Country Roads Take Me Home

It's always refreshing driving the two plus hours north to my childhood home.   For 20 years I lived in the straight up country; two stop lights and 20 lakes are what my little town still consists of.   It feels both foreign and so familiar every time we roll in; a few different businesses, but all the same faces.  I always knew I wanted more action and fast pace, but when we pull down my parents dirt road and past the heavily wooded street into acres and acres of open sky and green, it's hard not to be thankful I grew up here (though there were many years I definitely wasn't grateful).  Miles of nature, nothing but the sound of birds and the breeze, and fresh air I could almost bottle up and eat.  I grew up on unpasteurized cow's milk straight from the farm, sweet corn for dinner all summer long, and you never would've found me outside with shoes on in the warmer months.
   I love the hustle and bustle of living in a metropolitan area now (and being within a 20 minute drive from five different Targets) but see the benefits and simplicity of the peaceful country life.  There's definitely a more easy going vibe, and I have to say priorities are in a little different order.
  I love that I have a place to come and unwind, remind me of my roots and that get me back to the basics.  I love that my children can stand on the same grounds their great great grandfather once did, on a farm that has been in the family more than their Papa's 60 years of life.  That they too will grow up with a little bit country in their hearts and dirt under their fingernails.  And my hope is that they appreciate it so much more than their momma did.