Ooh this is familiar. Even within the Midwest, my rural family is so leery of my current urban setting. I love how you said it - people are people everywhere.
This was a lovely read as we prepare to head East, something we of course said we’d never do. West is home — but really “home is wherever I’m with you”, and sometimes a change is a chance. Hoping to sink some roots down, because I’m tired of moving (in NC nonetheless)
Thank you for reading! I hope your move goes well and that you find so much beauty and welcome in North Carolina. What I didn't say because I didn't want to meander for too long in this essay, is that North Carolina is beautiful country, that I'm constantly in awe of the oldness of the land, the knubby mountains so ancient I can't even comprehend such a history <3
I was born and raised in SoCal and when I attended Bible college in the Midwest I always confused people when they heard where I was from. They expected a valley girl, not a denim skirt wearing homeschooler. Unless you live here it’s hard to understand that Californians are not a monolith.
People make comments when they find out I'm from the south, assuming everyone in the south is a redneck (which is just so offensive :/). I want people to know no place is a monolith (except, perhaps, a cult). People surprise us in all sorts of places and beauty can be encountered the world over.
This was a lovely and insightful (and resonant) read as I meander the stunning Carmel Valley vistas on the last couple days of our coastal honeymoon.
Ooh this is familiar. Even within the Midwest, my rural family is so leery of my current urban setting. I love how you said it - people are people everywhere.
This was a lovely read as we prepare to head East, something we of course said we’d never do. West is home — but really “home is wherever I’m with you”, and sometimes a change is a chance. Hoping to sink some roots down, because I’m tired of moving (in NC nonetheless)
Thank you for reading! I hope your move goes well and that you find so much beauty and welcome in North Carolina. What I didn't say because I didn't want to meander for too long in this essay, is that North Carolina is beautiful country, that I'm constantly in awe of the oldness of the land, the knubby mountains so ancient I can't even comprehend such a history <3
I was born and raised in SoCal and when I attended Bible college in the Midwest I always confused people when they heard where I was from. They expected a valley girl, not a denim skirt wearing homeschooler. Unless you live here it’s hard to understand that Californians are not a monolith.
People make comments when they find out I'm from the south, assuming everyone in the south is a redneck (which is just so offensive :/). I want people to know no place is a monolith (except, perhaps, a cult). People surprise us in all sorts of places and beauty can be encountered the world over.
With various changes happening this was very helpful to me, thanks so much
Love this---was the volcano in Lassen? Do you have that story anywhere? So good.
Oh it was Crater Lake, which might be one of the most beautiful scenes (and sunsets) I've ever witnessed! I wrote about it here: https://sarahsouthern.substack.com/p/psychedelic-symphony
oooh! Fun, I'll have to read. I haven't been to Crater Lake yet, but it's on my list.