Woman of the Woods

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

31 Jan 2008 07:55 AM

What happens when you take a city girl and put her into the middle of the woods?

This morning, after my eldest got on the bus for school, I decided to survey the property immediately around our home. There had been a fierce wind storm yesterday afternoon, and we spent the day indoors, listening to all of the thumping as limbs and branches came down outside.

As you may already know, our home sits on a wooded lot. It sort of resembles a forest to be truthful. Through the summer and fall, we have been hard at work clearing some of the dead wood and overgrown things. But there is still a lot left to do, and it isn't surprising to think that there might be fallen branches and limbs around.

This is a foreign concept to me, living in the woods and having living things fall down. Well, okay, maybe not completely. Growing up in New York, I have to admit that there were times when I might have to dodge the occasional piano, bag of garbage or cat that might come flying out the window.

At least when the trees give up their branches and limbs, they are producing something useful to me. I try to take a little time every morning to gather up what I can and break it into manageable pieces for kindling. There is nothing better on an evening in the winter than a roaring fire.

But something changed this morning in me. Something broke like a dry twig. Instead of just gathering the wood and chugging up and down the path with my loads, I stopped for a moment to actually listen. I listened to the birds and the creek. I listened to the crunch of frozen leaves under my feet. And for the first time, I felt like I might actually be part of this property, to be part of nature.

But then I had to head back indoors to do the breakfast dishes and a load of laundry. Indoors to the television and the computer and the telephone. And the moment was gone.

It is a process, right? After all, the Empire State Building wasn't built in a day.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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Sherry Holetzky (11404) 31 Jan 2008 08:25 AM

I am a city girl transplanted in the country too. Despite the initial culture shock, I have to say I have a true appreciation for nature that I never experienced before living here.

The photo could almost be a scene from our property (especially today, since we are having a snow day, our first of the year).

Have a great day. I must go buy hot chocolate. :o)

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 31 Jan 2008 08:31 AM

Don't forget the marshmallows! Thanks so much for telling me about your experience.

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 31 Jan 2008 08:35 AM

I love it here now and wouldn't go back for anything. Each season offers new things to love. While I still have issues with critters and insects, I wouldn't trade it. I've just had to learn to be more aware of my surroundings, (watch where I walk, etc) but that's a good thing.

Oh, yeah... can't forget the marshmallows!

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 31 Jan 2008 09:06 AM

I know what you mean about watching where you walk. Beside the twigs, leaves, etc, we have a lot of deer scat. I am still getting my forest legs.

One thing I can do without is the ticks in the summer!

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 01 Feb 2008 08:06 AM

I don't like the ticks either. Yuck. But, you'll probably find more you can do without, especially in the summer. I've met "neighbors" over the years that I was unaware we had, from possum and some rather interesting looking spiders to skunks and snakes. Such things quickly taught this city girl to be very careful where I step and careful with anything I move in warm weather. ;o)

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 01 Feb 2008 09:01 AM

I am still trying to identify poison ivy Any tips?

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 04 Feb 2008 06:41 AM

That's a work in progress... I'll get back to ya. ;o)

My daughter sure has no trouble finding it! I'd prefer to find it before she does (since I don't have a reaction to it).

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 04 Feb 2008 07:14 AM

Be careful. I heard that you can develop a reaction over time if you are exposed to it enough. Of course, maybe you can tell me!