A Bounty Of Blessings

Every morning is a gift, a fresh start … the new day is full of discoveries and positive happenings … even amidst challenges. At least, it can be thus if we don’t forget to balance our focus.

Remember this: TODAY you are here on earth for a reason. You have talents and qualities that can bring goodness to the lives of those around you. That idea alone is a high calling! A kind smile, an encouraging word, a fun and loving gesture, offering the gift of listening – – simple things can change someone’s day. For that matter, building others up changes US for the better.

Sweetening a day for someone else is a sure way to do the very same thing for ourselves.

Attitude is everything. Gratitude is the well spring. So often, the way you look at the day, an object, a situation, a problem dictates what will follow. For example, a few days ago I was in my garden watering early in the morning. While the hose trickled water in the tomato tank, I trimmed spent flower heads. I was startled when I spied the above spider near my hand. I don’t really mind spiders, but I can’t say I like them. They’re needful little creatures, but they’re creepy, right? Well, none the less, I was amazed at the color of this unusual specimen. It matched the Black Eyed Susan petals perfectly. The beauty of such specialized coloring changed my creeped out alarm to fascination. I wondered if this spider is like a chameleon that can change colors as needed or if perhaps it seeks out yellow flowers. I was reminded of my surroundings before this garden-yard came into existence: gravel driveway, ranch trucks, corrals, hay bales. But, NOW, I have exotic insects taking up residence because of my little Eden wanna-be.

Suddenly, my day was made better via a revelation from a highly unlikely source. An unobvious blessing might literally be under your nose … and should never be overlooked. You might miss something really special.

Another example of something unlikely turning into a blessing … birdseed. Yep, spilled birdseed. I fed the birds over the winter on my old grain drill in front of the garden-yard. The result was this: ‘feral’ sunflowers, millet, and wheat sprouted and grew up through the wheels. Then, I had an epiphany. Its not like my garden yard is a manicured work of art. I *like* casual, natural landscaping ANYway. A few weeds here & there don’t give me a wedgey. So, why not call the mess a ‘birdseed garden’. I then put a rickety old wire fence around it so that the feral crop could thrive and end up being an end of season feast for my feathered friends.

Forgetfulness can even turn out ok. When I planted moss rose plants in the grain drill, I forgot that I had previously planted mounding morning glory seeds in it too. Golly, they look gorgeous together and what a surprise when the morning glories began blooming. I was oddly grateful and tickled at myself. For once, absentmindedness had a positive outcome :o)

Another garden mistake was planting too many climbing morning glories when I began my garden yard project 3 years ago. Good Golly Miss Molly, they reseed like crazy. However, they’re kind of expensive to buy as plants, so when they come up EVERYWHERE around my garden yard in the spring, I replant them in places that need more color. By summers end, they create a jungle-y tangled mess allllll over, but the beautiful blooms decorate every dawn with fresh color. Its – All – Good.

Any morning that you can go to a garden as part of beginning your day will surely get your attitude off to a good start.

Even the humble beet makes me smile. I can smell the cloves & spices of sweet pickled beets. I think of opening a jar in preparation for making a relish tray for the Thanksgiving table.

On a little different note, I was paid a lovely compliment by a young friend about a week ago. It made my day. “Jaycee” asked me to take her senior pictures. I’ve only done this a few times, I was honored to play a role in her milestone experience. I remember well our *first* meeting. Jaycee was nine days old and tucked in the backseat of her parent’s pickup. We had gone out to ride through leased pasture to doctor some yearling cattle. How is it possible that the time passed so quickly?! From tiny girl with toes no bigger than a kernel of corn to a six foot tall elegant young lady.

From cowgirl to girly-girl … in about three minutes. And, where did she change clothes? The horse trailer :o)

Then, she morphed again. She loved her prom dress and wanted some photos taken of her that would result in a very different look than western. I’ll say!!

Blingedy Bling Bling BLING!!!

Jaycee is tall and oh so willowy.

When editing and reviewing her photos, I kept trying to think of a model she reminded me of. Then, it came to me.

Remember Lauren Hutton? She was a top model in the 70s. I’m not saying Jaycee looks just like her, but they are of a similar flavor … wouldn’t you agree?

I don’t know who had more fun … me or Jaycee. Oh, Me, I’m Purdy sure!

Now from tall & elegant to NOT TALL AT ALL. You might recall that I’ve been throwing around the idea of getting a new baby … a baby Welsh Corgi. Well, I got brave and went out to take a look at my friend’s puppies. I took my galpal, Anita, with me to talk me out of it. NOT. Anyway, I was slain immediately. I mean, just look at this little darling. Meet little Miss Sally O’Malley. Eeeeek, is she ten kinds of adorable or what?? She and her jaunty little trot.

Her ears aren’t standy-uppy yet, they’re still tippy-overs. But, soon she’ll resemble her momma. There’s not a lot of daylight under a Corgi.

Other headlines in my part of the world: Two new glampers are about to join our ranks. Brenda found her vintage glamper and I’m sure she’s busy getting it dolled up. My sister moved back here and she’s claimed my husband’s ‘was going to be a man cave’ – dash – hunting camper. He said, he’ll never end up using it for more than a storage shed, soooo, Beth is going to glamour it up and turn it into a girl haven on wheels, a white-washed ‘farmhouse chic’ glamper. Photos of both new glampers will be forthcoming. Our next ‘glamp-out’ is scheduled for the end of this month.

This is a glamper summer 4-sure. It is beautiful e v e r y w h e r e !!The countryside in every direction is still as green as a cucumber – NOT normal for this area in August. Soooo much rain this year. Lush, green and HUMID. The horses are as fat as toads!

There is a mist above the creek every morning. Ribbon’s mane hangs limp and soft in the muggy air.

So, from this ranchy farmgirl you’ll get no complaints. My blessings far outnumber and outweigh things negative. Seeing it that way is a choice I try to make at the beginning of my days … even when circumstances aren’t ideal. Oh yea, it is easier some days than others, but the choice is always before us to look UP. My best help is always found in that direction. Bountiful blessings to YOU until next time. ~ Shery

  1. Mary Rauch says:

    I just had such a lovely "visit" with you/your pictures. I suppose your young friend was thrilled with the pictures? I was! Sure liked the black and white also!
    I see what you mean about not-too-much-daylight under the Corgi; so sweet. Thanks for the pics!

  2. Betty Benesi says:

    I love this time of year when the horses are so sleek. Also it appears you don’t have the usual brown grasses common this time of year. We’re pretty dry this year in California, but have had an unusually cool summer.
    Love your gardens. They are such an inspiration!

  3. Joan says:

    As always another wonderful visit with you and all your lovlies – containers, flowers, young friends (great pic’s), words, awww sweet baby Miss Sally, way to go sis — snag the glamper and the beautiful horses, what a joy to have a visit with you. Thanks Shery, God Bless

  4. Jan says:

    I am so glad that you got to ‘meet’ such a wonderful spider. I believe that it is a crab spider. They change their color to match their background and do not have webs. They simply wait for their meal to come to them! They have always fascinated me..
    That little Miss Sally is the cutest. No wonder you couldn’t resist her! Your gardens and views are beautiful. Ribbon is one gorgeous girl.
    I have a beet addiction going on and my blood pressure is DOWN. Going to research that!
    As usual, your pictures are wonderful…

  5. Kay (Old Cowgirl) Montoya says:

    You have made my day. When I grew up in Burns Oregon, I had friends who lived on ranch’s, had to my Mom had a fear of Horse’s and I a huge love for them. So I rode at all my friends ranch’s. Even did a cattle drive, bareback and farm horse. We got along great. Your pictures and comments bring me back to a wonderful time. I am 70 now and lost my husband of 27 years last Nov. I am moving on to a Manufactured home park in the city of Salem. I will live through you and your wonderful description of your ranch life. Thank you and God Bless you.

  6. Debbie says:

    Oh Shery, I LOVED every little word and photo in your post and the message is one we all need to be reminded of more often than not I’m afraid. It’s so true about what an eden of your own no matter the size will bring to your corner of the world. I marvel at the insects, toads, butterflies, bees, snails, moths, hummingbirds, squirrels, snakes and birds that visit my garden. It’s truly amazing. Your little Sally O Malley is A DOR A BLE! May I introduce her to Max? And Ribbon is beautiful beyond words.

    Thanks for sharing your view from the saddle. As always it’s a delight and a lift when we visit!
    Hugs from the east!
    Deb

  7. BeckyT says:

    Thank you for such a lovely visit. I like your attitude. Beautiful flowers and pictures. God bless you.

  8. Gosh Shery, your photography takes my breathe away! LOVE your posts!

  9. Theresa Bondurant says:

    I love your posts! It takes me to another world….out on the farm. what a life you lead.  And that puppy! Take two bundles of love! Thanks for you posts.  I always look forward to them! Best to you….Theresa

  10. Nancy Beers says:

    Love all your pictures, I too am so thankful for each new day and the blessing it hold.
    Love Miss Sally O Malley, enjoy her That little One will bring a new blessing each day.
    Thank You !

  11. Jan says:

    Hi Shery, I love all of your posts, but I think this one is my favorite one so far. The senior pictures of your friend are beautiful, great job! Your little Sally ‘O Malley is adorable!! These little Corgi’s are just the best! I love, love mine to pieces. Love your idea for the fall bird garden and your flowers are so pretty!! Ribbon looks beautiful as usual, she really is a fantastic looking mare. Can’t wait to see the pictures of the new glampers campers! What fun you girls must have on your get-aways. Well until next time…..Blessings to you.

  12. Diann says:

    Thanks, I needed some positive today…sigh. I live in a lovely part of the country, but, I work in a really ugly place, a men’s prison. I am so often bombarded with such negative ugly. In a few years I will retire from "that place". It is my fervent hope that my attitude toward the human race improves. Thanks again for the lovely pictures and the uplifting words, I really needed it.

  13. Juanita says:

    Shery, just love your photos and the puppy is so cute. When you do your quotes I copy them in a book I have for further reading and whether yours or some you have quoted, I love them. Your ranch is beautiful and I can get lost in the reading. I also want to be a glamper, I’m almost 70 and have an eighty year old husband who is sick so I guess I never will be, only by dreaming. That’s ok because I read about you girls all the time. Take care and keep up the good work, Love ya farm sister, Juanita

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