Blooming Where I am Planted

I grew up in Southern California where I learned how to body surf, eat granola and wear flip flops. I worked at Disneyland. Yes, I have blonde hair. (And It continues with age, thanks to my hairdresser, Andrea). My family still lives there, and I yearn for them and the ocean daily. But staying there just wasn’t in the cards.

I was “planted” in Ohio several years ago. Now, not being very good at geography in school (that and math were not my #1 choices), I wasn’t even sure where I was moving. They call it the “mid-west”, but if you look at a map, it’s kind of at the north eastern southern part of the country.

What I did know that instead of earthquake drills I’d have tornado sirens. I had heard the tomatoes were incredible and that there was lots of sweet corn. I was told there were tons of beautiful big trees and lots of wildflowers. No ocean, but lots of lakes and rivers.

Snow. Snow? I had to buy earmuffs and cute coats and matching mittens. I had to learn to scrape my windshield. My dog had to wear a sweater. Moving to Ohio was quite a culture and weather shock.

What I didn’t know was that I’d find home. So many people ask me: “What is a California girl doing in Ohio?” Well, here is my answer:

I am living – truly living. I have chosen to bloom where I was planted. I have found my true love and soul mate. I have the best friends ever. I live in a house that has the most peaceful view of the woods. I embrace and enjoy the change of the seasons. I have my children and soon to be 3 grandchildren. I don’t have traffic. I have great farmers markets and talented artisans living near me. I have my favorite restaurants and wine bars. I know some of the coolest people in the world. I get to go to great concerts and outdoor events. I can build a snowman….or watch my granddaughter do it and cheer her on. I can canoe on the river and bike alongside it. I can drive a short distance to snow ski or boat on one of the great lakes. I am not far from the east coast and am within driving distance to some of the most beautiful places in the country. Ah, maybe that’s what they meant by “middle America”.

Being an Ohio transplant has been a journey…but a joyful one at that. I guess you could say my heart is split; part in Ohio and part back in California, where my family and childhood memories reside.

I’ve learned to discover the richness of where I am planted. I’ve learned to have an open mind and learn about the people and the culture. I’ve learned to embrace my own inner California style, while living where there is no ocean.

The melting pot of my life just continues to evolve. I’ve created my own “garden” where I will continue to grow and bloom and thrive…and at times throw around some fertilizer for good measure!