I was born in a big city and have always lived in big cities, hence I thought I was a big city girl. Lately, though, hubby and I have found ourselves increasingly unhappy with the big smoke – the pollution, the noise, the big city attitudes which is invading our once almost rural suburb, and of course, the cost of living. So, the Walkers are leaving for greener pastures.
Since our little one was born we’ve made frequent trips to my parents property, which we affectionately call The Meadows on Mungay. We spend three fabulous nights there at a time, frolicking in the grass by day and staring at the Milky Way by night. (For those of you who live in the city and have never seen the Milky Way because of the ambient light, do yourself a favour and go bush for at least one night, pitch yourself a tent, build a little hearth in the dirt and then look up). The air is clear at the Meadows, there’s no noise pollution except for what we create ourselves, and there’s never a dull moment when you’re surrounded on all sides by the Australian bush. Our only visitors are wallabies and kangaroos, the occasional monitor lizard and a cacophony of birds.
Life slows down on the Meadows. There’s little to rush for, and even less desire to do so. My little girl, tiny though she is, smiles more, plays more and seems more content there. The city overstimulates us all, makes us think we’re hungry for more. The country sates us, makes us look deep within and say ‘I like myself here’. That is why we’re selling up and shipping out. The country may be quiet, it may be conservative, but it has so much more to offer a 21st century family; smaller schools, better community, easier more sustainable lifestyle. As a writer, country living has more to offer me than the city. There will be fewer distractions, and any distractions that do occur can only fuel my imagination and boost my creative output. Country living will force me to be resourceful and most importantly to be self-soothing, instead of relying exponentially on our disposable society to fill my needs. I will miss my current Bibliotopia under the house, but I can also look forward to new adventures in a new library, one in which words live enveloped by nature.
Expect frequent updates on Operation Mungay Meadows.
The sunlit desk 
My Mungay Meadows is called Manitoulin Island. I share your dream. I hope you come to realize yours.
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I, too, envy you! I grew up on a farm and I miss it terribly. Every time I go home to visit my father, I wish I could stay. But my husband would hate it out there, and my sons wouldn’t find enough to do there, so they wouldn’t come to visit often enough to suit me!
I’ve often thought I wouldn’t mind living 20 miles from the nearest neighbor!
Debbi, I never thought I’d be able to live without shopping and traffic and the convenience of the city, but priorities change as we age, have families, and generally grow up.
It’s good that you have the solace of your father’s place, many don’t have access to that kind of environment so never know what they’re missing.
Oh, that sounds so wonderful. I think you’re exactly right when you say, “The city overstimulates us all, makes us think we’re hungry for more.” I’m envious of your country destination, but very happy for you and yours.
Thanks, Linda. It’s a big change but too good an opportunity to refuse. We’ve already started to transition by giving up TV and reducing our material possessions. I’m already happier for it.