tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17987758267673278102012-03-19T18:23:01.903-05:00I've been a writer since I was 7 years-old: starting with submitting my 4-H club news to the local news. Then, I discovered creative writing, journaling, research papers, essays, newspapers and even wrote professionally for nearly 15 years. Now, for those of you who care to read on, here are few of my thoughts on life. . .Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.comBlogger741100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-25216954459514547892012-02-02T14:44:00.008-06:002012-02-04T09:19:26.942-06:00

Last week while attending the Fort Worth Stock Show for work, I had a life changing experience. OK. Perhaps, those words are stretching it a little much, but it was definitely an experience, and it was one I won't forget for a VERY long time! You see, Friday, after Jared and I had finished checking in all the Angus cattle and checked in with our favorite superintendents, Von and Todd, they

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-80288598861178172892012-01-02T22:45:00.002-06:002012-01-02T22:54:50.017-06:00

It's time to review 2011, so I can look forward to 2012. Here's an alphabetical run down of my last year. And here's hoping your new year is healthy, happy and full of good cheer!Another year comes to closeBlessings in disguiseCattle & the people who raise them are my world.Dad gets National Ag Agent DSA!Event planning for cattle producers keeps me busy.Flew my 25th Southwest Flight of 2011 on 12

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-37564304245416357792011-09-21T22:02:00.006-05:002011-09-21T22:02:00.577-05:00

Happy first day of Autumn! Fall has been and probably always will be my favorite season. I love the warm colors of the oranges, reds and browns as the leaves turn. I love the chill in the air and the Saturday "Big Red" Nebraska Football games. And I love what fall represents--harvest--a time to reap a year's worth of planting and then praying that Mother Nature does the right thing to produce a

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-90817087052511510542011-05-19T22:25:00.001-05:002011-05-19T22:29:25.554-05:00

So, I’ve been living in my own little world lately—the past two weeks have revolved around planning American Angus Association events for summer, fall and winter and welcoming my two summer intern roommates to the house. I haven’t had much time for news. But just today I picked up a paper and read that the world could potentially be coming to an end, according to some man’s prediction—and the

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-83940173234293710252011-05-13T22:54:00.000-05:002011-05-13T22:55:23.184-05:00

The past 24 hours I took a long ride down memory lane to a place that I called home for two years. I place that molded me and shaped me into the person I am today and the place where I met and made some of my dearest and closest friends. And, a place I left 17 years ago. Yesterday I took a journey down the memory lane or Hwy 36 across Kansas back to my first college. The place where I first

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-49497527526948111282011-04-17T16:53:00.006-05:002011-04-17T17:08:27.100-05:00

Last weekend while visiting friends in Maryland, Laura and I made a stop at Bark!, which I would describe as the most posh pet store I have ever been in. Now, Laura claims she doesn’t frequent this store, but she needed a new I.D. tag with her new phone number on it for her canine companion Parker, so we stopped by after our first stop at Starbucks. Since PetSmart is about the nicest pet store I’

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-83884857229079062312011-04-15T23:03:00.003-05:002011-04-15T23:17:33.411-05:00

“For better or for worse. For richer or poorer; in sickness and in health.”Webster defines “commitment”, well, I don’t like Webster’s definition, but when I saw the synonyms, I saw “faithfulness” and here is what Webster says there: full of FAITH or steadfast in affection or allegiance : LOYAL. And these words describe two of my favorite people, who today, April 15, are celebrating their 64th

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-40745821904474285002011-04-13T22:43:00.001-05:002011-04-13T22:47:43.676-05:00

This past weekend I took some time to visit friends in Maryland. It seemed so refreshing to get away from the busy-ness of life—planning multiple events, spring cleaning the house, and out to the serene countryside onto my friends’ farm in Montgomery County, Maryland. It seemed serene as I passed lush green pastures, wooden fences, horse farms, fields, and turned down the lane where Angus heifers

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-79796717160220160312011-03-08T22:06:00.003-06:002011-03-08T22:12:21.080-06:00

The other day at lunch, my friend Donnie and I were talking finances—pay day is approaching and we were grumbling about the usual—paying bills and savings. He asked if I participated in our 401K, and I replied, sheepishly, “yes, but not at the maximum level.” You see, I explained to him, I’d rather enjoy my money now, while I can and while I’m able, then to leave it behind because only God

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-52388549999154068112011-03-06T10:33:00.012-06:002011-03-06T20:44:45.557-06:00

If March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb or vice-a-versa, then 2011 must have come in like a Texas tornado, because just this weekend I have had time to breath! I actually flipped my kitchen calendar yesterday from January to March--sorry February you were just a blur! And, I also took down my outside Christmas lights. Yes, I actually contemplated leaving them up and being ahead of the

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-75169139080413428512011-01-04T22:36:00.002-06:002011-01-04T22:39:51.736-06:00

When do you say thank you?I came home tonight so excited to pack for one of my biggest and most exciting trips of the year—the National Western Stock Show. But now I’m setting on my bed, tears streaming down my face. I just read two Facebook posts that my longtime friend and mentor Price Harrison, from the Angus News, passed away today, and all I can think, is “did I ever tell him thank you?”

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-78337227219526893842011-01-03T20:39:00.003-06:002011-01-03T20:52:41.987-06:00

Resolutions, it seems like everyone makes them in the excitement of the New Year, but six weeks into the year, and do you even know what you have resolved? I typically make some resolutions when my New Year starts on May 28; and those are easier to keep, because I’m not worried about comparing lists with everyone else (yoga, diet, excercise,etc). But since it is a new year, and the start of a

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-26019063900326150152010-12-28T23:44:00.001-06:002010-12-28T23:50:58.595-06:00

NWSS Activities DirectorFirst Dixie NationalNew Little Sister, KathleenJamie, Sonya, Shelia WeekendMAJAC, first D.C. experience RENO in AprilTurned thirty-something, at the Atlantic National and met new friend Young Cattlemen’s Conference, met more new friends, expanded interest and knowledge of the greatest industry on earth—BEEF1st NJAS in different capacity, judged the CAB Cookoff—another

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-90606067184462086522010-12-14T22:36:00.002-06:002010-12-14T22:52:16.691-06:00

Eleven days and counting until the biggest day of the year, and I can't seem find my Christmas Spirit anywhere! Oh, I've gone through the motions--purchased and wrapped every gift on my list; mailed the ones that needed mailed; wrote and sent the annual letter; listened to Christmas music in the car, home and office. I even set out my Nativity scene and decided against putting away my decorations

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-5499356898622643852010-12-09T21:02:00.004-06:002010-12-09T21:37:53.313-06:00

Disclaimer: If you are under 12-years-old OR still believe is Santa Claus please stop reading this now, and send an e-mail to cowphoto73@yahoo.com and tell me why I should also believe in the big guy in a red suit that drives a sleigh. If the above description doesn't fit you, you may now continue reading this installment of my blog.During the Thanksgiving weekend while my parents were visiting,

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-80827260191162251912010-11-04T18:01:00.010-05:002010-11-08T20:34:29.461-06:00

“Adoption is not about finding children for families, it's about finding families for children” --Joyce Maguire Pavao November is National Adoption Awareness Month. I never really realized this or new there was a month to celebrate one of the greatest things that ever happened to me, but I'm so glad I discovered it. And, I would first like to say THANK YOU to 4 individuals. I'd like to

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-84016560921877157022010-11-02T16:26:00.003-05:002010-11-03T20:13:48.751-05:00

I've been thinking about what makes up a community a lot lately; and as you might guess with my lack of blogging I've had lots of windshield and airport time to think. It's funny, but I always thought of a community as a place--you know that location where one grew up, went to school or church. But in the last month or so, I've realized a community just isn't a place. It's your peeps. It's a

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-11705616447160310652010-10-09T21:14:00.006-05:002010-10-11T19:41:10.515-05:00

As we close out National 4-H Week, I've been doing a lot of thinking this week about what 4-H has done for me, and frankly, I don't know where I'd be without this great youth program. I don't think it was ever discussed in my household if I would join; it was just a given, and when I turned 8 years-old by that magical January 1 age, I joined my very first 4-H club, the Sandhill Hillbillies in

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-43868992006584409362010-10-02T21:40:00.014-05:002010-10-02T22:47:28.213-05:00

Fun at the Fairs!It’s my favorite time of the year! No, it’s not Christmas, or my birthday. It doesn’t come just one day a year, and as a matter of fact, I’m merely taking a break from the season—a “half-time” so to speak. The time of year I’m writing about is STATE FAIR SEASON! And, if you’ve noticed an absence on my blog, it is highly due to the fact that August and part of September was

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-62272231379015284082010-08-28T20:37:00.003-05:002010-08-28T21:03:36.458-05:00

Since Thursday evening, I have been in DuQuoin, Illinois, population 6,600, and home to the DuQuoin State Fair, the Association's newest Roll of Victory Show. DuQuoin has a neat charm about it, especially since the fairgrounds here are AWESOME, but more importantly it isn't located in a major metropolitan area like a lot of the state fairs I have traveled to (Boise, Springfield, Milwaukee) or

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-39370023919775677612010-08-04T19:19:00.003-05:002010-08-04T20:00:17.919-05:00

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1, NLTWell, friends and family, it's been nearly a month since I've taken time to blog. But I've done a lot of reflecting, and during that month, I feel like I've experienced a lot of personal change and growth. Earlier this week, I observed the first anniversary of my activities and events director position

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-33052313284904702652010-07-07T19:05:00.007-05:002010-07-07T21:04:26.312-05:00

Today, the Angus community received word of the passing of a legend. Longtime Angus artist Frank Champion Murphy passed away June 28 in his home state of Illinois. I had the good fortune of meeting Mr. Murphy on several different occasions, and he was a true gentleman. Although he grew up in the Chicago area, he spent his summers in Texas on his grandparents' cattle ranch, and had drawn and

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-54687722411273742142010-07-04T10:47:00.007-05:002010-07-04T16:39:56.590-05:00

It's July 4, and I'm not wearing red, white and blue nor sporting little flag earrings. As a matter of fact, if it hadn't been for church this morning it might have been really easy to pull the covers back over my head and just not face to world today. You say I'm not patriotic; that's where you are wrong. I'm just tired of how commercialized Independence Day has become! And, it's pretty simple

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-50445734785593734532010-06-27T18:00:00.003-05:002010-06-28T08:03:48.534-05:00

I always get a little sad when I leave a weekend cattle show; especially a junior show. Maybe it's the camaraderie; maybe it's the enthusiasm. It definitely isn't the hair, hay and wood chips that I'm allergic to. This weekend the Illinois Junior Angus Association hosted the Eastern Regionals, and it was somewhat nostalgic for me, as I reflected on some of the life lessons I learned while

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-77849218382127860042010-06-11T22:58:00.010-05:002010-06-12T08:03:33.183-05:00

Ok, so one week ago I wrote about the first three days of the Young Cattlemen's Conference (YCC) conference that I was attending. Little did I know that the best was yet to come.The trip was intense. We slept a little, traveled a lot, experienced much and made friendships to last a lifetime. We toured feedlots in our shit kickin' boots, and made our way to Capitol Hill in business suits to talk

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-68086415630320311982010-06-10T14:22:00.002-05:002010-06-10T14:37:41.994-05:00

Well, tonight ends one of the best experiences of my 37 years so far. My YCC class will have its wrap up, final dinner and party and say our farewells, until we meet again. The past 10 days have been intense: early mornings, later nights, buses, airplanes, three time zones in three cities, packing plants, feedyards, congressional briefings and visits with our lawmakers and a party at Whitestone

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-17590903112209979372010-06-04T23:39:00.004-05:002010-06-05T00:00:18.713-05:00

Yesterday I embarked on the experience of a lifetime. For me, like most people, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am honored that the management team at the American Angus Association selected me for this honor. You see, I am not part of the 2010 Young Cattlemens Conference (YCC) class through the NCBA. So, I flew to Denver on Wednesday afternoon, only after putting the 2010 BLI class

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-89086918985544596942010-05-27T08:37:00.007-05:002010-05-28T03:45:08.338-05:00

Monday I was blessed with the opportunity to visit Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, our nation's first president. I am slightly obsessed with presidential homes, and though not very knowledgeable about history, I love the older homes and plantations and visiting these sites where they actually had laundry buildings keeps me in perspective and reminds me how fortunate we really are to have

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-54770680612647381902010-05-22T22:06:00.003-05:002010-05-22T22:23:09.255-05:00

Tonight I also found another use for my trusty Garmin, who sometimes I refer to as "Gary" (I'm big on alliteration), and that use was to meet some not so friendly police offices somewhere in Northern Virginia on the edge of Washington D.C. You see, I'm supposedly on a few days of vacation (ha! I have a dozen phone calls and a conference call, and a meeting) in between the Boot Camp that just got

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-22146893676973362462010-05-19T19:40:00.003-05:002010-05-19T20:00:42.806-05:00

"I'll shoot the first pot licker to show up on my door step to see my little girl on a motorcycle."Even though it's been 25 years, give or take, I can still hear those words like it was yesterday coming out of my overprotective Dad's mouth when we lived at Iodence Hereford Ranch, along the Niobrara River in the Nebraska Panhandle. And, being the very literal, very gullible 12 year-old girl, I

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-15152890807949749572010-05-15T16:50:00.003-05:002010-05-15T17:13:51.260-05:00

As a girl, I LOVED horses! I collected the Breyer horses, loved to ride and thought I was a real cowgirl out on those Nebraska Sandhills riding Lucky, my little pony along with my mom and dad and the ranch hands when it came time to round up cattle. When I was having a bad day, I could count on Lucky to listen to my problems or my mom's mare, Penny. It was like they understood little girls, and

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-71957336583044138372010-05-05T07:55:00.003-05:002010-05-05T08:17:52.139-05:00

Zig Ziglar once said, "A smile is a little curve that set a lot of things straight."I'm not a smiler. I'm happy, but I'm not a natural smiler. I don't know if I'm self conscious about my teeth or because I've spent so many years on the back side of the camera. But, lately I've been practicing smiling. Sounds kind of silly doesn't it? Well, I do. I learned a long time ago, the only way to get

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-37465170357573303312010-05-01T16:39:00.001-05:002010-05-01T16:53:56.168-05:00

Snow. Rain. Sleet. Hail. Sunshine. It's a topic of conversation no matter where you are or what your age. I always thought it was an agricultural topic of conversation because as people of the land our lives revolve around the elements. You can't plant or harvest if it's too wet, but the crops won't grow if it's too dry.This week, I have experienced all four seasons. You read that correctly. I

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-28864553639713615422010-04-27T18:45:00.003-05:002010-04-27T19:06:12.712-05:00

Travel isn't a glamorous part of my job.In the past 24 hours, I've been in five airports, in four states, slept in my own beds less than four hours, and spent about three hours in the office. Yes, I should have my head examined. But, I wouldn't trade one minute of these last 24 hours for anything! Well maybe the turbulence, wasn't the best, but I love the experiences of watching people, eating

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-40527247454638969332010-04-22T07:46:00.003-05:002010-04-22T08:01:10.286-05:00

It's the one thing we all have in common--we all live on this EARTH--but we only celebrate Earth Day once a year?!?! I find this slightly ironic. But, it's on my calendar, April 22: Earth Day. As someone who grew up on ranches in Nebraska and with the majority of my family whose sole livelihood depends on agriculture, we have been celebrating the Earth for many, many days.Each holiday when

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-35512451800294267682010-04-19T20:18:00.004-05:002010-04-19T20:43:45.654-05:00

A song can make a difference.Last night I was watching the Academy of County Music (ACM) Awards, and I will admit I got just a little teary eyed (OK a lot) when Brooks & Dunn took the stage singing "My Maria" for their final ACM appearance as a duo. Their music reminds me so much of my JuCo days, and why wouldn't it? They have been together 20 years, and well I was at Colby Community College just

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-37924007712763067562010-04-18T19:26:00.002-05:002010-04-18T19:43:18.157-05:00

I think I must be crazy.Ok, those of you who know me well can stop laughing or nodding your head in agreement now. I admitted it. I'm crazy. But, I partially blame my parents. You see on weekends I'm in Saint Joseph, I have to force myself not to go to the office. And, with the exception of one weekend I traveled in March for work and the Easter/Spring break trip to Nebraska, I have been home in

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-19337800441548310232010-04-15T17:11:00.002-05:002010-04-15T17:26:18.492-05:00

Never, ever take life for granted. When I first started working at American Angus 11 1/2 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to invest in a multi-pack of sympathy cards, for when a co-worker, director or friend's loved one passed away. And, these deaths always happened to occur in "threes". Now, I can barely keep enough sympathy cards on hand, and I must admit I've turned to using the

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-40611554892176579522010-04-12T21:25:00.005-05:002010-04-12T21:48:51.473-05:00

So, I hadn't spent any "big sis" time with Kat since we went to the Great Wolf Lodge way back before Easter. I thought tonight would be a great opportunity to catch up, and plant some flowers in hanging baskets for my front porch, grill some Angus hot dogs and eat on the patio. I was pretty pumped up about the evening, and even more so when I pulled up to her house, and was greeted by her waving

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-72143358331070978082010-04-10T19:12:00.005-05:002010-04-10T19:23:52.131-05:00

I finally found a workout regime that is enjoyable, doesn’t require a gym membership and lets you have a little fun at the same time. I know…how do all those things happen at once? Well, last week I had a “play date” with 4 ½ year-old Wryder at the Sargent Park, and four days later, my muscles are still telling me how much they hate me!I had no idea basic playground equipment would be such a good

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-89958086356243544622010-04-09T19:27:00.005-05:002010-04-09T19:48:18.440-05:00

During the course of my vacation last week, I made a couple of Angus stops. Some people might find this odd since I was on vacation. But, I truly consider many of the Angus breeders and Association members family. As a matter of fact, I see many of them more often than my family so last Saturday on my way across Nebraska's Hwy 2, I made a stop at the Kraye Angus Production Sale in Mullen. Now,

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-73471172310441438932010-04-06T18:46:00.001-05:002010-04-06T18:48:52.507-05:00

Hay Springs, Nebraska. Yep, that was my “Spring Break 2010” destination this year. No, it isn’t Cabo, Maui, Padre or any other tropical destination. As a matter of fact, the ground is covered in fresh snow just today, April 6. But, two very special people make this my Spring Break destination each year—my Grandpa and Grandma Raymer. I try to get up here for Easter and spend 3-4 days extra.

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-7503627393659703092010-04-01T23:59:00.000-05:002010-04-02T00:00:48.750-05:00

During the course of my lifetime, I have put on hundreds of thousands of miles in my travels; perhaps even a million by now if you combine my trips to livestock shows and sales while growing up, FFA, 4-H and junior and senior college judging trips and all my travels representing American Angus the past 11+, not to mention the personal trips to see friends, family and the world. Today, while

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-3815468196793780512010-04-01T07:34:00.002-05:002010-04-01T07:41:11.346-05:00

Yesterday afternoon our temps in NW Missouri reached into the 80s and my little sis wanted to go bowling. I told her no way, no how. . .we were going to enjoy the beautiful weather despite my allergies. So we loaded up and drove to Krug Park, even though I had never been there before. We parked in front of this nasty, dirty body of water, and lo and behold, a geese pond occupied her mind for

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-73089220443678068332010-03-31T16:23:00.002-05:002010-03-31T16:27:43.613-05:00

Last night, I took a very special 6-year-old, Ella, out for dinner to I-HOP. This was a long-overdue “birthday” outing, as her mom suggests to me it is sometimes more fun for her to receive these outings from me than another wrapped gift of an outfit or toy. And, I agree. And, I-HOP had just opened last fall around the time of Ella’s birthday so I made her a little card promising her a “girl’s

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-38707314667582236502010-03-29T16:58:00.000-05:002010-03-29T16:59:57.511-05:00

The radio station that I listen to each and everyday features Mondays as “Make a difference Monday” and listeners are encouraged to call in and share how someone has made a difference in their lives over the weekend, or how they have had been a positive influence or role model in someone else’s life. I love hearing these stories of inspiration, and they have often become ways I’ve tried to make a

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-79142711852761553382010-03-25T17:45:00.008-05:002010-03-25T18:30:36.398-05:00

Last week I addressed the Global 4-H Conference in Kansas City, for about the fifth or sixth year. The conference is geared toward high school students and focuses on career exploration. I remember going to it myself as a young 4-H member from Northwest Kansas, and this year, I had about 32 youth from Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma in my group. Normally I give a two-hour presentation on

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-89455568206705793532010-03-24T18:43:00.004-05:002010-03-24T18:54:29.064-05:00

I felt the need to express myself today. It is rainy and gloomy here in Northwest Missouri, and that isn't really anything to write about; who wants to read about the weather? So, I saw this on a blog I follow, which a friend who knows I like to be inspired shared with me. (Thanks, Nate) Caroline described herself in ten words. That's right friends. I'm going to describe how I feel at this

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-66148123600578694002010-03-23T18:46:00.003-05:002010-03-23T19:38:26.324-05:00

Call me naive. Call me sheltered. But, who would have thought that homelessness existed in my town? That's right folks; here in St. Joe, Mo., population near 74,000 there is a homeless epidemic. I guess I am naive. Growing up in rural America, the only time I saw homeless people was when I went to the National Western Stock Show in Denver, and I never really associated St. Joe with the "big

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-47967250688541268942010-03-19T20:06:00.007-05:002010-03-19T20:34:33.789-05:00

Once again the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program (BB/BS) continues to bless and amaze me! As a "big" I know I'm supposed to be mentoring my "little" but wow--these kids put life into such perspective. Each time I'm with my little I feel like I'm the one getting benefiting from the program.I know I write about BB/BS a lot, but I am so passionate about it! You might recall from an earlier post that

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-35282695220890877432010-03-17T07:47:00.017-05:002010-03-17T19:42:29.117-05:00

Last weekend, my friend and co-worker Robin and I headed East for the Mid-Atlantic Junior Angus Classic, where we and two NJAA directors helped with this junior show at Harrisonburg, VA. It was typical MAJAC weather--cold and damp, but we still had a great show evaluated by my friend Alan Miller. The show was over in good time on Sunday, and we dropped Chris Cassady off at Dulles Airport. Robin,

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-15479463043651528782010-03-10T18:02:00.003-06:002010-03-10T18:19:09.720-06:00

When it comes to the weather, I'm like little bear's porridge, I want the temperatures to be "just right"; not too cold and not too hot. Perhaps that is why I have always loved Spring the most of the four seasons. Or maybe its the renewal of life--flowers blooming, trees budding and baby lambs and calves born on the ranch I was raised on. Or perhaps it is a combination of all of the above.

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-9733552400233483402010-03-08T17:57:00.003-06:002010-03-08T18:16:29.472-06:00

I always wondered what I'd do with a weekend at home with absolutely no plans. Well this past weekend, I had the opportunity to discover what that would be, and I did a lot of soul searching. Of the 48 hours in the weekend, I spent 70% of it soul searching (including church), 25% sleeping (I was a little behind in my required sleep) and the other 5% cleaning the frig/freezer and doing laundry.

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-91975893881606856832010-03-05T06:52:00.004-06:002010-03-05T07:26:17.232-06:00

Last night I got the call I knew would come eventually, but one the selfish, nearly-37-year-old me was hoping would wait until after Easter. My mom left a message at nearly 10 p.m. (remember when I was still going strong at 10?) and said, "call me tonight". So, I called her to learn that my great-grandma Nona Kutschara had passed away. Like I said, this was expected, but it sent chills up my

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-29449941841422453552010-03-01T17:30:00.005-06:002010-03-01T18:13:06.533-06:00

It always makes me smile that my first words as a child were not "mama" or "daddy" but instead "bye-bye" and I don't mean this any disrespect to my parents whom I love so dearly. Instead, it should have been a warning to them at a VERY early age, that I was going to be the traveling type. That being said, I am fortunate to have "family" in what seems like every corner of the United States. No,

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-27359965405382184962010-02-24T19:50:00.007-06:002010-02-24T20:14:24.667-06:00

Tonight was evident that God really does have a sense of humor. This was my first solo outing with my second and new little sis Kathleen, and when I picked her up, her mom said, "Make sure she does her homework and make sure you're home by 7:30." Well, I had big plans for us, and homework was not among those plans! So, "Kat" as she said I could call her, and it would be her very first nick-name

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-84678645775335619272010-02-23T18:19:00.004-06:002010-02-23T18:37:50.153-06:00

Hi, my name is Shelia and I'm addicted to social networking. Yes, I feel almost like I need to find a support group in Saint Joseph for this challenge. I rely on my computer and iPhone so much for news, weather and information, I can hardly remember the last time I picked up a newspaper, and if it weren't for ESPN I would seriously consider cancelling my cable--SAD! It's crazy what the social

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-83125262913894710982010-02-15T19:40:00.004-06:002010-02-16T06:45:41.648-06:00

I always say I will try anything except sky diving once. Well, last night I tried something new--ice skating! You see BB/BS had a match party at Bode Ice Arena and about 30 minutes previously I was matched with my new "little" Kathleen. She's a hoot, and there will be more about her in future blogs. I thought, to myself as other "bigs" stood around and watched I am never going to try ice

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-13226151661946122502010-02-10T07:36:00.005-06:002010-02-10T08:11:43.084-06:00

"Make new friends, but keep the old;one is silver and the other gold."These are lines from a song that I learned nearly three decades ago at 4-H camp and we sang them in a round with the flames of a campfire glowing in the faces of our newfound friends. I still think of these lines from time to time, and as Valentine's Day approaches, I want to dedicate this blog to all my friends--those from

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-29771387044129174772010-02-06T15:51:00.003-06:002010-02-06T16:03:04.117-06:00

Today I was on both the giving and receiving end of a random act of kindness. . .and it definitely feels better to give than receive. You see, Saint Joseph is home to Grace House, a local not-for-profit agency that accepts used clothing, dishes, furniture, etc... and then gives these items to the needy in the community. For years I have donated to Goodwill, the DAV, Salvation Army and others,

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-39575376565554003652010-02-03T19:09:00.008-06:002010-02-03T19:46:24.869-06:00

I really don't know too many people who attend more cattle shows and fairs than I do on annual basis, and no that is not something I'm boasting about. I'm merely stating a fact. I don't have a hard "show road" life; up in the wee hours--washing, rinsing, brushing, blowing, feeding, clipping, poop scooping, making tie outs and repeating it all again tomorrow. But, I wouldn't say I have a cush job

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-67544412038089976442010-01-31T16:15:00.003-06:002010-01-31T16:45:15.638-06:00

Over the weekend, I attended the Fort Worth Stock Show, and though it is just a 9-hour drive, weather this time of year is always tricky and it really is a "quick trip" for me, so I opted to fly down and back. Unfortunately, DFW isn't serviced by number one choice of airlines--Southwest. So, though I was only in the air a grand total of 3 hours or maybe less during the entire trip, I was reminded

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-69916122533634546472010-01-26T19:29:00.007-06:002010-01-26T20:16:42.827-06:00

I never really believed in angels until May 27, 2009, when on the eve of my 36th year I was introduced to Melanie Yang, who became my 8-year-old angel, that I wasn't aware I needed. You see May 27 was the night I was "matched" with Melanie, my "little" through the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in Saint Joseph. And, though as the "big sister" volunteer I was supposed to help this youngster from

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-36058620666351851462010-01-21T16:07:00.007-06:002010-01-21T20:41:01.413-06:00

When I was a little girl, my parents always encouraged me to pursue any career path I wanted; however, my mom always added, "except nursing." Now, maybe this was from her years of experience as a Registered Nurse or perhaps mother's intuition. I mean, I love the Thursday-night TV show, "Grey's Anatomy", and "fixed" all my stuffed animals and dolls' ailments playing doctor. But today, I was

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-53005966604971215622010-01-19T19:56:00.002-06:002010-01-19T20:21:26.144-06:00

As a child, I used to LOVE the board game "Life". Remember this one, with the spinner on the huge board, where you picked the car of the color of your choice, and girls were pink pegs and boys were blue pegs? From the start, the players chose the college path or the career path, and everyone knows that you make more money in the long-run if you go to college, so taking out that initial $100,000

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-15432650275312847362010-01-10T23:40:00.006-06:002010-01-12T23:44:54.318-06:00

Once upon a time, I thought a few of my friends that I work with at the Association were crazy, almost to the verge of loco. We'll call these friends Kenny, Sally, Jerry and David. This group of friends ran each and every day and no one was chasing them--they ran because they enjoyed it! Then, after careful observation and some understanding on my part, I grew to understand they weren't really

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-34969518704632677522010-01-09T22:13:00.005-06:002010-01-09T22:33:02.419-06:00

For the past 11 years, during the National Western, I drive by the Denver Rescue Mission each day enroute between my comfortable downtown Denver hotel and the NWSS Complex. Each morning and evening, I witness homeless people lined up for meals and even worse sleeping huddled up next to each other on the cold concrete with a thin blanket and their possessions in a grocery bag next to them. And,

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-79278987571547048662010-01-08T07:25:00.007-06:002010-01-08T07:50:19.777-06:00

I'm starting to think that Ma Nature has a problem with me traveling to Denver. First, she gave me low visibility leaving my grandparents when I was supposed to fly to Phoenix for an ROV show right after Christmas. Then, Wednesday night/Thursday morning she visited the Midwest with the RAWEST, most bitter winds I think I've ever experienced as I was ready to leave St. Joseph in a loaded down 12-

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-41566785003767537182010-01-06T16:29:00.003-06:002010-01-06T16:53:40.792-06:00

This morning my friend Ashley posted this to his Facebook page:It takes courage to Dream big Dreams. You will discover that courage when you do three things: Accept the past, Trust God to Handle the Future, and Make the most of the day He has given you. No Dream or Hope is to big for God if it is in his plan for your good.I have been thinking about this statement all day. As a youngster, I had

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-34296467004600885352010-01-03T14:18:00.004-06:002010-01-03T14:41:05.004-06:00

I've been attending livestock shows my entire life, whether with my own livestock, helping someone else, participating in the judging contests or during the last 11 years representing the American Angus Association. I guess you could say shows are in my blood. And, as an exhibitor, I loved to win...who doesn't? But I also brought home my share of those "off-colored" ribbons and stood places in

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-86620833322864453212010-01-01T22:12:00.006-06:002010-01-01T22:37:58.719-06:00

Yesterday on my flight from Phoenix to Denver, I read in an article that most new year's resolutions last, on average, only 6 weeks. So, by mid-February, most people have broken their resolutions. I typically wait until my birthday to make my "new year" resolutions, but along with so many other people I have decided to start this next decade and make some resolutions. But, I do have a

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-86097164442461537392009-12-26T22:11:00.002-06:002009-12-26T22:27:38.185-06:00

Today I made a decision that defied the advice of my grandparents and uncle and even made me question my own common sense for about 20 minutes. But, being the analytical person I am, I had begun my Internet research in the wee hours of the morning looking into Nebraska and Colorado weather and road conditions, and texting friends in northeastern Colorado. I knew if I could get the first 45 miles

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-42024503628852530752009-12-26T18:28:00.000-06:002009-12-26T18:43:13.163-06:00

These thoughts are my reflection on the Christmas of 2009, one of the most different in my life, due to a couple different forces--Mother Nature and God. First, Mother Nature wreaked havoc on much of the Midwest, which iced in my parents so they were in Kansas and I was in Nebraska, making it the first Christmas we have been apart. I expected this to happen eventually, but due to me having a

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798775826767327810.post-33339960466777102202009-12-23T18:38:00.000-06:002009-12-23T18:51:26.366-06:00

Welcome to my first blog posting. I've had this in the back of my mind that I should create a blog oh for about three years now, but then I think, do I really have anything that interesting to say? Well, today it is a snowy, dreary day in Northwest Nebraska--two days before Christmas. My parents are "iced in" in Kansas and this will be my first Christmas in 36 years without them. . .then I

Sheliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18040092550647208513noreply@blogger.com0