These past few days have been interesting, to say the least!
When I was asked to write a post for Housewives of Rural America, I struggled. I struggled because it was the same ‘ole story that seems I’ve told over and over again. Who is going to want to read this again? But I wrote and as I wrote, the words came easier than anticipated and before I knew it, I had a fairly long post. I even apologized to Jenny and Katie for the length. They didn’t seem to mind, though, so I was excited to see how it would be accepted by the rest of the blog world.
What I didn’t expect was to open my email later that same day and read this in the subject line, “Congrats, you’ve been Freshly Pressed!” I was so excited (to say the least)! It was like I had won the multi-million dollar lottery! My heart started racing and I began to furiously post everywhere (Facebook and Twitter) that my post was liked by the WordPress editors. I had always wondered what it would take to get on that particular page. Only…it didn’t show up. I started feeling like maybe they had made a mistake and decided it really wasn’t good enough for the honor. And then I got discouraged and told myself that it just wasn’t meant to be.
This morning, though, I got the first congratulations and then the emails and the comments and the “likes” all started rolling in. This was a fun day in my blog writing history. And, Toni, all the while I was thinking about you and the encouragement you gave me to start writing. That’s all it took. Thank you for introducing me to the world of blogging. It’s been a fun journey!
Because of the exposure Nebraska Wheatie has received, I now have several new followers. To you, I say thank you and welcome! I’m thrilled that you’re here and have decided this was one blog you would like to read again. My husband and I aren’t farmers – strictly custom harvesters so I try to feature agriculture as much as I can while we’re harvesting the crops that feed the world. The rest of the time it’s just every day life thoughts and happenings. Maybe you’ll want to go back to some of my previous posts and find out for yourself what we’re all about. Check out “Yes! We’re cutting wheat again!”, “Mark’s story”, “July 27, 1947 Thank You” Or “it began only 17 days ago” to name just a few. (Or close your eyes, point at the list and go with the one that you choose.)
Regardless of how you get involved in the story, please make sure and ask me any questions you have about the nomadic lifestyle. Most times, I just take for granted what we do and it doesn’t feel anything but “normal” to me. So, if I don’t quite explain something as well as I should, it’s probably because I assume everyone knows what I’m talking about.
Happy Wheatie reading!
P.S. The post that stirred all this interest can be read by clicking here – the summer journey.
Congratulations! It’s well deserved, I always enjoy your blogs! 🙂
Doug – you are one of my first followers and probably one of my most loyal followers! Thank you so much for the kind words. They really do mean the world to me! How are things going for you?
Things are going ok here. I’m keeping very busy these days so I’m staying out of trouble, for the most part! Lol Work is slow, but getting ready for winter and two teenagers fill my down time! Keep up the good work, I’ll be looking forward to your next blog.
Good to hear! I’m in DC right now. I came here representing US Custom Harvesters. I could (and should) write a blog about why I was here – immigration reform. It’s been very interesting! (I’m so glad you’re still following the adventures of the Z Crew!!) I need to take some time and get something written.
Tracy…..I am so very proud,and pleased…and I am sure Gma Hancock would be too..she is
smiling and of course Gpa Hancock would be too..keep up the great work…..mom….
Thanks, Mom! Sometimes…I just wish I could talk to them one more time.
Love ya!
Very cool! It’s always fun when your work is recognized! I know I look forward to following you in the future. So glad we have crossed paths!
It is GREAT when your work is recognized. I don’t have 1,000’s of followers so when I actually see that someone read what I wrote and they liked it, it encourages me to keep on keeping on! 🙂
I’m glad we crossed paths too, Kelly!
Super-cool Tracy! I can’t wait to read the post that got you ‘pressed’. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Sonja. You’ve already read the story, though – 🙂 It’s just the same one again.
I have been following your blog for about a year and half. Your stories have made me laugh out loud and yes even cry at my desk! You are a very moving writer and I have enjoyed following your story and your girls. As a “city girl” I find your story amazing. One question. I have always wondered as I read your post. How do you work out school with your girls? I know they leave early or join you late. Do the older girls take care of the younger or do you have family that stays with them while your gone? Just curious how you juggle this part of your lives?
Hi Diane!
You have given me the encouragement to keep writing. 🙂 Seriously! Thank you for your kind words. Sometimes I just haven’t any idea of what to write about and when it’s all said and done, even I can’t believe how much I wrote and what I wrote about. God definitely uses my fingers!
Well, it’s much easier now than it used to be. When the two older girls were still in school, we had Jim’s sister keep them a couple of times. We’ve had friends keep them for us, too. Now that the two older ones are on their own, the two “younger” ones have been staying with Jamie, Curt and Jenna (the three of them had been sharing a house). Jenna just recently purchased her own home (same town as Jamie and Curt) and Taylor is excited about moving out of here and living with her. This leaves only Callie still at home. Next summer, she’ll have her pick of which house to stay at. My guess is she’ll want to stay with Jamie because of Eli. There were times (a very long time ago) when the two older girls started school in Jordan, MT and stayed there until we were done with harvest and then got right back with it when we got home.
It certainly has been a “juggle” at times!!!