The Writing Rancher

For the first time in our nearly 20 years together, our tree is not laden with totes of ornaments tied to memories and stories through the years. Generally, The Rancher preps and places the tree. I fill it with lights. Then, the kids spend a night laughing and chatting as they recant memories and ask for reminders about each ornament while a Hallmark movie or Christmas music fills the background.

This year though we took a vote and found ourselves in agreement. Likely stressed by life, our tree seemed too delicate to bear the weight of tradition. Instead, it will stand tall and shine bright while we keep it watered, enjoy its simple presence, and carry on through the Christmas season.

Maybe we’re the only family who feels like this tree, but I’m guessing not. Though life has stressed us and some ceremonial traditions feel too heavy, we find tremendous gratitude for those dear ones who keep our souls nourished and spirits bright. Thanks to our tree and some quiet time to think, we’ll continue to shine as we’re able in hopes of reminding others to do the same Wishing all who read this God’s peace and good tidings. #WeAreRanchers#ohchristmastree

You know what happens when you have cows? Shit. That’s what.

Please don’t misunderstand. There is purpose and reward in feeding and supplying the world as cattle ranchers. There are idyllic rides through favorite pastures, picturesque scenes in each season, and memories that can’t be made in any other line of work. There’s also reality.

Cattle and all they require don’t care if you had a long day or a rough night. They pay no mind to the clock, the calendar, or your plans. Cattle have no regard for your daily intentions and no aptitude for your personal well being. Even our kids know if there are cattle in the yards on the day we die, chores need done; tractors are pretty great places for tears and thinking.

The longer I’m part of this business the more sure I am that, for all the frustration and disappointment, ranching is one of the last great professions.

Because of cattle, we know quality of life matters more than quantity. We know our attitude is absolutely the only thing we can control. We know the people in our circle matter, and the company we choose to keep either makes our life simpler or harder. Most importantly, we know for all the bad there will be lots of great, and those are the moments to cherish.

As we move fully into the Christmas season, I hope we can all let go of the perfect and ideal. I hope we can embrace the real, the messy, and the beauty in it all. And, because I’m a dreamer, I hope the cattle stay in, the water works, and the tractors start all season long!#WeAreRanchers#cows

Congratulations to J. Vanderwerff, A. Fuhrer, and D. Nesselhuf for winning my random drawing for subscriptions to South Dakota Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, and a comfy, fun T-shirt from my friend Calee at Blue Sky Boutique respectively!!

Private messages have been sent via Facebook, and I look forward to connecting with each of you before Friday, November 6 in order to get your gifts ordered and mailed out.

Cheers to fall and remembering to be grateful even in times of real change!

#WeAreRanchers

I’ve been in a funk, and one of the best ways I’ve discovered to boost my mood is giving to others. So, let’s celebrate fall on the ranch with a simple giveaway!

First, go to The Writing Rancher on Facebook. Find the post I added on October 1. Love THAT post on Facebook, comment either ‘SD’ or ‘PW’, and tag at least one friend. Then, I’ll enter you in a drawing for either South Dakota Magazine or The Pioneer Woman Magazine.

Plus, you’ll all be entered to win this cute, comfy tee from my friend Calee @Blue Sky Boutique right here in South Dakota! Bring on fall y’all — Love, Comment, and Tag to win! #WeAreRanchers #southdakota #pioneerwoman

Our hearts grew with worry as the skies grew dark and the weather warnings screeched. We had both prayed and prepared as best we could. As the winds blew, those dark skies opened up. Like tears of gratitude from a weathered heart, nearly two inches of rain poured relief onto the scorched earth.  We are rejoicing in today’s rainfall. We are renewed in our perspective. We are using the past days and those yet to come to increase our focus. Above all, we are giving thanks for strength and perseverance, and we pray those blessings continue to flow for our fellow ranchers.  Your prayers for ranch country continue to be appreciated; many folks received only a little and still more received nothing. Your thoughts as our rural water system shuts down tonight for what we hope is a permanent fix continue to be welcome. Rain doesn’t wash away all challenges, but it does offer a much-needed bath from it all! #WeAreRanchers#drought#rain

Like the wedding vase I found the other day, The Rancher and I have been through some stuff in our 16 years of marriage. We’re a little cracked, even a bit chipped, but dang it, we’re still trying to hold it all together

Our 16th anniversary is playing out like many other milestones in this season of our life … No get-aways, no commemorative gifts, no special plans; hell, there have even been a couple disagreements. And guess what? That’s ok! Not everything has to be “Facebook” perfect.

Ranching, self-employment, marriage, kids–it’s all hard, imperfect stuff. There is truth in finding what you seek though, and if you don’t look for something good and worthy every day, all you’ll see is yuck. I think that’s really important to remember. Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to look for the good, but the reward is always worth the effort.

Keep looking for the good, folks! It’s out there, even if you’re the one who has to put it there. #WeAreRanchers