Be A Blessing~

A  new year is closely approaching and with a new year brings new beginnings, fresh starts and a sense of a clean slate !  It is like a birthday !  I love birthdays and celebrations, don’t you? It’s another year that has given me the  opportunity to blog and share my thoughts with all of you  and for that I am forever grateful. Why? It makes me better, it makes me think, it makes me create a connect to people for whom I don’t know yet who I create a friendship.

Many of you might wonder – Celeste who are you ? I thought it might be fun to share my thoughts of me, so sit back and grab a cup of tea or whatever your drink of fancy and enjoy!

Who am I ?

I am real, my face showing signs of living, small lines around my eyes from years of smiles, laughter and joy at livestock shows with the people she calls family.  A wrinkle or two or three from days spent in the hot sun helping on the farm or ranch or with animal projects, feeding cows and sheep.

My character would be one of strength yet softness. I may cry at any given moment when overcome with emotion from an animal that has lost its life after hours or even days of hard work in trying to keep it alive. Yet I am strong and realize that there is a time and place for it all and  will face what comes to me with grace.

Everyone will want to be on  my side. I am a good friend, a confident, a lover of children, a dedicated daughter , sister and aunt. I try to  align myself with those that are like me yet also with those who push me and challenge me and make me better.  I am not afraid to expand my boundaries and learn new things, finding miracles in all that is out there.

I am committed to a number of causes probably giving more than I should at times , feeling overwhelmed and learning to delegate though at times finding it difficult and then getting a bit goofy with herself for biting off too much.

I am fiercely loyal to my family , my friends and my convictions. I will offer you a tissue , a cup or tea, a beer or a glass of wine whatever suites you  when you need it but give you a swift kick in the behind when I think t is the best thing for you , to get you out there and make it your best.

I am focused, committed, chaotic and charming (or so I think) I will always make time for young people sharing my knowledge of speaking and livestock and leadership. Yet at times can be running in a million directions for myself , my family , my ranch and yes even some of you and the adventures that take me there, all the while trying to keep a smile on my face though sometimes showing stress and being ok with it all.

i love to travel but love coming back to the ranch even more. I likes getting flowers, and wearing jewelry and makeup and crazy boots and clothing . I might take up a fair amount of time creating eclectic outfits but is most comfortable with the cows in a pair of jeans, a ball cap and a carhart coat! 

I try to always be fair and truthful and shy from saying anything negative but if you ask will be the first to share my thoughts as truthful yet as kind as I can.

I will lend you an ear, a shoulder to cry on , a necklace to match your show outfit and show stick. I will nurture you , support you, let you fall apart and build you back up.

I am your friend, I am blessed beyond belief and I hope that I can be a small blessing to those I come in contact with  – this is is me !

Thank you for your constant commitment, your notes, your encouraging words.  I love what I do and it is because of each of you that have made me come to where I am and for that I am grateful.

Lets get excited about 2013, lets make it the year of success and miracles and good things for ourselves and our projects. 

Farm Girls Wish List ~ Guest Blog for Latham Seeds~ Alexander, Iowa

I enjoy being asked to guest blog ~ this past week I had just that chance with Latham Seeds !
I always appreciate supporting individuals and businesses dedicated to the betterment of our industry and so of course when asked I immediately said yes!

What is there to say about Latham Seeds?  Who are they? Why you should know them?
Everyone at Latham Hi-Tech Seeds is personally committed to the success of rural America. We believe in the power of American agriculture and the independent spirit of the American farmer. That's why our headquarters is in the heart of farm country, right here in Alexander, Iowa.

For 65 years, the name Latham has stood for the latest genetics, highest quality, unquestioned integrity and incredibl

e hometown service. Now a new generation of Lathams — led by a husband-wife team and a network of sales professionals across the upper Midwest — brings the Latham independent spirit to the seed industry.

By always recommending technology and genetics packages that best serve the customer — no matter where they come from — we’ve been bringing world-class technology home™ to operations of all sizes since 1947.

Maximizing yields for every farmer. Putting customers first. Caring about our communities. That’s how Latham Hi-Tech Seeds does business.

Here is my Guest Blog - Enjoy! Happy Shopping!

Items Topping a Fashionable Farm Girl’s Wish List

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Shannon Latham, Vice President

Celeste Settrini

Guest Blog post by Celeste Settrini of Couture Cowgirl –n- Company

For the last few years, I’ve posted my favorite things for the holidays on Facebook. It’s been a hit because, as December approaches, I start getting notes from my favorite farm girl’s saying, “Celeste, are you going to post your favorite things again this year?” Now I feel that if I don’t come up with at least a few things I’ll be letting my friend’s down – so let’s go!

Joe Malone Fragrances – Yep, they are a bit pricey but they’re oh so lovely! The array of citrus, spices and floral create an amazing mixture of really different scents in candles, colognes and lotions. Admit it, who doesn’t love smelling nice?

Fun, Hip, Cool, Trendy Rain Boots – All of us farm girls wear rubber boots from time to time. Why look manly when there is a whole slew of feminine rubber boots available? Show your own unique style with stars or stripes or swirls of fun color! You will be the hit of the barn!

Anything JCREW – I simply love the effortless look of JCrew – all of it! Ballerina flats, sweaters, t-shirts, capris, scarves, fun jewelry, coats and jammies… the list keeps going. The one thing I love about this website is that it puts outfits together for a simple personal creation. Just try it… I think you’ll love what it offers!

Canon Rebel Camera – I’m the proud owner of a “big girl” camera, one that’s a bit above the little “Sure Shot” that I hauled around for years! Photographers looking for an easy-to-use camera that will help them create their next masterpiece need look no further than theCanon EOS Rebel T3i. I cannot say enough about mine – great photos and a great way to share your story on social media, too!

Dean & Delucca Gourmet Food – From meats to shellfish to wines to gourmet deserts this site offers all sorts of wonderful high end treats. I personally love the fun cookies and cupcakes and cakes especially for the holidays. What a fun surprise to send one of these fancy yummies to a special friend or family member.

Motivational and Inspirational Books – I love books and am still a fan of a REAL book, not on an electronic reader, but a real book that I can pickup and touch and turn the pages. I enjoy motivational books and this one is a must read, Be the Miracle – 50 lessons for making the impossible possible by Regina Brett. This book will motivate, inspire and make you just feel oh so good! I love that it’s bound in my favorite “Tiffany blue color.” Any book is a special gift, but you can make it ever more special by signing a personal note inside to a friend or loved one.

Thanks for indulging me by letting me share a few of my most favorite things! Above all, my most favorite holiday gift is the time spent on my family farm with loved ones.