"i'm becoming transfixed with nature and my part in it, which i believe just signifies i'm finally waking up" -ani difranco
we drove about 600 miles in 28 hours over the weekend. right through the rolling plains, wide open spaces, small towns, and beautiful farms. it was refreshing and just what i needed. i felt a shift towards nature and my need to feel connected with it. i know i am a midwest girl at heart, much more land-loving, space needing, fresh air breathing person than a suburbanite. not that one is better than the other by any means. but the land, the desire to plant things, have a garden, sit on the porch watching the sun set (feels like i'm writing a country song) feels more natural to me. and i guess it's a slower paced life... but definitely a simpler way of living. i know we will live that way sometime and until then i will continue to strive for a rich, meaningful life, keeping a good perspective on what really matters in life, and how i spend my time. and although we have neighbors right next door we are lucky to have a big fenced in yard. i can bike to the farmer's market. i can choose not to participate in certain things that i feel take away from my natural sense. (and yes i have been called a hippie before, which i don't think is all that bad). it's the time of year to be outside, breathe fresh air, be active or not, to do what feels right and be grateful for the things you have in your life, and appreciate the people that are close to you.