Early summer is the season of little bitties. After the buds on flowering fruit trees pass away, the baby fruit is just a tiny nubbin. Our garden plants begin as little bittie seeds. In the garden, transplanted baby greens look so small in the area they are to grow up in. Come to think of it, we're all a little bittie idea ... a seed ... to begin with. Come to think of it, lots of things begin in a little bittie way.  

Spring has sprung and so have I ... into action, that is. We're not dormant in the winter, but ranch activity moves into high gear beginning with calving time. Then, there are all the other activities (and fun things) we've been waiting to get back into when the weather permits you to once again spend as many daylight hours OUTSIDE. Finally, that time is here ...  

Just yesterday, Anita (farmgirl pal - below), suggested we better get to making some Summer 2013 glamping plans. I agreed ... we need to visit with the other "glampfire girls" about dates & places. We've got our sights set on location #1 for a June road trip. Hmmmmm, where else??? 

As the old saying goes, "If it isn't one thing, its another." The cliche isn't associated with positive "things" either. Trials and tribulation is as much a part of the human experience as breathing. And so it has been for us this calving season. Winter-like weather has cost us about 25 calves thus far. But, in the midst of wearying problems, you sometimes lift your eyes and help arrives via the hearts & hands of caring friends.

So it was one day last week ...

Trusting a harbinger, trusting a messenger for what it tells of things to come is a matter of faith. The visual appearance of a messenger lends strength to subtler clues ... as in the case of the song of our much anticipated springtime harbinger - The Meadowlark.

Do you periodically do a "new" thing or see old things in a new way? Spring is a time of newness. Ok, everybody knows that. The seasonal change fixin' to happen soon isn't responsible for the "new" I'm dealing with. No, there is a new kind of new around here, a herd of new, a new look, a new spin, and a fresh view. Newness. If it had a fragrance, it would smell like rain ... after a summer shower.

I had a heckuva time deciding between two themes this time around. Then, inspiration struck. I don't have to choose. I'll cover both themes because they do relate to one another. I think you'll agree.

February was a trying month for me. But, trials & tribulation can't keep a farmgirl down for long. We have our hearts set on brighter tomorrows and better things ahead. Speaking of 'better', RED is better! So, with that in mind, I'm puttin' my RED on. I'm ready for a refreshing re-start.

The time frame around a holiday dedicated to the things we love found my heart bruised, not once, but twice. There weren't little pink and red hearts gayly floating around in my world on Valentines Day. Instead, I was looking at two huge graves in our pasture while a winter storm blew snow over the freshly heaped up dirt.

I'd be lying if I told you I'm a quick heal. Please forgive me for sharing my grief. I did try to come up with a different topic, one that would be cheery like a gingham tablecloth graced with a bouquet of daisies. Sorry, no can do, its just not in me right now. Truth is, the theme of this article is actually spot on appropriate for people of the soil ... farmers & ranchers. I've been given a fresh dose of the downside of animal stewardship. 

Our fairest belle crossed the rainbow bridge as softly as a gentle summer shower ... a few days ago. 'Quiet' was her way and quietly she left. No thunder or lightening, no drama. She left us like she lived with us ... a horse of 'peace & quiet'.

The good Lord blessed our family with a perfect horse. Yes, perfect.