I grew up in the mid-Atlantic state of Maryland, went to college in Tennessee, taught in a small town in the Appalachian mountains, moved to the suburbs, lived in the city where I could get to anything in five minutes, and now am comfortably situated in the rural countryside of west central Ohio. For me there is peace in the quiet. A slower pace, causes me to stop more often and appreciate the beauty that is all around me. Appreciation. Gratefulness. A thankful heart.
When was the last time you stopped and stared at the clouds, allowed the sunrise to take your breath away? Have you recently taken a moment to marvel at the rural art of fields dotted with round hay bales? Listened to the early morning crowing of the roosters? Saw beauty even in the bright yellow of dandelions?
Then, there are the barns. I love barns. They are utilitarian monuments to a hard working life. Some of them big and strong, others faded and worn. All carry with them, a story.
Yep. I love it. I admit it. I’ve lived all over and seen a lot but, in my heart I’m just a country girl.
Here are some pictures I’ve taken. Pictures of my life………
It Just Dawned On Me 
Dawn, I am asking you to assume a big responsibility. Since I live in an urban area, and since the places and things that bless you as a country girl, as of today I am putting you in charge of my “aweness”. When I need to stop and soak up all the pleasures of country life I miss so much, I’ll just visit your blog and soak up some of your wonderful pictures that, every time, take me back home. Then I can drink in all the beauty and peace and wonder of God’s creation, since I can’t get back to Iowa and take it all in myself. You have no idea what a blessing it is for me to visit your blog and dwell on your “country girl” photos. In the winter I can hear the quiet of your snowy pictures. In the spring I can smell the slow steady Iowa rains. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.