A Pastoral Interlude
For those of you who don't know, a few years back we left the comforts of city living for the wilds of northern Arizona reservation life. Well, I guess it's been more than a few years now-- M was only two when we moved. At first thought it's crazy how fast the time has passed-- until I look through the pictures. Then it really seems a lifetime ago!
I found some old photo CD's of pictures I had taken during these years and had quite a stroll down memory lane taking a look at them. I only had a cheap film camera back in those days so I don't have as many pictures as I wish, but there are still a few shots that give you an idea of just how "out there" we were.
Looking at the pictures though, I'm remembering it through very rose colored glasses. I actually miss it. There was a certain sense of "getting away from it all" that I just can't seem to find here. (Granted, that may be more my stage of life than anything.) Maybe just before Terence retires-- when the kids are done with school-- we can move back and do a stint out in the wilds again!
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| M & J-- our house was the one at the top left |
I found some old photo CD's of pictures I had taken during these years and had quite a stroll down memory lane taking a look at them. I only had a cheap film camera back in those days so I don't have as many pictures as I wish, but there are still a few shots that give you an idea of just how "out there" we were.
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| More playing in the "compound" (that's what we called the little collection of DPS modular homes) |
I had never lived in a rural place before. Ever. Really, I was the typical southern California girl. Going to college in Utah had made me uncomfortable at times because sometimes Provo just seemed too small. (Thank goodness I went to New York City on my mission! I felt right at home!) Anyway, it was a new experience, to put it mildly. We stayed there for about two and a half years before I just couldn't handle it any longer.
There were things I loved about it (no traffic EVER, how beautiful it could be sometimes, how quiet it was, how amazing the starry night skies were). There were things I hated about it (an hour from grocery shopping/doctors' offices, some parts of rez culture, the never-ending winters when I felt trapped and isolated). In the end, with M about to start school and with my postpartum depression nearly getting the better of me, we made the decision to transfer back to "the valley."
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| M going for her very first bike ride with Daddy. No cars to worry about here! |
Looking at the pictures though, I'm remembering it through very rose colored glasses. I actually miss it. There was a certain sense of "getting away from it all" that I just can't seem to find here. (Granted, that may be more my stage of life than anything.) Maybe just before Terence retires-- when the kids are done with school-- we can move back and do a stint out in the wilds again!
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