What great article, Thanksgiving is for me a very special day. By reading the article on corn you brought memories for me as a young child. I remember grandpa growing the corn in South Mexico, where I was born. We left South Mexico when I was a young child (2) to migrate to this Great Nation. Returning every year when grandpa harvested the corn, I remember grandpa, grandma, great grandma, mom and my sisters all sitting around helping him grind in this round handmade wheel made from dried corn cobs. I can remember grandma with her long braid gather the corn to make homemade tortillas, on a large round COMAL (griddle) with firewood. They were spectacular and delicious not to mention her tamales. Those days are gone, but the memories live on…and for me close to my 60’s, I am proud to say that I’m so happy for those memories and guess what? I now have a long braid just like grandma. Thank you for this article it made my day! Maria

Who would have thought corn would have such an interesting story! Thanks Shery for the great read and images. I love Thanksgiving and I love corn–a wonderful match.

I wonder if the first Indians that planted corn would know what an impact they would make on the world.

Who knew there was so much to know about corn? When we drove through the heartland of our beautiful country a few years back in late summer I thought we would never see the end of corn fields and that was after two straight days of driving across Kansas through what seemed like endless acres of sunflowers in bloom. After that drive I "got it" about how much we rely on the farmers of the heartland and beyond. The uses and products that come from just those two crops alone are mind boggling…
When my hubby and I were first dating we shared a family meal where we served corn on the cob. It was sweet corn and from a local farm, but apparently my husband hadn’t had corn that tasted so good in a while because he took one bite and exclaimed, " I haven’t had corn that good in three years "! We all burst out laughing and to this day whenever we have sweet corn you can guess what we all say…That was 23 years ago!
I love using corn stalks in my fall decorating outside. This year the squirrels had a field day with them. I had stalks loaded with corn cobs and with in just a day or two of putting them out they had gone missing and all that was left were traces of corn on the ground!
We are big fans of blue corn chips in our house and that blue corn cake recipe sounds tasty with the blue berry sauce on top!
Thanks for a wonderfully complete lesson in corn and for the great recipes too.

As always, you have a way with words and images I so enjoy!

Deb (who had no idea she had so much to say about corn)!

Yes, you must see the "Corn Palace" in Mitchell, South Dakota. Every year the exterior is recreated with corn forming the different pictures honoring one central theme. We were able to see and photograph the building in all its colors celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Lewis & Clark expedition. WOW. The interior is the local area’s indoor arena.
33 years ago while living in Spain, there was no corn on the cob available. There was feed corn, but corn was not consumed by the regular population. 3 yrs of no corn on the cob, I can know enjoy it as a meal all on it own.

This made me remember just a few weeks ago, when our son (7 years old) suddenly realized that "HIS" corn plants (volunteers by the front door ) were READY TO EAT! He got to pick and shuck, and we did not even cook them, we just ate them raw and sweet as summer ever gets! Thanks for the reminder, I’ll treasure this one for a LONG time!

Oh my dear Shery,
Where do I begin? How about with a good long sigh for starters and a few tears of joy for good measure…Joy abounds in your words and photos! As always I wish I could jump right in! I can smell the sage, feel the roughness of the rust covered jagged rocks buried in the landscape, hear the rustling of the leaves on the familiar cottonwood trees of my girlhood in Northern Nevada, and I long to pat a good horse on the neck from the seat of a saddle. (Once this darned kitchen remodel is done that’s where you’ll find me)!

I can hear the laughter at your farm-girl chapter meeting and I’m soaking up all that creativity too!

Your talents are many! So happy you can share them here with us!
Love and happy fall,
Deb

Yes! There is a reason that you always have a HUGE smile on your pretty face! I should say many reasons, since you enjoy so many wonderful activities in your gorgeous section of the country. You always make me have a flurry of activity in the creative department as you are truly inspirational!
Here’s to having a wonderful fall and having more FUN…

Want. Those. Pumpkin. Cookies. NOW! (:

Shery, Once again I was totally absorbed in your latest blog. You sure have a wonderful gift with words and pictures! Fall is my favorite time of year, so I was anxious to read your fall blog, and I wasn’t disappointed! The pumpkins that you all made are so cute, will have to try makin one of those. I always enjoy seeing pics of your beautiful horses.
Happy Fall to you and your family.
Blessings,
Jan

Wow! Our life revolves around grass too – amazing how it keeps us and our animals fed. My husband farms (hay, corn, Herefords) and is a hay broker as well, selling hay all over the east coast. Who would think (besides a fellow rancher/farmer) that your life would be run by grass! Love your post- Meredith

I love your website Shery. I look forward to your beautiful pictures each month. You have such an eye for color and for things of nature. Your pictures always inspire me to put together some of those colors in my home. I too love red!! We’re having an awesome fall in Western NC. The leaves are as beautiful as any I’ve seen. Keep writing and taking pictures. You are so inspiring.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful fall experiences. What a talented group of women you have gathered around you. Look forward to hearing more.

What is the breed name for the white chicken with a few black spots that is shown in your "Fall Work" blog? Thanks!

Give your hubby an "Atta Boy!" for his great hay-stacking abilities!! VERY nice!! I’m hopelessly addicted to haystacks, my "previous life" having been running a boarding/training horse stable in central Texas where ALLLLLLLL the hay is trucked in from somewhere (even from just further out in TX). My eyes are green for a reason when I see a luxurious, abundant PLETHORA of beautifully cured, tightly stacked HAY!!!!!!!!!!

My own DH and kids and I were elk hunting this weekend here in southern Montana, and my heart/mental camera took lots of photos that look so similar to yours down in northern Wyoming… round bales, square bales, huge single-bale high patches and towering 3-high stacks…

Autumn. Haystacks. Harvest finishing. Good working horses and cattle work and pumpkins and the smell of pine and sage in a hunting campfire… I’m filling my lungs and mind with gorgeous air and images, and smiling from ear to ear!!

What a fabulous blog! My first visit and I am completely overwhelmed! I too have a Morgan horse, she’s 21 now and still full of P ‘n’ v! I don’t ride her nearly as much as I’d like to, but just love being with her. She’s starting to get her shaggy "woolly mammoth" winter coat now. Thanks again Shery for the great prose and photos!

Shery, awesome job as usual. can’t wait for next time. your nh friend,cjc

Hi Shery:
WOW! What a wonderful life you have! I love all the pictures especially the ones of the animals. They all look so healthy and loved. I especially like….uh-oh….i like them all! The owl is amazing and doesn’t look as if he likes having his picture taken. The cats, dogs, chickens, cows, horses…wow, you do spread your love around. Then the human animals look well-loved and well-fed also. You certainly shared your little slice of Wyoming well. I’d bet you some people call it heaven!

Shery, Mary Jane, they would make a neat-o purse but its always best to re-sole a great pair of boots. If you haven’t worn the tops and shanks out than they can be regifted. Those are real knock-out stomping boots. Looking good! What a super gift!

Lol…I do love your antique cupboard, but I must confess it was the pumpkins that caught my eye first! 😉

Red seems such a powerful color and takes a sense of self confidence to embrace the boldness of red. Enjoy the pop of boldness!

Love it…and I spotted your sweet little "Hummel" figurine on the shelf.
Autumn Farm Girl Hugz

Hi Shery,
I so loved your last blog, but this one is outstanding! Besides loving the color red, I
just have to copy a bit of this blog, so I will not forget it! Beginning with , "I’ve been
there from time to time……losing my REDNESS" to "Lifting a lagging spirit from the
inside out IS do-able." Yes, I know what you mean, jellybean! 🙂 You just worded
it so perfectly, and I must pass it on to some of my "sisters" here. Please keep up the
good work; you are such an inspiration!

A rural farm girl from the east coast,
Marilyn

Shery, I’ll be sending lots of healing energy your way and praying for a speedy recovery for you. Work to be done or not, you simply MUST take care of YOU!!!

I’ve never been a fan of red, which I am now ashamed to say after reading your, as always, inspiring blog! I think I’ll give it another look-see though. Thanks for sharing a broader perspective. I might just catch the *red-bug*, too!

Seeing red in a different light… -Ruth P.S. Be well.

I do believe, it just might cure what ails me…I was kinda’ down in the ‘blues’ this morning and what a wonderful ‘pick me up’ I got….one I always get from your beautiful writing! You always grab my ‘red’ heart and give it a big hug, when you write. I just love the feeling!
Your pictures, as always are beautiful. Wish I could grab some of those wonderful apples too! I could go on forever, but I really just want to tell you how much I appreciated this post. Now with coffee in hand I am going get dressed….and you got it…in some red!

Red is what I am INTO these days as well. I (and my hubby) just painted the bottom portion of our kitchen cabinets…red! The top portion remains white (and boring), and my walls are yellow (sunny). I have apples all around…in baskets, in cross-stitch, on wallpaper, etc. I have a Hoosier with RED trim! I love-love-love it! My sister said while looking at my cabinets…"they are RED!" Yep! That was what I was after…color, not approval. I absolutely love your pictures. My daughter lives in Montana and the pics remind me so much of where she is. I love visiting, and may live there someday! Thanks for another great post!!

Red is one of the very definitions of my personality; I have been a blazing red head for my entire life. Because I have always stuck out, the color red has played a part in just about every aspect of my life. The colors of clothing I choose, the color car I prefer, the extreme love I have for fall in Virginia…yes, red is a part of my existence! Thank you for your great essay reminding us all of the reasons we love red, and feel better soon.

Mellee

Thanks for sharing ‘Red’. I used to have a red stove top, it made me happy every morning. Was a sad day when it died. Red is what I wear when I have a morning where I just can’t decide. You know, the morning where you can’t remember if you fed the animals, didn’t eat breakfast and are going to be late, then you find you left the water running in the water tough – that is a "get the red on, girl" day.
thanks much for the fun reading and sharing in your life,
from coastal California mountains, where the most red I see is on the poison oak in the fall – eeek!

Hi Shery, Loved all of your ‘red’ pictures! Red is my favorite color…I have always thought it a really awesome color. My kitchen cupboards used to be red, I miss them, however getting ready to paint the front door red, yea!.Stop to think about it, my horses halter, lead, lunge line and bucket are all red. I also enjoyed all of the info on red. Hope you get to feeling better real soon! Take care, Jan

What a wonderful post. Red is such a happy color. My kitchen is blue and yellow overall. But I found I’ve added lots of red accents. Cherries, a red basket, red framed vintage embroidery. It pops up here and there and really has a cheerful effect. I have long worn red, love it’s warm yet bright color to cheer me up. Especially a wooly red sweater I have. Thank you for the lovely photos, and a peek at your new cupboard.

Well Hello Ms. Shery,
I loved your blog and I am new to blogging. I have loved MaryJanesFarm for some time and just joined. Every thing you showed reminds me of home when the seasons actually change and you get to feel some cold weather. I’m in Texas – doesn’t get cold here. I never thought I would say I’m crazy for red until I read your blog and saw those pictures. Usually I would say that purple is my favorite color. But then the memories came back when I saw the porcelain pots with the red handles – LOVE em and remember using them. I find that where I’m living right now I miss more than ever the smell of the house when you’re canning chili sauce, spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, and other asundry of fruit that could actually be frozen and or placed in the fruit cellar in the basement. Ahh, the basement what a luxury! I hope your feeling better – when you looked in the mirror was your nose red? Have a blessed red day!
Krissi
Katy, TX

Wow! It’s a little late but not really, I so enjoyed your blog and I LOVE RED ! Thank you for sharing memories thru photos.

This brings back sweet memories as a girl with my Grandmother. Having a garden and canning, and fresh meat from her cattle, chickens and hogs. Riding our horses to round up the cattle (that we were not to do), but we had fun. Riding everyday from morning to dark. I loved going to my Grandparents for most of the summer. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

Beautiful fellowship, beautiful photos, beautiful quotes!! Memories made, and shared~~~~~~Thank you!

Thanks so much for taking the time to share this event in words and pictures. It looks like y’all had such a great time. Wish i could have been there. Well, in a way, i feel that i was.
Thanks again,
Frannie in texas

I love it all!! That calendar needs reprinting!!

My very next TO DO item? Researching how to dry teddy-bear sunflowers with the petals on, like you did, before The Cluck comes out and my current teddy-bear sunflowers have lost their fuzzy faces! They’re wonderful!!

Thanks for all the photos, it feels like you brought us all along on your fun farmgirl evening!!

I wanna come! (can I say, I LOVE your hair too Shery?!)

Shery, I just had my best friend of 30 years and two new friends from this past year spend the night at my house. We all contributed to our dinner, it was wonderful, and then spent the rest of the evening visiting and crafting. Got up this morning, had coffee together and did some shopping at local quilt and gift shops. I knew I was happy and enjoyed every minute of our time but this post has really made me think how much it meant to me to have these women take time out of their lives to visit my home and spend time together. The only thing I can think is a quote from my favorite movie "Hope Floats", "My cup runneth over." And hubs suggested he could make a fire for us but it was really chilly, rainy and misty most of yesterday, but I am sure we would have enjoyed it as much as you and your "sisters" enjoyed yours. Wonderful post!

Autumn is also my favorite time of the year, and I love everything about it! I so enjoyed
your article, and all the lovely photos! My husband passed away Nov. 13, 2008, and I
have been feeling that big empty space left by his passing, but as I was reading your
article, I felt so comforted – like I, too, was one of the Sage Hens, sharing all the warmth
and camaraderie. I also like canning, knitting, baking, gardening, and making wreaths!
Just seeing that you all were doing all those same things that I love, made you seem a
little closer to me in Fredericksburg, VA. I, too, found William Quayle’s book on Amazon,
and ordered it. I was happy for the suggestion about the Country Diary of an Edwardian
Lady, and ordered it also. Thanks so much for sharing!!! 🙂

Great commentary and photos Shery!
Love all of it… Thanks for the BIG TASTE of the Old/new’West! Brings back memories…:)
What’s not to like about looking at cowboys and horses???
Deb~
Oh, my fav photo…The airborn bucking horse!

Once again, I am truly impressed with your talents! YES, you ARE a photographer… Great job…

I think that you have a wonderful eye for great shots! There are so many that do speak to you. I love the baby and her daddy picture, there is a lot of love there! Many other pictures tell great stories also. Color or not you make me feel very comfortable. Thanks For share!

Very Beautiful photos!!! I love black and white photos…they have character. I so enjoy reading your posts. You are a gifted writer. You have a way of making me feel like I am there. By the way, I think you are photogenic and you are a very beautiful lady! Many Blessings!

I just love your photos and I also think you are a beautiful woman who photographs well. Being in a small town city environment I can only dream of your life. But is fascinates me and so I follow your blog every time. Love your stories and the way you write.

I’m pickin’ the grass seed out of my two front teeth and scratchin the dirt off of my scalp. I’m so proud to say I know you Shery! You are in your element!!

You have the BEST stories and photos! Kramer’s cousin (a longhorn bull) lives on my road…I see him every day I drive down our road.

Loved, loved all of the pictures and story. I had forgotten how great black and white really is. I think I will take a few of my Philly Girl in B&W and see what happens.
Happy Trails to You Too,
Jan

Brings back lots of memories, following a bunch of cattle on a good horse, then the food at the end and the love of all around. Nothing like a good horse, thank God I have some.

P.S. Shery – your photo is lovely as well and you definitely are photogenic

HI THIS IS REBECCA DOWN ON HER LITTLE SUNNYBROOK FARM HERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA.
I WANT TO SAY I HAVE BECOME QUITE A FAN OF YOURS. YOUR ARE SO TALENTED …A WONDERFUL WRITER AND ARTIST. YOUR SUBJECT MATTER IS SO DIVERSE AND NEVER FAILS TO TOUCH MY HEART.

I WAS BLOWN AWAY BY YOUR "FARMGIRL FLOWER FAIRIES" & "POTPOURRI, PICKLES & PEARLS .
AND NOW THE BLACK & WHITE PHOTOS !!!

YOU ARE A TRULY GIFTED ARTIST & WRITER
THANKS FOR THE WORK THAT YOU DO – YOU NEVER FAIL TO SPEAK TO MY HEART. WHEN I THOUGHT ‘WHAT DO I HAVE IN COMMON WITH A RANCH WOMAN?’…WELL EVERYTHING REALLY !

Fantastic photos! I’m truly inspired to get my camera and start shooting. Your photos really capture the essence of a way of life.

I love your blog and enjoy reading it so much. Great black and white pictures.

Love spending this winter day looking at your beautiful pictures. You truly capture the heart of what we are all about. Great job.

Oh, how I wish I were closer and your FRIEND!! I will have to enjoy thru your blog. What a beautiful tribute to your friends AND horses!

WOW!!! All I can say is I’m putting this on my Bucket List! Thank you! It brought tears to my eyes! And I was wondering how ya’ll left your gardens!!! I’m a fan of your Blog and of your Profile Picture! Blessings to you! And thank you Sherry, for sharing your life with me!

Shery,
There’s beauty everywhere in this post! All the gals are just beaming with joy to be with their horses and the horses look happy too…I see it’s not just " young fillies" out there on the trail with their trusty steeds. More inspiration for this middle aged "rookie rider" ! Fall riding lessons begin this Friday for me! Can’t wait… There just might be a short trail ride in my near future! I’ll keep you posted!

I don’t have to tell you Happy Trails!
hugs,
Deb

Sounds just wonderful! Someday I want to learn to ride. It was fun going along with you on your ride with your writing.

Happy Trails
Rose

Beautiful and wonderful. You are blessed.

Why don’t you let a friend use your camera so we can see how much you enjoy yourself? We know you do; you keep telling us, but I want to know if you tilt back your head and roar, or do a little dance, or roll around on the ground or….

Looks like you had a wonderful time…wish that I was right along with you…maybe next year. 🙂 I look forward to getting together for our next farmgirl gathering and getting all the details that fall between the lines. See you soon my friend 🙂

Hi Shery,
Never has a greater statement been true "The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man!" In this case a woman, with MS trying to convince her family how important it is to let her have a horse. But more importantly are your kind words describing Sean and his dedication to fitting his saddles not only to you, but also the horse. Sean literally throws himself into any thing he does and he truly is an artist! I know because I’m his mom! Again, thank you.
Louise Cannady
P.S. I love you, Sean!

This looks like a great place to ride. I have been wanting to go west to ride. The history and the beauty of the land. This place I will go to ride one day.

What a beautiful article. Bless all of you, Horses too.

LOL, Shery….
I just now saw this page…didn’t know my pic was on it 🙂 I tell ya, that was the funnest time of my entire life. Gotta do it again! Thanks for loaning me your beautiful mares for the ride!
Sue

I would so love to join all you girls on this ride with my 5 yr. old Morgan mare "Mattie". My friend Kathy would like to go to.
Now how far is Nebraska from Massachusetts! And I need the dates too Yeehaw!
Thank-you so much!
Carla

Sure is one pretty mare in all the cavalry accoutraments and such! Like the rest of them too. Great job Shery and great writing,
Marty and Karen

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!