be so patient with me.
Now I wonder,,,will my brownies be too squisshy?
Will I be on time when I meet up with the girls for coffee?
Will I get my lavender harvested in time?
I wonder when I can take my lil trailer out camping again.
I wonder…why do I care…life is good, I can relax and and enjoy my beautiful daughter & wonderful husband’s love for me, the non-hair dyed, rarely make-up wearing, jeans & boots lovin’ crafty junktiquing mid-life woman that I am.
Oh Shery, this stage of life is SO Good!
I wonder how I had no clue life would get here & be a great journey. And the journey continues.
hugz
>^..^<

I’m 54 and will reread this post a few more times. I need to absorb so much of it and also the comments. Lately I have been feeling so… I don’t know the exact word I’m looking for but feel kind of like Janice’s comment. Is life all about loss? I had a brain aneurysm fixed (unruptured) in Jan. and although things are great with that, it seems to have sucked all the life out of me. I need to enjoy life’s journey once again.

I remember you "allowing" me to peek through your button tin one day. I felt like I was seeing into your treasures of treasures, holy of holys. Mother of "pearl" buttons, metal buttons, bone buttons….

I am going to be 40 next March. All week I have been thinking about who I am, who I want to be, what I want. I keep coming back to writing, which I’ve always loved, but have been too afraid to complete and submit anything since high school. I want to do it for me, but also so my son (who just turned 1) will see that it is not only possible, but necessary to go after your dreams. Now I just need to be shoved out of my comfort zone and do it. Why do they call them comfort zones when they are actually constricting zones?

Also, thank you so much for the pictures of the Black Hills (and all your other photos). I lived in the Black Hills for 18 months and miss them everyday.

If you aren’t the kindest herd of farmgirls! Thank you so much for the incredibly sweet comments. I had to respond…

Bonnie, I’ll keep you in my prayers for a friend who wants to cut loose and go gadding about! Are there any farmgirls to be had in your neck of the woods? That would be one way to ferret out a good runnin’ pardner :o) What color of graniteware do you collect. I like it all, but limit myself to the blue marble…and red/white. I also have arthritis. Its the pits, but I’m wondering if getting past menopause has helped. I’ve felt better this summer than in 6-7 years.

I got all choked up reading some of what ya’all wrote today.

Melissa, You get writing girl. You just never know where your words will lead. It is good for the soul even if no one else sees what you have to say. And, what if you manage to brighten just one person’s day…one time, hey, that is huge. Nothing makes me feel better than to hear from someone that what I might have written makes them feel better…even if it is just a little warm fuzzy. And, you’re so right about constricting zones. It is NOT comfortable to sit and long for something in a secluded corner. I know that firsthand.

Cindy and Janice, if you come back and read this…I hope that better, sunny days are ahead for you … in every way. That is my prayer for you.

Grace, I wish I could go with you wherever you head for in your lil house on a bumper. :o)

It was great to hear from fellow vintage farmgirls. So nice to know we’re not alone in some of our wondersome places in life.

And, THANK YOU right back at all of you. You are most welcome and please know you fluff me up on the inside like a goose down pillow. Life kinda sits hard on you sometimes and it does a body good when a loving person comes along, even more of a miracle when they don’t even know you and yet take the time to poof you up when you most need it. :o) shery

Enjoying your words and thrilling to your photos, such a treat! You have so many gifts of talent. Each time I read one of your posts, I find myself saying inside…"Yes, oh yes indeed!". I am 61 and having the time of my life. Thanks a million for putting it into words!

Shery,
I love your blog!! I am 64 years young and have just purchased a horse for myself. I grew up with horses and haven’t had one for many, many years! This year I have become much more aware of what I really want out of the rest of my life and what is really important to me. Lots of ‘things’ don’t hold the importance to me like they used to, however the ‘special’ things mean even more now. I really love your pictures and you have such a gift with words. Keep up the good work!
Many Blessings, and Hugs,
Jan in Kansas

Shery, I am always amazed that your blog can resonate so in my own life. I will be 52 in November, and I agree that this is probably the best time in my life. I am comfortable being a curly-headed, silver siren. I have decided that my home decor only needs to please my family and me. I have learned to say no, remembering that "the need is not necessarily the call." I am learning to hear and obey the "still small voice." Life is wonderful! The more of your blogs I read and the more of your beautiful pictures you share, the more I am understanding that there is a real connection between people that cannot be defined or contained by physical limitations. Thank you for sharing.

I read this blog and all the comments with tears in my eyes. At 54 with lots of care-taking responsibilities and no beloved to share things with, I’ve put so much of my life and dreams on hold. I think my biggest fear is feeling I am alone and won’t be able to make the changes I need to make alone so I stay put. What I see now is how we women are truly so connected with our friendships–we all have our own hardships and gifts to share with each other and we boost each other up along the way. Thank you so much for your words of inspiration. I am making a huge decision at this point in my life and reading your blog and comments helps tremendously.

I look forward to your blog every month. It is so inspiring and resonates with me every time. Your photo vignettes are always so beautiful. How do you do it? Did you take photography lessons? I have a wonderful digital camera my late husband gave me several Christmases ago but I still haven’t the knack of using it – one of my retirement goals. Don’t ever worry about age – I will be 63 next month and always have to remind myself of how "old" I am so I will slow down but it’s worth it to keep working in the garden and doing other things. Keep writing your beautiful thoughts and snapping your gorgeous pictures!

Love your post and so neat that you are from Wyoming! I am too, although I live in town. 🙂

Hi Shery – At age 62 I feel like I’ve got my whole life ahead of me to do whatever I want! It’s a glorious feeling, isn’t it? I’m on the verge of selling a business I started at age 52, I’m moving to a different state and I’m looking forward to starting a new and different business. I’m not sure what it will be, but it’s fun exploring all the possibilities open to me. Thanks for the great blog and beautiful photos. I must ask what kind of camera you use. Blessings to you and yours

Shery, I feel like such such a big baby. I can cry at commercials, country songs, my children’s baby pictures and your blog. Thank-you I guess. Really, I loved it, the pictures and words really connect. Pearls are like lipstick it doesn’t feel right without them. Thank-you Theone in Fall River Mills CA

Thank you kindly, Cindy :o) Oh my yes, Tasha Tudor! I lent my TT books out years ago and sadly they didn’t make it back home. I must replace them. What a treasure she was…and remains in the hearts of those she touched. Another illustrator’s work that I loved as a child was Elouise Wilkins — she illustrated several "Little Golden Books". Her work gives you a warm and homey feeling from the inside out. To this day, I want to step inside the pages of those dear little books — and I still have a few from when I was a wee lassie. shery j

Shery, I feel words will not convey to you, how much this post meant to me. It is truly beautiful, as were all the fabulous pictures, graphics and research! It brought tears to my eyes.
I have noticed in the last twelve years of living here…outside Cheney, WA that some of the wildflowers are gone, so I will march right out when things cool down and separate the ones left and make sure there are a few more next year. Thanks, for that idea.
I just was reading about Teddy this morning and he said he would not have become president if he had not gone out West! Can you imagine?

Shery,  I loved your stories and the beautiful pictures. Isn’t it a shame that so many things in our beautiful world that God gave us to enjoy have been destroyed and forgotten. I love the wildflowers and try to bring some beauty in my yard with a lot of the old seeds if I can get them. I always plant zinnias, they are so bright and sunflowers are the ones that make me smile, But come to think of it, they all make me happy.
The last poem made me think of my best friend, Anna, she has been there for me since forever and I love her so much, I grew up with her husband and his dad grew up with my dad, our boys grew up together and went to school together. Now they are grown and we are still the "BESTEST" of friends. That is what I put on her card, when I send them to her. I would like to embroider that poem and give it to her on a pillow or something. Well you are great and I feel lucky to have known you through your blog. Keep up the great work. Juanita

I adore your blog today. I find fairies very enchanting also along with dragonflies near water or looking for it. I loved and just visited Rose O’Neal’s home in Missouri, the creator of the "Kewpie Dolls". I am still awestruck with her home and surroundings.

Thanks for your wonderful thoughts today and sharing them with us. I think I need to watch the "Miss Potter" movie again with your reminding me.

I do love that era also!
Smiles, Cyndi

Bravo! I have three different editions of the Language of Flowers, has always been a favorite. You sure are Larkspur!

Top of the morning to you Shery and visiting farmgirls!
Summer time sure is full of this that and the other thing isn’t it? I thought it was just us " New Englanders" that act like chickens with our heads cut off during the month of June in particular and half way through July too! Maybe it’s cuz we know our time outdoors is short-lived and we feel we have to squeeze in so many things we have waited all the long days of winter to do in the garden, with family and friends, and in solitude…
As always I am mesmerized by your photos of ranch life… and I really enjoyed your monthly project with the Sage Hens! I’ve done a little mosaic work on some of my ‘trash to treasure’ finds and found it to be fun and easy… I like forgiving kinds of art mediums… The kind where PLAYING rules and technique takes a back seat long enough to get you through your first few projects! I have a set of dishes that match the large oval platter you show peaking out of the back of your box of supplies… Reminds me of many homemade breakfasts round’ our little table enjoying hubbies home cooked waffles! Speaking of breakfast, I better get the coffee going…My beloved is waiting…

One of the things we just HAD to do this summer was to put up a screen house on our west facing deck… It’ the new favorite place to hang out at home ( when we aren’t at the cottage )… OH! One more thing… your garden certainly flourished and your chickens are just adorable!
Our growing season takes a while to get under way here near the cape as well, we are just now able to eat peas right off the vine and the most exciting thing to watch these days are the pumpkin vines creeping out of the garden and stretching across the grass!
Grab a cup of coffee and come see my SUMMER GARDEN at it’s peak on my blog. I think you’ll all get a kick out of the Sink Garden! It’s right up your alley Shery!

Love and Dandelion Wishes,
Deb

Shery,
Thanx for letting us spend time with you and your gal-pals. It’s so true, trying to find time to get together (in Summer) is tuffer than uncooked beans! lol!
But when we manage to steal time away for a "play date" it is soooo theraputic. After all an afternoon with friends, food & giggles is good for the soul.
farmgirl hugz
>^..^<

Shery, Thank you for taking time out of your busy life to write this blog. I always enjoy your pictures–so colorful. At 51 1/2 I am yearning more and more for the company of girlfriends. Isn’t it great to share time with those we hold dear? I always feel refreshed just to focus on a joint project that takes me out of the bustle and into plain old fun. Take a deep breath.

Blessings,

Carol J

You are the Rust Queen if ever I knew one! This post brought back many memories of all the well worn and rusty things we used to find out in the hills of Northern Nevada … old bottles, wagon wheels, license plates, pieces of old wood stoves, bricks, horseshoes a plenty, old tin cans, cooking supplies, tea pots, (carried one all the way from Nevada for my garden in New England ) and the occasional abandoned water trough for roaming cows and horses out on the range.

I’m with ya on the lust for all things old … I feel like I WIN too whenever I’m able to fashion a born again creation out of something old I have found (or has found me) and I LOVE the sayings you used to go along with yours!

As always, your words go right to this farmgirl’s heart!

A Creative Life is well done!

Happy rusty lug nuts to you Shery!

Deb,

Too cute. Love it!

Shery,

You are Sister-in-Rust!!

I had just come in the cabin for a cool drink after piling up a stash of well-rusted treasures gleaned from the back roads in my rural town.

I deeply appreciate the fresh inspiration you’ve shared with your lovely photos and stories!! Now I am re-charged to go out and find places to arrange them in my various garden beds!

I always keep several small half-used cans of sampler paints on hand to perk up certain pieces with a welcome, plant name or special saying too!

For the cost of a little elbow grease, it is so worth rescuing rust to give it new life! Thanks for blogging this topic Farmgirl style!!

Nancy

na’r were truer words spoken’
sister hugz
>^..^<
oh & yes, ’54 was a good year! giggle giggle!

Recently I came across the plains returning to Georgia from Montana. I often saw old tractors, etc out for travelers to see. (Once I saw an old cook stove with the oven door hanging off of it and a saying, "open range" – it made me chuckle as I traveled.) I wondered at times where the Ranch Farmgirl lived or if I was close by your way as I traveled on I-90. I too love to collect old stuff and reuse or re-purpose. You have some neat ideas!! And as always, I enjoy the comments. Thanks for another great blog!

You have to just love Wyoming!! I do, I live in Northern Wyoming too, with clay soil and hot summers. My sister, Mom, and myself are also "junkers" and have permission to dig through some great junk piles near by, The rattlers are out in full force right now, so I think we may wait until fall to find some treasure we can work on over the long winter months. I love your "welcome" sign. That gives me inspiration. I love your blog too. Have a peaceful 4th.

Julie

Wow! What a kindred spirit I feel right now with you. I just today posted on my Facebook a picture of my "Rust" and commented, "I admit it, I LOVE RUST!!! It is low maintenance and I love low maintenance." Now, a little while later I open your blog and absorb your pics and words.

Thanks from a Rusty Kindred Spirit 🙂 Now, let’s save some more rust…lol

Raynita

Amen to everything you said. I love the pictures and realize I am not the only who likes ‘the older the better’. Think of the "lives" these items have seen and lived and now those of us who love and appreciate them can help them on with another chapter in their lives. We only hope as we get older people will appreciate us and keep having us around for what we can contribute. God bless you.

Shery—FABULOUS lessons for life and junk. The applications roll on and on. Thank you for sharing your rust and inspirations!
jw

Love your rust. Brought back many wonderful memories – My mother was an artist. She and my dad we into "Junk Art" long before it was in fashion. We all became "dumpster divers", Town Dump rats" and farm junkies. There wasn’t a dump, garbage site or farm dump that was safe from our browsing. My aunt had a large ranch in Washington so that was a prim place to "pick" as were the farms around her. Everyone in the area knew us and would often call if they ran across something interesting that mom would like. We never came back from a vacation without the trunk over flowing with "finds". I remember many times siting in the back set on the suitcases etc because there was no room in the truck for them. We always asked permission before we foraged. We had some interesting adventures. Once we were chased out of field by bull that we disturbed. I don’t think I have run so fast again.

Your pictures are pieces of treasure for me. I LOVE all things old and worn. Nice to know there are others out there as well!

happy day!

I can only say what good taste you have and that your choices you have in "rust" are great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sigh…Oh Shery, You know I can’t take looking at all those horses at once! ( smile )

You always get right to the heart of the matter in your writing. What a blessing your blog is for all who might happen upon it. To think some folks are still surprised to see a chicken in someone’s yard, much less REAL CATTLE at branding time. All I can say is what lucky children they are to be learning some of life’s most important lesson’s early in the game!

What a wonderful and blessed life you are living. A life for the greater good! Ours!

Thank you for sharing it here! I loved every word ( and photo ) especially all the palomino shots!

Your middle aged, still horse sick after all these years friend!

Deb~ ( who hears horse hooves in her dreams ) Some day by golly… I just know it…:)

Shery, Great article, as always. Isn’t there a saying about raising your kids up right and they will find the right way? Something like that. I was watching the news about the oil spill, and how, after generations of shrimping, this generation may not be able to follow those foot steps, and a way of life is gone. Your article brought that to mind, how fortunate these kids are to be able to proudly follow this way of life.
I really like the comment about the toddler being so dirty that it would be easier to start another one! I used to rinse my kids off with the hose before their bath!!

Shery,

I always enjoy reading your blog! It brings a comfort, much like the whole Mary Jane movement! Bless you forever!

As I age and hopefully mature, I find it fascinating that my perspective on entering the second-half of my life has changed from one of fearing a reversal to my childhood to one of realizing that reverting back to childhood is more about returning to the wisdom and common sense of my childhood than it is ‘losing-my-mind’ ! And quite honestly, losing some of the stressful intensity of my present mind is a welcome relief! 🙂

I plan to one day – soon – be content and happy just being content and happy! I sure know how to create a whole lot of drama in my life that, in hindsight, is rarely ever necessary or beneficial.

Sometimes you just gotta have faith and go with the flow of life, trusting that things will indeed work out as they are intended…with or without our fussing and stewing! Farming and ranching are good growing medium for just such an attitude.

Thanks for sharing your journey with the rest of us. You may never know the hope and peace it brings to many of us MaryJaners!!

Ruthe

Hello,
I always enjoy reading your blog, and dreaming about "my farm". I am a city girl, born and half raised, before moving with my parents to the country. I say country loosely, because it isn’t the country or the city ,but I love it. Anyway, just the other night my husband & I were talking about our children, all adults now, 4 boys & 1 girl. He started out by saying they all had to make their own mistakes to learn and grow. And after a few (sometimes really bad) errors, they have straightened out. We are very proud of our kids & know they will be doing a great job of raising our grandchildren. Not all of this younger generation are screw ups, and even if some have drifted off the path, maybe we "older" adults can be there to help pull them back, not kick them further away. BTW, love all the pics…;-> I’ll go back to dreaming now…..lol

Truer words couldn’t be spoken…if only every citizen of the US were to grow up with the work ethic and respect for self and others as the ranch and farm kids do today; the world would be a totally different place! We’re so thankful to be a part of a community such as yours…

I really love your blog. It is my favorite one from MaryJane’s Farmgirls. I feel connected to you, like we would be really good friends. Keep it up! Sharon

Our five year old ranch raised daughter is always very proud to know from what animal her meat comes from. She is grateful that a pig has provided her with a pork chop or bacon, a cow has given her a hamburger or her chili is made with elk. An important piece of stewardship I believe.

Wow – Shery – fabulous article and photos!!! You are so right. I grew up on a cattle ranch in Idaho – moved away at 19 or so – ranch is still in the family. Noticed that when my niece and nephew could stay on a horse and open a wire gate, about ages 8 and up, they had become economic assets to the ranch – they could move bales, feed stock, check the chickens, work the garden, and later drive tractor in the fields as the men picked up hay bales. My 10-year old nephew drove up on his four-wheeler as we were building a fence on my acreage and announced "I’m here to help!" with the quiet confidence that his help was valuable and considerable. It was.

Wish I could share this article with everyone I know.
You are right, farm kids grow up with skills and purposeful action that can rarely be duplicated in the city kid’s experience.

I’m a little late, but I just wanted to say AMEN!

My goodness Shery!

I am just in awe of the beauty you have shared through your photography and the soulful message along with it. They are all inspiring but I have three favorites that speak straight to my western girl heart. The Lilac spilling over the " chippy " picket fence most certainly does bring a sense of contentment. As I gaze at your western sky on fire I can feel the intense western heat seep into my bones and I can smell the sage as if I’m standing right in it. Once again through your blog, I have been teleported back to my home of 40 years in Northern Nevada.

I can feel that ‘wide-open anything is possible’ feeling one can only really know if they have lived it. I know it well!

It’s a blessing you found your way back home where your roots run deep. There really is No Place Like Home.

This desert rose has been transplanted in New England for 9 years. I’ve traded in my dry, cracked hands for softer skin provided by all the moisture in the air here, and I brought along my can-do western spirit. I needed it to get myself firmly planted in a hurry. I consider myself blessed. I have traveled our great country as well, with only a handful of states left to see and have had the good fortune to live in two amazing places the West and the East. I embrace the gifts this side of the U.S. has to offer and I have found they are plentiful if I keep my eyes and heart wide open.

I live within minutes of the Atlantic Ocean which is my western replacement for " wide open spaces ". When I feel the need to see beyond the tree-tops I can head to the beach or our summer cottage for a quick dose of awe inspiring beauty and some much needed refreshment. Salt air and an ocean breeze will clear out the cobwebs in much the same way as a ride in the wide open out west. The sunsets here are equally breath taking as those out west. I feel lucky to know them both well. I truly feel as if I have two homes.

I’m so very grateful for your Ranch Farmgirl blog too.
Just another outstanding post Shery. Thank you!

I’m with ya…100% Put down some roots and bloom where you’re planted! You’ll just feel better!

Deb~

p.s. The new born antelope? A miracle to behold!
Purple flowers thriving on a windswept rock? Now that’s persistance! It’s what we all need with a healthy dose of love and a little luck tossed our way to make a good life any where!

Your photos and commentary made my heart sing. I live in Colorado Springs, where the Plains meet the Rockies, and I get up every morning thanking God for all I see. In the Prairie there is s sublime beauty all its own, if only people will see. Thanks so very much for sharing. You made my day!

I loved the photos. You take beautiful pictures..and these are all from your perspective. In Oregon there are places that take my breath away, too. It’s home and I love it here. 🙂 🙂 Have a beautiful weekend 🙂 🙂 🙂

WOW! Those are the only words to express my delight as you share your world with me. A brand new antelope, fantastic flowers and bird’s nests. Your fantastic photography , and your beautiful horse. I love to ride and did a lot of it while in the Black Hills. I love to dream with you. Thanks, Bonnie

You are very blessed! You live in such a beautiful place. I must visit there sometime. Your pictures inspire me and I do feel a beautiful sense of wonder and joy as I look at them. Thank you so much for sharing your world with us.

Thank You Shery! I know you hear this all the time, You have a way with words and pics. I feel like I’m there, really. What you share is so much appreciated. I live in Ca. near the Delta, not far from a lot of what you hear on the news. You remind me that there is a thriving, beautiful and busy place. If I look a little closer I can find beauty and life here too.
I have a better heart today, because of you. God Bless & Again Thanks

I would thing looking out over your prairie would give you something of the same feeling hubs and I get when we sit on the beach looking across Lake Michigan or Lake Superior. That is where we take our breaks from our normal chores and work. Although I wish it was out my back door as yours is. Lovely pictures. Thank you for sharing!

Incredible! Bravo! Thank you!

Shery

Wonderful pics…I can’t wait to get together with my farmgirls and caught up on what I’ve missed:)…oh and I brought a little something back for all of you from trip to IL. See you soon!

A couple of gals wrote to me privately about good trail-riding horses for sale and about interesting places in Wyoming to see on their way to Yellowstone.

As to the first question. I would have emailed you privately, but that needs to be included in your comment or all I get is a name with no way to contact folks. The answer at this time is No, I don’t. That kind of horse is always in demand, even in a depressed economy and in ranching circles too. They’re just not an easy item to find – as evidenced by your veterinarian’s quest.

Ok, if you’re coming to Wyoming from the east and making your way to Yellowstone, here are stops I suggest: Devils Tower which is just inside the SD/WY border and close to I-90. It just takes half a day and then you can be on your way again. Take in Cody and Sheridan. Sheridan, WY has the largest saddle museum IN THE WORLD in the King Saddlery downtown. Sheridan is a very hip, but all western town. Chic and true to it’s roots. Cody – the Wild Bill Cody museum is a MUST. Original Remingtons! You’ll not see a finer museum of old west items anywhere in the known universe. Have lunch downtown at the old hotel.

The rest of Wyoming is an exercise in patience for those who need to go from one little town to the next. But, for those who hunger for wide open spaces, enjoy the many hours it’ll take you to drive across this BIG state. Most folks aren’t used to UNcongested country and it can take some getting used to. Let your soul stretch out in Big, Wonderful Wyoming. It’s one of the last great places on Earth. shery

Surrounded by such beauty Shery … I love the pictures. It is like taking a little mini vacation. Thanks for sharing them.

The photos took my breath away…Spectacular!

Love this post. My dad had a "junk" pile on the farm. He will see me coming out of the hollow and wonder what I have found to drag back now. I have actually just about cleaned up the junk pile. I also went to an auction one Saturday and when I came back, I went straight to the barn and started dragging out his old tools and horse tack to decorate the inside of my house with. I made a really cute planter from an old nail keg, cabinet from an old window, flower planter from a galvanized wash tub, and I  bought 4 sections of old picket fence for $5.00, cut them in half, put a hinge on them so they would stand as a back drop and sold them in my friends primitive shop for $26.00 a section. Of course I kept one for myself. You have some really cute ideas, love the pics.

Hey Shery,
I soooo agree!
In fact if you sneak over to my blog & take a peek…you will see what my hubby made for me, in fact , I now have 3 and he will make 3 more…using cast off tires, a coffee can, cutter & ‘brute strength’ he cut out a scallop edge, then flipped the tire inside out and now I have big pots, So now to paint them a fun bright color & put flower pots in them! Wahooo! luv re-purposing…
hugz
>^..^<

I just love your "flower beds", I haven’t seen anyone do that in a long time, always liked the look. When I was a kid we lived in the country and they didn’t have garbage trucks pick up your garbage you took it to the "dump", which was just down the road that I lived on. Me and my 3 brothers use to love going down there and looking for "hidden treasure".

Good morning, I come from a long line of "pickers". My parents grew up during the depression and there was hardly anything that they couldn’t re-purpose. My mom was also an artist and had the ability see purpose where others saw junk. We lived in Oregon but lived for road trips, whether to the coast (driftwood, rocks, moss, leaves,and sticks as well as floatsum and jetsum washed ashore from fishing vessels), or to the Dakota’s where they were both raised. We stopped at every "junk" pile we found, often bringing home so many treasures that the suitcases would be piled in the back set. I am in Northern Colorado now and am finding one treasure at time as is my boyfriend. Amazing what you can find in a ditch or just on a old dirt road.

I love your garden recycling! I have been working on some of my own. I just finished a post where I show what I did with the tool tote that hubs won at an auction – it was full of clamps. He was really just wanting the clamps but I still had to do some mighty please, please, pleasing to get that tote for my project. As always love your post!

I am in love. Your web-site is so beautiful and refreshing. Your ideas so outside the box, I am jealous. I have been to Wyoming many times and each time I return home I leave a little bit of me there.
From New York
Love
Donna

Wonderful post and some great pictures to go with it. Guns and aprons – that is a first for my eyes. I have only shot a 22 and it has been many years ago; target practice with a grandfather in-law. It took some talking to get me to even handle the gun since I grew up in a house that did not have any. I have to admit it is was a rush to get anywhere near the center of the target. Spent the evening with a long time girl friend today. We went to a large nursery and filled the back end of my little Sportage and the back seat with plants. We just kept saying "we better stop" and then we would see just one more "that is a great price". Had to stop for ice cream even though it is cold tonight and had a great time. How could we live without our friends? I have a new post and it includes the hen house! Have a great weekend!

Oh Shery,
What fun ya’ll had…& if you had some good ol’ Don Williams music…Id’a been there in a heart beat! lol!
Glad you gals got to have beautiful weather for your rootin’ tootin’ play date…
A bunch of us got together last weekend for camping in our vintage trailers by the Yakima river, a good ol’ fashioned barn dance and pot luck food fest.
Aren’t girlfriends the best!
Warm Spring Hugz to all you WY MJF gals.

Just wonderful! I recently returned back to the Northwest but was able to spend three years in Colorado prior. Learned a lot about farmgirl life and enjoyed the company and knowledge of those near and far. Your comment on the "marrow of people", proves just that…it’s literally beyond the heart and soul that you find depth of a person. Loving a definition of Humility…"The state or quality of being humble; freedom from pride and arrogance; lowliness of mind; a modest estimate of one’s own worth; a sense of one’s own unworthiness through imperfection and sinfulness; self-abasement; humbleness". Priceless!

Hi, love the blog is that a red Holstein that Anita has? That’s my dream team of oxen if she breeds them, I may have to get in touch. Thanks again for the blog.

I was one of the last people to interview Marty Robbins before his untimely death, and I think he would have LOVED seeing you girls in aprons with your guns, and then listening to his music!!! Those photos were just the neatest things! And yes I too might want to move out there! 🙂

Nothing better than good friends, good times and good laughs. Congrats on the bulls eye, you’ve earned the right to brag. I myself am a rifle lady.

Hi Ya’all,

Just wanted to pop in to answer a few questions and address your comments.

Becky asked which month… August or September …is a better time to visit this area. August would be hot. Mid September would be ideal in my opinion…depending on what you’re planning on doing and where in Wyoming you’re going. You’ll get to see autumn color in some places – not here on the plains of course. The change of colors here is very subtle…the grasses mostly.

Grace, it sounds like you’re gonna have a blast with your friends. WooHoooo. I’m REALLY envious of those gals who have cute, tricked out vintage trailer. I SO want one of my own.

Cindy, I’ll be looking for that blueberry pie!

Linda, Anita’s milk cow is a Guernsey. As for her wine recipe…I’ll have to suggest that she submit it for publication. Good idea! She makes several kinds of wine, but Crabapple is my favorite.

Suzy, You interviewed Marty Robbins???!!! Awesome. My favorite song of his is "Continental Cowboy".

Bonnie, I am loving to hear that other farmgirls are gathering together. It is such great fellowship for like-minded "wimminfolk".

Thank you again girls for taking the time to read my blog and correspond. I love hearing from you and I hope that wherever you are, springtime is all over you!
Shery

Linda asked how she might find out if there is a Farmgirl group or chapter in Georgia. If’n I was you, I’d go visit the Farmgirl Connection website and start asking around in the various chat topic folders. I bet ya a donut there are lottsa farmgirls in GA!
shery

Wow, you always have great stories to write about life out in the country and your photos are always wonderful 🙂 🙂 I confess I don’t know much since I live in an apartment 🙂 🙂 BUT, you do give a girl hope 🙂 🙂 For me, I’ve been making a list of all sorts of to-do projects for the home…making valances, curtains etc. I keep putting it off. Today I put off doing something crafty because the sun is shining outside and well, in Southern Oregon…you just have to enjoy it while you can 🙂 🙂 🙂
I really identified with what you talked about in your younger years – the fear of failure. I think there’s a lot of experiences I have probably missed out on because of that. However, I am just going to go for anything and everything that interests me and trust God to work out the details. Thanks for sharing that with me and all of us other readers 🙂 🙂 Have a blessed weekend 🙂 🙂 Lots of greetings and sunshine from Oregon 🙂

Oh my gosh Shery! What a hoot you are…! This post is so me and every other " day dreamin, creative minded, can do kind of gal and guy I have ever known, myself included! I had to chuckle as I read through your list of " to do"’s". It’s a mighty long one and clearly a sign that spring has finally sprung. Clearly you are on full alert and ready to tackle all those great ideas and plans you’ve been brooding over all winter long! Rest assured, you are not alone! I do the same thing! Let’s see if I can make you feel better about your list.
Here’s mine: The kids talked me into ordering 4 baby chicks to add to our little flock of 4 that has whittled it’s way down from 8 over the last 5 years. The Little Red Hen House is all done and had a fresh coat of paint last spring, but the " babies" will have to be babied indoors for several weeks as you know with a heat lamp etc. Then there is the new/old Moon Patio my hubby dug the grass out for two springs ago so we could make a patio from recycled granite pieces of stone! Love the idea don’t you? Can’t you just picture us sitting around a roaring fire singing camp fire songs? We have! In the dirt! We’ve gotten as far as choosing the stone for the patio and the rock for the half- moon shaped retaining wall. It’s muscle time now! We are both hopeful and wondering if this is the year it will come to pass! When I blog about it it will be titled " No Great Thing Happens Suddenly". Of course I want to get the veggie garden in, add that small section of Picket Fencing and a gate. " I’m the gal who wrote " A’ Pinin for Pickets" for the Picket Fence Dreams issue of MJF! I HAVE TO MAKE THAT DREAM REAL THIS YEAR! I have promised myself! What kind of a farm girl would I be if I let that one slip away another season? Veggie gardens, and of course I would love a few new raised beds for more cutting flowers and herbs. Who wouldn’t? Mothers day is right around the corner and I take after my mom when it comes to getting all excited about a new project! We are in the process of a total make over of her three season porch! Yep, new paint on the floor and walls and I’m going to paint up a little trash to treasure table for her too! Hope to have it completed by May 31st because that’s when beach season starts and I’ll be spending more time at our summer cottage (that means what ever I didn’t get done by then at home goes on next years list)! I won’t even go into the Cottage list. Then there’s my blog which is all about sharing my inspirations and creative re- purposing projects! I only show the finished pretty projects of course! Have I mentioned I’ve been homeschooling our two children for 10 years?

If there is a cure for this affliction, I want nothing to do with it! I would rather be thinking and dreaming and making the life of my choosing than doing nothin’ at all! Like you, my mind seems to be much more active than my 48 year old body wants to be but that doesn’t stop the ideas from coming! I keep telling my husband. I need a TEAM!

One of my favorite uncle’s always says " You can sleep when your dead" … and that is what I intend to do!
Thank you for sharing your amazing list of dreams and projects! I feel so much better now! Don’t you?

Whew!
Debbie

Oh Shery,
You really are "busier then a 1 armed wall paper hanger" lol!
But ya know what they say, better be busy than bored!
We only have 5 acres and that lil 5acres of dirt keeps me busy & loving it!
<><

I know how you are feeling. I have way too many things lined up and I know I will carry some over to next year. I made a list and hung it on the fridge last spring and was surprised how much hubs and I got done. But there were a few things left that have been added to this year’s list that is just as long. And that list does not include all the sewing, crocheting and other crafts that I think I just need to start when I think of them. But hey, life would be boring if we did not try some of the things our minds are shoving at us daily. Our chicks are due this week. So excited they are our first. Hubs built a new hen house and I have just finished gathering all the supplies needed to start them out. Keep the irons in the fire because it will keep you young!

Shery, Wow! Like reading my journal! I’m hoping for a small addition to our little house so I can have an actual sewing/spinning/craft room…first roof work and the kitchen and bathroom and, oh, yeah, the ceiling in the hallway…How about the garden? Wellll…on it goes. Had an email from our son who is living in our non-electric house homestead. He sent a picture of his new wood-hauler…bicycle hooked to a long cart…oh, it’s good to pass it on. Thanks for a great job reminding us all how life is lived, really lived. You rock. cora jo

Shery,
I used to have an endless mental to do list and it gets bigger and bigger. I used to rush from task to task trying to cross that particular task off my list. The end result was exhaustion. Now that I’m older, you have to stop and relax and enjoy the task at hand. Sometimes you have to remind yourself to enjoy what you are doing, even if it just "washing dishes".

Hi Shery, I don’t know about you, but,I am just tired. Maybe, I need an iron supplement! Like you, I have too many irons in the fire. Love the photos. Love the blog, keep it up. blessed be, Carol Branum

HOWDY FROM ONE FARMGIRL TO ANOTHER, I LIVE ON 17 ACRES AND RESCUE ANIMALS WITH MY HUSBAND OF 25 YEARS WHO HAD MASSIVE STROKE TWO YEARS AGO. BETWEEN HIM AND ALL THE CRITTERS I KEEP VERY BUSY, I MOW OVER 7 ACES MYSELF AND DO MOST OF THE WORK ALONE, IT KEEPS ME BUSY AND OUT OF TROUBLE. I HAVE HALF DOZEN BABY KITTENS I AM KEEPING EYE ON , IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AND EVEN AFTER I PAID VET TO FIX THEM , SOMEHOW FEW FIXED WAS ABLE TO HAVE MORE BABY’S. LOVE THE MAGAZINE AND HOPE TO HEAR BACK FROM FOLKS , IT GETS LONELY EVEN THOUGH I’M ONE BUSY GAL HERE IN IOWA. ANYONE LIKE TO COME FOR VISIT I’LL SURELY PUT TO WORK CARING FOR MY FIVE HORSE’S. LOTS OF CATS, FIVE DOGS AND TWO PARAKEETS, MARYLOU.

Hi Donna, you can contact me privately at lynnj@rtconnect.net Thank you for asking. Shery

Do you know what the flowers are at the top of your blog? We have some that are similar in our field and nobody knows for sure what they are. Love your blog.

So you’re the "Calf Whisperer" – kinda like being a Cat Whisperer (like I am), only on a grander scale. Your life is so different from mine but I so love reading about your ranching and wrangling. I think in a way, I’m living vicariously through you….hope you don’t mind. We faux cowgirls like to dream of doing the things you are. Thank you for the glimpse into your life.

Thank you everyone for your lovely comments, I DO love to hear your thoughts and related joys & memories…so keep the comments coming! Everyone else enjoys reading the comments section too. The flowers in this week’s photos are wild sweet peas and buttercups (bottom pic). shery

Hi Shery
Calving season is the best ! Like Christmas for me, can hardly wait to see what the calves look like. We’re calved out, much warmer where we are. My husband loaded alfalfa in Riverton, WY on Wednesday, should be home with it tonight. Your weather is quite a challenge.
Theresa is southwest Arkansas

Beautiful photos. I’ve never been on a ranch in my life. I’ve been on a farm a few times…one of my dreams is to live on a farm/ranch someday. This was wonderful seeing all the photos of all the animals. They’re so beautiful and graceful…and it was really interesting to learn how you take care of the cows/calves. Beautiful 🙂

Can I come out and visit you all? I love ranch life. I work for free……maybe just feed me?!

Shery, Awesome pictures! I so appreciate your blog and look forward to it as a homesick ex-Wyoming-ite!!! Keep up the wonderful job!

Thanks for sharing a part of your life from the saddle. I enjoy the pictures so much, and you explain it really well to someone like me (who knows nothing about calving)! Many blessings to you and your husband.

I am so blessed by each entry you make. I live vicariously through you! As an amateur/hobby photographer, I also love the photo collages.

We live on a family farm in E. Kansas. Small operation–a few Angus, quarter horse mare & a couple of ponies. Spent a winter on ranch in Montana belonging to friends–awesome experience! Just like you said–baby calves need to be in the "cooker" when it’s cold and night checks are hard but worth every minute! Wyoming is gorgeous–loved being there! Daffodils, Tulips, Bradford Pears along our drive & Redbuds are blooming–Springtime in Kansas! We will return to your part of God’s country!!
Sharon
Hillroad Farm, NE KS

How i love spring…those cute little ones playing in the fields and "kicking up their heels" so adorable…keep up the great work… C u soon my friend:)

Hi Shery,

I grew up on a farm "wanna be". We did have 4 horses, later a cow & bull…plus other various farm animals,as well as the many stray cats. I recall that we kids got the work part of the animals…mom was always expecting, and dad worked long hours away from home. Being a person of small stature, I found shoveling manure difficult, but helped anyway. My older sister rode the horses (I was too timid). One of our most memorable days tho, was one school day, when walking home from school. I saw numerous neighbors looking up our hill, in the roadway, with their pickups parked nearby…they were watching, as some of the men were trying to catch the bull, who was chasing my 40 yr old mother up that hill! It seems that my mother, always stern, always right, had decided to wave her apron at the bull, after he’d gotten out of the pasture, thinking he’d do as she ordered, and just walk back in. Guess mom learned something that day! It wasn’t long after that my father sold both the bull and cow. Another fond memory was our one duck…he loved spaghetti & meatballs (leftovers from our plates)…after he’d finished he’d have sauce all over his chest! We didn’t have a garbage disposal, mom had us feed all the scraps etc to the animals…spaghetti was "duckies" favorite.
Now I have a yard that doesn’t have any real sun, so I plant in pots…but mostly my garden that blooms is of the quilting kind…I am looking forward to our move to Maine sometime, when I will have a chance for a real garden!
Your pics are wonderful….I’m telling all my friends about the MaryJane website too….especially great to read, on days when its raining and gloomy out…picks up my spirits!
keep blogging!

I just accidentally stumbled onto this site. I was pretty happy to see I’m not the only woman who has baby calves during calving season in her kitchen!
Nothing like waking up in the morning to calf poop smeared all over your floor & kitchen cabinets!
We ranch in SW ND, near the SD border by Lemmon.
It’s sure nice to see a blog of like-minded women out there!