The End Of A Season


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  1. Your blogs about your ranch life are very interesting. My husband and I are from a PA farm background. (We met on a Farmall M tractor!) We were grain farmers and can relate to much you share…so glad to learn more. Keep it up.

  2. Carol McElroy says:

    Busy time for you, and I can imagine of accomplishment now that your work is done, but I bet there is always "something" to do. Enjoy the down time! Carol

  3. Kris says:

    This is interesting but I for one do not know anything about the west really, I’m a north-easterner, nor do I know much about any kind of cattle besides dairy cows. Could you provide info that describes what the pictures are showing? Which horse is Harley? etc. Your photography is great and I enjoy looking @ your pictures, & reading what you have written, but this latest blog doesn’t grab me because I know so little. The stuff you written about your grandfather is so real & brings back my grandpa.

  4. carol branum says:

    hi,I have done this too,only on a smaller scale,we didn’t have semi loads,we just had a trailer full.But,on a beautiful fall day, it is refreshing, and just ok to listen to the cattle, and smell the manure, being outdoors with nature. blessed be, carol branum, lamar mo. themofarmersdaughter@blogspot.com

  5. Debbie says:

    What beautiful photo’s. My grandpa was a cattle rancher in Decatur, Texas for most of his life. We visited the ranch once while I was growing up, but the cows were out to pasture. We saw nothing of his actual "operation"… but being a Texan, he was full of stories. He always used the nickname heifer for his female grandchildren and my granny too sometimes! It was definitely in his blood. He ranched until his late 70’s then he finally retired. I’m a western girl born in Texas, raised in Nevada, transplanted in New England and I just love your blog… Your pix are like little shots from home that warm me up when I look at them… I enjoy your writing as well! Keep sharing your wonderful way of life…It is a great reminder to us all that our food does not just " appear" wrapped up nice and neat at our local meat counter ready for our choosing. Cattle ranching looks like hard work, but it’s easy to see, there is joy in if for you!

  6. RanchFarmgirl says:

    Hi Kris from the Ranch Farmgirl herself! You asked for some details pertaining to this post.

    My horse, "Harley" is the horse standing by himself in the alley with calves we were moving through the part of the corral system called the alley. The calves were separated by gender and they were also vaccinated for several diseases. You can see the alley work being done in the bottom photo (middle) from my vantage point being horseback and holding the calves as people afoot work the calves by gender into separate pens.

    The photo of the sunrise suggested the time of day when shipping begins (which is also the case with some other workdays too).

    The fella and his dog were among about 15 riders that were spread out as we took the entire herd into the corrals — after we had gathered them from a nearby pasture.

    The cowboy on his gray horse is a friend who had volunteered to help with the day’s work. After the job is done (about noon), everyone loads up their horses and heads to the main house for a GREAT lunch. Afterward, we visit awhile and then all the friends and neighbors head back home. Thank you for asking about the How-To, I hope I explained things clearly. Happy Trails, Shery Jespersen

  7. Kris says:

    Thank you for explaining it all. I wish you Happy Trails also and a great holiday season. The expression Happy Trails sounds so Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Is that where that expression came from or is it in general use?

  8. Debby says:

    How are you enjoying the cold? I woke up in the middle of the night and turned on the weather channel, and it was minus 24…but that was the Greybull temperature so I am not sure what it was here in Cody. Usually it is a few degrees warmer. Winter is my favorite season in Wyoming (don’t ask me why) but I have to admit that I am looking forward to the weekend when it will be above zero…we’ve got a Christmas tree to cut down! Stay warm! Deb

  9. St. Fairsted Farm/ ang says:

    I was referred to your website via twitter. I’m glad I was referred; it’s been an enjoying read. This post reminds me of a recent quote I read- "No matter how much horsepower your truck has it still can’t cut a calf from the herd."

  10. Claudia says:

    Hi Sherri, I have been so busy with trying to start my business, and family life, that I have neglected my emails and Mary Jane. I guess cause I’m a farmgirl and a horse person I am receiving your blog? Great stories, inspirational, beautiful photos. Thanks for taking the time to write to us.
    I live in the Adirondacks mtns. of NY. It is 8:13 am,9 degrees outside, with at least 20 inches of snow. We live off the grid, which makes it hard without a lot of sun light for the solar panels this time of the year…How DID they survive here in the old days! Happy Holidays, Claudia

  11. Jennifer says:

    Wow what beautiful pics. For a native Tarheel (NC) it’s really nice to get a peek into your life out west.

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Seeing Beauty

Beauty in ordinary objects can be easily overlooked. You can’t see subtleties from a galloping horse; you have to take up the reins and slow your soul down.


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  1. Bambi says:

    Thank you, Shery, for your wise words this morning. It is my day off from work and your words reminded me of a field trip in the country that I have wanted to do for quite some time and had forgotten about. Today is the day!! Thank you so much and God Bless.

  2. TJ says:

    I love nature. I love rocks, their color textures. I love watching turd rollers, lady bugs. You find a lot of enjoyment if you stop and see, really see the fine things around you. Even in the city you can find small things of wonder.

  3. Terces says:

    WOW, I have only recently started receiving all the blogs and find myself so appreciating all the sharing. We live on 21 acres and are currently in a yurt with an outdoor bath house, outdoor kitchen and a composting toilet. We gather around the fire each morning for breakfast, the crew and my husband and I and again at lunch and once more for supper. I always find myself marveling at the simplest of things. Morning dew, fire heat, hummingbirds, flowers…and yet due to our city life, where we are the owners of 6 restaurants (all use the produce we grow on the farm), so many people ask me "do you like living this simply?" … I notice I NEVER ask myself that question, instead I find myself often asking, "what was it that sent us all indoors?" Thanks for putting beautiful words to such dear things in life. I am starting to save the hair from my brush TODAY! Gratefully, Terces

  4. carol branum says:

    Hi Sherry,Don’t you feel sorry for people that haven’t figured this all out yet? I do. I have been extremely blessed to of had parents that taught me all about nature, and a grandmother who put wild lettuce on her ham sandwiches, and made us sassafras tea to drink. Our home was filled with a library of books about nature, books on trees, mushrooms, birds etc. .We also received magazines like Rodale’s Organic Gardening, Mother Earth News and National Geographic. We still refer to our library after 50 years. I have a lot to be thankful for. Thank you for your blog, have a great day blessed be. Carol Branum, Lamar MO. themofarmersdaughter@blogspot.com

  5. SuburbanFarmgirl says:

    You are so right about this and good to remind us! One thing I love about getting out of the ‘burbs is seeing the SKY, which (along with a good beach) is my favorite, endlessly changing thing to look at.

  6. Bonnie Ellis says:

    Shery, I can picture you out on the plains, riding easily along with a knowing smile on your face; saying hello to nature. What a wonderful thought. I don’t have a horse now but I travel the paths by foot and you’re right, I am a child, the child that is inside us all. I love to watch earthworms wriggling in the fresh earth. I see eagles and hawks everyday and thank God for his autograph. Thanks for reminding all of us to really "see".
    Bonnie

  7. Reba says:

    I appreciate the words of wisdom. I love nature, especially in the mountains. My family and I are nature lovers and relationship lovers, the things that last. Have a blessed day.

  8. Debbie says:

    How true your words are! I am a seer…as is my mother, mother in law, my husband and our two home schooled children. Beauty is everywhere! How is it that so many folks have stopped seeing? It is those of us who see and appreciate that must bring this to light for others…I’m a high desert girl (transplanted in America’s home town) and I love seeing the rustic western photo’s on your blog…I can smell the sage if I look long enough! Thanks for shining bright from the Ranch!
    Debbie

  9. This is such a beautiful gift that was given to you be your grandfather, this is one of the reasons we make it a point to include our family in almost everything.
    I really have enjoyed reading your blog! I hope that you have a very Blessed Holiday Season.
    -Amy

  10. Mary Ann says:

    Beautiful photos, such beautiful photos. The red combo (holidayish) and the all white-ish of the winter pony, faded window, barbed wire and lamb. It is always a good time to become small again, to pay attention, but this time of year more than any other.

  11. Shannon says:

    I so enjoy your posts! They make me miss my ‘cowgirl’ days of riding and feeling the wind in my hair. I look forward to more of your posts and wish you many blessings this holiday season.

  12. Laurel says:

    Thanks for sharing the memories of your grandfather. It brought to mind my father. I was a urban girl all my life. But Daddy would come home and tell of the things he found or saw that day. Such as a pond hidden in the middle of the city (small city). I remember I was walking to High School one day and down along the creek were herons, walking along the creek bed. Here it was first thing in the morning and I could hardly wait to tell Dad. When he got home from work I told him of my find. He was excited for me. Seeing and sharing has been a part of my life for ever. Thank you Dad for starting me on this adventure. And thank you for stirring this memory.

    Happy Holidays, Laurel

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My Old Cubby

My Shabby Cubby Project, by Shery JespersenWhen I was a wee lassie, I thought it completely normal that each day would begin with a trip to the local dump. I spent much of my early childhood in my Grampa’s shadow and nearly every day, weather permitting, we went to the dump on a scavenger hunt. He and Gramma grew up in the homestead era and then spent much of their adult life just trying to get by. Gramma waited 5 long years for her true love to come home from WWI. They began their life together scratching out a living as ranchers. Before they were wed, Grampa told her that he could afford either a new Hamley saddle or a wedding ring, but not both. My Gramma, then his young, auburn haired bride was ranch savvy and she chose the saddle! As young adults, they faced very tough times…the Great Depression, The Dirty 30s, and WWII. As a result, they became members of what is now referred to as ‘The Greatest Generation’. They were people who enjoyed life even in the midst of doing without most, if not all, of life’s luxuries.

By the time I was old enough to hang out with my Grandfather (1960s), he was well into retirement. He was very active though and loved building and fixing things. That is where the city dump came in…

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  1. Reba says:

    I love junktiquing and finding ways to create a "new" use for items that have been discarded. It brings a sense of accomplishment and creativity to my life. It also allows me to put my own personality into the way something looks making it unique and one of a kind.

  2. That is really pretty! I am sitting here wondering where you found those great decals. Wonderful story about your grandparents. My dad’s parents were dairy farmers and I remember how frugal they were. Our grandmother made quilts. And most of them were tied patchwork made out of leftovers from clothing she sewed for herself or someone else. Not like I do when I go out to pick out just the right fabric and only for that purpose. I do like to re purpose things also. I have a few just waiting for some loving care.

  3. Debbie says:

    Yay for wonderful make-do projects and thinking too! You were fortunate to be able to soak up " that way of living" with time spent with your grandparents…
    I like to think it is a wonderful way of honoring your creativity while being resourceful. Not to mention very satisfying and easy on planet to boot.
    Love your cubby project! 🙂
    I hope you will show more in future posts!
    Happy Creating~
    Debbie

  4. TJ says:

    We too went treasure hunting in the dump. I got a nice birdhouse and Chatty Cathy Doll. Now a days they have made it against the law to remove anything from the dump. Which is very sad when I see perfectly good furniture being sent to the dump that is better then what is in my house. Why do people trash good things when they can donate and they would even come to pick it up for free.

  5. Ginny says:

    Your grandparents story reminds me of my 25th wedding anniversary present. I wanted and got a roto-tiller(not sure I spelled it right). Its those little things that count!!

  6. Suzy says:

    That turned out great and I’m sure you’re Grandpa would be pleased!!! I’m afraid if we all don’t bet back to more of their "old" ways that this country is doomed!

    The Simple way is always best!!!! 🙂

  7. Kady says:

    What wonderful memories you have of your grandparents. We could all learn lessons from them. Love your "shabby cubby". I love searching for treasures at thrift stores and flea markets too. Thanks for sharing your memories.

  8. Isabel says:

    This brought tears to my eyes and memories from my heart. I was raised by my grandparents who always brought home whatever they found at the dump or someone threw away! I am not country, but born & raised in a very small S. TX town where life was hard.To this day, though I have lived in Houston for 40 years, I still pick up anything worth saving that someone has thrown away. I learned recyling when it was not fashionable! Imagine that…

  9. Heidi says:

    That old wall chest is too cute! You are very talented. It makes me feel better in my quest of old "junk" that others see the beauty in "old stuff". I have a hard time buying new and prefer something with a little "history". My Father also liked to "fix it up".

    Thank you for sharing. Heidi

  10. Beverly says:

    I love the stories and the use of the word "redemption" – So many of our stories are lost because we are too busy to spend the time with our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc. Our nursing homes are full of stories that need to be captured. One of the websites where you can learn how to start the process hhtp://www.capturingmemories.com/home.html
    Engaging your children in the process is a wonderful way to build character and relationship with your child. http://americanhistory.si.edu/onthemove/learning/
    It is easy to print your own history book – my favorite http://www.mypublisher.com/
    Love your blog – keep inspiring us.

  11. Stacy says:

    Hi Shery,

    Your cubby is adorable and your horse is a beauty. You are a lucky woman!

  12. Nancy J says:

    Dear Shery,

    As I read ALL my e-mails from MaryjanesFarm, there have been so many Farmgirls that have been as if I was speaking from my heart of memories. I was raised down the street from my Grandparents. And I was a Pop-Pop & Mom-Mom girl. I loved going to their home, all the time, where I always felt loved. But after reading this article, I am over whelmed with memories…But also, thankfulness, that I had this life. Now, there isn’t a dump, but I am showing my grand-daughters what I was blessed to learn. Maybe, some day, they will tell their grandchildren. Thank you for sharing your heart of memories…

  13. Maggie says:

    I loved your "dump days with Grandpa" story! When my husband and I married 37 years ago, we would go to the dump periodically and search for treasures. I found a small 2 drawer chest. I use it in my sewing room all the time and I will never get rid of it. It reminds me where I came from, very humble beginnings: growing up on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania, and makes me grateful for all I have now. I live on 1 1/4 acres in a small community in Texas, just southwest of Dallas. My husband and I have moved many, many times in our 37 years together, and this is our last home and it’s as close to country as we can get, considering where we live now.

  14. Kim Denn says:

    Wow! Your grandparents sound just like my father’s parents!! My grampa taught me things similar to what yours taught you; he just taught them in Colorado instead of Wyoming. And indeed those are some of my most cherished memories.

  15. Lis Recusant says:

    Ooh, I love your Shabby Cubby! I remember going dump scrounging with my father once a long time ago when I was very little, in the San Francisco Bay Area (this would have been during the early 70’s). I don’t do that anymore, but I am an avid Freecycler – I hate to throw away perfectly good stuff that someone else might be able to use. By the same token, I have gotten all kinds of useful stuff from fellow Freecyclers. When we lived in Ohio, I was even known to stop and pull things off of people’s trash piles that they’d put out for the garbage truck, take them home, and try to find them new homes through Freecycle. I just hate to see a perfectly good piece of furniture or whatever end up in the landfill when all it needs is a little TLC to be beautiful and useful again. Unfortunately, this drives my husband up a wall. Where I see potential, he only sees junk. He would rather throw something out and go buy a new one than try to find a way to salvage the old one. Now that the economy is so awful, and our financial situation is much more precarious than it had been in the past, I am even more adamant about using the last drop of something, or repairing things or fixing them up instead of just going and buying new. I find it very frustrating, but I guess it’s partly because I’ve been thinking about this issue longer – both the environmental implications of our over-consumerist, throw-away culture, and also the social and economic implications. Our entire economy and society are built on convincing people to buy things they don’t really need, even if they have to go into debt to afford them. What if people stopped buying all this stuff? What if people stopped buying into the idea that they have to buy all this stuff, that new is better, that it’s perfectly acceptable for an appliance you spent good money on to stop working and have to be replaced after a couple of years because it can’t be repaired? What if we took back our financial health and our power, and stopped being slaves to the consumer culture? I’m sure this is the kind of thing that gives CEOs nightmares, but sadly, my experience to date suggests they have nothing to fear – the consumer habit is an extremely difficult one to kick, and most people don’t even realize it’s a problem. When even my own husband looks at me like I’ve got three heads because I brought home a gorgeous antique end table made of solid wood that just needs a little refinishing and TLC, I know we’ve got our work cut out for us. Spread the good word, sister! I’d love to hear about some of your other finds and projects!

  16. Mary Jo Greer says:

    I applaud anyone who aspires to frugality and the preservation of things from the past! I have reclaimed many items from curbside and dumpster myself! (Shhhhh! Hubby does not understand so much.) It is a rewarding work, reviving a useful thing from the past. Once proudly beheld as new by it’s original owner, now an item with a past….it is embraced once more by a joyful owner!

  17. madgardener says:

    WHAT A WONDERFUL STORY !! IT REMINDS ME SOME OF MY CHILDHOOD IN NEBRASKA. ISN’T IT WONDERFUL SOME OF US ARE WANTING TO GO BACK AND RECYCLE, AND RE-USE EVERYTHING WE CAN GET OUR HANDS ON. WASTE NOT, BECAUSE THE OLD CAN BE NEW AGAIN. AHHH, ISN’T LIFE REALLY GRAND.

  18. Coreen Hart says:

    You did a beautiful job, Shery! My husband and I are very good at recycling, too. We once tore down an old proving-up shack and built a chicken cook from it. Our doors are made of scrap wood. Quilts are made of scrap fabric. We wash plastic bags and re-use them. And so on. No, we don’t have to anymore, but it seems to us we are doing our part to reduce waste and damage to the ecology. So let’s all keep it up. Let’s keep our land healthy for the next generation!

  19. Grace~katmom says:

    Oh Shery,
    I LOVE your grandparents…for the wonderful values they gave & shared with you.
    Re-purposing old discarded items is so gratifying.
    I too love to go "junktiquing" especialy at 2nd hand stores….and two things I always keep in mind..
    1. Spray paint is your friend….
    2. Show No Fear!
    It’s amazing what we can do when we roll up our sleeves, dig in and have fun!
    Your cubby turned our beyond cute!
    So, what are you working on now? after all, it’s snowing over here so I am guessing it’s probably snowing where you are too! Perfect time for indoor projects!
    farmgirl hugz
    >^..^<

  20. Little Sister Beth says:

    Shery, I remember when you & I went w/Grampa on many occasions rindin’ in the back of that ol’ green truck out to the dump! The treasures we found were wonderful in our eyes, but I do remember Grama looking at us like we had a screw loose at times! LOL

    The violet-purple glass shards, rare old marbles, bottle caps, odds and ends, bits of this & that…nuthin’ that really made sense — it was just quirky stuff, or had potential to be used…later. Grampa was able to see potential in most things, much to Grama’s chagrin. He truly was a tinker-er.
    How I relish that he shared his gift of innovation & taught us to look for and see that most things hold potential…if only you take a moment to look, you’ll find an idea. I have used that lesson almost daily, which also explains why I have no storage room! ‘Potential’ surrounds me no matter where I turn. Sometimes it does feel like a curse, because I can’t turn off the ‘potential’ button. *sigh* Time to pass on the potential. Any takers?

  21. Julie says:

    Your story brings back wonderful memories for me. My grandma used to take me "dumpster diving". We would go down to the shopping center and find treasures in the dumpsters. It was wonderful fun! She decorated her house with many of these finds. Your grampa reminds me so much of my father-in-law. He was always making things out of stuff laying around in the garage or wherever. He also fixed things rather than buying new. My kids loved the stuff he made better than anything from the store. These are the the kinds of things that make life so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing.

  22. Elisa says:

    My dad was a child of the depression era. When I was growing up my brother and I would go with my dad to the dump each week to dump our trash and sift through everyone else’s. We, too, grew up learning how to "make do".

    My husband is very handy in this area. He makes many wonderful and useful items from other people’s junk. Our girls have spent their share of time dumpster diving. 🙂

  23. Bonnie says:

    Sherry: Your Cubby is adorable. Good job. Our most precious moments are spent with love.

    Bonnie

  24. Mary Frances says:

    What a great story and a beautiful finished project. I too am wondering where you found the decals. My grandpas "dump" was his garage. He would bring home treasures form auctions and they sat in his garage for years just waiting for me to be old enough to bring them home, refurbish or re-purpose them and cherish them for years to come. Thanks for the memories !! mfb

  25. Candy says:

    Sherry- I like the cubby! It’s so nice to read that others are trying to "make do" and renovate rather than buying something. I always feel like I’m the only one that thinks this way! I, too, wash plastic bags and re-use them and use our old, damaged clothes to make quilts or dog beds. Frankly, I love the sense of self sufficiency!

  26. nameTheone says:

    Shery, Hi, I got excited when I saw your blog on MaryJanes site. My parents and grandparents were from Torrington, Wyoming and My sister’s name is Sherrie. So I felt sort of connected to you right away. I live in California in the city trying to get to the country soon, and will look forward to peeking in now and then. Thank-you Theone

  27. Kathy says:

    Hi Sherry!

    Your blog is great. I am a newcomer to your site. In Alaska we called it "dumpster diving". The ‘open’ dump in our town closed about 25 years ago to be replaced by a baler system – no chance for exploration unless you looked in the dumpsters located at the harbor or someplace with common access. BUT when I was a girl we lived on a ranch in the high desert in eastern Oregon and guess what? We lived ‘out by the dump’. And the dump was a good old-fashioned dump. Just kind of out in the middle of nowhere and you drove around in a circle and threw out whatever you wanted and could also walk around and take your pick of things to bring home. The climate was so dry it wasn’t icky really – things just kind of dried up and blew around. On one spot on our property there was an old dump all covered over from years of erosion and wind. We spent hours looking through rusted cans and pottery shards. Then it was ‘discovered’ by outsiders looking for bottles, etc. and it became a real issue as they would come in and set up large screens to dig and sift – range archeologists! (kind of). Unfortunately they would cut fences to get in and since it was a ways from the house we never knew what was going on until too late and cattle were out. We actually had to patrol that section regularly to keep the fences up and repaired and the cows in. What a deal – but wow – you bring back great memories. Thanks! I’ll stay tuned.

  28. Tanya says:

    I always enjoy your articles in the Weston County Gazette (I’m a former Upton resident), so I look forward to reading your blog!

  29. Sheri says:

    I too remember going to the dump with my Grandpa in Idaho in the 1960’s. The ride in his old pickup was always full of anticipation about what we might find on the way to the dump and glee over what we had found on the way home! I remember these outings much more fondly than just about any other shopping trip I’ve ever taken! Thanks for reminding me about finding the beauty in things that are cast off.

  30. Pam says:

    I loved the story. I am the same way. I love going to the dump…recycle.

  31. Diane says:

    Love your story. When I was a kid my grandpa owned the town dump! I think recycling is way more creative than just buying new and sometimes you end up with projects way better than the new ones. For example, I was in need of a new faucet for my kitchen sink. I found a "new" one at a flea market, it really was unused in the box, but about 30 years old and priced at 10 bucks. I brought it home and my husband installed it, but it didn’t really fit, the base was smaller than the old one and the hole showed on the top of the sink. So my husband got the idea to cut a piece of sheet copper in an oval shape and place it under the new base. It looks great and everybody who sees it thinks it’s a custom sink. It is! I just love making do.

  32. Sally Freeman says:

    Oh Shery, what a wonderful piece on my Uncle Ed and Aunt Bernice, your grandparents. I am blessed with two of his gorgeous lamps. One he made for my father and the other one he made for a wedding present when I got married, some 46 years ago. They were quite a couple. Sometime I would love to read an article about your Grandmother’s cooking abilities. I can still taste her homemade noodles, bread and apple pie! Weren’t we lucky to be kids then?
    Much love and keep having fun!
    Sally

  33. Carolina Sarceno says:

    Dear Shery,
    I love to read your stories. They give me hope. Frugality is spoken about as if it is a modern day sin. I must say that my family falls below the federal poverty level, but I have this little computer (pocketbook), and a roof over my head, land, and love. I have all that one needs to survive. I have been modifying my clothes to make them look ‘modern’. I am frugal. I thank God that he blessed me with the talent to sew. I have began a huge endeavor to start my own sewing business and selling produce. People love my jalapeno chili and salsa, and my sewing. Now, why not make money? Your stories gives me hope. I see your cubby and you inspire me that this frugality is truly art. Who else can see beauty in someone else’s trash? Thank you for inspiration. I AM GOING TO GO FORWARD with my business, and restyle and alter and sew old into new. I will bring out the beauty in someone else’s discards!! Thank you for helping me see the art in my business. I have NEVER thought of myself as artistic, and am far away from the Martha Stewart type crafts, but I know I can sew well, and can bring out a good business. Now I am ready to look forward to writing a business plan. I live on an acre of land, how can I be poor? Sometimes people give wrong titles to poverty and richness. I feel like I am the richest person in the world to have land!!!! My husband and I are planting our seeds for the future, figuratively and literally. I get inspired each time I read your stories. Keep us motivated!!
    Su lectora loyal,
    Your loyal reader,
    Carolina

  34. Howdy, Shery,
    I enjoyed your story so much…partly because your memories of grandparents and childhoold adventures were familiar to mine. I feel blessed that I had that connection with grandparents that taught life lessons just by being. I also enjoyed your story for the pictures that you paint with your words.
    Thank you for your uplifting, comforting picture stories.
    A new fan,
    Waynetta

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Cowgirl Up

Autumn in the western states, specifically on cattle ranches involves what is commonly referred to as ‘Fallwork’ – one word. Ranching, like all agriculture, revolves around the seasons. For ranchers on the northern plains, autumn is less about colorful leaves and more about golden grass. The prairie is busy getting ready to close up shop for the coming winter and the rancher has a long list of chores to do in preparation for the changing out of seasons.

Cowgirls: Cowboys come in all shapes and sizes
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  1. Judi says:

    For someone who lives in a midwesttern area of the nation, this sounds like a whole nuther world. The close’st I ever got to a cowboy, was an uncle who wandered the west moving his family every two years or so. We never knew where he would show up next. But he had wonderful stories! And to be a cowgirl or to live on a ranch sounds like a lot of work! But having five sons, I often wished they could have been raised up out west on the backs of horses, learning how to really grab hold of life! Keep on writing, you have a fan in me,and I am up for an adventure even if it only consists of words on the blue screen! Thanks!

  2. Dalyn says:

    Great post! Love the pictures ")
    I have a "hobby ranch" only 11 acres- so I "get you" but on a smaller, way smaller scale. Love fall!
    Gorgeous.

  3. susan says:

    I just love your writing and the great pics that go with it.Makes me feel like I am there.I am a frustrated cowgirl with no ranch so for now I will live vicariously through your writings.Thank you.

  4. Thanks so much for the ‘birds eye view’ of life on a ranch. I believe I secretly coveted this life but being a city girl most of my life has only gotten me as far as ‘small town country girl’. And at my age that is a far as I am going to get. It sounds like it can be a very hard life but super rewarding. I love reading about it, keep it up.

  5. Reba says:

    Thank you for letting me "see" life as a cowgirl, and "hear" the reality of it instead of idealism. Attitude is the glue that makes any job worth doing. And what an awesome way to do the job. None better than with a ride from such a beautiful animal–your horse.

  6. CC says:

    Oh how nice that sounds! Sitting here at my desk day after day. I’m not complaining, I have a job, with this economy and many wonderful things….but that is just it, they are "things". How lucky to be born into the Cowgirl life. Being outdoors, simplicity on many levels…all of it. I can smell it from here by reading your blog and remembering my summer trips to Cody, WY as a kid and I used to dream about being a cowgirl. It’s not really something one just changes careers and gets into I suppose…you kind of have to be born into it I’m finding, but I sure wish it were an option. I would switch today. I can relate to cooking for people-I bake for everyone and enjoy seeing the delight when I bring a pie to work or cookies… Thank you for sharing your life I look forward to reading more!

  7. Teri says:

    Great article. It really put me out there with you. In fact, I wish I were there, just not when it gets cold, wet or blustery. vbg

  8. Julie W says:

    Outstanding, Shery!!! Thanks for taking me along for the ride! jw

  9. Patty says:

    I love your writing!! I feel as if I’m right there. I am on a farm in OH and I know what fallwork is here. Harvesting, shearing, putting the land to bed, and making sure I have enough hay. You keep up the joyous work cowgirl.
    Patty

  10. Margie Smith says:

    Hi Shery,
    I have enjoyed your blog about working on your ranch. I understand what you are saying about being a cowgirl or boy is not all wildflowers, beautiful sunsets. I work in a public library. People will tell me they would like to work here. But it is not all reading books. Some patrons make my day go all wrong. But I know these things, so I just keep plugging along, as you keep riding into the sunset!!!! Let us know about calving in the spring. I love baby animals, but to sadly they grow up. Keep blogging.

  11. Ann says:

    We always have a rule here on our farm/ranch…
    #1. Animals die
    #2. Can’t change rule #1.
    It’s what life is made of.
    We start the road to our death on the day of our birth.
    But we try to pack as much fun and love in the middle.

  12. Peggy says:

    Shery,
    I really enjoy reading about your ranch life. It brings such a close feeling to what ranch life is all about for a woman ,instead of just reading about it.

    Thanks for sharing the good with the bad.

    Peggy

  13. RanchFarmgirl says:

    I’m new to blogging and being a blogger. I hope it is ok to add my own comment here. I would like to thank ALL of you, new friends and old for your kind words and encouragement. I can’t express how good it makes me feel to know my writing is worthy of your time. Happy Trails to you all and thank you for tuning in.
    Shery, the MJF Ranch Farmgirl (‘shery on the prairie’)

  14. MartiBee says:

    Just wanted to tell you that I love your blog. I’m always tickled pink when I get a notice that you’ve got a new one up.

  15. JudyR says:

    Shery,You know I love your pictures and your writing is exceptional. Thanks for taking me along. ONe day I hope to actually get out to meet you and your great Morgans….Keep up the blogging you’re a natural 🙂

  16. Grace~katmom says:

    Hey Shery,
    Thank you for sharing ‘Ranch Girl’ life from behind the ears of a sweet Morgan….not an easy life but truly a life connected with the land.
    Today we are having 45mph winds out here on the West Plains(W. Spokane)but all in all, I love the mornings, as I walk about out on our little 5 acre parcel of heaven, I follow the tracks of visiting deer & geese….as well as survey the latest damage to out seedlings thanx to those stinkin’ gophers! Can I send ya some? lol!
    Happy Trails!
    gracie

  17. Megan says:

    Great post Sherry! Thank you!

  18. Tammie says:

    Sherry,
    I love your blog and the pictures you post with it!

  19. Jeri says:

    Hi Shery –

    I can totally identify with the cowgirl up mentality! As kids, we were workers, and riders, and chefs in one afternoon! We were wherever we were needed and it was one of the best jobs in the world! You can ride some of the most beautiful country in the world, work cattle, and feed your helpers without missing a step. Wonderful memories! I think it also shows our strength as women, that we can do all these things and feel completely at home. 🙂

  20. Kelly says:

    I enjoy all MaryJane’s blogs, but was especially happy to see a ranch girl one. You are a terrific writer and a realist. I have always thought it important and valuable that my farm/ranch kids got to learn about life cycles and have a connection with nature, no matter where life takes them. I too can relate to all the jobs and love "Some of the best cowboys are cowgirls." Working cattle from a horse is one of the greatest jobs. I look forward to more of your tales. Enjoy!

  21. Carolynmst says:

    Your site is like a blonde with a brain. I love it. Jokes aside, very informative article and equally impressive design.

  22. AshlySanda66 says:

    Stupendous post thanks!

    Mars Venus Coaching 🙂

  23. Meridith says:

    I was curious if you ever considered changing the page layout
    of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with
    it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for
    only having one or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?

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