The Grit Journal | Grit on the Tongue

A dream 🤎

There are dreams that don’t just live in your mind— They take hold of you. They settle into your chest, they run through your blood, and before long, They’re the only thing your thoughts know how to circle back to. Out here, dreams look like cattle. Like land stretched wide under a sky that doesn’t promise anything. Like numbers that have to work, and years that have to hold. We don’t just dream for ourselves. We dream for our families. For a future we may never fully see—

Jill S.

Apr 172 min read

Visual Poem. No. 02: Monday's Loss & Monday's Gain

Full spoken poem of Monday's Loss & Monday's Gain. The story of Monday, 2/23/26. Another week has passed since I wrote this poem. Just a few days before this, I had shared that we had purchased three new bred heifers from down the road at Producers' Livestock in Vale, OR, and branded them before I went into work that day. We were so proud of ourselves for knocking it out, doing it together, and moving on with the day. Bought on a Wednesday, branded on a Thursday, and then tur

Jill S.

Mar 33 min read

Visual Poem No. 01: In the Choosing

An inaugural vocal excerpt from the poem "In the Choosing" is combined with personal photos of life on the ranch. Welcome back to The Grit Journal (Mama 👋🏻😆) ! If you're not my sweet Mama, and aren't related to me at all - double welcome, Green Broke! I hope you found me on purpose, not by force, and that you didn't have to read anything that didn't make sense to you. Via con Dios if you're here against your will. But also, thank you! Between my Monday–Friday day job in H

Jill S.

Feb 207 min read

Original Poetry

Grit on the Tongue is a space for rural poetry, quiet strength,

and stories shaped by work, land, and love that isn't loud.

Here you'll find original poetry and storytelling

rooted in ranch life and western culture.

All Posts

A dream 🤎

Jill S.

Apr 172 min read

Visual Poem. No. 02: Monday's Loss & Monday's Gain

Jill S.

Mar 33 min read

Visual Poem No. 01: In the Choosing

Jill S.

Feb 207 min read

About the Name.

People ask about the name. I grew up as a young girl doing dirty jobs. What kid of my generation didn't? When you actually had to take out the rubbish, use a water hose, and cut your own wood. The kind of work that leaves you scraped, tired, and steady. When you last in those spaces—when you don’t quit, complain, or soften yourself to be more palatable—people start calling you something. Grit. Toughness. Longevity. The ability to stay. That word followed me. I’ve used grit i

Jill S.

Feb 91 min read

Why I Started Grit on the Tongue

Words still have meaning. I started this site to make space for that truth. I didn’t grow up thinking I’d start a creative brand or an online shop. I grew up learning that work matters, that showing up counts more than talking about it, and that the most important things are done quietly. Ranch life has a way of teaching you that early. By part-time trade, I partner with my love in the cattle ranching business, assisting him in reaching our shared goals of MORE COWS! My da

Jill S.

Feb 92 min read

Shop poetic ranch wear at Grit On The Tongue

This isn’t clothing for performance. It’s language you can wear. Each piece begins as a line—shaped by work, land, and the things we don’t say out loud. Poetry bound into fabric. Meaning pressed into ink. Made for bodies that labor, rest, love, and carry history the same way—regardless of who they are. Grit on the Tongue is designed for the poetic cowboy and cowgirl alike—for anyone who understands that strength doesn’t need volume, and feeling doesn’t need permission. These

Jill S.

Feb 54 min read

Embrace Ranch Life with Grit On The Tongue Apparel

Ranch life is more than just a lifestyle; it's a way of connecting with nature, embracing hard work, and celebrating the spirit of independence. For those who live it, ranch life is about grit, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the land. Grit On The Tongue Apparel embodies these values, offering clothing that not only looks good but also stands up to the demands of ranch life. In this blog post, we will explore how Grit On The Tongue Apparel can enhance your ranch exper

Jill S.

Feb 54 min read

Express Yourself: Poetry-Inspired T-Shirts and More

Poetry has a unique ability to capture emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a way that resonates deeply with individuals. Imagine wearing a piece of art that speaks to your soul, a t-shirt that not only showcases your style but also expresses your innermost feelings. This is the magic of poetry-inspired t-shirts and other apparel. In this blog post, we will explore how these creative garments can serve as a canvas for self-expression, the various styles available, and how t

Jill S.

Feb 54 min read