This post is a difficult one for me to write because it’s one that has been a long time coming. And forewarning, it’s going to be long. And rambling. So, I won’t take it personal if you decide to stop reading right here.
For a long time, I tried to deny my roots. I grew up in a small town in eastern North Carolina, and to be 100% honest, I had no idea about the real world until my freshman year in college. There weren’t great places to shop or eat. There wasn’t a lot to do on the weekends. I spent a lot of time on my grandparents’ farms growing up. My mom and dad both were children of farmers, and the first vehicle I learned to drive was a John Deere tractor.
And the day I left for college, I was the first in my dorm, and didn’t shed a tear when my parents left. Don’t get me wrong. I adore my parents and had a great childhood because of them. But I couldn’t wait to get out of my hometown. My parents still talk about how they knew I’d never come back there when they dropped me off at college and saw how excited I was to be in a bigger town. But every time I left college, I took the back roads instead of the highway. I have always had an appreciation for the farm scenery and it just seemed to calm me.
My parents don’t travel, and frankly, never have. So I’ve spent the past 10 years (time out:how has it been 10 years since I graduated from high school?) exploring and growing. But recently, my heart has been pulling me back to eastern North Carolina. And, frankly, I’m shocked. But I had a great childhood, and just really love the history and the farming communities. Unfortunately, Eastern North Carolina is literally drying up. They are closing schools. They can’t attract businesses. They can’t attract highly qualified teachers to the area. There is nothing there. My parents came up for our wedding on a Wednesday and when they returned Sunday, the only grocery store in a 30 minute area was closed. That was over a year ago.
I’ve posted stories here before about a sweet little story from a run right before our wedding. I’ve posted about Watson Brown’s Photography. I posted about my overnight trip with my buddy KP. And I kept hoping that my feelings would fade. But they’re stronger than ever these days. I know that it seems silly, but I have some plans. I can’t really reveal too much more, but my wheels have been seriously turning since August. Any positive thoughts, vibes, prayers, etc. you can throw my way would be great.
I’m going to finish with just a few more of my favorite Watson Brown images.
1. Gorgeous images. I can see why you miss it.
2. That wasn't ramble-y at all
3. Sending up some prayers for you. How's DG with all this?
I totally know how you're feeling! I left my hometown never thinking of going back, but when you have such a strong connection with a place it's hard to turn those feelings off!! I'm sure you and DG will make the right decisions for you guys! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Those images are beautiful! I think sometimes it's hard to deny what your heart is telling you. If you've given it time and thats where your heart is still telling you to go, then maybe it's worth exploring–doesnt mean you have to act on it, but just kinda let yourself explore and play with that idea. See where it takes you. Thinking of you!!
Thinking of you. I hope we can help Eastern, N.C. You may be the one to do it.
Those pictures are absolutely gorgeous. I completely understand how you're feeling. I almost never go back to my Florida hometown even when my parents still lived there. It's natural to miss a place that you have so much history with though. You guys just have to do what's best for you!
<3, Pamela
Sequins & Sea Breezes
Those photos are beautiful, and I mean those homes! WOW!!! Gorgeous. Good for you for taking action to do something in that community where you grew up too. I will pray for you and I know that you will do great things!! 🙂
I grew up in the same kind of place. Central Pennsylvania looks a little bit smaller every time I go back to visit.
I from a small town in ENC as well so I can relate to this on so many levels. My little community is full of rich history and old houses. The house my parents live in was built in 1853 and is right next to our church which used to be a school. Our house was the dorm for the teachers who taught there. I don't think you can really appreciate all that small towns have to offer until you leave. Can't wait to hear about what you have in the works!
Ahhh a piece of me in in Eastern NC even though I am born and bred Western NC. I spent many years there during college with friends I had made from points east. It is devastating how that area is in a way dying out. Coming from the Piedmont to Eastern NC was a bit of a culture shock, we have a lot and there it is so subdued. I appreciated it but wondered just how easy life could be when it seemed a bit backdated. I pray for a turn around to the diminishing towns. I look forward to hearing more of your plans.
Follow your heart! Can't wait to hear more about your plans.
Sending good thoughts your way. I think it's hard to ever really let go of a hometown – once you live somewhere for so long, and especially grow up there, it leaves a mark.
xo, Carly | carly blogs
I grew up in a similar town so I understand where you're coming from. Those houses are gorgeous!
It makes me so sad to see this! There are so many smaller areas in NC that are being left behind by the bigger areas where there is more opportunity. I can't wait to hear about your future plans — and we need coffee together soon!
x Sarah
http://www.bohochiccafe.com
I didn't grow up in NC but we vacationed there so it has a special place in my heart! I love those houses, so beautiful!
I'm from a small town too and it definitely had perks & drawbacks. If you feel like this is something really laying on your heart then I think you need to lean into that feeling and see where it leads you!
Kelsey
http://www.thepeacockroost.com
The countrysides have always appealed to me, the slower pace the sense of community. It is hard when business don't thrive because it makes it tough to survive but hopefully the town turns around. Wishing you the best with whatever you are going through or deciding.
My family was from a small farming town very similar to your hometown. It is truly heartbreaking to see farming communities shut down over time due to high prices and low demand. I know you will make the right choice when it comes to it.
I didn't grow up in a small town per say, more of a suburb, but definitely much smaller than Chicago where I live now. As soon as I left college, I knew I was never going back. Fast forward 8 years later and I've been feeling the same way. Nostalgic for home and wanting to live in the "small" again. Good luck with your decisions!
Nor rambly at all and almost shocking that no one wants to live there. I long for land for my kids to roam on and safe neighborhoods. Where we live is so full of people – I hate it. It's so great you had such an awesome childhood there – as a mom, that's the kind of upbringing if love for my kids. See that??? My comment was rambly, haha 😉 xoxo
So excited about your new adventures and love that you are staying true to your roots 🙂
I drive thru so many tiny towns on the way to my parents house in Swansboro, NC. I take the back roads through Burgaw, Elizabethtown, and countless other tiny towns. I think they are all beautiful, but it does make me sad. I often wonder "where do these people shop, where do children go to school". I didn't grow up in Swansboro, my parents retired there, so I don't have the same longing for Eastern NC that you do, its a different longing for me. I do however long for my hometown sometimes of Richmond, VA.