It’s funny reading this. I grew up in London and for quite some time aspired to live in the country where there were less people and things were easier. Of course ‘easy’ in my definition is super simplifying it, because the country is far from easy, certainly for stupid city folk like me, and especially here in Oz where both bushfires and the wildlife seem hellbent of killing you constantly.
We have a city home and a fairly newly acquired country escape - the latter of which is a love hate relationship. We’re not at all geared to what it throws at us, but what we’ve learnt has made it worth while. Each location brings out a totally different personality in our family members (me possibly the most).
I love a fable and I particularly love this one. I’m not the arrogant city mouse now… but I think I used to be…
Thank you for your comments and reflections. I am always curious how and where other people live in their spaces. I have been fortunate to explore different places over the years, but I do find a common thread of nature. My hubby used to bring his arrogant attitute to the hollow when he used to visit as a young adult. He thought he was superior to the people and their way of life. It is hilarious that he chose to relocate to the same land as an adult. He has come full circle, but I will always be a Yankee in the eyes of the locals.
This was an absolute delight to read. I could feel the warmth and calm emanating from the page.
I’m not sure how I came across your newsletter, but I am grateful that I did.
I love your golden milk ritual and the fact that you know what calms yours nervous system.
I love that you have found a place that makes sense to your heart, and that your visits to town bring complement your country mouse life.
I’m still figuring out my balance.
I was raised in small towns, and on an island far away from other people. And I found myself lonely for human contact.
Now I live in a fairly small town with lovely neighbours where the sky is still very dark, the deer are plentiful and the ocean is only a twenty minute walk from my doorstep.
I do not miss the hustle of the city (though I do miss some of its conveniences). I like being part of the fabric of a small town. I love hearing my name called out in the street and getting random hugs from friends who have a moment to chat.
I think it’s possible that I’m that in between mouse that needs both the country and the socializing to feel at my best. A balance of both worlds. Nature and community.
Thank you for taking the time to share your worlds with us, and for letting me ruminate on my own life here.
What a thoughtful and detailed note. I am glad that you found me and I love reading about your life. I wish that I had some of your small town neighbors. Mine tend to be private and I crave more in person interactions. I could use that hug! Building community in the mountains is a top priority of mine this summer. I know that there are people that I could connect with, they are just hidden down the hollows and woods. I do love to hop in and out of my home to fill my cup with some entertainment and society. As I age, I am very picky and I get over stimulated quite easily. I would love to have the sea 20 minutes away. That is my next dream spot. A place that I can walk the beach and smell that salt air. There is no perfect place and it sounds like you are attuned to what works best for you. Thanks for sharing.
It’s funny reading this. I grew up in London and for quite some time aspired to live in the country where there were less people and things were easier. Of course ‘easy’ in my definition is super simplifying it, because the country is far from easy, certainly for stupid city folk like me, and especially here in Oz where both bushfires and the wildlife seem hellbent of killing you constantly.
We have a city home and a fairly newly acquired country escape - the latter of which is a love hate relationship. We’re not at all geared to what it throws at us, but what we’ve learnt has made it worth while. Each location brings out a totally different personality in our family members (me possibly the most).
I love a fable and I particularly love this one. I’m not the arrogant city mouse now… but I think I used to be…
Thank you for your comments and reflections. I am always curious how and where other people live in their spaces. I have been fortunate to explore different places over the years, but I do find a common thread of nature. My hubby used to bring his arrogant attitute to the hollow when he used to visit as a young adult. He thought he was superior to the people and their way of life. It is hilarious that he chose to relocate to the same land as an adult. He has come full circle, but I will always be a Yankee in the eyes of the locals.
This was an absolute delight to read. I could feel the warmth and calm emanating from the page.
I’m not sure how I came across your newsletter, but I am grateful that I did.
I love your golden milk ritual and the fact that you know what calms yours nervous system.
I love that you have found a place that makes sense to your heart, and that your visits to town bring complement your country mouse life.
I’m still figuring out my balance.
I was raised in small towns, and on an island far away from other people. And I found myself lonely for human contact.
Now I live in a fairly small town with lovely neighbours where the sky is still very dark, the deer are plentiful and the ocean is only a twenty minute walk from my doorstep.
I do not miss the hustle of the city (though I do miss some of its conveniences). I like being part of the fabric of a small town. I love hearing my name called out in the street and getting random hugs from friends who have a moment to chat.
I think it’s possible that I’m that in between mouse that needs both the country and the socializing to feel at my best. A balance of both worlds. Nature and community.
Thank you for taking the time to share your worlds with us, and for letting me ruminate on my own life here.
What a thoughtful and detailed note. I am glad that you found me and I love reading about your life. I wish that I had some of your small town neighbors. Mine tend to be private and I crave more in person interactions. I could use that hug! Building community in the mountains is a top priority of mine this summer. I know that there are people that I could connect with, they are just hidden down the hollows and woods. I do love to hop in and out of my home to fill my cup with some entertainment and society. As I age, I am very picky and I get over stimulated quite easily. I would love to have the sea 20 minutes away. That is my next dream spot. A place that I can walk the beach and smell that salt air. There is no perfect place and it sounds like you are attuned to what works best for you. Thanks for sharing.