My urban and suburban mom buddies often leave me feeling a twinge of envy. They have access to Wi-Fi, coffee shops, well-lit streets, and sidewalks. It’s been ages since I’ve stepped on a sidewalk, as I reside in a remote area. I often fantasize about drive-thru grocery stores and living on a cul-de-sac where my kids could ride their bikes and shoot hoops. My imagination gets a bit green with jealousy as I ponder the exciting experiences my city-dwelling friends enjoy, like a night out at a trendy bar.
Living in a rural area, my backyard often serves as a gathering place for local wildlife — think black bears and moose (seriously, I’m not joking). We endure mud season and the notorious black fly season. Yet, while I occasionally feel isolated and bored in my rural setting, there are some fantastic liberties I can enjoy that urban and suburban moms might not be able to.
For instance, I can…
- Sunbathe in the Buff: As long as the kids are out of the house, I can enjoy sunbathing nude. Just don’t forget the DEET to fend off those pesky bugs! No tan lines for me!
- Bulk Alcohol Purchases: It’s practically a rural rite of passage to stock up on alcohol because the nearest grocery store with a decent selection is a 30-minute drive away. Hello, boxes of wine!
- Scream Away: My kids can run wild, yelling and laughing without a neighbor in sight to hear them. And guess what? They don’t hear me belting out Adele tunes while I tend to my garden either!
- Casual School Drop-offs: No one bats an eye at my flannel shirts and well-worn yoga pants when I drop the kids off at school. Most families around here just put their kids on the bus, so I can throw on a coat over my pajamas and stroll my kid to the mailbox.
- Freedom to Explore: No one raises eyebrows if I let my kids climb trees or play outside while I sip coffee and relax at the dining room window. Scandalous, right?
- Laundry Drying Nirvana: I can hang my laundry outside without worrying about what my neighbors think. My period panties can flap freely in the wind!
- Simple Curb Appeal: In the sticks, curb appeal can be as simple as a few hedges and a mailbox hanging from a tree to avoid snowplow collisions in winter.
- Treasure Hunting at the Dump: Without trash pickup, we have a local dump that features a “second-time around” section. I’ve found some incredible upcycled treasures — from mason jars to rustic patio furniture. Pinterest would love this!
- All-Day Playdates: Our playdates often stretch into full-day adventures, where parents sip wine and enjoy snacks as the kids get grass stains and bug bites while exploring the yard. It’s like a mix of camping and daycare!
- Nature Collecting: Picking up snakes, frogs, bugs (dead or alive), or fallen bird nests is just part of rural life. Our porch often resembles a naturalist’s paradise.
So, while I may feel a pang of longing for the conveniences my urban friends enjoy, I have to admit that rural living has its own unique perks. Every lifestyle has its highs and lows, and even though I cherish my rural existence that leans toward homesteading, there are days when I daydream of trading those trees for a skyline.
If you’re interested in exploring topics related to home insemination, you can find valuable insights in our other blog posts, such as this one. For more information on insemination kits, Make A Mom is a great resource. Additionally, if you’re looking into fertility services, check out Hopkins Medicine for excellent information regarding pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while rural life has its challenges, the freedom and unique experiences make it worthwhile. Embracing the quirks of rural motherhood allows for cherished memories and adventures that city life may not offer.