That's where I come from, that's who I am

Yes, all of you country fans will recognize the title as a quote from Paul Brandt's song "Small Town, Big Dreams". It really sums up how I feel about the farm. I just got back from a visit to the farm. I love going to the farm because it gives me time to refocus and remind me of who I am. There are no mindless distractions there: we only have 2 T.V. channels and Mom and Dad don't have the Internet. When I go to the farm, my world is technologically silent. I do not spend my time mindlessly in front of the television or computer. Rather, my hours are spent going for walks, helping Mom in the kitchen or in the garden or with whatever is going on depending on the season. Being on the farm reminds me of much more productive ways to spend time. I know that since I have moved to the city I have become lazy. Being on the farm this weekend and helping Mom with garden stuff reminded me that somewhere deep down inside me there is a Karen that is a hard worker and loves to work with her hands. Being on the farms reminds me of all the hopes and dreams I had growing up, of the ambitious person I once was. Sometimes in the city everyone seems to have it all together and I feel like a failure because I don't have my whole life planned out. Being on the farm just reminds me of the potential that is within me. Seeing my parents hopes for my future inspires me.

The farm is also a good place to go for some peace and quiet. I just marvel at how silent it is in the morning when you wake up. Its as if the whole world has stopped in that moment. Well, that is until the farmers get out in the field and start harvesting (which I didn't see a lot of when I was at home because it was raining). The air is fresh and clean and you can hear so much that you seem to miss in the city: the birds singing in the morning, the gentlest breeze in the leaves of the trees. AHHH......I love the farm. It is where I long to be someday.