This Is Home

Well in case you are out of the loop, I’ve been in North Dakota now for just about a week. My extended stay here will last until May 6th where I will return to California and prepare for moving here for good at the end of July. And much to my surprise, my stay here has been full of more things than I can accomplish in one day. So needless to say, I’ve kept myself plenty busy.

Yesterday I took my first big adventure into the “big city” of Bismarck to do some shopping. I woke up bright and early with my numerous lists in hand. Sunflowerfarmer got the pick up all warmed up for me. Did I mention that he’s the best!? And I was off! Out into the wild blue, eh, grey yonder!

There’s something about exploring a new place all by yourself that is so liberating. Heading off into the unknown, blaring the radio and singing along, in Sunflowerfarmer’s beloved pick up, armed with my iPhone, I was setting out on my first adventure in North Dakota.

And although to those of you living here, this may not seem like much. To this girl from California, this was a big deal. Like any good man, sunflowerfarmer worried about me, periodically sending me messages to make sure I was making it okay. (Did I already say how awesome he is!?) Little does he know, I’ve driven to San Francisco and as far as I’m concerned if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere!

So a wonderful day shopping in the city I had. I even parked Sunflowerfarmer’s monster pick up in downtown Bismarck AND got out with precision. I was so proud. I think I may have doubled the value of the pick up from my shopping adventures and after I bought out TJ Maxx, Target, and Kohl’s, I was ready to head back to Ashley. For those of you who aren’t aware, Bismarck is about 125 miles away and takes about 2 hours to get there.

So I started the journey back. Driving along the rolling hills of fields, I took in the landscapes. Even though it was raining, it was still beautiful in its own way. I’ve heard North Dakota referred to as God’s country and indeed it is. Rolling hills as far as the eye can see. That feeling of freedom while driving through the wide open. And right when I came over the hill and I could see Ashley. It hit me. This place was soon the place I was going to be calling home. And I finally felt it. That comfort of finally arriving home, as I walked in the door and Sunflowerfarmer greeted me, I felt it.

And as we put away all the things I bought in the cupboards, I realized we were making history. We were writing the beginning our epic story together. Soon the final pages of the chapter of my life in California will be written and finished.

This is the place where my new chapter in life begins. In the rolling prairies of North Dakota. Our future together begins here. In the little town of Ashley, in this house. In the pick up heading out to the farm. Nothing but big blue skies ahead of us. My hand in his. I feel it. This is right where I want to be. And the best part..? I’ve got my farmer, my best friend, and the love of my life to share it all with me.  This is Home.