Can You Be Both A City Girl And A Country Girl?

I have lived in a big city for most of my life. In fact, in one of the biggest cities in the world, Mexico City. After full 19 years living there, my first move was to another big city, London. I love the city; I love city activities like going to the theater, walking around downtown, going in and out of shops, dining, museums, coffee shops, concerts, festivals…

The irony of it is that I am an introvert, whom is usually characterized by hating crowds and noise and preferring peace and quiet. 

I do love my peace and quiet, I get upset when my personal space is invaded and I usually prefer staying at home, having a glass of wine and watching a movie than going to a party. The paradox here comes from being an introvert and growing up in the city.

I will never want to go to a party full of strangers, but I will happily go party with close friends. Socializing in Mexico City is big part of the culture. People don’t go out to eat for the food (that’s just an awesome bonus), people go out to eat to socialize and get caught up with friends and family’s lives. Drinking and laughter included.

So, as an introverted city girl, I also love being at nature, and flowers and trees and gardens and mountains. During my last 7 months of residing in the Pacific Northwest for the first time in my life, I have enjoyed it tremendously. I am still astounded by the beauty as I drive a short distance to volunteer at the animal shelter or to the grocery store. The flora here in Oregon is overflowing. There are all kinds of flowers and trees, everything is colorful and green, and on a clear day you can see the snowy mountains afar. It’s just a heavenly realistic painting; music to my eyes.

I have always loved visiting botanical gardens like the ones in Victoria, B.C. and parks like Hyde Park in London. Flowers and greenery truly make my heart smile.

Even though I enjoy city living, I feel a country life would suit the introvert in me. I had a taste of it when we used to have a family-owned ranch outside of the city in Mexico for most of my childhood. As an adult now, I feel I would enjoy working on outdoor activities opposite to those of a city life including gardening, having campfires, fishing (hanging out in a boat, while someone else does the fishing), painting outside, horseback riding, etc. Having a simple life is very appealing to me.

I have never had the opportunity to plant a garden since I have lived in an apartment in the city most of the time and if it’s not that, I am always moving. Since 2008 I haven’t lived in the same place for more than a year; but for many years, I’ve always wanted to start a garden. I feel like it would be the perfect activity for me. It would allow me to get off my chair, leave the computer and soak in some needed vitamin D and enjoy a relaxing and peaceful time caring and growing plants, flowers and vegetables. As a Taurus, the sign ruled by Venus, the Goddess of Love, Beauty and Pleasure, we tend to love all things pretty, and flora definitely comes in this category.

It seems though, like I might finally have the opportunity quite soon to fulfill this small dream of creating a garden. I will keep you posted on the news.

[IBQ Writing Prompt: Garden]