The lush scent of trees and turned earth. The soothing rustle of leaves fluttering in the wind. The subtle movements of a bird or rabbit in their natural environment. My soul yearns for these experiences.
A few weeks ago Graham, Amelia, and I went on a nice long walk down the Johnson Creek trail. Not necessarily the most beautiful trail in Portland, but still very nice. During our walk I decided something; I want to live in the country. The thought just hit me and I knew; there was no second guessing or questioning. The countryside is where I belong.
When I say country I am not thinking of being extremely removed from the city. My vision is to live in the outskirts of the city, possibly in Troutdale or towards the Gorge. Maybe out near Helvatia or even the outlying areas of West Linn. I want to be close enough that it isn’t a major commute to work for Kyle or me and we can still do things in the city, but ultimately the urban lure just isn’t there for me anymore.
When Kyle and I decided to buy a house we were both very stubborn about staying in the city. At the time we were both still tied to the idea of our younger lifestyles. We were both very social and enjoyed being “in the scene”. Unfortunately that meant we were going to spend more money for less house. Houses with a lot more yard space and square footage are available for lower prices as you move away from the urban areas, which is another positive of moving away from the city in the future. We were so set on the city, however, that we were willing to spend more for less.
We are somewhat different people now that we have two kids and have grown up a little. We rarely utilize the city amenities anymore. The truth of the matter is, whenever I have time to get out of the house to do something I find enjoyable, I seek out natural atmospheres. Any of you who know me well know that hiking is the most enjoyable thing in the world to me. (Well, reading probably ties for first place.) Honestly, I just feel more at home outside than inside. It is also obvious to me that both my kids are lovers of the outdoors. How wonderful it would be to have the option of enjoying the seclusion of nature without leaving my home!
I dream of having a magical yard; I always have. A yard that is natural and overgrown with some areas that are a bit more manicured, but not too much. I want wind chimes and rough wood benches made from the trunks of tress; lots and lots of gardens of the vegetable and flower variety. I want my kids to be able to run free and imagine the possibility of fairies and pixies in the mystery of the woods; to have snow in my yard in the winter, enough so the kids can actually play in it and make snowmen. I long for afternoons of sitting in my enchanting yard away from buildings and cars and man-made noise and watching my kids frolic and frolic and frolic.
This is not something that is going to happen tomorrow. We are in no place to sell our house or afford buying a new house. But I have talked to Kyle about this and he is game. So, down the road when we are ready to get a new house, we are going to look out of the city. By that time Graham will be a little older and he may not be as enticed by the magic of the country. However, he is an outdoorsy kid and I believe he will enjoy having nature at his fingertips. Amelia, on the other hand, is young enough and will still be young enough when that time comes that the magical discoveries of the natural environment will be ideal for her. As for me, I am waiting for that day with bated breath.
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