On Deserts and Dreaming

We moved to the Arizona desert when I was a teen. I was not happy about the move. I had grown up in Alaska, and I loved the mountain ranges, the flora and fauna, and I loved the smell of the damp dark soil in summer. I spent my childhood walking through magical woodlands filled with ferns, dew covered bluebells, and wild berries. I even contemplated running away and getting a job to try to stay there, but quickly came to my senses. When we pulled in front of our new home we were surprised by the manicured nature of the shrubs, the gravel with raked lines, and the block fences surrounding every single home in the neighborhood. For many years I wanted nothing but to return home to Alaska. I would cry if I watched White Fang with Ethan Hawke because it was filmed there. Then time kept creeping forward and eventually I started to notice slight differences that marked the change in the seasons. I now recognize the night sky, and horizon that signal impending Autumn and the ten degree cooler weather that goes along with it, and it does indeed feel like Fall. The slight differences are noticed, but the overall effect of seasons is still greatly missed. I want my kids to experience the feeling of coming into a warm house with the warmth and smell of freshly baked apple pie, as their faces go from red to pink. I want them to experience the feel of green grass (not bermuda) and to rake leaves and then jump in the piles. I want them to know what it feels like to live in a neighborhood where everyone knows everyone else and there are no fences, just good manners to keep everyone in line and getting along. So, I am working on a plan to acquire these memories for my little ones. I am also glad that they have the experience of living in a desert and know what some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world look like, know that people can survive in these conditions, and can even thrive. In truth there is only one thing I don't look forward to when considering a move to a northern area and that is the drive in the snow. I have never done it, but with the technology currently available and its continuing to get better with vehicles (such as Electronic Stability Control) my fear is becoming less and less, and now I found out the husband has decided to enroll me in a driving course offered by a car racing company to learn to correct vehicle direction etc. when driving. The only fear I have may be reduced to nothing with this course, we will see. Even if it is not taken away the wonderful memories I have of growing up outweighs the fear, and I can't wait to ralize my dream of enjoying FOUR seasons. Skiis, sweaters, and snowmobiles here we come! I mean can you blame me when this is the sort of thing I grew up walking through?