Home.

 As I prepare for another adventure, I am plagued with the thought of "leaving home". 

I was born and raised in a small hollar just outside of Newland, NC. For me when I think of home, I think of long walks through the woods with my dogs. I think of the creek I played in growing up, I think of The Rhodadendron blooming in the summer. The smell of the honeysuckle, and the poplar magnolias in the wind. I hear the sounds of the creek, the wind, and the birds joining together in symphony no orcestra in the world could replicate.

I think of my dreams from when I was little, how those same dreams have stuck with me for my entire life. How they have changed over time but more or less stayed the same. Now I am living part of those dreams, as matter of fact I have gotten to do more than I had ever originally thought possible. One dream, and goal is still left unfulfilled. 

Starting around 7th grade, I began to think seriously about what kind of future I wanted to build for myself. What would be my "end goal" in life. I then began to plan what that would be. More than anything I wanted a house on the family land. Nothing extravagant. I am rather drawn to the concept of a tiny house. Something smaller, relatively easy to maintain, and something that would leave plenty of space for the "outdoor living" that I wanted to build my whole life around. 

I then became very interested in the idea of Homesteading, which is a natural progression for me. Growing up we raised a garden, grew our own potatoes, cabbage, beans, tomatos, squash, etc. I hated spending summer afternoons in the garden in the heat. Now there is nothing in the world I could possibly want more. Being able to go "grocery shopping" in my basement with a potato, jar of beans, and a cake of cornbread always well within reach. 

My idea of home is a place where I can be free, and not have to worry about demands from customers, or bosses. A place where I can find peace with myself and my God. 

A place I once knew, and a place I would love to find again.