Much like the changing of a season, where the world around you erupts in a new and different way, last year brought a lot of change to our lives. The decision to sell our farm in middle Tennessee was not easy, but big moves rarely are.
North Georgia wasn’t where we had initially planned on settling, but sometimes life surprises you. We’re at the southern end of the Appalachians in an area marked by ridges and valleys, wild and yet approachable. The pine-oak forest is a stark contrast to the cedar glade we left, but it reminds me of the woods I played in as a kid.
We started our move in mid-October, just as the jewel tones of the fall were beginning to emerge. Most mornings I’m finishing my coffee as the sun peaks over the horizon. When it finally breaks over the ridgetop and gleams through the leaves, it’s like the whole world is glowing. Three months ago it was shades of red and yellow. This morning it’s a brilliant pink against the frost.
It’s an interesting paradox that while some people feel isolated living in rural areas, you tend to maintain more privacy in urban ones. Even though Johnny and I both grew up in rural areas, they weren’t this rural area. We are a bit of a novelty on our road right now, being both new and from out of state (which brings mixed first impressions with neighbors).
We’re taking it one day at a time, easing into this new season. If a neighbor stops while we’re getting the mail, we make conversation. I keep an eye out for local events and we make an effort to support our local businesses, like Jack’s Christmas tree farm a few miles down the road.
More than anything this move has reminded me that community can be something you find, but it is also something you build.
Farrow Family Farmstead 