The Long-Cut Home

Today I took the long-cut home, which is something I love to do when I want to clear my head.  I've been so busy with some projects lately that I needed a little break.  When the boys are in the car, the second I take a left, instead of a right, I can hear the boys quietly moan to each other from the backseat, "She's taking the long-cut" (as opposed to the short-cut).  It's torture for them - that extra 5 minutes.  But I was alone and the long-cut sounded just right.

 

I needed to gulp in Autumn because it's beautiful and will be gone before I know it....

This morning is crisp and sunny and makes me happy....

I'm so happy to be here....

 

surrounded by the places and people that I love....

and getting to do what I do.  And when I'm so busy - plugging away on projects that mean the world to me, well, sometimes it feels like I'm taking the long way, even when I can see exactly where I need to go....

but the short way isn't always the right way, even if it's easier.  I'm taking my time - because these things need to be just right....

because in the end, I want to be happy with what I've created, where I've been....

 

and where I'm going.

 

I know that I'm blessed with a happy and simple life and on this morning, when I make my way to our new property, I'm feeling thankful.  And when I take in the view from the spot where my new home office will sit, I can see that everything is just right.

Comments

[Jennifer]

You're right, sometimes the long way is much, much better. What a beautiful view you have. I can't wait until we move out on the 40 acres we bought, you must be thrilled with where you are going, what a gorgeous area surrounding you.

[Jodi]

Can I come live there? ;o) Simply Awesome post.

[Floss]

These are beautiful photos, and I can see how they can be a very restful and refreshing route.

[Heather Janssen]

It's like the slow food movement.
You are savoring the flavors of your life!
What a great reminder for all of us, too.

[Lacey Jo]

WOW what beautiful scenery!!!

[Lindsay Terry]

I need to take a long-cut today. Thanks for reminding me!

[sharron]

Sure is a pretty spot!!
You are Blessed!

[kasey]

I really need to take the long cut home more often.
you hit it right on the head with this post.
beautiful pics.
xo

[Tami B.]

What a thoughtful & genuine post! Really love the pics...you are surrounded by beauty.

[Kimberly]

I like a long-cut once in a while myself - it is a wonderful time for thinking, and putting things into perspective. Nice post.

[Jackie]

With all that beauty around, I'd take the long cut LOTS!! Perfect autumn pictures and lovely words to match!

[studio sister lisa]

Like a nice deep breath to blow out the cobwebs...Take your time...we will wait.
Lisa of Salvage Studio

[Kris Grover]

What a beautiful long cut!!!

[Brenda@Coffeeteabooksandme]

This post gave me such a smile.

We, too, have two routes to our home in the country. The one we take most of the time is the direct route.

However, when I am alone (without my husband or teenage son), I often choose what we call "the scenic route".

It only adds about five minutes and it is so gorgeous, with barns, and fields of corn, and horses, and sheep... just lovely.

I wonder what they are using that extra five minutes for? TV? :)

[Alice]

A lovely 'long cut'. I just love barns, and make a point to take photos when we travel. I hear old barns are becoming extinct, which makes me sad. Replaced by cold metal buildings with no life or personality.

[kelly thomas]

love it love it.
scenic drives are where we get inspired and balance our minds. great photos
kelly(simplyworn.etsy)

[ellie at Joy Happens]

This month I have committed to finding a new blog every day...to experience someone else's life in some small part.
How lucky I am to have found you and your blogs. I am a huge fan of the long way and I must say that as I have watched the moon become full this month, that I have been called to the long way. The quiet way. The appreciation way.
Thank you for this amazing snippet of your life. I am not at all surprised that your name is Serena. Perfection.
in joy, ellie

[heididevlin]

HI Serena, Thank you for these lovely photos of "home"!....Enjoy this beautiful November!....Your friend, Heidi XO

[ellie at Joy Happens]

Hi again, Serena!
You may already know that this month is NaBloPoMo. National Blog Posting Month. Each day I am discovering a new blog and today when I found yours, I was inspired to feature the blog that I discovered that day. Today is you and how I was touched my your Long Cut Home. Thought you would like to know!

[JenR]

I love the long cut too Serena. I laughed when I read your boys reactions... I get the same one when I pull into Hobby Lobby.

[cindi]

What a beautiful alternative to the "short-cut." You are blessed and thanks for reminding me that sometimes slower is ok.

[A Sort Of Fairy Tale]

such delightful and serene photos! i long to get out of the city and to the countryside now...

[Julie Harward]

I hear you and I KNOW what you mean. Where you will build is really beautiful...I"M SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! Come say hi :D

[Florence Muma]

It is nice to take the long cut route, it does clear our heads and allow us to become more focused. Thanks for sharing. Florence

[Jen@thecottagenest]

Wow. I can certainly see why you'd feel pulled to take the long cut. It's gorgeous. I would love to look at that everyday.

[Blond Duck]

I just found your blog and site and love it! How inspiring!

[Brenda M]

I am a country girl stuck in the city life. I so very much needed to see your blog today. Thank you so much for that breath of fresh air. Autumn is my most favorite season and what better scenery than country barns. Today is cloudy and rainy in Portland, but you brought sunshine to my day. Thank you.

[the wild raspberry]

wow....i did a post very much like this today.
isn't it amazing what we will find when we take the time to slow down?
your country side photos are breathtaking.
big hugs~
chasity

[E.B. Finds]

Wonderful post. I am surrounded by similar beauty here in western NY. We live smack in the middle of a wine making country and a large Mennonite farming community. Well maintained and productive farms are all around us and the seasonal changes are gorgeous to observe. Country living was a chosen lifestyle for us, and one that we are grateful for each day.

[Monica]

I love your long-cut! I think I would take it every single day.

[Julie Campbell]

What a beautiful post, Serena! I know what you mean...thanks for sharing images of your beautiful area and future home--looks all autumny and dreamy!

[an encourager]

The long-cut!!! Love it! My dad was the long-cut King. My mom would roll her eyes and cross her arms, but we kids would whoop and holler in the backseat, because we were going on a looooooong ride into unknown territories! To this day, I still take the long-cuts and see what I can see, see, see! :)

[Janean]

Yay, barns!!!!! We take the long way home a lot of times to just relax and enjoy the view. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[April]

Thank you for taking us on the long cut with you today! I have been longing for views of the countryside and your photos took me there and brought me closer to my home. You have blessed my soul.

[bettyann]

I used to take "adventures" with the kids..they just called them getting lost.. love barns..hope you get a barn on your new property..thanks for the tour..

[Diane ~ The Library Lady]

I love your "long cut". I'm suddenly feeling very calm. Thanks.

Diane
The Library Lady
"Take surprise and delight in the little things"

[Timi]

Great post!
On my last trip to the Spokane area I drove in that same area. I had never been there before. The entire way Donna and I kept saying............WOW this is really beautiful out here.
Great pictures!

[jeanne]

One of my favorite posts you have ever written. Love it my friend!!!

[victorian inn bed and breakfast]

This is really a place where one could live peacefully with his small family.A place of real blessings and satisfaction where no worries come around and relaxation and contentment is found every where.

[denise jones]

is that ford falcon in the pic with the barn. i would sit there forever!

[Grace~katmom~Brown]

Wohooo! Green Bluff....I love taking the "Long Cut" as you say...that's when I find the best places.....

[Diane {createdbydiane.blogspot.com}]

Oh I love reed barns, wish I could find a nice long cut like yours! You've inspired me to try, but where I live has become overpopulated with tract homes I may be searching for a while. I really just typed "tract homes", wow I'm a long way form where I used to be. Love your blog just found it and am enjoying looking around.
I will be following you on twitter for sure. I'm yesidohair

[Pamela Susan]

Omigoodness...absolutely gorgeous! Where is Mead?? I live in Longview...I'm off to look it up. :)