And the Cup Continues to Run Over...

Some time ago I mentioned in a blog the kind of unique responses I've received when simply asking folks, "What brought you here?";  It was then that I was able to learn about a life path, a route, a history. 

Recently I presented a new question to several people to and had no idea the response I'd get. 

Turns out, people like to share. And for that I'm thankful.

Today I continue (see yesterday's post for more!) to share with you the incredible responses received when I asked people this question: 

In this life, what is something you truly know?

I know that if your barn doesn't have a basketball goal attached to it, you're not American.

I know when a child is born - so is a Mother.

I know there is nothing better than a good drink - a few marshmallows from the showbox - and a barn full of hogs to listen to your troubles.

I know there is  no greater blessing than being married to a good man.

I know you don’t know your own strength until you are tested.

I know that the drink 'skip and go naked' mixed with moonshine makes for a damn good night but a rough morning.

I know it’s alright to cry at commercials.

I know that there are few things more gratifying than a freshly mowed yard. 

I know there is no sweeter sound then the laugh of a child.

I know you can be lonely even in a room full of people.

I know when in an argument, it’s always best to take the high road.

I know to never trust ANYONE when they tell you the electric fence is shut off. Always check for yourself.

I know it’s best to kill your enemies with kindness, not weapons or words.

I know some of your best memories will come from ordinary days.

I know presentation is important when serving food.

I know that my cows distinctively know when I go on vacation. It’s then that they make their great escape. 

I know it’s never a good idea to leave the house in your pajamas.

I truly know that people generally mean well.

I know that swinging in the sunshine may just be a little slice of heaven....but only until your butt goes numb.

I know it’s never smart to turn down a breath mint.

I know that Shorthorns consistently marble better than Angus, but supply and marketing is something to compete with. 

I know it’s important to hydrate all day before drinking all night.

I know if you ask a question, it’s important to listen to the answer.

I know that you’ll never come back from Copperhead Road. Steve Earl said so. 

I know that knowledge is power.

I know that there is something about sitting on a showbox that makes you fall in love. 

I know that nothing matches the bond between sisters.

I know that if you can’t take a piss in your own back yard, your neighbors live too close.

I know that I am saying the same things to my daughter that my momma said to me.

I know that God made dirt and dirt don't hurt.

I know I can run faster scared than the other guy can run pissed off.

I know that you should never agree to go out with your friends and say, “Ok, but just for one...”

I know I will always regret it if I do not proof read.

I know that I will never trust a man wearing skinny jeans. 

I know there are no “for sures” in this world, so thank God when things go well and pray for guidance when they don't.

I know  fat rolls on baby's legs are adorable, but rolls on mom's legs . . . not so hot.

I know I have yet to find a good way to cook a brussel sprout.

I know you have to be from a dirt road to appreciate one.

I know that you never “catch up” on sleep.

I know that there is nothing like your own back yard. 

I know that regardless of how much I try to be someone else, my true self has always overshadowed that facade.

I know that the music of the 80's was much better than what we're listening to now.

I know that I never get tired of hearing these 3 words, I Love You, Job well done, and I admire you.

I know you can never get to the beach fast enough.

I know for certain that "sorry" doesn't always make it go away.  Sometimes it takes a little more than "I'm sorry" to heal the damage of hurtful words.

I know, simply put, that prayer works. 

I know that a man who can make a woman laugh has a major advantage over those who can’t. 

I know that there are few things more comforting than the sweetness and love of a mother.

I know that eating all of the chocolate chip cookie dough out of the ice cream container is clearly wrong and unfair for the next person, but oh so good and right for me.

I know that God is my Savior and His unconditional love for me is completely undeserved, but completely perfect.  

I know that if you’re older than 22 and have a bar stamp on your hand come Monday, you need to get a life. 

I know that the small town, country life will always be more adventurous and satisfying than any city in this world.

I know you can't really curl up with a good Kindle.

I know that I married the man that God intended me to marry. 

I know that regrets make me who I am, but will never define me.

I know that I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.

I know that attitude determines altitude. 

I know that friends come and go - but family, they’re forever.

I know that I will regret the things I haven’t done, more than those I have. 

I know that people that can't operate a cell phone should not use the self-checkout at the grocery store.

I know that you should always take up the opportunity to listen to a story told by an old person.

I know that it is a waste of time to argue with my wife because she’s always going to win the argument anyway, although it would be nice if she let me at least think that I won once in awhile. 

I know that people make mistakes. And they learn, too. 

If you see smoke coming out from a door, you know there is a fire. So don’t open the door.

I know that awesome big sisters turn out to make really incredible mothers. 

I know that going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in

a garage makes you a car.

I know that it’s better to have too much than not enough.

I know spending time with my grandpa and listening to stories about the past is priceless.

I know that athleticism fades and the high school nerds make better husbands than the jocks. 

I know that no matter how much low-fat ranch or diet coke I consume, my thighs will always touch. Always.  

I know there is nothing more beautiful than the Nebraska Sandhills in spring.

I also know that time spent in a the barn is good for the soul.

I know that clean sheets bring better sleep.

I know that the bull has to spend time with his girlfriends in the field if you want baby calves. 

I know there are two things you never skimp on: shoes and mattresses.

I know that every family has “that” family member. 

I know, for a fact, that good chips and salsa will fix the most terrible of days.

I know that its possible to make a dozen hamburgers out of one pound of meat....(thanks to grandma).

I know that if you are complaining about a situation, chances are you are not willing to be part of the solution. 

I know that in the world of livestock showmanship, forgetting to shut the gate in Senior showmanship your last time out of the pen will NOT get you 1st place.

I know that there are few things that freak me out more than seeing Tim McGraw or Kenny Chesney with out a hat on.

I know that I still hold a grudge against the kid on the playground who told me about Santa.

I know your children will continue to amaze you no matter how old they are.

Come sit a spell with Jean's Boots tomorrow, because I know that the best is yet to come...

My Cup Runneth Over. Big Time.

Some time ago I stood in the the driveway of the north farm as the sun set across the Greens Fork River; while leaning on our Fords swatting deer flies, my brother and I had a conversation that struck a chord in me. I went home that night and thought about that conversation. I drove to work the next day thinking about it. Two days later as I watered my ferns (for the first time in a week) I thought again about the question that was presented. 

While sitting on my front porch three days later, I realized that I had to share my quest with others. 

Through countless emails, very random Facebook messages, late night texts and memorable conversations, I have compiled what you’re about to read. It was the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever written in my entire life - because with each line I typed, I learned from the life lessons of others. 

The list below comes from noted photographers, consultants, stay-at-home mothers, livestock geneticists, grandparents, successful ranchers, large and small business owners, authors, widows, radio personalities, teachers, artists, farmers, engineers, landscapers, scholars, elementary school children, nursing home administrators, comedians, neighbors, fathers,  politicians, Australians, Russians, Canadians and some really incredible Americans. 

To those of you who helped me with this: I thank you. You’ve changed my life. 

For those who still have much to pass on, you can do so by leaving a comment. Believe me, this is not the last place you’ll read these life lessons. 

Note: This entry will span days. Why, you ask? Because the response was so great, I want to spread the wealth. 

In this life, what is something you truly know?

I know that a cold beer always tastes better on a boat.

I know that I would love to travel back in time and kill the women who made shaving our legs something that makes us attractive.

I know that getting older  is getting better.

I know if you purchase a lawn mower with a cup holder, you won't be the one who actually cuts the grass.

I know that there is a type of overwhelming powerful love that you never knew existed until you have your first child - biological or not.

I know that there is God.

I know no matter what happens in my life, my family will support me. 

I know for certain is that it takes a fat hog to weigh a ton.

I know that at 48 years old I know NOTHING for sure. 

I know that I’d pull Granddad’s boots out of a burning house before I gave anything else a second glance.

I know that whether you’re aware or not, everyone is fighting some kind of battle. 

I know that hearing one of your favorite songs on the radio is a million times more gratifying than playing it on a CD.

I know that wearing a handkerchief in your back pocket is a trend that my grandfather started.

I know that everyday the sun will come up and the sun will set. The moon and the stars will come out.  And whenever I see a rainbow in the sky it reminds me that never again will there be any problem too big for God to handle.

I know that homemade brownies (no nuts) are never large enough.

I know to value the time with the ones we love.

I know that red tractors are better than green.

I know that time heals all "wombs".

I know that no matter how many times I empty the sink there will always be another dirty dish the next time I pass by the kitchen.

I know that you can never run out of options and new adventures.

I know that even tough guys eat jello and pudding. 

I know that a hug shouldn’t last longer than two seconds...MAX. 

I know there's never enough time in the day and vacations are never long enough.

I know not to sweat the small stuff.

I know that passionate people make the difference. 

I know that a killer hangover is always worth all of the fun that I had with a good group of friends the night before.

I know that a mullet looked much better on a 20 year old in 1987 than on a 50 year old in 2011.

  

I know  the line right next to the one you're standing in at the supermarket, theme park or bank always goes faster

I know in the morning rush to get to work (or anywhere), the later you are running, the more red stoplights and traffic you will hit.

I know that I agree with Dr. Phil when he says that in a conversation when you say the word “but” everything prior to that word is erased. “You are really a nice girl and I like you, but............”

I know farming is fun. And cool.

I know that one of the best things for this girl's soul is a good drive on the country roads, windows down, music up and singing at the top of my lungs.

I know that no matter how much mom might drive me crazy, I am slowly turning into her day by day... and that's not a bad thing at all.  

I know that a good cup of hazelnut coffee and a piece of pumpkin pie (no matter what time of year) can cure most bad days. 

I know for a fact that I have to pay taxes. Or else. 

I know that nothing good ever comes from anger.

I know that there is nothing wrong with being a Daddy’s Girl - even as an adult

I know that the best conversations happen either in the kitchen or on the porch-- so when I own a house one day, I want those to be the biggest parts of the house.

I know that I will always find a coupon in my wallet 3 days after it has expired. 

I know that I'm thankful you're reading this blog; you're supporting my passion. 

Stay tuned, for there is more to come...

Come Sit A Spell

My goodness, it’s difficult to list all the reasons why I fall in love with summer over and over again. The snap and hiss of a bonfire, watching lightening bugs from the deck, endless cotton dresses, beef on the grill, tailgate conversations...

Working outside until 10:00 PM, poison ivy, trying to sleep with sunburnt skin but feeling like I’m in a body bag because the aloe sticks to the sheets every time I attempt a roll over....

Funny how I begin to miss winter every year around July 17.

Perhaps my favorite thing of summer, besides the fact that I spend $100

on marigolds, ferns and petunias that don't make it past July 4th due to dehydration, is the life that is lived on the front porch.

The view from my porch swing - Front Porches Forever

On the front porch I’ve hosted a Pampered Chef party that involved more laughs and wine than it did business. I’ve heard bats smack baseballs across the field at Greens Fork’s tiny ball diamond. I've listened to a friend weep because she wanted out of life-long vows. And sitting on the porch I've cried, myself, after learning a dear college friend was finally expecting a much-anticipated addition to her family.

From my front porch I've seen the local cop pull over countless violators. 

Sirens wail and a flashing light -  Nothing better to do on a Tuesday night than give me hell 

The night of my house warming party (mid-December), a guest slept on the welcome mat of my front porch. Nothing says, “I hope all my neighbors like me” like having to kick a frozen homeless-looking guy off the wire rug at 7:00 in the morning. 

From the old front porch, I've seen mopeds, goats, Amish and beloved farm machinery hold up traffic.

Just this week on a front porch in the city I listened to a dear friend talk about the ranch in Montana she was going to buy her daddy when she “made it big”. But as life has a way of making us re-think things, before she made it big her daddy passed. And now, this gal has a whole lot of hours rocking on the front porch swing to think about where her dreams are heading now. 

On the front porch is where, some time ago, I reconsidered my decision to move back to the rural Midwest. But as my mind wonders back to the Washington, DC receptions where I wore 3-inch heels and Georgetown boutique dresses, my sense comes back to me, too. A rural front porch in some fly-over state is where my soul belongs. 

The swing thats hangs on my front porch was handed down to me by two of my most faithful blog readers, Linda and Dave. One of the perks of banking in a small town...everyone knows what you're "saving up to buy" 

What is it about a front porch that represents a simpler time in our American lifestyle? Where critical conversations seem to take place more easily. Where first kisses happen, paying no mind to the buggy porch light. Where home owners place their prettiest wreaths and liveliest plants. Where neighbors sit and actually catch up on life. If not on the front porch, where in the world do rocking chairs belong?

One of the resolutions I set for myself in 2011 is to spend more time relaxing and recharging on the front porch, both alone and with others. I want to listen to the swing creak and watch the Indiana sun sink slowly behind the banks of the Greens Fork River and just remember what it’s like to take a few minutes to breathe. 

Of course, that is right after I remember to put on sunblock to prevent the sheets from sticking and make up for lost time by drowning my too-far-gone gerber daisies.