I live in a rural state. It is a choice and one I have never regretted. It is sparse and beautiful. Our idea if a big city, is just 70,000 people and it is our only big city.
In this beautiful state,the housing is not too expensive. Many people grow their own food during the short summer months. Recreation can be found in one’s back yard.
We do pay a price for this beauty and serenity. The price comes in the form of anything oil or gas based. Our furnaces burn oil through long cold winter months. Our cars have to travel further to reach work, shopping, and school. Food purchased in grocery stores is more expensive due to shipping costs.
So…when I gassed up yesterday and it cost me almost ten dollars more than the last time I gassed up (my husband filled my tank a couple times before) I was shocked and a little angry until…I remembered I make a choice to live in this beautiful place. A place with no public transportation. A place where you have to drive your car to work. A place where you have to heat your home nine months per year. A place where the sun wakes me with stunning colors of purple and orange shining on the water and sets with a fire flame not to be replicated in any piece of art. I choose to live in this beautiful rural state called Maine. Ten dollars at the pump hurts a bit but also reminds me of all that I have.
You're right, Wanda. There are trade offs when you live in a place you think of as paradise (or close to it). We spent the weekend with friends in a medium large city. For awhile, I was jealous of all the things they have close to them, but then realized that I don't want the traffic and the headaches that come with lots of people. I'll be content with visits
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to think about our gas price whoa's. There are pluses and minuses to every decision we make. Thank you for looking at it in such a positive way.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a nice flowing piece, with that ugly punch inside about the gas prices. I liked the way you showed the clarity of your decision. Sunsets beat high gas prices any time.
ReplyDeleteLiving in crowded, congested New Jersey, my husband and I often dream of taking off for just such a place as Maine...
ReplyDeleteI guess I never thought about how living in a rural area can be more costly. My husband and I will probably retiring in about 5 years and talk all the time about where we want to live. Although many areas of Michigan are very beautiful and appealing, we may end up leaving due to the economic problems in our state. We have encouraged our children to get out of Michigan when they graduate from college. Sad.
ReplyDeleteYour repeating phrase "A place where" drew me in. I appreciate your positive perspective. Made me think. :)MaryHelen
ReplyDeleteWould not trade country life for anything, even if I have to start riding a horse to work. There is nothing better than a country evening in the summer.
ReplyDeleteVery well written and thought provoking.
ReplyDeleteI, too, live in a border state with expensive gas - we get a lot of Canadian traffic. I've been exploring the bus schedule - it means leaving at 7 and returning at 6 but it might be worth it if I alternate with some long and short days at work.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. There is another Slicer who just wrote about moving to Maine for the next school year - Natalee @ Ars Longa-Vita Brevis.
ReplyDeletehttp://nataleestotz.blogspot.com/
Loved how you wrote about the pluses for where you live. Maine is so beautiful. My brother & his family live there & I love going to visit.
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