There is something so magical for me in watching my kids pop on their skis and head off across the expanse beyond our driveway.
The became colored dots on the white and then disappeared from sight, their laughter still carrying across the pasture.
When they came back their wool mittens were caked with snow, their cheeks were rosy, and they carried weathered deer bones in their pockets and stories of mallards in the stream.
I could hardly look away as they disappeared into the woods. Not out of worry but out of joy and amazement.
I’m so happy you’ve found “your place”. (just to keep it real…I’m also human & am undeniably jealous!)
Thanks for the raw honesty, Marissa. I get it and appreciate you saying so. It was a long journey here. x
Wow…your kids are going to thank you one day for giving them such an appreciation for the outdoors. Well done lady.
–Cassandra
Oh gosh. That would be pure heaven for me to see my little one do that. She is the only child at home and I wish that she had a goof friend to play with and a safe exciting place to go. We have to move for my husband’s job and I am putting it out to the Universe that she finds at least one friend. Boy or girl, no matter.
oh love this! This is the kind of childhood I had- have they read Ski for Your Mountain? I don’t know if it is still in print- but as a young girl who cross country skied a lot it was one of my favourites! We decided to introduce our kiddos to snow shoeing this year- so much fun!
Love this!!!!
A rocky road it was, and how fortunate you all are now (and I’m sure you know it!). In my mind I heard my little boys as I read that you heard your littles across the pasture. Peace.
Wonderful, I had you and this in mind today, as my son told me he just wanted to walk away by himself today in a park we went to. And how hard is for me to allow it in a enviromment I don’t feel safe.
Wow. When did we lose that ability to let them go explore? I think of my kiddo doing that and my heart palpitates. Of course he’s not yet 3, we don’t live anywhere remotely like your farm and I tend to be on the cautious side with my first and only, but still, I WISH I could do these things with him. Someday maybe. When we find our place too. For right now, letting him out in the yard (with the dog, 6 foot tall fences and locked gate) is what I can offer.
I grew up wandering, fort building and dam making….not sure when I became so afraid.
Well, I have to ask what Sage is trailing behind him because…..
Lately, we have been cross country skiing quite a bit, and our ds has been trailing a plastic bin behind him that carries an old 5.25″ disc drive storage box. Within that box, his beloved stuffed goose is ensconced in a hand-knit scarf. DS is so pleased that he is able to keep her warm and dry with this new “sledding” arrangement. Previous attempts were not so successful.
Oh, I also wanted to say congratulations on finding and now living in such a beautiful and fitting location for you and your family.
We’ll look into the book. Thanks for the suggestion!
I grew up the same way. Most folks don’t feel safe anymore with that scope of freedom. I know that in a different place I would not as well.
That’s adorable, Beth! Sage is pulling a quilt and a picnic in a sled. They were headed to the “magic spring” for lunch in the snow.
Oh, how sweet!