Home Ain't Home Anymore...

We made a decision, years ago, to move out of my hometown. The place is a tourist area, and an expensive one for both those who visit and those who live there. It's once 'small town' atmosphere has changed, and now it's a playground for the rich and famous and the wish-they-were. The 'regular', small, family homes have been bought up, mowed down, and new, huge, Mcmansions have been built in their place.
What used to be dairy cattle's feeding grounds now are Condo villages and woods and potato fields have sprouted estate properties with pricey tags and big name owners. The cars being driven by the majority are no longer used cars and pick up trucks; they're more likely to be BMW,Lexus, and other status symbol vehicles. The Main Street no longer has the 'affordable' Mom & Pop stores...it looks like Rodeo Drive, with Tiffany's, Ralph Loren and the like.
Those locals who can afford to move, have moved. Those who can't are pitifully trapped.
We have always loved the birds and the beach of that seaside town. You can't hear the birdsong any longer, (or any conversation on the deck behind our house, without shouting!) the traffic sounds are too heavy. You can't see the water (except in Jan or Feb) because the cars are parked 2-3 deep in the parking lot spots for viewing. Forget the sands...if you could find a place to put ONE foot without standing on someone's beach equipment, you'd be lucky. You can't even park at the beach in summer, without a permit...and if you want to find a place to park, you'd have to arrive pretty darned early.
Home ain't home anymore. We've moved to a great, new area, and are excited to be learning about it. It's affordable and friendly, wooded and even a little backward in some of the thinking. It's ok that way...and I'm pleased to sit on our quiet front porch and be able to hear the birds. I'm happy to have a new canvas to plant and a new house to create a home in.
I'm serene. I have not a single regret about moving... and feel pretty lucky to be able to have done so.

Opinions

It's a rare occasion to find me speechless. Usually I can talk to anyone at anytime...and from time to time, I actually know what I'm talking about. But...then, there are other times when I should have worn my peppermint boots, because I find my foot in my mouth.

Well, what can you do? When you're born a Saggitarian? We're pretty well known as 'foot in mouth' folks. We have to practice hard to learn the art of thinking before speaking... and really have to work at developing 'tact'. Know this, though...there's no malice intended. We just speak our minds...sometimes with great force behind our words, but we also are fair enough to give you the right to express your own, even if we don't happen to agree with that opinion.
it's ok...and it's what makes the world interesting.

So...if you've stumbled upon my new blog...share an opinion about something, anything...and don't be afraid to speak your mind. You're welcome to say what you feel, as long as it fits the rules set up by the Powers that Be behind this website.