I really did fall in love with Eastern Oklahoma while I was there. It is beautiful country. I was so surprised by what I found there. I had assumed that Oklahoma was corn fields, cattle and dirt. I was partly correct, western Oklahoma is that way, which is fine, but this girl, born and raised in the Rocky Mountains, was starved for variety. Once we got into central and eastern Oklahoma the land changed and my breath was taken away. Rolling hills, forests, rivers and creeks, farms, all that I had ever dreamed about. It would be so easy to tuck a little house up into those hills and hide away forever. I could imagine my children spending their days playing in the creek and forest. Planting and growing a huge garden without having to struggle with desert conditions, Oklahoma’s last frost date is April 8th for heaven sake! That is a full 6 weeks before the last frost date in Utah, I could harvest tomatoes for months instead of a few weeks. I could picture a little farm house with a big porch, a swing and an old hound dog, Dadzoo and I sipping lemon aid in the twilight. (Yes I am a dreamer). All of this within an hour from Oklahoma City or Tulsa, cities big enough that Dadzoo could find work in his profession.
I could never have this in Utah, for a few reasons. Number 1, trees don’t just grow here, they have to be planted and babied…this is the high desert after all. Number2, we just don’t have creeks running around all over the place, once again, this is a desert. Number 3, any and all “farm land” within 1 hour of Salt Lake City or any of the other bigger cities has been taken and is priced at a premium. The Salt Lake Valley is right up against the mountain to the east, and while there are some communities up in those mountains, it would mean commuting on those high canyon passes in the winter, not fun, and not always possible as those roads are closed at times. To the west we have the desert. Which is fine for suburban sprawl, but not so good for farming, there are no trees, and very little water, not conducive to hobby farming.
My dreams of the hills of Oklahoma sound so wonderful….
However, I don’t know if I could ever live in Oklahoma, for a few reasons. Number 1, family, I love my family, we are close, and Oklahoma is a good 3 days (2 if you really want to push it) drive away, I wouldn’t get to see them and I would miss that very much. Number 2, I have always lived here, I am comfortable here, and Oklahoma would be a very different world from the mostly Mormon community where I have grown up. Number 3, would my children stay around? Would they grow up and move away, and then Dadzoo and I would be away from all our family? I know that could happen here in Utah, but then I would still have my extended family around. Number 4, would the humidity kill this desert baby? It was hotter than…well… you know…. Number 5, I am afraid of the change.
The chances of moving my family to Oklahoma is pretty much zero, so my question now, is how to I remake my dream to fit into my reality? How do I find contentment where I am now?
Aimee
That is a hard one, but I do know how you feel.
I lived in OK when I was 3 I have memories of desert and snow. Oh, and a dog named Heidi,I cryed when we gave her away to move back to Florida.
But to be content is so hard, our world pushes so hard for all to not be content unless they have the latest of everything etc.So even when we separate ourselves from that it is still ingrained in us.
I know recently your post on why you went to OK left me feeling very discontent. I can't have more children and it bothers me when friends can. But I had a long talk with myself and the Lord and know that where I am at in my life is where I am suppose to be. I have that assurance and so I am content with myself and the path set before me. And that me having, the I wants and the only ifs, is only making me unhappy.
I think it is OK to dream but when it interfers with your happiness your dreaming has gotten into comparing and gets you thinking you are lacking.
Love
Erika
For years I wanted to live in a lighthouse in Maine. I knew in reality that wouldn't happen so I drew and painted and did puzzles of things similar to my dreams and visited lighthouses and decorated with them everywhere. Now as I've been married awhile Texas has become appealing so now things around my house are more western and earth colors. So for me I guess being active with my dreams and bringing what I can around me helps me enjoy the reality and the dream world together.
Just do it Pack up and Move!!
I think OK suites your family and lifestyle perfectly!!
Wherever you are will be "HOME" to your kids when they grow up!!