Since our wedding, life has gotten so busy that I've sadly not been back home to Illinois.
Missing my parents and my roots; it was time to take a break from working on the house.
This past weekend I drove the 4.5 hours home and prepared myself for relaxing, eating my mother's amazing food, thrifting, and being a daddy's girl. Here are a few snap shots of my grandfather's old barn, the family farm, and our doggie, Diesel.
Isn't he so precious?!
As much as I adore Michigan, my roots back in Illinois are firm and deep. I know most people wouldn't think that the flat land of corn and beans are beautiful, but there is something about the vastness of it all. It brings the vividness of the sun and clouds alive during the day and the brightness of the stars and moon by night. Whereas in other places, buildings, trees, and pollution block the fullness of these moments. On my way back to Michigan, I drove enraptured by the wind pushing the clouds so fast; their shadow moving over the harvested land like an unforeseen force for miles. Although I'm not meant to live in Illinois anymore, it's hard to take the country out of the girl. :)
Beautifully written post, and great pics! Diesel is gorgeous!! x
ReplyDeletei love this post. "It's hard to take the country out of the girl" so true! I feel that way about my midwestern roots even though I live in Florida... the midwest will always have a special place in my heart! I spent some time driving through Illinois (for a NYE trip to Chicago!) last winter and I loved the landscape, it's simply breathtaking in the wintertime with everything covered in blankets of white. Glad you were able to enjoy a trip home! Everyone needs a trip like that once and awhile!!!
ReplyDeleteDiesel looks a little thick.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I'd love to visit a farm like this... and ever since the Sufjan Stevens album I've wanted to go to Illinois, haha!
ReplyDeleteAlso, this is beautifully written. : )
I know exactly how you feel. I may love the bigger city, but my small town roots just won't leave. I love being able to go home and see the stars so brightly. I love having lots of small boutiques and unique shops around. I love your pictures too!
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I've lived in Indiana my whole life (which is pretty much the same, LOL) and have been to Seattle, Washington, Portland, the Carolinas, Tennessee and have even been to Germany, China AND Japan... yet there is still a soft spot in my heart for this part of the country. It's quiet, wide-spread and peaceful. The fields are like heaven, or at least what I imagine Heaven to be... so, even though it has some major flaws, there is still something irreplaceable about it! :)
ReplyDeleteAya ♥ Strawberry Koi