I traveled a lot the past 2 weeks from Bismarck to Bottineau to Grand Forks to Cooperstown and during all of that travel I have been thinking about a place I call my oasis…..The Farm. Do you have that place or that spot where you can go and just be? It has been a part of my life until this past week when my amazing grandma Char moved to town.
Yes, things change as I know this and I need to accept it which I completely do but deep down I feel like I have lost a piece of me. This was the one place where I could go and all I felt was peace. It was my home away from home where I didn’t have to worry about people judging me. My worries and fears just melted as I was able to put that behind me for those moments. Of course, over the years I wasn’t able to stay out there as much as I used to when I was little but when I did I cried every time I had to leave as I knew the time was coming……The Tuchscherer farm has been around forever as it was my Great Grandparents before my grandparents took it over. The memories are endless but each one never fades.
Memory 1:The peaceful moments of getting up in the morning and I could hear voices coming from downstairs and the radio playing country music. Having breakfast around the table and talking about all kinds of things from family to life. The simplicity of everything made each moment so special.
I love just being in open spaces whether on a farm or on a beach but places where anything is possible and imagination can take over. I feel like these days children are expected to be entertained with toys or electronics. I loved going to my grandma’s because there was none of that. If we wanted to watch a football game it was all together because there was one TV, I know crazy right. I wish Jocelyn could have had more time seeing the farm the way I did with all the traditions.
Memory 2:Christmas time was such a special time for me at the farm, not because of the gifts or food (those were bonuses) but because all of the family came and even some friends of the family too. It was always a packed house where we had tables in the living room and downstairs in order to fit everyone and we still went in shifts. The love that was in the house was just amazing to see. I remember one Christmas where my aunt and uncle were coming home from Colorado and there was a huge snow storm and we all waited up to make sure they were safe. It was so much fun when they finally arrived safe and sound.
Traditions are hard to come by these days as everyone is so busy with life that they don’t take the time to start them or continue them. Do you have traditions? We had so many traditions when it came to the food, how to open presents at Christmas, who would cut the turkey, who did the dishes, who got the bread ready for stuffing at Thanksgiving time, the malts that were made, and much more….. Some of the traditions won’t be able to continue on as our family was huge but some I hope to keep within my own small, family.
Memory 3:Spending time with the cousins was always interesting as my sister and I were the only girls so let’s just say we did a lot of fun stuff such as running around the yard, using the house foundation as a balance beam to play tag with, endless hours of paper plane making, looking for snakes and my favorite building forts in the basement. I have two male cousins who are my age and when we would get together, fort making was it. You could not get us to come up for supper as we built and tore it down over and over to make it perfect. We talked about random things and laughed a ton. Sure as we have gotten older we don’t stay in touch as much as I would like but I will never forget the bond that we had.
The farm equals to me the simple life where all the little things make up the big thing. The breeze is cool on your face on a hot summer night. The smell of fresh cut grass after Grandma spent hours and hours making it look perfect. The sounds of laughter going through the house and music playing on the radio. There was always jokes and fun to be had. The smell of home cooked food and it was always so delicious. Why not make an oasis for yourself where you can go and just be you. A place where you feel safe and loved. The farm is going to be in good hands as Grandma has moved off the farm. She may no longer be at the farm and visiting it will be hard but the memories are cherished forever. There will never be a place like it for me but I hope I can create one for my little. It is not good-bye but see you later……………..
Memory 4:Night time at the farm was something I hold close to my heart. Out in the open spaces with it pitch black you can actually see stars that glisten like glitter. Those pictures are engrained in my mind as I love the peaceful feeling it brings over me. After usually being up too late and full from chocolate malts it was time to say “Good Night”. The hugs and kisses were given and the “I Love You’s” were said and at that very moment everything was okay in the world.Like my grandma always told me “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” 🙂
Music these past few weeks has been Familiar 48 whose is a band that had amazing talent that most have never heard of before. Their lyrics are amazing and have some deep meanings, enjoy!
Too Late: Wonderful Nothing
Endings: Wonderful Nothing
The Question: Wonderful Nothing
Bonus Track this week comes from the movie “Fault In Our Stars” which was crazy amazing and it reminded me to appreciate the small things in life. Â If you haven’t seen the movie please do so!!:)
All of The Stars: Ed Sheeran
Until Next Time……….
Traveling With Jo 