If you follow me on Instagram, you know that our family has moved!
We have finally left the city behind!
I love our new home.
And if I’m honest, I would say it is by far the nicest place we have ever lived.
What’s wonderful and blessed is the space of this house — and the land on which it rests. It gives this growing family of seven a sense of freedom unknown to us before.
Yet the irony of it all is that we never intended to be here.
We weren’t out looking for a house with lots of space. In fact, the house was so secondary…we wanted land…and what’s more, it had to fit within the bounds of our budget!
It’s a blessing.
Interesting, isn’t it, that when we relinquish our grip for “bigger-and-better” and seek modesty…we open ourselves up to blessing.
One of my favorite singer/songwriters put it perfectly in these words:
Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight
by Amos Lee
“Well I walked over the bridge
Into the city where I live,
And I saw my old landlord.
Well we both said hello,
There was no where else to go,
‘cuz his rent I couldn’t afford.
Well relationships change,
Oh I think it’s kinda strange,
How money makes a man grow.
Some people they claim,
If you get enough fame,
You live over the rainbow.
Over the rainbow..
But the people on the street,
Out on buses or on feet,
We all got the same blood flow.
Oh, in society,
Every dollar got a deed,
We all need a place so we can go,
And feel over the rainbow.
But sometimes,
We forget what we got,
Who we are.
Oh who are are not.
I think we gotta chance,
To make it right.
Keep it loose,
Keep it tight.”
The Challenges of Moving
But please don’t misunderstand what I am saying…it’s not all roses.
You see…moving out of the city into the country here in Phoenix means leaving the carefully designed, manufactured comforts of suburbia and braving the challenges of a harsh desert.
Since the start of our new journey here at “the new house” nearly two weeks ago…
…there have been days that I mourn what we left behind.
Years of tending to my urban homestead had created a beautiful, self-sustaining, and productive lifestyle.
We were comfortable there.
I miss my garden.
Change is hard.
There have been many sacrifices and real challenges.
But I’ve made the conscious decision not to dwell on them.
Primarily because of all the dreams that we watching become reality…not to mention, the little blessings along the way.
A New Way of Living
I am by my very nature a creature of habit. I can’t relax until my house is in order and everything is functional and in place (can anyone relate!?!).
Patience is not necessarily a virtue that comes easily to me.
I have to check myself daily for anxious thoughts.
There is so much work to be done:
- extending the run for the chickens
- building a home for our new dairy Nigerian Dwarf Goats
- installing raised beds (and learning how to keep the rabbits and javalina out)
- mending lifeless soil
- filling the rabbit pen with rabbits
- the list could go on and on…
I’m ready for us to be completely settle in.
But sometimes I think this is all part of the process. I am learning to live more by intention…finding peace and balance in the moment.
I want to enjoy each step of the journey.
This new way of life is a blessing to us.
What about you? Have you moved recently? What tips for country living can you share with us!?!
How to Make a Leave-In Conditioner — An Herbal Hair Balm
Hi. Long time reader – never commented. 🙂
We just moved from long time city dwelling to country (1/2 hour from “civilization”) living. I have been pondering this same thing for a long time. We have been here 6 months and the hardest thing I found was ease of access. We can’t just dash into the library. We can’t just pick up a cheap pizza when I am too busy to make something for dinner. We can’t even drop by the neighbour to chat. Everything has to have a plan.
It is so worth it though. The life style is one that we have slowly become accustomed to and the hustle and bustle of the city life holds nothing over the peace and serenity that country living has. Enjoy every second of your new life. It is so very wonderful. Good luck and I look forward to being updated with your new adventure.
Oh my goodness!!! Yes to everything! We also are now about a half hour drive from “creature comforts” and far from old friends! I am learning that planning is everything! No quick runs to the grocery that’s for sure!
And oh the quietness of the night! It is so peaceful…just the mountains that surround us and the light from the moon! I don’t miss the “busyness” of the city that’s for sure! Thank you so much for your comment and readership:) It’s good to have the support and understanding of others! Many blessings to you:)
I was born and raised in big cities. Eight years ago, Hubby & I took the bold step and moved to the country. We absolutely cherished every step of the way in getting accustomed to life in the country and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Unfortunately, his job has taken us away from there (even though we still own it) and we are currently living in the Mohave Desert (not too far from you!) in Southern Nevada in a fifth wheel with two cats and a dog. I have missed not being on my own land and starting my garden but I am determined to container garden even if it is in empty kitty litter buckets, lol!
I will anxiously watch y’alls progress at your new place especially in how you mend this desert ground. How exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time! And, congrats on the new place!
I did the same thing, though I made my move a few years back. One thing that I will say is that the country might not have the accessibility that the city does, but it does have quietness and peace. I have learned to enjoy the quietness of the country, being able to go outside and just enjoy the night sky without all the buildings around is a thing of beauty.
Andrea I am soooooo happy for you and your lovely family!! What a blessing you have been bestowed! I am looking forward to hearing all about your challenges, joys and blessings as you go forward in what God has in store for you! Enjoy the journey!
How exciting for you and your family! Just think of the huge garden you can have now! We are also looking to move to the country. We don’t mind downsizing to a smaller house since our 3 daughters will be out on their own by this fall. I am sure it will take some getting used to, but since I grew up in the country I think I will adjust quickly.
We moved to the country from the suburbs about nine months ago. Actually, I moved BACK to the country because we are living on the land I grew up on. It’s so wonderful and peaceful. I truly don’t miss a thing about living in town, even the convenience of stores nearby. Our yard isn’t in a beautiful condition yet and we STILL have a few boxes to unpack. Like you, I have a list a mile long and am not comfortable until things are in order. I know things will come together in time, so I try really hard not to sweat the small stuff. We have many big plans that I can’t wait to see into fruition. I’m anxious to read more about your family’s journey in your new home. You are going to love living in the country!
Congratulations! I want to pet those chickens….although I checked your instagram and I do NOT want to pet the rooster! 🙂 Enjoy your time and don’t rush unpacking. Take your time and set things up right so everything works. XO, Steph.
You are so right, change is hard! But you are brave and strong and wise, and you are going to make a brilliant homestead! I am looking forward to seeing some posts on “country life,” and the new goats! We want goats but aren’t ready to take the plunge, so I’ll have to live vicariously. This post reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by Thomas Edison, “Opportunity is often missed because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Lots of work ahead, but the fruit of the labor is always so very sweet. Good luck and congrats on your new freedom 🙂
Jerica
Oh my goodness! I’m moving to Scottsdale this summer from Delaware. I saw the first picture you posted and thought, ‘that’s got to be Arizona she’s talking about!!!’ Any tips for someone moving to the west??
Hi …just wanted to share a bit of our experience of moving from a big city (Raleigh, NC area, population of several million) to here in Montana (the closest town 11 miles away, population 362) …closest town with grocery store is 45 miles away) We do have electricity.
My biggest adjustment was the weather. We went from 2/3 months of mild winter, to 8/9 months of severe winter weather. I did say…adjustment…we have inside hobbies, ….quilting, carving, woodworking, herbal medicine making.
I have learned to love the solitude. At first it seemed like isolation…but the peacful quiet, with only the sounds of nature surrounding you…more than makes up for the close proximity of urban convienences, like stores, restaurants, etc. We had to learn to plan ahead….ie., run all our errands during our one day in town. Stock up on items we normally ran out to get, bread..milk…etc. We get milk from the a neighbor here, and I have learned to make hot crusty breads in my bread machine. We did have chickens…but with our harsh winters….it was a real labor intensive indever, so we opted to get eggs from friend who has a small egg business….the hens run free, and the eggs are wonderful…
I missed our long growing season in NC, so we are putting up a small greenhouse in a few weeks. I do get, medicinal plants from our land, but wanted to grow vegetables and herbs too.
We set a tipi up down at our creek…when people visit, if they sleep in the tipi…they get their handprint on the tipi…and an Indian name and a sage smudge on their forehead …
Not everyone wants to live like this, and indeed we have people who tell us…we are crazy…maybe we are, as our big adventure of the day is loading our 3 dogs up in the ATV, and driving the 2 miles down for the mail….
What an adventure and kudos for making this move to the country! When you look back upon this time, you will smile and laugh, so enjoy it all – good and bad.
We moved out to the country a few years ago. We were in the middle of building our house, when my EX left (hit his 2nd childhood), so I’ve been out here on my own since 2007. Many things are still unfinished, but I wouldn’t want to move back to the city. At 62, I do what I can, when I can and feel blessed to have this little plot of land.
Living in the country is no small task. It’s idyllic attractions mask the trials and errors of what’s to come. What’s beautiful about removing oneself from the trappings of modern day comforts, is that after a small while, you realize just how much of that is so unnecessary. The conveniences, from far away, reveal themselves as time consuming and distracting from what really matters. The quick run around the corner is replaced with more frugal planning because of the 30 minute drive to get there. There is more work, to be sure, but when the work is done, you can sit on the back porch and look out to your accomplishments for the day and feel extraordinarily more proud of what you have been able to do. Your laughter becomes deeper, your smiles become wider and your love for your family and self becomes purer and more kind. Your creativity will soar. You are blessed.
Just watch out for coyotes!
❤
I am excited for you! The Joy we had we when moved onto our 6 little acres was over the top. We loved our long views of the central plain’s of Nebraska. I liked your comment..”But sometimes I think this is all part of the process. I am learning to live more by intention…finding peace and balance in the moment.” ..It best describes many days here out on the farm….It is intentional when I must look to the Lord in pray for guidance each day for what is before me and do what is before me…but looking around ,hearing the birds, seeing the deer that walk by occasionally, the quiet and peacefulness and a new sunrise every morning make the “inconveniences” go away! I’ve been on a learning curve every day this spring..10 new chickens that need to be out free ranging (too cold,to young), 5 turkeys ,but Im left with 2 and one is lame..smile! We bought a foreclosed farm and it has trash on it everywhere..its even coming out of the ground, old buildings that are falling down,some are not ….haha! Boy , I wouldn’t trade it for anything,even though we are living in the humble means of a trailer. (Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.) So grateful for bloggers like you that keep me positive on our journey! I’m learning how to be prepared through basic staples of a good pantry,full freezer and home canning so I don’t have to make those trips to our town 30 min away! Such a blessing to go to the pantry and pull out the canned beans for supper side dish!
You are a great encouragement and I love your blog!
Blessings,
Nettie
I lived in the ‘big city’ of a rural county in Southern Maryland for 20 years. This area was known for farming; particularly tobacco. My dad was in the military, so we primarily lived in the suburbs growing up. Both my parents grew up in the country, and I always wanted to live in a country setting. About 5 years ago, I got my wish. We moved to the next town over–actually, I am out of the town limits. In my previous town, all of the neighborhoods had very strict neighborhood associations, which I hated. I had a townhouse with a fairly sizeable yard, but never gardened. Really, there were restrictions about what you could plant! Our new house is on an acre, surrounded by trees, and every year it seems I find a new herbal surprise.
However, there have been some drawbacks. I never lived in a place with septic, so no dish disposal.there are also things you can’t flush down the toilet (ladies, you knw what I mean). We have a community well, but there have been several times when the well has been contaminated. We had to go a week with no running water. We have oil heat, and a woodstove. I had to learn about how to buy cords of wood, how to stack it. I haven’t learned how to chop it yet, but at is coming. Yard work is another thing. Bigger plot means more work, but the wonderful thing is half of the lot is wooded. It really is beautiful in the summer. We can’t see the neighbors.
We have no streetlights, so it’s super dark at night. I had to get used to listening to all the frog at night and the birds during the day. Speaking of critters, I never lived in a place where you had to deal with mice getting inside. Also, last year, we had 3 snakes get in through the dryer vent. For a city girl who is terrified of snakes, that took awhile to get over. Honestly, I thought of moving after that episode, lol!
Whenever there are bad storms, I cringe. Even though we are on the grid, we’re not on the main grid, so when the power goes out, it takes awhile to get us back on. A generator is on my list of things needed. But we’ve never been without power for more than a day, so I am grateful. We actually have an awesome electric cooperative. The other bad thing is there’s only one way in or out of my neighborhood. When Hurricane Irene blew through here a few years ago, I found out that means if a large tree falls down in the middle of the road, it could be a few hours before I can make it home.
Like others have said, we can’t just run to the grocery store. In my previous home, we could walk to the store. Now we’re only about 7 miles out, but still, it takes gas to do that, so I do try to conserve my trips. The town I used to live in is the county’s biggest and most developed area, so everything is there–the mall, movie theater, restaurants, healthfood stores. At first I missed that, but I’ve found a couple thrift stores that I love, and this town has live theatre, so we have entertainment.
There are ome drawbacks living out here, but I am in love with this old house. Yes, upkeep is harder and occurs more often, but I have original wood floors. I get to see squirrels play in my yard (and battle them when I plant my tomatoes). I can watch deer feast n my yard–that’s actually how I found out there are wild raspberries in the backyard. I have gotten used to the quiet, and I relish it. I cannot wait to get off work so I can go home. I’ve never felt like that before. This place is like a warm, well-worn, comfortable pair of slippers, and I’d rather be no place else.
Hi Andrea! Congrats on your move and everything new coming into your lives! How exciting. We moved into the country (only 10 miles out) a year ago onto 20 acres to farm and be self sustained. It has been challenging but a GOOD challenge. I was also eager to get settled and everything arranged and in working order. However, I have found that you have to go through every season in a new place to be completely settled and see how the rhythms work. Good luck and so excited for you and all your endevours!
I enjoy reading your blog so much. All I can say is enjoy your life, living far away from the city! We also lived in the country, but because of all the killing of farmers in South Africa , we moved to the city, and oh boy, do I miss the quiet and peace of country living! I enjoyed having all our own veggies and fruit. You do have to plan all your outings and shopping trips, but you get used to it. I was so used to buy all the stuff we needed in bulk, I still buy to much sometimes!!
Do enjoy living outside of the city, even if it is in the desert.
Blessings
Congratulations on the new move! How funny… tomorrow I move to Tucson. Excited to be in the desert but nervous withthe garden and lack of water. Moving from florida but before that i live in chicago. Happy to be leaving the city behind! I look forward to any tips on of the grid desert gardening! Best of luck and congratulations!
How awesome for you! I can imagine how hard it was to leave behind convenience…especially with kids. One day I hope to do the very same thing if I can ever convince my husband…I’d even settle for urban land space, just some LAND! I love our house and community, but something about working in and on the land truly feeds my soul! Congrats Andrea! Look fwd to seeing more of your space!
Congratulations and best wishes in your new adventure. It’s a slower pace they you are used to out in the country I’m sure, but the quiet peacefulness you will grow to love. I know you will make a wonderful new home there, enjoy the process =)
Thank you for the postings. I’m considering moving to some land with woods. All of you have been very encouraging.
Before you know it you new house will be home, and you won’t imagine yourself anywhere else! Good luck with your new adventure!
Congratulations Andrea! I ditto all the posts regarding how much you’re going to love country living. The memories your children will create alone are worth the price of admission. Take some time to rest, relax and enjoy the fresh air with them. Blessings.
My husband and I have put our house in the city up for sale and will be building on 9 acres of land we bought several years ago. It is about 20/30 minutes from “the city” up on the Cumberland Plateau. We are very excited, however a tad nervous! Now we are less than 5 minutes from anything we want and know that it will be quite an adjustment. Having said that, we can’t wait!! Thanks for the encouragement!!!
I did the same type of move a few ago and it took some getting used to. However, it was definitely worth it and I have found that I now love my more laid back and slower pace of living. Also, I have two little ones and think it was best for them. You made a bold move but a good one as well!
Well this is great news… I am still the urban gal wishing I was doing what you are doing but not jealous of the lack of familiarity that is so not so understandably cherish. I tried looking through a AZ friends facebook page about how she dealt with the javelina’s they are a big challenge …or so I have heard. One brick at a time and before one knows it the work is done.
I thank you for this blog and sharing and all the encouragement that come along for the ride.
Namaste Jeannie
We moved to suburbia to our ranch paradise several years ago. I understand about being a creature of habit and needing your house in order. I understand about mourning the life you left behind. But I can tell you this – if you stop & look at the beauty around you it’s WONDERFUL out in the country. I’m reminded of the saying “bloom where you’re planted” Yes, I’m so glad I was planted here!
~Taylor-Made Ranch~
Wolfe City, Texas
My elderly parents and I moved in with my sister 3 years ago, as my father was getting more frail, my mom has dementia, I am disabled, and the house was getting too much for us to keep up. I had always lived in cities or towns at least; my sister has a beautiful, large, rural home, but no one delivers pizza here! I’m a former corporate manager and trainer in the fashion industry, now surrounded by Amish farms, and sometimes I think I need to start a blog called “From High Heels to Horse Sh**.” No Target, no Lord & Taylor, few nearby restaurants, and the closest store is the Amish Bulk Store. No lie.
So many things I love though – peace and quiet, space, fresh air, no traffic, fresh raspberries and other produce from the local farms, as well as my garden, and the best pickles I have ever tasted from one of my Amish neighbors. I’d enjoy it a lot more if I felt better and could get out and ride my bike.
Wow! I’m so glad that i found your website. I’m on a similar journey myself. I’m going to be moving from New York City, to Arizona with the same dream. I’m sure that i will be checking back often for guidance and motivation. Love it!
My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope that you are blessed and that everything works out for you.