Ged Yor Pitchforg On (Achoo!)
Welcome, city-dwellers and aspiring homesteaders, to this brand-new blogging adventure! You’ve come to the right place if you’re a concrete jungle resident dreaming of a more bucolic life on the land. As an author and self-proclaimed “country bug” victim, I’ll share my experiences, insights, and hard-earned wisdom on the trials and triumphs of rural living.
A Runny Nose and a Yearning for the Countryside
As I sit here writing this, I am suffering from a terrible cold at mid-winter – I have a runny nose, sore throat, and those awful pre-sneeze sensations (torture for someone who is not a process person!). In between sneezes and sniffles, my thoughts slip back to the country life I once knew and the simpler pleasures that I once enjoyed.
My husband and I didn’t wish to sell our farm. However, back in 2009, we did not have a choice. We would have been able to endure the physical and social challenges rural living imposed if it weren’t for the fact that we could not afford it.
City Living: A Temporary Exile
Fast forward to the present day, and we find ourselves in exile in Portland – a beautiful, quiet neighborhood within walking distance of Southeast’s city life and a bike ride away from nearly everything else. While we’re content with the city’s employment opportunities, friendships, and excellent restaurants, a part of us remains disenfranchised, yearning for the simpler life we once knew.
When people ask if we’re “loving Portland,” they’re met with a candid “no.” Portland is great, but our hearts belong to the countryside, where we dream of sitting on at least an acre of land, tending to a garden, and watching smoke rise from our chimney.
Sharing the Joys (and Challenges) of Country Living
While I can’t currently blog about planting peas on President’s Day, celebrating the return of chickens’ spring egg production, or stacking wood on the front porch, I’ll share what I can – hanging out with country friends, traveling for book readings and writing workshops, and soaking up every ounce of rural charm I encounter.
More importantly, I want to hear from you, my fellow homesteaders and country-living enthusiasts! Send me your questions about rural life experiences at [email protected] (please include your first name and location). I’ll gladly share my knowledge and tap into the expertise of seasoned pros.
The Journey Continues…
For now, it’s back to bed to rest this runny nose. But fear not, dear readers – this is just the beginning of our blogging adventure. Together, we’ll explore the joys and challenges of rural living, swapping stories, tips, and maybe even a pitchfork or two along the way. Stay tuned for more tales from the countryside!