For me, there is nothing more soothing, inspiring and uplifting than a drive in the country!
I’ve shared this before, though you may not know, but the first four years of my life, I lived at my Grandparent’s farmhouse in the countryside, not far from where I currently live.
Even though I was young, I have very vivid memories of certain events and places that happened during those years. I think it was the people I lived with, four adults that loved me like crazy, my parents and grandparents. An aunt and uncle lived next to us, about 1/4 mile away, they were our nearest neighbors. It’s safe to say, I wasn’t starving for attention!
Now, I live on the border of our city, and the “country” is literally across the street in front of my house. In my backyard, I have a golf course view, third T to be exact, and in the front yard, I can see the other side of the golf course, which is bordered by a corn field and several old barns. Structurally, our home is well built, with “extras” that make it aesthetically pleasing. BUT it was the openness and the views that sold me on this house. What do they say about real estate? The three most important things about every home, every purchase, is Location, Location, Location! Based on that, I think we found a winner!
Last Monday, just two days ago as I write, I took my daughter and granddaughter to the Amish Market, about six miles from my home. So, between here and the market I drove past farmhouses and barns, corn fields, railroad tracks (unmarked,) horses with their colts, cattle, chickens, laundry on clotheslines, gardens, and miles of white- painted fences…it was stunning!
I asked my daughter, if she remembered me taking her to the Market when she was younger, about four to six years old. There were certain things she remembered vividly, which I had nothing to do with! Apparently, my father took her to the market, which I didn’t know or remember, and he talked a young man into giving her have a buggy ride around the property. Well….what kid wouldn’t remember that?!!
As a young mother, I would shop by bulk at the Amish Farm Market, buying vegetables by the bushel to preserve for the Fall and Winter months ahead.
Last Monday, the tables were sparse in their selections. Small stacks of blueberries blackberries and raspberries were neatly boxed, according to weight.
Full Bushels and half-bushel baskets were used for cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, beets, potatoes, tomatoes and peaches. Ears of corn, freshly picked, were strewn across a table of their own, and sold by the dozen.
Dairy products were in a small, refrigerated case. Butter, by the pound, and neatly wrapped in white parchment paper, sat beside Amish cheeses of various flavors. The milk, however, would “be here on Tuesday,” said the hand printed sign, so we just missed it!
No large purchases were made, we were mainly just “browsing”. My daughter bought Pepper Jelly and my granddaughter bought a bag of “Buggy Trail Mix”! I purchased a small bag of homemade chocolates, which are not on my summer’s diet, but looked, and ARE delicious!
Well, I hope you don’t mind me sharing my day and sharing some old memories with you. The best part of the day? Spending time with my family and sharing a drive through the country with them.
How about you?
Where is your special place, the one that offers you the greatest peace?
Whether you find peace by driving through the countryside, or walking along the beach listening to the waves, I really want to encourage you to be kind to yourself, and “take a break” when needed. Why in the world do we have to remind ourselves to do that?
It’s a rush-rush society that we’re living in…
and that’s a sermon for another day!
Below, I’m going to leave you with a bit of ME: white barns, tin roofs and white farmhouses are some of my favorite items to search for while driving in the country.
Side Note: The fact that I can actually reach my destinations safely, is amazing!
I’m wishing you a wonderful, peace-filled day, friend!
Hugs,
