When I left this place in 1973, I was like most teenagers. I knew everything. I knew how the world worked. I knew I loved my boyfriend and we had just gotten married. I knew we were going to be married for, like…EVER! I knew I was going to have a dozen kids and I was going to be an x-ray tech. And I was going to live far, FAR away from this simple place that lacked my worldly sophistication. After all, I left here and went straight to England to live in a foreign country and drink proper tea. I certainly didn’t need these simple country people. I was on my way up.
And, I didn’t need them for a while. I had a baby overseas and I did fine. I set up housekeeping stateside and I did fine. Till that little starter marriage ran its course and then I wasn’t quite so sure. That was the first time I decided to move home. I quit my job. I gave notice at my apartment. I called for the movers. Then I sat down and cried. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong till the movers came and I sent his stuff and I stayed. That took guts. I knew very few people. I didn’t have a job nor did I have a place to live. But I knew God would provide for me so I didn’t worry about it.
God did provide. I found a roommate. Then I found a job. And eventually, I met a nice man. Hubby #2 was in medical school when I discovered Mother Earth News. My mom wouldn’t let me be a hippy so I really, REALLY wanted to be one in the ’80s. I bought Birkenstocks. I wore maxi skirts. I taught myself to garden, can, and preserve. I made yogurt, bread, granola, tofu. I made quilts. I sewed my clothes. I even made my husband’s ties. Then we moved to the country and bought a five bedroom log house on two acres and I considered myself “a farmer”.
I had a huge garden and cut and split cord after cord of firewood for the wood stove. Then baby #2 came and changed all that. Now, baby #2 is 26. I’m a widow and retired. I’m a writer, blogger, gypsy. And now, a farmer…again. And here I am, back in that country kitchen. The one I tried so desperately to get away from. I guess maybe I didn’t really know everything back then after all. Heck, I STILL don’t know everything. But I’ll tell you one thing, this little country kitchen makes my heart sing!
❤️
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.””
Genesis 28:15 NIV