Words, Kindness and a Blessed Thanksgiving

Any time I can play outside on the farm, is a great day

I write for a living.  The words I put down on paper in my work life world are well, nothing short of boring….. but they document important actions taken and are referenced for years to come.    What I really love is writing for Home and Harvest Magazine and blogging.   Life has been good and full, but so many distractions pop up that I find myself writing blogs in my mind…. and usually the words rarely make it onto paper.  My passion is to share real life as I see and feel it. For example, this morning I walked outside and smelled the scent of wood smoke which in my mind is a comfort smell that “says home”.  Then the earthy smell of leaves floated up and I felt the warmth of the sun as it radiates not only on my face, but as it seeped into my soul.  I see the clouds resting on the tops of the pines trees and can see the freshly turned soil in the farm fields around me.  Nature has such a calming effect. And if you can’t experience it for yourself, then maybe my words can re-create the scene in your mind’s eye.   These simple things in nature help keep me grounded and sane in an often crazy and chaotic world.

 

Oh the beauty of  a frosty morning

As I navigate in my own world, I am keenly aware of how words spoken and actions taken are mental records that will live on in the memories of other’s that I come into contact with.  As hard as I try, I know I fail and sometimes I am not as gracious as I could be. But I think I have a fairly high success rate in relaying kindness to other too.  When you go through a difficult time that is when you see who your true friends are.  They are your special earth angels.  They are the ones whose actions are the balm to a wounded soul and they offer kind words of solace.  From going through my own difficulties, I know who those people are, they are the ones who daily, weekly or even monthly reached out to me, and they still do six years later.  They are my champions, as I am theirs and our friendship and love have no bounds.  From them I learned to ensure that your good intentions of reaching out to others doesn’t get put aside.   I have learned the difference between true friends and those who are the “fluff kind” of friends, where there really isn’t any substance and their words are empty.    After seeing what true friends look like, I take my role of being a good friend very seriously.  As my oldest daughter and I were talking just  the other day and we both feel we are “works in progress”…..  Ever continuing to improve, while never perfect, we make strides each day to create a better version of who we are.  When you are a healthy version of you, then you have the ability to be able to help others.

And I know that I am truly blessed.  I am thankful for good health, a wonderful man in my life, the love of my family and a few really good friends.  And the other day I came across this saying and have it posted on my work bulletin board to remind me to show compassion when I get weighed down by life….

.  

Today is a blessing from Almighty God

Today will never come again

BE A FRIEND. BE AN INSPIRATION

Encourage someone

Be a Blessing to others

Take time to care

Let the words you speak bring healing and not pain or hurting

And as Maya Angelou said “people may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel”  ~  

 

Simple pleasures in life with someone you love, can it get any better?

Each day we have the opportunity to reach out to family, friends and even strangers and show kindness and caring.  This will be recorded in a person’s mind forever.  Do what you can for them, but remember to take of you as well.

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving.  All my best, Gayle

P.S. A special thank you to those who take the time to comment on my blog, you are a special blessing to me and thank you for taking the time to reach out =) swheatfarmlife@gmail.com

AMERICA - WE HAVE A CHOICE

Thank you to all who serve our country. A heartfelt appreciation from one farm-chick

Happy Veteran’s Day America!  I am honored to be an American.  We have freedom of choice, freedom of speech and freedoms to enjoy that so many in other countries do not. With the onset of our recent Presidential election and people’s reactions, it seems to me that Americans have a choice, we are at a crossroad.  Locally as well as nationally.   

I awoke with the thought, that there is a certain kind of magic that happens when you step out of your comfort zone and share insights about the real you.  It was dark outside and as I reached for the clock to see what time it was, it was precisely 2:33am…….of course, I thought to myself. For some odd reason, this is the auto-set time this crazy farm-chick brain decides it’s time to begin another blog.  Somewhere along the line, I must have lost the “Gayle” owner’s manual that would give instructions on how to reset the “inspiration thought clock” buried somewhere deep in the brain….sigh.  So with a cup of tea in hand, here I am unsure how the story will unfold….. it may be long, but I think it’s important and hope you do too.

A few evenings ago I had attended an event hosted by President Schulz wherein the Board of Regents were able to mingle with one of the councils I work for. And it was at that event that a personal connection with others occurred. And it was authentically energizing as we went around the room and told a snippet about ourselves and in what area we worked in.  Once again I was in awe of the talent and accomplishments of others.  Afterward, I had an amazing conversation with one particular Regent, Ron Sims, former deputy secretary of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development.   He shared some highlights about changing the culture of your work world by getting out and talking to his staff, from the janitors to upper management. And the simple question he asked was, “who would you walk through a wall for?”   And when it was time to promote from within, his selection was easy and he knew who were the right people.  I was enchanted by the concept and thought, am I a person others would walk through a wall for?  I hope so.  In my world, there are so many people that I would walk through a wall for. Amazing people in all walks of life as they demonstrate love and compassion for others and doing the right thing. We can change our work world as well as our personal world by our choices.

So getting back to current events, yesterday an event stood out, a student had his car vandalized with crude and vindictive slurs written in red paint.  He couldn’t get it off and drove it anyway onto to campus.  When he came out of class, faculty and staff of about 20, were buffing the offensive words off his car.  A simple act of compassion for others was being demonstrated.  They were “righting a wrong”.  Let us all do more, especially now.  We have a great opportunity to show that we are still a great nation and that we can overcome the negativity that has seeped into our culture which has been stirred up by our politicians.  Let us be the example to combat racial tension, lifestyle choices and political affiliations.  We can agree to disagree, but do it constructively and in a way that is respectful. We know better than that. Come on folks!   I come from German stock, my maternal grandfather came from Germany when he was 13, sent by his parents for a chance at a better life. He was alone in this country and didn’t even know the language.  He was deeply embarrassed by the acts of his country, in so much that never taught his children his native language, nor spoke about his childhood.  He considered himself an American and embraced the American culture.  If you see injustice, combat the negativity and do something that demonstrates compassion and good.  Together, let’s show the world that we are bigger than that, we can come together in a way we never have before and move forward.  So let us be the “change you want to see in the world” great words spoken by Gandhi.  And yes, that means me and you… yes all 324,721,000 of us. Can you imagine what the USA would look like if in one day over 324,721,000 acts of good happened?  I for one want to be the kind of person others would walk through a wall for.  So each day, I will pledge to help, show kindness and try my darn-est to live a life of compassion and forgiveness.

As always, thank you for stopping by and as always, you can reach out via email at swheatfarmlife@gmail.com .  All my best, Gayle 

Out of the darkness comes the rainbow, a sign of hope.

Planting Seeds for a Good Life

Today while on Facebook I saw I had memories to look back on, and so I took a moment to look.  The images were of the usual cast of suspects that I call my family celebrating  Thanksgiving, and while some are no longer here either by death or by choice, it was a poignant reminder of how vastly different my life is today from just three short  years ago.  That period  in my life was probably one of the most painful to go through, but I’m actually grateful for those hard times because it forced me to take stock of my life. 

Changes, some voluntary, some not made me decide that I needed to live life like a “Friday night instead of a Monday morning”.  I had forgotten somewhere along the way that life was special and to give myself permission to enjoy it.   And I was determined to start embracing the magic in life again and celebrate each day. When you start at ground zero, it forces you to slow down and assess what is important and what is not.   Funny thing is, living life is a lot like farming, you have to plant and sow the right kind seeds which will grow and yield and be bountiful.  Seriously, farmers can only grow certain crops that are best suited for the climate and conditions of their land, and so it is the same for a person.  You have to decide what your own landscape is going to look like and then roll up your sleeves and get to work.  Is it easy? Hell no! But eventually the sun breaks out of the storm clouds and you get a glimpse of something great in the making. And that is why as Thanksgiving rolls around it is more (to me) than just a holiday of food, family  & football, it’s time to take stock of where you have been and if what you are growing in the garden of your soul is thriving.  If it is, then keep on doing  what you are doing; if it isn’t then you have some work ahead of you.  For me, I am still planting good things, sometimes I have to dig up what wasn’t working and of course, always be on the lookout for weeds.  Cuz just like gardening, if you let the bad seeds start, they will try to overtake all your hard work. J

On the farm front, the winter wheat is beginning to show a tint of green due to the welcome moisture we’ve been getting.  The equipment has been put away until Spring and it’s quiet on the farm.  This is the time that those in the Ag industry get to slow down and recharge their batteries.  I wrote more about that in the magazine called Home and Harvest and I invite you to check it out. It’s a wonderful publication.

My kitchen is one of my favorite places to putter. create and relax

Today I’m trying my hand at a vegan, gluten free pumpkin pie for my baby brother, Barry. Of course, I’ll be making the regular pumpkin pies too.  And just for my sweetheart, Randy – well he’s coming over tonight and we’re going to whip up a batch of banana/blueberry muffins for his work mates.

After the holidays, I’ll post pictures on the At Home on the Farm page, and if the vegan gluten free pie is good, I’ll post that recipe on the pumpkin page.  Good thing my brother is always a willing guinea-pig for my baking experiments…..

As always, thank you from the bottom of my heart that you took time out to stop by.  I wish for you  a blessed Thanksgiving.  And before I conclude, here’s a wonderful quote:

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings”   › William Arthur Ward

Blessings to all, Gayle

Words Tell the Stories from Your Soul

My oldest daughter  texted me a newspaper article titled “women wears  a  colander for driver’s license photo”  followed by “mom, this is something you would do”……  I got a good laugh over the visual image painted by the words in that article.

The power of a word.   It can create images, evoke emotions and we are surrounded by words whether in print, music or spoken, and they all have an impact on us.  I recently wrote my November blog for the American Farmer’s website  (It’s under the column called Recipe for a Good Life), wherein I mentioned how people and food are my favorite subjects to write about.  Writing, like cooking, takes time, a little bit of talent and the desire to turn out a perfectly crafted end-result. And having that hope to create either “a melt in your mouth” dessert or an article that inspires, soothes or amuses the reader is my goal.  I am aware that other successful bloggers write about everyday things and on a daily basis, but when telling my singer/songwriter friend that I just can’t force myself to write about mundane things like washing the dog,  he said to me, “you are not a blogger, you are a writer and there’s the difference”  and suddenly those 13 words freed me and just gave me the permission to just be me (thank you Mark!!! ).  And it suddenly made sense that I am a quality vs. quantity kinda gal, and when I write to you, it’s because I feel it’s meaningful to me and may have some value to you.    I get inspired every time I think of the comments from you telling me that you found a nugget of worth in what you read, and that is what fuels me to write.   I am also particularly fascinated and inspired by song writers as they not only have to get words down on paper, but put a tune to them as well, and their songs have stories behind them.  My friend Mark creates his world in lyrics put to music and he paints out his emotions on a canvas.  He is one of my inspirations that I have the good fortune to call a friend.  This is Mark....  Click here if unable to view videos.

   )

I also had the opportunity to meet and host a young Nashville singer/songwriter in my home and got to know AnnaLise Emerick, who is an amazing young woman.  I attended her  performance and  I loved the fact that before each song  how she gave a brief reason why she wrote the song.  So let me introduce Annalise….

Both of these gifted people possess a talent that I will never have and that’s okay, what we share is the desire to tell our story in the way it best suits us.   Even though this blog started out mainly as a tool to tell about farming and the life behind a farm family, it has evolved and expanded into to more of an upfront and personal side of a now divorced farm-chick who still like to bake, create and talk about how our food is grown.  But it is still MY STORY in my own words and you have been kind enough to be by my side throughout everything (thank you from the bottom of my heart).  Here is a short version of what I've been up to. Click here if unable to view.



I am always thankful that you took the time to read my blog, perhaps make something yummy like.....

Gingersnap Maple Cake

http://www.idahofarmwife.net/p/cake-of-month-club.html or get inspired to paint a project like this....

Create something cool from paint and a bit of vision - so easy!

And I invite you to tell me how  you tell your story and/or what inspires you.  I also wish you a very blessed Thanksgiving.  Please use your words to tell those whose dinner table you are sitting at just how thankful you are to have them in your life. As always, if you have a thought, question, comment, feel free to email me at swheatfarmlife@gmail.com or leave a comment.  Blessed times to you and yours.  All my best, Gayle

Family Blessings

A  picture perfect Thanksgiving morning

Sitting here in my comfy flannel PJ’s by the fireplace, a bit under the weather with a cold/flu combo and watching the outdoor temperature plummet from 12 degrees to the projected -2, I was thinking about my past Thanksgiving week-end and how important family is to me.  So while the outdoor temperature is cold, my thoughts are warm & happy with recent memories of our holiday week-end. And while we are far from perfect, we do enjoy the time we spend together and that in itself is a huge blessing.  And with that I wanted to share some of those special moments  from my Thanksgiving holiday week-end.

Growing some of Thanksgiving Staples

Thanksgiving....

Today as we gather around a table heaped with good food, we are reaping the benefits of the long hours and expense toiled by the 2% of those whose job is to feed you, me and the other 319 million people in the USA.  There is a prayer excerpted from the book Bless this Food: Ancient &Contemporary Graces from Around the World © 2013 Adrian Butash and in it my favorite prayer (#90) talks about this very fact.   Unfortunately I don’t have the authorization to publish that prayer, but I did provide a link for the book as it is an interesting read that will fill you with true gratefulness as we celebrate Thanksgiving and the blessings bestowed upon us, not only for tomorrow, but in our daily life.  I will however be able to post another prayer from this comforting book in the event you need one for your dinner today.  So read on…. =)

Happy Thanksgiving From the Anderson Farm to You

Happy Thanksgiving

As we gather to celebrate a bountiful Thanksgiving with family and friends, this farm-wife would like to give you a insight on who the Anderson Farm family is, so as you sit down for your dinner, you might feel a connection to those of us who grew the wheat for your rolls, breads and baked goods.  Plus you might be interested to know that if you are serving hummus for an appetizer, there is a very good chance it came from this area & maybe even our farm, and lastly, if you are spreading mustard on anything, it could have come from our farm too.  We are 1 farm family out of roughly 259,000 more full-time farm families who, just like us, grow the food we all eat.  And as you are saying your prayers, and if you think of it, please include a special blessing for all of these hard working farm families. =)

Me, Farmer Joe & Josie - the spoiled dog

Farming has come a long way from the days of Farmer Joe's grandpa and dad as shown below

to being able to provide more food with less ground and less of a carbon footprint

Below is a short Flickr photo sideshow of our farm family.  Although our girls chose different careers and no longer work on the farm as they once did, none-the-less they are proud to have been raised with an Agriculture background.  So far, the 2 oldest grand-angels have told their grandpa that they want to drive the tractors and combines. Zack, our nephew and son of  Farmer Jay and Lisa is a great worker when he goes out to work on the farm  and he likes to hang out with his dad and uncle Farmer Joe. So who knows, we may have Zack, Brinley and Natalie running the farm in a few years. 

And lastly, as the Thanksgiving holiday is a focus on food, I wanted to know what consumers thought and what questions they would ask a farmer.... so last Sunday afternoon, Farmer Joe and I went out and posed that question to random folks.  We went to several different grocery stores from national chain stores to the local organic food co-op to ask the question, "if you could ask a farmer a question, what would you ask?"..... and here is  what I found out.


      
Here are the answers to the questions asked:
• 97% of U.S. farms are run by families, farmer partnerships or co-ops, per Farm Facts.   If a family farm is incorporated (i.e. Corporate Farm) it simply refers to the organizational tax structure of that farm operation.

• The crops grown by the farmers are based on what can be grown in their particular area as well as what is profitable to grow. For instance, we grow garbanzo beans vs peas as the market price is much better for garbanzos than dried peas.

• The use of herbicides or pesticide on crops is only used when needed and the products we use are highly regulated and tested by the Food & Drug Administration. The rules that govern what can be used are far more stringent in the U.S. than in foreign countries. When we use products on our crops, it could be compared to when a person gets sick and goes to the doctor for medicine to help them get healthy; it’s the same for plants- we are trying to keep the plants healthy for optimum yield results. We eat the same foods we produce as the consumer eats and as a practice, I try to only buy products grown in the U.S.A.


• We have not noticed an increase in conventional farmers converting to organic methods, but a few farms may do small organic sections as a speciality. We feel the consumer should have a choice of conventional vs organic. Typically organic is more expensive, for example one grocery store had a dozen eggs for $1.39 produced in a conventional way vs the $4.59 for organic, free range eggs.  It simply depends on what the consumer wants to pay for their food. Americans spend just 9.5% of their income on food- less than any other country, plus it is the safest as well, per Farm Facts.


• As for the question about baby animals from dairies, it depends on the sex of the animal and the operation of that dairy. As we have friends in the dairy business, the females may be kept and added to the herd for milk production, and as for the males, they may stay for breeding or get sold.
 • And lastly the women who talks about Ireland’s practice of telling you who raised that product… well it goes back to what I am trying to do, connect the consumer to the farmer. Let them see the regular American Farm Family who raises the food that they eat.

And I can't let you go until I share my latest cake find located on the Cake of the Month page...

Pumpkin Poundcake

Are you drooling yet? 

Again, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Please make sure to check the At Home on the Farm as I'll be posting more on what a farm engagement party looks like. We have invited our family and farm friends to meet Kaitlyn's financee, Andrew on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so quality time in the kitchen is definately in store for me. As always, thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any quesitons by either posting a comment or emailing me at idahofarmwife@gmail.com. All my best, Gayle