[Wondergirl]

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Have you ever wondered about moving to the country but thought you never could like it because there is so much to miss in the city?

Well, I'm here to tell you that it can be one of the greatest experiences of a lifetime. There really is a small town attitude that can't be bought or packaged. People connect on a real basis. Having grown up and lived in a major metropolitan area for most of my adult life, I needed a change. The move wasn't just across town or across the state but several states away.

Moving to a rural area and being accepted by local people, as well as adjusting to the new attitude, took quite a bit of adjusting. Living in a land of historic value and seeing the places that before were only words in a history book have enriched my life tenfold. I listen to the old timers who are generations deep tell stories of the past and welcome me with an open attitude as I share stories with them and explain that I'm not from around here. ;)

Truth be told, there are things that you can miss that are/were part of the big city flavor. If you like to eat as I do (something I do daily) you might miss some of your hometown favorites. But living in a small town world you learn to appreciate what you have around you.

The hustle and bustle of big city life

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melts away to a more relaxed attitude

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and you actually learn to smile more. Best of all is the genuine sense of community. It's not about strangers but about friends you haven't yet met.

Pride in the land is another part of the small town world. From it grows the seeds of respect and tradition that make this country what it is today. For that experience, I'm eternally grateful to those I encounter on a daily basis. So if you're thinking about stepping back in time and willing to let go of a few things (like Chinese delivery and crowds),

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then seek out the simple life of a small town world

and see what the plans are for the next town picnic.

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