Monthly Archives: February 2014

28 02, 2014

Silly White Chicken – Miller Farm Friday

By |2014-02-28T06:00:49-06:00February 28th, 2014|Friday on the Miller Farm, Miller Farm Friday|2 Comments

A Guest Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara

I’ve come to the realization that white chickens are the most trouble to keep. At least that’s true of our white chickens.

If you remember, one of our white chickens went over the back fence and led us on a wild “chicken hunt.” If you don’t remember, read here.

Then there was the “hen in a hive” who laid her eggs in an empty bee hive for several weeks. Read all about that white hen here.

Fortunately, our white hens lay regularly and their eggs are extra large.  It makes them worth the trouble.

One morning this week I went to open the coop and made this discovery:

white chicken

The silly chicken had managed to get stuck in the quail cage.

She was quite distressed and kept pacing back and forth which is why the picture is so blurry.

While I was standing there one of the other birds landed on my shoulder on its way out of the coop.  I forgot how uncoordinated chickens are first thing in the morning.

Of course, I was dressed for work, in a white shirt, which now had chicken prints on the shoulder.  I wiped it off and hoped no one would notice – which they didn’t.

As I was putting on my swimsuit the next morning, I noticed a scratch on my shoulder.

That gives a new meaning to the term “chicken scratch.”

27 02, 2014

Don’t look down!

By |2014-02-27T06:00:54-06:00February 27th, 2014|Company's Coming|10 Comments

Welcome with me our first guest blogger for Company’s Coming Thursday. Her thoughts on life resonate with me. I’m thinking they will with you too.

Don’t look down!

by Jody Payne

Don’t look down. But it’s okay if you hold your breath while looking up. That’s what I’m doing today as I post this on Judythe’s blog.

I have to admit I have no idea why anyone would give a hoot about my opinion of anything, but I’m always willing to give an opinion.

Jody's blog 02-27-14Sometimes, I see myself as one of those pebbles you find on the beach.

I’ve been washed and polished and tossed ashore. Then, just as I start to feel the sun on my face, I’m thrown back into the ocean by a wave with the force of a tsunami.

However, next thing you know, there I am on the beach again basking in glorious sunlight.

Is this how you see your life?

Probably.

I do know this much; life, with all its troubles, all its anguish, is a miracle.

Yep, life is a total miracle to be enjoyed even when we’re in the deep, way over our heads and wondering if this time we’ll ever surface again.

Do this for me, for yourself and everyone you love: Vow to take time to understand you’re being cleansed and polished.

Trust me; next time you are tossed ashore, you will discover you are stronger and your life will be more beautiful than ever.

What’s going on in your life right now?

Can you remember a time when your life was at its darkest? And then, voila! You were thrown back on the shore to rest in the sun.

If you’ve never been in the depths of real trouble, never been afraid this time you’d never get a happy life again, I’m thrilled for you.

I also think you’re lying.

Tell us the truth. We’ll all feel better. I’m just sayin’…

jodyJody Payne is

a writer (fiction and non-fiction),

a horse woman (dressage, no less),

an animal lover (just ask her two rescue dogs Annie and Janie or my two four-legged boys, Toby and Buster),

and most of all she’s southern through and through.

Want to visit with Jody more? You can find her on FB: https://www.facebook.com/jodypaynesays or her website: www.jodypayne.net

26 02, 2014

One word Wednesday – INSPIRATION

By |2014-02-26T06:00:07-06:00February 26th, 2014|one word Wednesday|0 Comments

colemanI’d never heard of Derrick Coleman, who plays for the Seattle Seahawks, until his team tromped our Denver Broncos. He and his team were amazing on the field.

Then I read an article in the Savvy Signing newsletter and learned Coleman has been deaf since he was three. He wears a skullcap under his helmet to secure water-resistant hearing aids during games and quarterback Russell Wilson takes his mouthpiece out during huddles so Coleman can read his lips.

Two other deaf defensive players have been part of the NFL – Bonnie Sloan was the first deaf player to play in the NFL in 1973 for St. Louis and defensive player Kenny Walker joined Denver in 1991.

Coleman attended public school where he played sports. Instead of giving up when other kids made fun of him and told him he wouldn’t be able to do something, he’d turn his hearing aids off.

His success on the field has made him an inspiration, but his actions off the field, have made him a role model.

He says he did the Duracell commercial so his story could encourage kids in the deaf community to fight for their dreams. His story as the first deaf NFL offensive player to play in a Super Bowl is awe-inspiring to all.

Coleman: “Nobody is perfect. I wear a hearing aid, some people have glasses, some people have depression. Everybody has something. But as long as you don’t let that get in the way of what you want to do, you can do anything you want to do.”coleman2

Watch the Duracell commercial and be inspired. [btw, I’m not promoting Duracell, but Derrick Coleman.]

24 02, 2014

Company’s Coming – An Invitation

By |2014-02-24T06:00:08-06:00February 24th, 2014|Make Me Think Monday|0 Comments

Spring is coming. Officially, the season arrives on March 20.

Here in our Colorado mountains, we can feel springtime in the air as the temperatures warm above freezing. Soon it will be time to sit on the porch and visit.

In anticipation of the season, there’ll be a new category on my blog called Company’s Coming for guest blogging.

Company’s Coming is not a Texas-ism or a Judythe-ism, as my friend calls my made-up words.

The idea is from an old Porter Wagner country western song. Never heard it? Have a listen.

My favorite line in the song is
We’ll run out to the henhouse and wring a neck or two
We’ll have chicken and dumplings and some yellow gravy too

As a little girl, whenever anyone was coming over to our house for a visit, Daddy would say it was time to go out to the henhouse. I was very confused because, you see, we didn’t have a henhouse. I thought chickens grew in the grocery meat counters all wrapped in cellophane!

I’ll not be wringing chicken necks, but I will find a welcome mat and spread it out with cheer for guest bloggers.

Guest blogging is writing for someone else’s  blog in case you’re unfamiliar with the term. I guest blog from time to time for other blogs hoping to gain exposure for my books and traffic for my blog.

But guest blogging doesn’t have to be limited to authors or those with something to sell.

We all have stories to tell. Stories we share in conversations all the time. Why not in a guest blog post?

Company’s Coming is an opportunity for anyone to share their thoughts and opinions like my daughter, Chicken Wrangler Sara, does on the Miller Farm Fridays.

Whether you’re an author or a reader, a mom or a dad, a teen or a senior citizen, you can write a guest blog. Simply compose an article or an essay on any topic and submit.

There are only three guidelines to be a Company’s Coming  blog guest.

  1. Blog MUST be your work. (Please don’t send an old blog or something you’ve posted on another website without updating.)
  2. Blog must be between 500 and 700 words in length. (Shorter is better.)
  3. No controversial or political topics.

Once you’ve decided on a topic, follow the specific directions on the BE MY GUEST page here to submit.

You can email me or use the comments section below with any questions. I’m looking forward to some exciting company and great blog conversations.

Like Porter Wagner says, change your apron, shine your shoes, and put your new dress on we got no time to lose because our first company on the porch will be this Thursday, Feb 27.

Stop by and meet my friend and fellow writer extraordinaire Jody Payne http://jodypayne.net/

21 02, 2014

New Toys for Tucker – Miller Farm Friday

By |2014-02-21T06:00:53-06:00February 21st, 2014|Friday on the Miller Farm, Miller Farm Friday|0 Comments

A Guest Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara

We had company during the Christmas break. Dog company, that is. Miller and Jengo spent a week at the Miller Dog Hotel.

Things went remarkably well considering the dogs outnumbered the people.

Tucker was even happy to share his toys with Jengo who, as a puppy, is destructive.  The beloved orange jingle ball lost its jingle.  Holes were chewed in the barbell toy making it a choking hazard for the other dogs.  We had talked about replacing the toys for months. Now we had no choice.

When Rachel was home from college last weekend, we took Tucker to our local pet store to get a new ball and toy.  He was more excited about all the other dogs in the store than the toys, of which there were many (dogs and toys that is).

We eliminated anything that made an obnoxious noise or was made of fabric. We settled on a purple barbell toy that has completely replaced the old one.  It does make a noise but only if you squeeze it or it bounces just right.

tuck's new toyTucker loves it. He will run and fetch it more times that I am willing to throw it.  Being purple, it is easy to spot when he leaves it outside.

We also found an orange ball.  It doesn’t jingle but it is the same size as his old one so Tucker can carry it around.

The best part is it came in a package of two.  So now we have a BUB – back up ball – just in case!toy

If only all it took were a ball and a barbell to make teenagers so happy J

19 02, 2014

SMILE – One Word Wednesday

By |2024-01-29T10:49:25-06:00February 19th, 2014|one word Wednesday|0 Comments

???????????????????????????????We smile for pictures. We smile at babies.   faith and me

And puppies. ???????????????????????????????

We smile politely at friends or strangers.

Which smiles are genuine and which smiles are fake?

Here’s a quick interactive quiz from BBC to test your ability to spot the difference between a real smile and a fake one.

It’ll only take a minute. I’ll wait right here.

How’d you do? I’m sure once you figured out the secret, it was easier.

Crinkly eyes = a real smile. No wrinkles around the eyes, the smile’s a fake, or the result of too much Botox.

It’s true that intense fake smiles sometimes produce lines around the eyes . The cheeks will bunch up, making it look as if the eyes are contracting and the smile is genuine.

However, according to the experts when a smile is genuine, the eye cover fold – the fleshy part of the eye between the eyebrow and the eyelid – moves downwards and the end of the eyebrows dip slightly.

That’s the key to recognizing a genuine smile, check the eyes. genuine smilaIsn’t that a genuine smile if you ever saw one?

Fake or genuine I believe smiles are powerful. They spread optimism, happiness, and joy. Most of all smiles are contagious.

Leo F. Buscaglia says,

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

YOUR TURN:  Go spread some smiles.

17 02, 2014

Are you ready for purple?

By |2014-02-17T06:00:58-06:00February 17th, 2014|Make Me Think Monday|0 Comments

On the December 5, 2013 Today Show, Pantone Color Institute announced Radiant Orchid as the 2014 Color of the Year. The color will be featured in everything from clothing lines to industrial items across the nation.2014

For the last 13 years Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, has announced the next Color of the Year.

Click here to see all the 13 colors.

How are the choices made?

Twice a year the company holds secret meetings in Europe with representatives from color standard groups. For two days, the group views presentations and debates a color for the coming year.

Results appear in Pantone View, which fashion designers, florists, and other consumer-oriented companies purchase to help guide their designs and planning for future products.

Whatever color is chosen purportedly connects with the zeitgeist [the spirit of the time; general trend of thought or feeling characteristic of a particular period].

For example, the 2011 press release declaring Honeysuckle the color of the year said, “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues.”

This year Leatrice Eiseman issued this statement about the color choice: “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

The zeitgeist: Radiant Orchid reportedly offers an invitation to innovation, expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society.

The color is already appearing everywhere.

Home interior design. furnitureclothes2

Fashion.

I’m not so sure I’ll be leaping into Radiant Orchid for myself and my home.

Maybe a purple ring. amethyst

After all, amethyst is the February birthstone because of the stone’s association with Saint Valentine. Amethyst is thought to attract love.

dog vestI can see little Buster in a purple sweater. Or even his big brother, Toby.

On second thought all purple on an Old English Sheepdog might be too much.

What about you? Are you ready to embrace Radiant Orchid?

If not, we only have to wait for Spring.

Pantone revealed its top 10 shades for next spring, with Dazzling Blue leading the charge. It’s the same cobalt shade as Facebook’s logo and Citibank’s wildly popular bike share program in New York City.

Now blue I love, especially Flow Blue and Blue Willow pattern. Come on Spring! At last, I’ll be in fashion.

14 02, 2014

Letter to My Chickens – Miller Farm Friday

By |2014-02-14T06:00:33-06:00February 14th, 2014|Friday on the Miller Farm, Miller Farm Friday|0 Comments

A Guest Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara

hens2Dearest Ladies,

I have noticed some undesirable habits in the chicken yard lately and wanted to remind you of the rules and procedures of Miller Farm.

  1.  Do not peck at my hand when I am getting eggs.  I know my hand has been cold these last two weeks, and I am sure it is uncomfortable for your warm underside. However, this is the hand that feeds you.
  2. While we are on the topic of feeding, remember I feed you – you feed me.  That’s the way it goes.  I do my job every day when I give you food and you are to do your job by laying eggs.  And please leave the shells intact. I prefer to crack them myself so do not do it for me.
  3. Do not poop on my head when I am in the coop and you are perched up high.  The screaming and flailing that would ensue would be unpleasant for everyone concerned.
  4. A note to the roosters:  Be quiet or be dinner.  Do you remember the three noisy guys that disappeared last month?
  5. Do not fly over the fence in any direction.  The grass may appear greener, but the dangers are greater. Bella is just waiting for someone to come “play” with her.

We have done our best during the last few months to protect you from chicken-eating possums and deadly hawks.  We only ask that you follow these simple rules.

Thank you,

Chicken Wrangler Sara

12 02, 2014

Valentine Words – One Word Wednesday

By |2022-02-02T15:06:08-06:00February 12th, 2014|one word Wednesday|2 Comments

In two days, on February 14, many people will be exchanging cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their special “valentine.”

It’s the day of romance named for a Christian martyr St. Valentine and dates back to the 5th century.

According to the embellished version of the origins, Saint Valentine, on the evening before his execution, wrote the first “valentine”, addressed to the daughter of his jailer, and signed the greeting “Your Valentine.”

If you’re shy about expressing yourself with words or cards, try these “signs” from Signing Savvy, the online ASL Dictionary.

sign for I Love You

Moi, I’m not shy about romance or telling the ones I love how much I love them on this special day. After all, I do write love stories.

 HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

10 02, 2014

What do Successful Writers and Olympic Athletes have in common? 5 Character Traits

By |2014-02-10T06:00:25-06:00February 10th, 2014|Make Me Think Monday|0 Comments

Have you been watching the Olympics?imagesMSQP6B5W

Couples figure skating is by far my most favorite event. The duo moves as though they are one.

As I watch, I recognize the hours and hours and hours of practice that have gone before the short performances. Not only for the skaters, but also for all the athletes in every event.

Most have spent their entire lives preparing for their event. Often sacrificing ordinary childhood and teenage years to become the best they can be.

In every one of the Olympic athletic contests, the players reach deep inside and pull out amazing performances. Some soar. Others crumble.

What makes the difference?

Character. Specifically five character traits.

Character traits I believe writers share, or should, if they wish to succeed in the publishing industry today.writer

What are these characteristics?

Adaptability

I’ve watched skaters make mistakes and keep going. Slope-style snowboarding have crashed and tumbled then executed their second run perfectly.

Competitors know it’s not what happens, but how you react to what happens that makes you a champion. Nancy Kerrigan –1994 Olympic silver medalist – managed to win an Olympic medal even after being kneecapped. Last night, Ty Walker did her skateboard run with an ankle injury!

Stuff happens and things don’t always go according to plan. Olympic champions adjust and move on.

Similarly, successful writers roll with whatever life dumps their way and carry on to deliver when it really counts.

Confidence

If you listen to interviews with Olympic athletes, you realize they judge their performance against their potential. They don’t spend time comparing their performance against others. They believe in their own potential.

Successful writers don’t judge their success on how other authors are doing. Why? Because no two writers travel the same path and each new manuscript is different and, hopefully, better than the last one.

Inner motivation

Competitors who aim for the Olympics face early morning practice and another session in the afternoons even on weekends. There is never time off. Something deep inside drives their ambition or they wouldn’t work so hard toward their goal.

Successful writers write, rewrite, and polish a draft when all their friends are at the movies or chatting on Facebook or Twitter and/or watching the Olympics.

Determination

I’m amazed at how Olympic athletes perform their routines while people in the stands cough, scream, and walk around. Their focus never wavers even with their top competitors staring at their every move.

Truly dedicated writers don’t allow anything to throw them off their game, either.

Perseverance

Olympic athletes are always looking toward the next competition. No matter what their performance in the current games.

Winning a medal in the Olympics is the goal, but not the be-all-to-end-all for champion athletes. Doing better next time is paramount.

Successful writers write because the voices in their heads won’t let them stop. Producing a NYT best seller is merely the cherry on top.

Indeed, success as a writer isn’t easy. The competition is tough…Olympic level.

Those who succeed possess these five character traits.

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