In search of silence

When I moved away from ND, I was ready! I needed a change in many different forms; scenery, atmosphere, temperature(!), societal views, availability of experience, well you get the point. I love WA and the changes that I have been able to make within myself because of this move. But, there are those times when I really miss certain aspects of ND; simplicity, community, a societal sense of motivation, and mostly, family.


Currently, I am in one of those times as the noise of my life is overwhelming me. My neighbors are having what they consider a yard sale (aka: a junk yard has been transported into my front yard and labeled with price tags), the kids are multiplying by the day to be left outside under the watchful care of their bikes and toys, the dogs are even multiplying and becoming more vocal (not my lovely Domino of course, he is actually cared for and not left to roam!), and the noise of police sirens are becoming more of a staple. As I type, I am listening to all of this with the oxymoronic sound of an ice cream truck directly outside of my window. There is a line of kids waiting to fork over money, can she not turn the monotonous high pitched music off now?!

Ever since I moved here, I have noticed that I crave silence. I started driving with the radio off, finding myself sitting on the couch doing absolutely nothing, and searching for secluded parks so that I can just sit. I need silence! I spent most of my childhood and adolescence living in the country of ND surrounded by fields. Sadly, I don't remember ever paying attention to the absence of noise. I took it for granted along with the lack of crime and news reports showcasing the local fair or a sale at the mall simply to fill the hour. I guess it is true that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

So, I have traded in my silence for opportunity, mild weather, and an open minded atmosphere. I still believe it is a good trade but am reminded of that sacrifice as I search for my silence. As I am researching the slow hours at the local park, finding a coffee shop that doesn't play music (not an easy task!), suffering through heat and stale air so that my windows can be closed, and writing nasty letters to my school library about the absurd noise that is allowed (that's a whole other rant that you don't want to get me started on!), I will miss my scarcely inhabited open spaces back home. Someday I will find my silence again.....