Stories of life on our farm in Northwest Georgia where every day is an adventure in this beautiful spot that God has entrusted to our stewardship.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Proud to Be . . . an AMNCG!

One of my cattle forums was visited this winter by someone named "Taurus" who seemed to have it in for Dexters and women--on a board where numerous women truly love their Dexter family cows.

Taurus wrote that where he's from Dexters "are the exclusive domain of the amateur mentality nouveau country gals from the suburbs who have this misty morning and rainbows fantasy about farming."  (Note the misty morning above and the rainbow below.  I confess to loving them both!) 

He accused these "amateur mentality nouveau country gals" of buying into the propaganda about Dexters, of misunderstanding all animals (even their pets), of adopting poor breeding practices which have ruined the breed in his area, and of making all their decisions based on emotions, convenience and aesthetics.  Some of his last words were, "Life is not a Disney movie."

A few of us joked among ourselves about being "Amateur Mentality Nouveau Country Gals," which we soon shortened to "AMNCG."  The more I thought about it, the more I realized that, by Taurus' definition, I am an AMNCG!

A little over five years ago, I was living in the suburbs growing flowers in my neatly manicured garden.  I had never touched a cow except to pet one at a State Fair, much less thought of owning one, milking her, or raising our own beef.

Then, rather on a whim, we bought a house on 29 acres in the country, far removed from suburbia.  One day a visitor looked out at the grassy hills behind our house and commented, "You've got a lot of grass going to waste.  You should get a cow!"  And that was the beginning of my Dexter story.


From not knowing anything about cows, I have learned to recognize the signs of calving, to halter train young calves, to deal with mastitis and a self-sucking cow, to treat bloat (and better yet how to prevent it), to secure a cow for treatment when there's no squeeze chute, and to handle a bull.
But I do think that rainbows make everything a little brighter, and why shouldn't a cow be the next Disney princess?
I believe we can teach the world to sing in perfect harmony by teaching one child at a time where their food comes from, even when it's that cute calf they played with.
My granddaughter made me that rainbow-covered heart pillow for Christmas and my all-boy grandson wanted to hold the rainbow parasol, so it looks like they agree!

It's true--life is not a Disney movie--and when it's not, I'm a fierce protector of my cattle.  I can't do everything, and I know when to call the vet.  After all, I was 54 years old when we got our first cow, and I live with various physical limitations.  But I've taken on blazing sun, pouring rain, gooey mud and predators from flies to coyotes in defense of my animals.  I've gone from complete bovine ignorance to dealing with everyday life on a farm.  So yes, I am an AMNCG--and proud to be one!

Thank you to my daughter Jenny for the great photos--and to Siobhan for her patience when all she wanted to do was eat that nice, green grass!

19 comments:

  1. Susan,
    I love your costume and your sense of humor! I hope that you consider writing a children's book someday with your lovely photos and farm experiences!

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    1. Thank you, Patti! I have written several Shutterfly books for my grandkids about their pony Julie and one about Siobhan as a milk cow. You've given me a great idea to write one about the Cow Princess! How fun!

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  2. OMG AMNCG WOW
    even the halter has rainbows
    ground fog has nothing on the mist in my eyes
    THANKS

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    1. Thank you, Carol! You made me laugh, too! :)

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    1. Thank you, Carol! I can't claim the idea for the rainbow dress, of course, but it was quite amazing to me that someone in Singapore had thought of the perfect dress for me to use--and even called it a "Hippie Dippie Rainbow Sundress." :)

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  4. You totally crack me up! So glad to know you, even if it's only through the medium of the internet :)

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    1. Glad you got a good laugh, Petey! :) I'm so glad to know you, too!

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  5. What a hoot! Disney princess or hippie? I love it.

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    1. Thanks, Dexter guy! Siobhan is the Disney princess and I'm the hippie, so together we've got it all covered. :)

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  6. That's funny the guy thought you lived a Disney life. That's not a bad thing most Disney movies all have a happy ending and most of us who read your blog wish we could trade places with you. Keep living the Disney life and enjoy.

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    1. Thanks, Gordon! That's such a kind comment! Maybe YOU should come join our family cow forum; you would be very popular for your kindness! :)

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  7. Susan,
    Over here in N. California, I am surrounded by "Tauruses". That is why I love your blog and emails so much. I don't even like Disney that much, but I am definitely a AMNCG. You cracked me up, thank you!
    Deann

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    1. Deann, I'm glad I cracked you up. I can't imagine having that many Tauruses around you! Yikes! I've never been a huge Disney fan, but I love the idea of a Cow Princess! I already have the title for my new book, I just need a storyline. :)

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  8. LOL ! I can't imagine my dexter house cow being that patient :-D

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    1. Well, she actually wasn't! I just didn't post all the photos where I was hauling her head up out of the grass! The last photo of me being a "fierce defender" was really me expending the effort to get her head up. :)

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  9. Love your attitude and the pictures! From one AMNCG to another. :-)

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    1. Aww, thank you so much, ITGeekTo FarmGirlFreak! You made my day!

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