Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge. Goodness, we’re at Week 18.
Sometimes it feels like the time is flying by, doesn’t it? Other times it drags. Drags because we don’t know what we’re waiting for, to be honest.
One thing for sure though—people around the entire world are waiting for better days—normal days to return. Will it ever be the “normal” we once knew? I think it will be a long time from now before we’ll see normalcy. Any-who, since we aren’t going anywhere, let’s get to the topic for Week 18.
City Living or Country?
Can I say both? I could answer this with those four words, but you know me…
I’d like my primary home to be in the country. I’m not where I live now, but it feels like it when I look out and see the woodlands around me or when I stroll through my small-town. Today, I glanced outside in time to see a pair of ducks waddling past my window. My first thought was for them to take cover before a hawk spotted them.
Turkeys a couple of years ago.
Later, a FedEx truck slowing down on the road into this complex got my attention. Since I had been walking through the apartment getting in my daily steps, I glanced out the window to see the biggest live turkey I’ve ever seen—tail feathers and all—strutting down the road ahead of FedEx. I smiled.
Last year a coyote died beneath my bedroom window! Sad. They stroll through the parking lot at night. My cousin, who lives behind me in the same building, sees deer each evening at dusk, and the ducks because the river is down the hill. Sounds like country, huh?
In the past, I had property in the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania in the Allegheny National Forest where bear came through in the wee morning hour to examine our fire pit. I’ve mentioned before how I came upon a black bear while strolling down the road
Allegheny Mountains.
alone, with the bear between me and home!
Deer were aplenty. We had nearly twenty acres and some of that acreage had apple trees right down the hill and to the right of this garage at the family section of the property. We had a place down the road. I spotted a wild cat through my camera lens one evening while waiting for a sunset. Yes, I’ve had experience with country living, and I LIKE IT!
However, I’d like an apartment or a time-share in the city for a change of pace. Cities are beautiful at Christmastime with all the decorations. I’d hate to miss that part of city living, but I’d want to be back in my country home for Christmas Eve.
I wonder how many days it would take to become accustomed to city noise and traffic.
If you had a choice, which would you prefer? Or are you a rebel like me and choose both?
Since this is a blog hop, here’s the LINK to participating authors who are answering the same question.
Take care everyone. Stay safe. Stay home.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay – Free-photos
This big guy rambled out of the woods this morning. I heard a gobble, gobble and ran to the window. I bet my jaw dropped! I took a quick shot. Forgive the bad picture through the window with the sun glare. I think he’s looking for a cute little turkey to have his babies.
Early morning stroll.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel 
10 thoughts on “#MFRWauthor Week 18: Bright Lights or Peaceful Nights?”
Teagan R. Geneviene
Mary, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this visit with you. Languid yet whimsical. I’m glad you included the turkey photo! I remember you talking about them, but I didn’t realize there was so much wildlife around you.
By the way, I’ve been getting a huge kick out of the YouTube videos from a guy in up state New York who calls his channel Kyletherooster. He has every sort of barnyard fowl. I love it when the turkeys dance! The geese are awfully noisy, but there is something so calming to me about just hanging out with that guy and his chickens and other fowl. Here’s a link to one of them:
I took your question to extreme evaluation in the few years before I relocated. I’d like to be out in the middle of nowhere, but recognized that I need some of the conveniences of cities, and that sometimes it can be dangerous when some of those things are too far away. I came close to getting a place in rural TX, 1 1/2 hours from Austin. That seemed close enough to a city. Then I couldn’t find a veterinarian anywhere near.
So my compromise is a small city/town so I have city water, a nice grocery store, and the medical necessities that I hope I never need. And there are a couple of vets.
But if I were just dreaming, I’d be far away from the sites and sounds of civilization.
Hugs on the wing!
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
Being close “enough” to a store, vet, or even a doctor and hospital is something I hadn’t considered, Teagan. Probably because I haven’t been far away from what I’ve needed. Even in Pennsylvania two stores were down a couple hills, but bigger stores with more essential items was about thirty miles one way. In all those years, we never needed a doctor, hospital, or vet. Knock on wood. Surprisingly, even with rowdy boys, a dog, a do-it-yourself, and Jack of all trades husband. Thanks for sharing the link to the videos. I’ll give it a look. Happy Blog Writing.
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Jacquie Biggar
I think I’m a small town girl at heart, Mary. We rented an incredible farm on the banks of a lake a long time ago and I thought I’d love it. Turns out I was scared to be there alone! It’s so vast and wild when you have a young child to watch over.
Small towns give a measure of security and privacy at the same time. Your photos are awesome!
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
Oh i can understand that, Jacquie. I was never alone overnight at our cabin in the mountains, but if i had been, I’d be terrified. Especially with an outhouse and roaming black bear, skunks, and wild cats!
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D. Wallace Peach
It’s amazing how the animals are getting closer since everyone is staying home. I’m definitely a country gal, Mary, but I like visiting the city as long as I have a tour guide and don’t have to drive! Great shot of the turkey!
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
Oh, good point about getting someone else to drive in the city. Absolutely! It wouldn’t be me, and it would not be on a bus, either. I should stay in my cozy little town. Sigh.
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D. Wallace Peach
Driving in Portland OR is like a invitation to run over a cyclist. It’s so stressful!
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
Been there! (Not Portland though.)
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Cathy Brockman
The turkey is awesome! I live in town but rural but wish I was even more country. Our wildlife is just squirrels, snakes, Skunks, and opossums an occasional coon lol I am just country. I don’t mind visiting a city but don’t want to live there!
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
Thanks about the turkey, Cathy. I was excited. I used to see them in Pennsylvania- but they’d skedaddle. These walk down the sidewalk like they’re out for a Sunday stroll. Even if a tom is with a family, he will hold back and keep an eye out.
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