True Colors and Courage

Again it’s been another rainy week-end and I’ve loved having the stormy weather as it seemed to be Mother Natures’ way of saying, “hey girl – you need to cocoon and take some needed down time”.  So that is exactly what I did, I enjoyed hearing the steady stream of rain outside my window and the cool temps made me go find my favorite fleece jacket.  

 The gray day seems  to make the surrounding colors outside seem brighter and more vibrant

After last week’s post, I had the most touching and personal emails from two of my readers, both of whom I have the privilege of calling good friends.  Both women live hundreds of miles from me, but when we do have the opportunity to see each other, it’s like we just pick up where we left off. They said my candor inspired them to reveal and share very private aspects of their lives.  I learned one had the courage to disclose she was gay and had gotten married to a very special woman in her life not long ago.  Her career is in a fairly conservative industry, so when I asked how her boss and co-workers took this news, she was happy to say they were very supportive.   She is a known public figure and one very accomplished woman – and the raw courage to show your true self was nothing short of being one of the bravest souls I know.

The other friend told me about hitting rock bottom in her personal life and the journey of reaching deep down and figuring out she was a wonderful and strong woman who could do anything she wanted in life.  She decided to forge a new career path and put herself through college while in her 30s, and in the process found a man that she chose to share her life with. She's happy in her personal life and work life.   Both heartfelt stories were inspirational and they reaffirmed my commitment to always being real, staying true to what feeds my heart and soul and sharing my journey with you, in hopes it helps you in some small way.

Life’s ups and downs have a way of making people show their real colors, and like my two girlfriends. Each rose to the challenges in their lives and are inspirations in their own right.  Their true colors are courage, guts and doing what they felt was right.

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”~– Anais Nin

I can understand some of their journey of standing tall and doing what you need to do – for the good of you.   This past week I also learned sometimes a when a person shows their true colors that it is not always a positive thing and that a hidden side of a personality is suddenly exposed.   Unfortunately, this was the case with Randy.  And without going into gory details, all I’ll say is that it was an unpleasant surprise and a very disappointing display of actions on his part both before the break-up and after.    But the really weird thing is after I found out about everything, it was like I turned the corner, closed that chapter in my life for good, and I felt free, not even bad, just free.

I had planned on sharing a Peanut Butter Cake recipe, but the results were lack luster.  And like anything in life, you have to test it out to see if it’s a keeper or not. 

Before I close, in speaking about raw courage and true colors, a very heartfelt thank you to all who serve our nation to protect us both  on our home land and far away.  My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place--police, firefighters, and members of our armed forces.

And with that, I hope you have a wonderful week, I’ll talk to you after Memorial Day Week-end.  

As always, thank you for stopping by and feel free to email me at swheatfarmlife@gmail.com .  All my best, Gayle

The Start of a New Season

A view of my flower garden

It’s been raining all day, and any moisture during May and June is a joyous occasion from the farmer’s perspective.  The gray day made it a perfect excuse for me to enjoy the stay at-home-kind-of-indoor-day.  I spent time mucking out my project room, organizing my closet and think I single handedly increased the local thrift shop’s merchandise by 1/3!   It felt good.  I relish days like these as it is restorative to the soul.   Tonight I’m snugged up in my usual spot and wishing I hadn’t shut the fireplace off.  Earlier today as I was gazing outside, all the pea plants have popped up and each little plant makes  an endless rows of greenery.  It almost looks like a hand stitched piece of artwork with those new rows of plants that weave around the rolling hills. 

  it’s a beautiful sight and marks the beginning of a new crop season. 

For me it is also a new beginning.  After two years of dating, Randy and I came to a cross-road in the relationship and we each had to go our own way.  Early on in the relationship we had both agreed neither of us wanted marriage, so I was stunned when he reversed course and wanted marriage. And I didn’t.  Middle ground was nowhere to be found and I had to say goodbye.  Before I let him go, I thanked him for creating many happy memories and wished him well.  During the early dark days when I found myself divorced from the farmer and was trying to keep my head above water, I made a promise to myself to always be true to what was good for my heart and soul.  This journey from ground zero has strengthened this farm-chick’s spirit and lessons I’ve learned along the way only serve to keep me on the road to living a life that is in-balance for me.  My family is supportive and as I slowly let friends know, they are sad, but understand.  Even the dog  hovers close and seems to be my shadow these days.

My side-kick

I’m usually not one to let myself wallow around, so I have a game plan on projects to get done, travel to be had and other things to keep me busy throughout the summer.  And like it or not.... (ha ha ha, you are coming along with me on the journey) as my  blog task master (Kristi)  says I need to blog weekly.  She likes to also keep me busy.  And so.....the blog posts may be short and somewhat random and who knows what you will see and read, but I’m definitely looking forward to having the time to write more.  What I've found no matter what is going on in my life, I always rely on humor to see me through.  (That is one of the reasons why Kristi likes to keep me busy as I get into mischief and when I have too much time on my hands. When she and I worked together at Gritman, we tormented each other and played many good natured pranks on each other.  Of course I think I always got the upper hand.... but Kristi would tell you it was a fairly even match on who got who). 

As always, thank you for taking time to stop by and as always, feel free to email me at swheatfarmlife@gmail.com.    As the summer unfolds, I look forward to sharing the view from my little perch.  All my best, Gayle

Small Town Living, Love at First Sight

Living in a small rural town is like a hot cup of really good coffee on a cold rainy day.  There is just something warm and inviting about it.  While not everyone is cut out for small town living, I have to say I fell in love with it all over again this past week.  

The other end of main street where the residential section begins

I stepped back into the role of being a parent  because the grand-angels’ mommy and daddy were off for a mini vacation/conference. It made me once again appreciate the environment that I had raised my girls in and silently said prayer of thanks that my grand-angels also get to experience this life as well.

Main street - notice NO stop lights

The school is home to K-12. it is where the teachers/staff know who the parents are as well as the grandparents. 

The other kids also know who you are too.  And the very first day I went to school to pick up the youngest, one of the teacher’s aide saw me and said “Oh you must  be here to pick up Miss M, she’s in the office waiting for you”.  It made me smile.  One of the high school girls saw Miss M, picked her up and gave her a hug and said, “hanging out with grandma today?  Lucky you!”  Later on one of the classmates of her oldest sis patted Miss M on the head as we were waiting for the middle sister to get out of school.  I saw kids greet each other with hugs.  I thought to myself, every child should know this kind of environment.  And would I trade my experience of living here, raising a family and being part of the community for big city life? Never.

Yesterday while at the school to help with the bread in a bag project sponsored by the Wheat Council, I also had the opportunity to give the school a really cool farm book, Planters and Cultivators, a Casey & Friends book. 

Yea!! a book about farming!

The kids loved it

It was so timely as Spring work is in full force here on the Palouse.  The number of tractors almost equals the amount of cars on the road (not really – but there is a lot of activity going on and tractors on the road at any given time of day is a normal site).  Living in a farming community, the kids see this first hand. So first, I’ll share pics about the book, then about the baking of bread by the kids.

 

Making bread in the Home Ec room. Bread in a Bag project

Proud of their efforts

I had forgotten my town's charm, mainly since my girls are all grown and I built a farmhouse outside of town plus work in a different town, I just don’t seem to be around the townspeople I know and love.  Usually when I head in, it’s for a direct purpose such as  dropping something off for my elderly dad or seeing my daughter’s family. So this was a good re-connect of why I chose to stay in the area.  It’s where the tree lined streets beckon you to walk down them, you hear kids laughing and see them riding their bikes, there are people walking their dogs, and almost always a smile and a wave from those you know and don’t know. 

It's where you see a farm  truck parked at the baseball field during Spring work because the dad, all dirty and dressed in his work clothes is helping coach a kid's softball practice.  How cool is that?

Yup this town captured my heart when I first moved here as a new farm bride.  It’s a place that has held many memories of the past and a promise of more to come.

As always, thank you for stopping by (again another sincere promise to try to blog more!) If you have questions, please email me at swheatfarmlife@gmail.com.  Also a special thanks to Stephanie from Octane Press for sending me a book about farming, Planting and Cultivating, A Casey and friends book

All my best, Gayle

Best Laid Plans

“I’m sorry I wasted your day”, said my beautiful, but exhausted looking daughter, Jen.   I was snuggled up with two of my grand-angels reading a book to them and I smiled and replied, “honey, no day is wasted when you get to spend it with those you love.”  I guess she knows her momma and knew that this wasn’t what I had actually planned to do with my Saturday, and she knows that I’m a planner by nature.   But Jen was on call at the hospital and an emergency had arisen, my son-in-law was out of town, so the call came in to assist.  This is the girl, no matter what, she is the unflappable one who is that calm presence in the midst of any chaos.

 

And so my unexpected day unfolded by taking Miss M to her ballet recital, then we made cookies afterwards, we just hung out and played, with me sometimes being a referee to their squabbles, but mostly quality time with the grand-angels. And how can you resist those sweet times when the 5 year old comes down from her nap and snuggles up on your lap and we both fall asleep for a bit, or when the 7 year old, Miss N, holds your hand and just wants to have your undivided attention so she can tell you all about her latest adventure.

Jammies on the little ones, snuggled up and reading.

And it’s sort of funny in a strange way, because all my life, even as a kid, I’d have a carefully crafted plan set in my mind of how the day, or event or heck, even my life should turn out.  And then life happens and it rarely followed what I had thought.  Life is so unlike a wheat plant, where it has just one plan, the seed goes in the ground and assuming all conditions are right, it grows relishing the sun and matures into a beautiful stock of wheat with its head filled with ripe plump kernels.  In real life, those unplanned detours that create chaos has taught me is to pull up my “big girl panties” and try to embrace changes as best I can.  To be quite frank it’s been good for me, not easy – but definitely good. Yesterday was a needed distraction for me, as I knew I was missing my favorite Ag conference where most of the nation’s farmers gather for seminars and updates, and also where you get to meet up with your “industry-related friends”.  It’s a part of my past Ag related life that I no longer fit in.  And as with all changes, you adapt and forge a new path.  I still have a true love affair with the Ag industry, and I’ve found a new niche, besides writing my farm related blog, I also have the opportunity where I write for Home and Harvest magazine.  Occasionally I also submit blog posts for the America Farmer’s site. And these efforts are my creative outlets and keep me connected to the Ag industry.

Also on the horizon, if you’ve been reading the blog the last couple of years, one of the things that I’ve been very open and honest is how life on the farm is not picture perfect.  I’ve shared triumphs, tragedies and lessons learned from the highs and lows of life.  Kaitlyn, my other daughter whose life also had some very unexpected twists and turns when at age of 24 married and 10 weeks later suddenly becoming a widow.  Well after a sudden whirl wind romance and brief marriage, she made the wise move to end it. And it’s a decision that not only me, but the rest of us are very thankful for this recent choice. 

Sometimes you have to take a short detour to see that this is not the road you want to travel and that you must plot a new course.  I knew this girl was going to be okay when she said I plan to move Boise and then declared we can have Christmas at my new house! Yup, another “planner” just like her momma.  Together and separately, we both have faced the uncertain and bumpy roads that forced new pathways when the winds of change created road blocks.  We’ve both fared pretty darn well through it all and learned so much along the way. We’ve learned our family is our stronghold, we’ve learned who are true friends are and we know we are resilient and can adapt.

Before I leave you, a quick Ag update …. The Winter wheat is doing beautifully, we had sufficient snow cover when it was brutally cold last December, the snow was able to slowly melt into the ground and we’ve had abundant moisture.  The tender green blades are vivid and thriving.    

As always thank you for stopping by and I love it that you do.  And before I sign off, I wanted to share the saying found on the pillow in Jen’s livingroom:

Yup, words to live by

The other good words to live by that are on the little plaque on my wall says, “Put on a little lipstick, you’ll be fine”.   And for me, it’s  all about living life with guts, glamor and glitter (see more on the “About" page).

Feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email at swheatfarmlife@gmail.com if you have questions, thoughts, comments.  All my best, Gayle

Happy Valentine's Day

A Valentine's Day picture drawn by Miss B

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope this day finds you happy, healthy and that you have a special someone to share the day with. 

A couple years ago I read the book on the 5 Love Languages, and the book confirmed what I already knew, that  mine was "acts of service", this was the way I showed my love for a person and the way a person could also make me feel really loved and special. 

I love to spoil the people that I come in contact with, so I had a cute cozy guest cottage built on my farm in order to spoil guests who want to stay on the farm and sit smack dab in the middle of gorgeous farm fields.

On  this project of mine, Randy's expertise has been a godsend.  He along side me, has worked tirelessly to get it to completion.  I think up the design ideas and he makes it happen.  (And yes, I know how lucky I am!) And of course I do have to brag a bit, he does excel at doing "acts of service" that makes this farm-chick's heart smile.

So before that sweet man of mine and I head out to go find a vintage door plate for the guest cottage, here's a quick peek at our progress.  Final touches are underway an I'm so excited!!


The B&B almost finished!

This was getting the copper pipe shower curtain installed.

Randy adding the shower rod

 Here's the outside of the guest cottage, it will be decorated in Rustic Industrial Glamor.  I can't wait to show you the final results. 


The Cottage


 

And of course, those iconic red lighted hearts that  sit on the vintage truck at the entrance to my farmstead. 




Love

Thank you for stopping by and as always, if you have a question, thought or comment - feel free to email me at swheatfarmlife@gmail.com.   Before I leave you for the day, I wanted to share a very favorite saying, that I read everyday.  "Wake up every morning with the thought that something wonderful is about to happen" ~ unknown

 

Wishing you a very wonderful Valentine's Day.  All my best, Gaye

Hearts and Chocoate on this Girl's Farm

A Labor of Love

The question posed was “how do you decorate” your farm up for Valentine’s Day?”  After the deer in the headlights look flashed over my face, I told my my friend and blog task master, Kristi, that I’m on it! 

Of course that meant sweetheart, Randy was promptly tasked with a project! One of the things I truly love about him, is he is creative, a perfectionist and is a willing victim for my projects.  Ya just gotta love that in a man!

I had actually wondered what to do with decorating up the iconic vintage truck that welcomes people to my little patch of heaven. And here we are, a Saturday project that makes this farm-chick’s heart smile.

The beginning, metal bought and bent into the shapes of hearts.  It was a cold rainy day too, but we were determined to get it done.

The beginning of the project in Randy's shop

 The design phase, yup he listens to exactly what I wanted.

getting the layout just right

 Installed and all lit up.  A bright spot amidst the dreary winter day.

Installed!

 Another shot from the back... so amazing (or at least I think so)

2 Hearts all lit up at dusk

 One final view at dusk.  It looks just so darn pretty amidst the farm fields. In the next few weeks, there will be a buzz of activity as the farmers begin getting ready to get the Spring crops in the fields.

The hearts brighten up a dreary winter day

And what better thing  to do for Valentine's Day than besides "gussying up" the old truck, well making a mess in the kitchen, of course!  I tried a new recipe that combines two of my favorite things, chocolate and red wine.   Oh my!  I made the cake, it turned out wonderful, the pictures I took didn't so I grabbed the picture from the blog that has this recipe (Sprinkle Bakes.com )  she gives permission so long as you identify where you got it from. 

This will be posted very shortly on the Eat Cake page.  Of course I did have to try a different twist and try my own version. IF that is better, then I'll redo the recipe.

As always, thanks for stopping by  And as always if you ever have questions about life on a farm, how your food is raised or other thoughts, I'm just a click away at swheatfarmlife@gmail.com.  All my best, Gayle

 

Perfect for that late night pilgrimage into the kitchen
It has a hint of the red wine in the case and the chocolate ganache glaze is to die for!


 

Simple Acts of Kindness

Winter sunrise

I like to think I’m a grateful person and focus on the positive and just go with the flow.  But last Sunday, as I was sitting in the long line of cars waiting (impatiently) to go through Dutch Brothers coffee stand, I was feeling annoyed. Once again berating myself for over-scheduling my day and wishing I hadn’t promised my sweetheart, Randy, I’d bring him back a latte.  Cramming too many things into a short time span is a bad habit of mine.  I get so busy trying to get everything checked off my “to do list” that I forget to enjoy the journey!  

(Sunrises and sunsets  - a beautiful start and end to the day)

A golden glow on the farm last summer

You see Randy was back at my house doing a handyman project; I had a brief work meeting with a good friend and then invited her & her hubby over for dinner (lemon-garlic chicken breasts & pesto sauce with pasta – recipes here).  My mind was mentally focusing on tasks that needed to get done after this last stop, and then a very wonderful thing happened….. as I pulled up to get the drink I’d ordered, the barista said, the man in front of you paid for your drink! (Thank you Mr. White SUV with a California license plate), and in that moment a feeling of wonderfulness enveloped me.  I’ve often paid for others drinks in line at the coffee shop or at lunch, but I’ve never actually had it happen to me.  And let me tell you, it felt so good. 

Driving home, I remembered a conversation with my friend Kristi when I recounted how last year on the anniversary dates that marked my entry and exit of married life, that on each of those days I had received a call (out of the blue) about being nominated and receiving an award for outstanding excellence.  Seriously! This happened once in January and then again in May.  I was dumbfounded and Kristi said, “you realize those were not random happenings, it was the universe bringing you blessings exactly when you needed them”.  It made me realize how easily I could overlook the everyday magic that happens by rushing around and this was nature’s way of giving me a much needed thump alongside the head to slow down and see the miracles.  My goal (once again) is to do just that and to really live in the present - which this time I know I'll get the upper hand and succeed. =)

As you go about your day, remember to be good to yourself, know that you are unique and special, keep your eyes open for those little miracles and make sure to pay it forward with simple acts of kindness, whenever you can and most of all, slow down and enjoy the journey.  Xoxox.  All my best, Gayle 

My yard-art truck with it's newest holiday decorations just in time for Valentine's Day

PS thanks once again for stopping by and feel free to email me if you have comments, questions or thoughts at swheatfarmlife@gmail.com

Also the next blog will be more about the really cool Valentine's Day heart display, made by that amazing man of mine!! Stay tuned. I also have a new cake recipe to share. 

Perspectives of Ordinary

My farm name when I became the sole "woman owner"
This graces the pink painted front door of my shop  all adorned with frosty snowflakes

The sky and rolling hills are the same color; it’s an all white scene.  It reminded me of a conversation long ago while in Mexico when a man commented that he would love to see what a snowy landscape would look like.  Having grown up in the Northwest where a white winter setting is the norm, it never occurred to me that this would be something on someone’s bucket list.  It gave me a whole new perspective of viewing the ordinary through someone else’s eyes.  Perhaps that is why urban folks like reading posts about combines, tractors and quality time spent with back-pack sprayers.  For farmers, it’s a commonplace way of life, but to the urban dwellers, it’s a peek into a whole new world.  I still recall my dentist visit last June, when a new technician asked me what I was going to do the rest of the day and I told her I had gravel to move, so it was going to be quality time on the tractor. Her reply was priceless, “this is why I love Idaho, back in New York, no one owns their own tractor…. Especially a woman!”  Lol

Hard to tell where the sky ends and the hills begin
A frosty beautiful morning on the Palouse

I still recall my dentist visit last June, when a new technician asked me what I was going to do the rest of the day and I told her I had gravel to move, so it was going to be quality time on the tractor. Her reply was priceless, “this is why I love Idaho, back in New York, no one owns their own tractor…. Especially a woman!”  Lol

My personal tractor,  "Maisy" normally gets to be inside, but
I have a building project on-going in the shop, so she sits outside patiently
awaiting Spring

I guess it is true, because like to read about people who live in urban areas, as it is a lifestyle foreign to me.  Last Spring, I had the opportunity to travel to Tucson, AZ and where I was staying, it was all pavement and concrete.  Across from the hotel, there was an apartment complex and a woman and her young child were sitting on  a patch of fake green grass and I wondered if they knew what it felt like to feel the real grass under their toes, or smell the scent of fresh dirt or find serenity in open spaces. I wondered what their life was like, but at the same time, I gave a silent prayer of thanks for ending up living life for many years as an Ag producer.

Lulu the farm dog

My little piece of paradise
Iconic windmill and red barn

As 2016 is now officially here and just a few hours old, I can’t wait to see what the new year will unveil.  It’s a new story in the making and one that I will willingly share with you, from my eyes to yours wherever you are.  As always, I welcome comments, questions and thoughts.  I’m just a click away, swheatfarmlife@gmail.com. xoxo Love,  Gayle