Standing my ground in the country

I guess some people might be a little confused about my choice to live surrounded by animal agriculture and rodeo cowboys when I'm dead set against using other animals for food, other products or entertainment. Actually, I don't have to guess because a few long time residents have outright told me that I don't belong here and/or made me feel quite unwelcome.

So why am I still here?

First of all, I get where the anger and resentment come from. Ranchers and rodeo cowboys played a huge part in building the west. It's indisputable. And yes, I understand that their livelihood is being threatened by changing times and changing ways. I even understand that for some, I represent those changes in human form. So naturally, I'm a great target for any hard feelings they may be harboring. But...

Folks, I'm not out to ruin anyone. I'm just a kind and loving person who wants all animals, human or otherwise to be happy and free and for the home we share (earth) to also be free from harm. I'm sure many ranchers and cowboys feel the same to some extent. I'm not here to make anyone feel bad. I'm not here to badmouth anyone or ruin anyone's business.

I grew up in the country, across the road from a dairy farm in upstate NY. My upbringing is country. I like wide open spaces, fresh air, bunnies in my yard and birds in the trees, just like all country people do. Train whistles and cricket chirps are on my list of the best things in life. And those big sky sunsets! Wow!

So, when my husband and I had the good fortune to be able to move here, after years of city living, I said, “Hell yes!” I never hesitated. And now that I'm here, I'm finding more and more reasons to love it.

The vast majority of people living out here are friendly and polite. We've been welcomed with open arms by kind hearts from many backgrounds with many different beliefs. Our differences don't pose an issue most of the time.

I've also discovered that there are more than a few people out here that share my beliefs. There are 3 Vegan sanctuaries and a few animal rescue operations. There are plenty of farms growing delicious organic produce. What's not to love?

There are no traffic jams or congestion. People wave as they pass you. Kids walk to their friends houses, play in their yards or ride around on their bikes without fear. There are no “seedy” areas of town to avoid.

I awaken each morning to a chorus of thousands of songbirds. The price of admission is a few handfuls of birdseed and a bowl of fresh water. I'm glad to pay it. I work peacefully on my little raised garden beds every day. I'm having fun plugging away on our fixer upper a little at a time. I'm in no hurry to have it done. It's all about the journey.

So, in the end, it's not so much about standing our ground as it is about loving what we stand for and choosing where to stand. We all have the right to live where we choose, regardless of our beliefs and lifestyles, or whether anyone else deems it a good fit. I'm standing my ground here in the country because it's where I most enjoy standing.