On this day four years ago, I arrived back home again, in Indiaaaaana!
Video for those of you who don’t get the reference…
It was a long journey, and a long-awaited one. You can read about it here.
If you’ve been with me since Georgia, thank you.
I believe in quotes like, “Bloom where you’re planted” and “No matter where you go, there you are” but I also believe for me, climate and landscape are crucial to my well-being. I don’t want to say I need four seasons, but it’s a feeling similar to need, and when I didn’t have it, I pined for it.
The crunch of snow underfoot, the damp richness of dark soil under green grass, a cool breeze carrying cottonwood, FALL FUCKING FOLIAGE.
I reckon there are a number of people who can live anywhere and thrive. I am not one of those people. Even as a youngster, I could only imagine being happy in a place like home. You do this, yeah? You travel, and you say, “It’s nice for a while, but I wouldn’t wanna live here,” right?
But what if you looked at a place and said, “Ick!” and had to stay there for seven years? Would it render you desolate? Would it break you? Would it make you stronger?
If there’s anything I pine for more than my native landscape, it’s The Mister. And so I stayed.
I still thank God I’m home, every single day, often multiple times a day. I’m sure people are sick of my goin on about it — but remember that — when people tell you somethin over and over, it’s because it’s important to them.
I still shed tears of gratitude. I will never forget how I felt as I crossed into Kentucky and smelled the wet grass and the wild onion. Home. Oh, Home. I cried so many times that day. My place, my people, my relief, my happiness. Cry tears of joy with me now? It’s a beautiful thing.
It’s good to be home.
I am never homesick now.
joeyfullystated 
And what a wonderful feeling that must be.
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It is ❤
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Great pictures! So much loveliness to look at. I totally get it. I’ve only ever lived in one state and it’s one that has all four seasons. I would never want to leave it, nor have I had any reason to, thank goodness.
I’m happy you’re happy. I hope you have many many wonderful years of “home”.
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Thank you ❤
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I love your quotes but even more that you’re happy now and there. One more month and I’ll have my own 4th anniversary, just that I went in the opposite direction, away from home, only to land in another. Helps that it’s Tuscany. 😀
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Thank you 🙂 I imagine you did not say Ick to Tuscany 😉
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😀
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The part of Nevada I grew up in only had two seasons, too hot and too cold. The Boise area provides a nice sample of all four seasons and I love it. I get what you’re saying.
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I’m so glad you’ve found a nicer niche. Thank you.
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I’m glad you’re happy where you are!! 🙂
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Thank you!
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It is good to be in a place that creates that kind of response. I do prefer multiple seasons. The visual change that also brings the about other changes that other senses recognize and triggers happiness and a sense of belonging.
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❤
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I am so glad you got what you need, at home in Indianapolis, Joey. Four seasons are a great thing, though I am a bit tired of winter in greater Syracuse today.
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Yes, I can imagine today is not the best day you’ve had at Bitty Better
The pictures were lovely, though.
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More snow photos to come tomorrow, Joey. I will share my pain. And the beauty.
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❤
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So glad that you got to come back home! 🙂
I found it interesting that in the book I’m reading, a study was done on how the natural elements of our childhood environment imprint themselves on us. In that study 73% who grew up on the coast, later settled in a coastal area and 63% who grew up among forests settled in a similar landscape (I would think certain seasonal elements would come into play with these landscapes).
I did show this to the hubby to explain that my coastal love is imprinted on me. 😉
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That makes perfect sense to me, although I am a lil surprised at such high percentages. I definitely belong in rolling green hills/ forest, but I’m fortunate about half of our country has that 🙂
Sometimes in Georgia, when I was stupid hot and red, I’d think, It could be worse, could be the desert… no green at all… Sometimes it comforted me.
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Oh, I so get this one. We moved 2000 miles away from home right after the wedding. I whined about it for 4 years. It took another 20 years to make our way back to PA., but it was worth the wait. Four seasons always suited me best. Glad you are happily home, Joey.
p.s. That video…Gomer P. was not a southerner ??? Who knew.
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My MIL had a similar experience the day after she wed, maybe two days, but it was quick. She hated every minute of it.
I am glad you got home too ❤ It IS worth the wait.
Jim Nabors wasn't a Hoosier. I don't know where he was from, but someplace southern, absolutely.
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Grinning from ear-to-ear, reading this.
I know the feeling of “ick” – communities/towns/states have personalities – sometimes, you hold your nose as you pass through. Sometimes you get an instant feeling of recognition and yearning.
Our environment compliments or competes with our souls.
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By the way, I read the linked post about the move back home. Couldn’t leave comments there. Yes, you are fucking fabulous.
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Thank you 😀
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I agree. I’ve been plenty of places I thought I’d be happy to live in, but there’s always that rolling hills / forest component.
I appreciate your grin 😀
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Yep. There’s no place like home. Your photos are beautiful. I’m getting used to living near the ocean, but I do miss snow.
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I DO love the ocean, and when we lived in Georgia, I went to the beach quite a bit. I don’t love the ocean like I love snow. You can always take a trip to the snow, like we take trips to the beach ❤
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❤
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Such sweetness in your words. I could never be sick of your “going on about it”. Even a jaded old fool as I knows the pangs of longing and remembrance. So just be happy and cry if you want.
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Thank you.
I did cry. I cried most of the time I wrote it. My cup runneth over ❤
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Yep. That landscape, those smells, the size of the trees, the shape of the hills — it takes your breath away when you’ve been deprived of it and come to it again. I’m one of those who can thrive anywhere, but I’m with Dorothy Gayle: There’s no place like home.
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Your comment made me think of an essay I read once, like some sorta ode to the Midwest. I thought it was Linda Ellerbee, but I can’t find it, so maybe not… but you could bend my ear with such sentiments anytime.
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Your home looks beautiful Joey. As much as I moan about the weather ( Well I am British), I do love having 4 seasons! 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
I’ve been told complaining about the weather is a requirement for British citizens.
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Oh yes, that and drinking tea! 🙂
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I understand the feeling, though where I want to go is Southern California, where I was born.
Mexico City was similar – sunny days, good weather so much of the time you take it for granted – but even though my sisters and mother all live there, it is too congested, too high, and way too crowded for me. Southern California will do for my retirement. It’s home.
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I have a friend who lives in Mexico City and loves it, but I must agree with you, it does seem crowded. Some of her traffic photos appall me! lol
I hope you get back home for retirement. Returning to where one’s born seems natural for some people. It’s good to have a place you know you’ll love.
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Well, you sure did give me a lump in my throat, and wet my eyes! I feel your joy all the way over here in Cali!
I get it. There’s a quote by Bilbo Baggins from the Hobbit I say or paraphrase each time I arrive at the top of the hill looking down on the valley, or see the city lights when flying in when I’m on my way home.
It goes something like this, Gandaff and Bilbo Baggins are on a hill overlooking the Shire after their adventure with the Ring. Bilbo says, ” But our back is to legends, and we are coming home.”
I love to travel, but I’m so happy to see the valley knowing I’m home! 🙂
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I knew SOMEONE would tear up with me, thank you!
I think that’s a great tradition, your quote. I experience a similar feeling when we come in from out of town and drive through 70 around the skyline. Home includes my skyline 🙂
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From the two hills that I can see the valley when coming home are when driving along I680 to the North and HWY17 or it might be I880 around that point I’m not sure to the south. It’ll be HWY 17 to me for evah! 🙂
There weren’t nearly as many lights when I was a girl of 10, but I’ll never forget coming over the hill when we were moving here with a rental moving truck, and our single family car. My Dad said, “Deborah, look! Look at the lights! You’re going to love it here.” He knew I was a city gal. 🙂
And I did love it for a long, long time. This was the first place since my Dad retired from the Marine’s that we stayed! I actually put down roots.
40+ years on do I still love it here? Not so much. It’s grown so much. The orchards are gone, the fields of flowers are gone. Traffic is a mess, city and state politics are driving me crazy, and though I’m craving something with less than 1.dot dot dot million people by about 900,000. This valley is home. My children are in this state so it’s going to be hard to leave, but we’re looking outside this state for a home and state to retire in. We’ll see how it all unfolds.
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New opportunities are exciting! I’m a city girl, too. I hope you find a great place to retire.
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A very heartwarming post 😀
I can understand a willingness to uproot for love, and that’s about the only thing that would make me do it. As much as this place drives me nuts some times I couldn’t imaging myself living in a place else. So far I’ve been lucky enough to not have to.
Home is where the heart is and yours is obviously where it needs to be now, so keep celebrating that as long and as loud as you want 🙂
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Thank you, Norm. I’m glad you share my sentiment and won’t tire of my celebration. There are places to VISIT, and there are places to LIVE.
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Your photo montage is beautiful. I’m glad that you ended up where you wanted to be and that you know how lucky you are. It’s good to have a sense of belonging. Enjoy it for all it’s worth.
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Thank you, Ally Bean. I do so enjoy it 😀
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Welcome home (times 4). I think I might be caught up, for the moment. The crazy schedule won’t end until Friday. I love this photo ot the critters all stacked up for travel.
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Thanks! My crazy schedule ends Saturday afternoon. I really appreciate your efforts 🙂
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Such pretty photos, Joey. I love that you are passionate about being in Indiana with your family. It’s a special place. What’s that saying? “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take Indiana out of the girl!” Right?
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Somethin like that. Thanks so much, Mary. I am definitely passionate about this landscape and appreciate your support 🙂
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I’ve lived in US for 40 year, 37 years in southern CA. That’s longer than my original home, Hong Kong. I feel CA is my home. We’ve traveled to so many countries and states, but I always look forward to coming home. I’ve been to Indianapolis once for a conference, so it’s nice to see all of your beautiful home photos!
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I can appreciate that! I think sometimes home is a found place, not an original. Sometimes it’s just meant to be! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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You’re welcome. I enjoy reading your post! *¨*•♥•*¨*
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Glad you made it home, Joey, Indiana sounds so much nicer than Georgia (or the rest of the deep south).
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Thank you 🙂 For me, it sure is.
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I love your love of Home. I am so happy for you to be where you belong! Hello, Joey, looking swell, Joey. . . (“Hello, Dolly!” music) xo
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😀 Thanks, Robin!
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Well no wonder you are happy to be home again! What a beautiful place😄
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😀 I’m glad you think so, too!
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I love this Joey! ❤
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Thank you, I love your loving it 🙂
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Fabulous photos, welcome home.
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Totally know what you’re saying. I moved to Arizona from Iowa. Our four seasons here are summer, hot summer, cool summer and what happened to winter. The desert is nice if you like twelve months of it. Have fun in your new digs.
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Thanks! 🙂
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