Many of us have not had a choice of the environment that we live in, because jobs have taken us where we currently live. Many of us have been in that particular area for many years. Some of us have moved around frequently and have lived in many areas. And, a few of us have been in our home town and it's environs all of our lives. We don't often think about our personal preferences, but, just for the sake of this article's question, "What do you prefer and why?"
I have resided in four different states--Texas, Missouri, California and Oregon--and not in that order. Some areas I have loved, some I have tolerated. Now, mind you, I am not talking about the people of these states. Granted, in each area the culture and customs of the people are different, but I have found that I have loved all the people that I have met and still have friends in every area.
Some areas that I inhabited, to remain unnamed, were actually just an occupation of sorts, because I barely tolerated the setting. One such place was in a flat land with no trees anywhere, except where man had planted them, barely even shrubs native to the area. Mostly grass land and tumbleweeds. The 'native' people loved it! A friend bought a piece of property there and built a house. When we went to see her new house, she stood in the driveway and said, "Isn't it so beautiful here! You can see for miles around!" I could see nothing but dirt and sky. My feeling was shock, I felt it was stark and desolate. It felt uncomfortable and exposed.
As to the territories around each place that I lived, I won't go into each one, but I do have a preference. As you can probably ascertain by the last sentence in the previous paragraph, I need an environment of coziness with a feeling of cover. I prefer a forested area. There is just something about a habitat of old growth living green pines, firs and oaks with a lush undergrowth of ferns growing on fallen trees and underbrush where birds hop in and out looking for forage, that I truly love. It gives me that warm, comfy feeling of being under my favorite quilt on a frosty morn. And like the patchwork quilt, my preferred environment would be so much more to look at than just dirt and sky. My dream home would be in a cleared section of that forest, house facing the south to capture a little morning sun, and I would be in heaven!
How about you?
8 comments:
I've lived in the Midwest all my life, so I'm used to really flat land with not much on it. Specifically, I've lived in neighborhoods with lots of houses nearby and man-made landscaping. I get kind of freaked out if I have to be in the woods, or in a place with mountains--especially if I have to drive. Weird, right?
Interesting post! I too love the woods. There's something very peaceful to me about walking or even driving through a forest. I definitely know that I like being on water, too and need a change in terrain - hills are okay, but rugged mountains are the best. I'm not a flatlander. This is bringing up a lot of memories!
Janet-- You definately have the "rugged Mountains" near you with Hurracane Ridge so close to you! I love them too!
that's interesting. I don't know if I actually like living on flat land... but have put up with it for years. I wish I lived near the ocean...
{:-D
Interesting reading. I always thought it would be cool to live in the mountains but I'd be afraid a bear would attack me.
I though am one extreme to the other. Either put me out in the country or up on the top floor of a highrise in a big city.
Sher- A high rise in a big city??? I will never understand that one! Any special reason? Just curious.
I love the forest too although I prefer to be in it in the daytime as I grew up during the Bigfoot craze. I love the ocean and the mountains too so Oregon is perfect for me! I do like the hills and trees in eastern Kansas where I grew up but can't handle tornadoes, humidity and thunderstorms. We also loved living in Colorado.
It's interesting that an "open" landscape is heaven for your friend, but desolate for you. You know that old adage about "different strokes for different folks," right? It applies here! As for me, we are living where we want to live...we have woods, a creek and a walking path bordering our back yard, nice neighbors, and clean air with a mostly blue sky (when it's not stormy). Shopping is not intrusive, the library is within walking distance, and we have a quiet neighborhood. But the one thing we could use is more space...I don't think we'll ever have enough of that, so I won't even dwell on that, LOL.
Post a Comment