The Green Swing
Are we still shaking hands?
Hi, I’m Abby!
If I close my eyes, I can still feel the rhythmic sway of my grandma’s green metal porch swing. It was the centerpiece of our world. But you had to be careful—for the love of God, you didn’t dare sit on that swing in the dead of a July afternoon unless you wanted to lose a layer of skin.
In the evenings, when the air finally cooled, that swing was a time machine surrounded by fireflies.
It was there that I listened to stories of how my grandparents grew up with nothing, walking those uphill miles to school. I learned how they built a life from scratch, raising boys on the farm while maintaining full time jobs. And it was from that swing that I would watch my grandpa drive each slow, perfect pass through the alfalfa field.
I remember the spike of pure childhood excitement watching the baler drop those squares, knowing that fresh, sweet hay was coming home to my crazy-ass paint mare, Annie.
I was one of the lucky ones. I didn’t choose this life; I was born into it. The cattle, the horses, the dust, the diesel—it was just the air we breathed. I didn't know any different, and I didn't know how rare it was.
Growing up on the farm gives you glory, and then it immediately reminds you exactly who you are.
I’m not sure where that green metal swing ended up. But I like to think my grandma has it waiting for me on her porch in heaven. I picture her up there right now, swinging alongside my cousin Brandon, proud that another generation is keeping the roots alive.
It’s so nice to meet you! I’m glad you are here.
As I continue to write blogs here, my hope is to give you some design pointers, spread some cheer, and share with you my passion for agriculture and creative design.
Until next time…
Keep planting seeds of purpose, cultivating meaningful connections, and sharing hopeful stories.
And if you're ready to elevate your brand's story, we're here to help.
From our fields to yours - Abby <3
Abby is a North Dakota-based marketing expert with over a decade of industry experience. She is the founder of Rainbow Valley Designs, a boutique marketing agency specializing in elevating the brands that feed the world. From custom logo design to comprehensive food and beverage branding, Abby delivers strategic visual storytelling that connects farm-to-table businesses with their ideal audience.
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