Sunday, March 17, 2013

Romance In The Countryside!




ROMANCE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE!


      Surrounded by corn and soybean fields, creeks and ponds, romance is alive and well in the countryside. One of the definitions of romance is: to court or woo. Most of us are quick to picture someone trying to win the heart of another. This morning, as I started my day with wide open spaces, sunshine and blue skies, I thought about romance from a different angle -- country living, for me, is a nonstop romance with the earth. I've been wooed by the sounds of bull frogs and the blooms of pumpkins, corn stalks and breathtaking sunsets.

     In recent years I've developed a fondness for gardening. While I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination, I learn something new every year; how to be kind to the soil to keep it healthy, what plants do better in our neck of the woods, organic pest control for crawling and hopping creatures, and so much more. My garden and I have a special relationship -- a love affair to be nurtured with time and patience. Watching the sunflowers reach for the sky and the watermelons ripen on the vine make me smile, but when my three lovely granddaughters wander through my garden and ask, 'Grandma, what's this?' it warms my heart.

     I would like to spout that I have country blood flowing through my veins as a result of a long lineage of farm folks, but I can't make that claim. No, I grew up in town but I think I've always had the heart of a country girl. In 1978, my husband and I moved to the outskirts of town, and with each passing day my affection for the rural community grows.

     When the miracle of the seasons change and I am surrounded by inches of snow, I spend my time at the computer writing contemporary romance. But I long for the return of warm days so I can open my windows to let in the freshness known only to those of us living in the country and to renew my romance with an amazing plot of ground that has my heart.





      I write contemporary romance with sharp, witty characters who give as good as they get. If you would like to follow my writing journey or check out my books:

Website: www.authorjanromes.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanRomes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jan.romes.5

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Jan-Romes/e/B005OMZICY/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
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8 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 17, 2013 at 3:29 PM

    I know exactly what you mean. There is something soothing and some say healing about working with the soil. The good thing is even in the city one can have container gardens.

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    1. Jan RomesMarch 17, 2013 at 4:17 PM

      Thanks, Onisha :-)) Working in my veggie garden or flower garden is very calming! And you're so right, the awesomeness of gardening isn't exclusive to the countryside. Those living in the city can have wonderful container gardens and hanging plants!

      Thanks for popping in & leaving a comment! Made my day :-))

      Have a great week!

      Jan

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  2. UnknownMarch 17, 2013 at 4:30 PM

    I know what you mean as well. Tending to plants is calming and rewarding. I started growing herbs & tomatoes in my backyard last year. Now I have a lovely patio with tomatoes growing on the edge, a convenient rack for my basil, rosemary, chives, parsley, & lavender. I still need to plant my oregano seeds. I even bought a baby lemon tree last week.

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    1. Jan RomesMarch 17, 2013 at 6:04 PM

      Rebekah, sounds like a great garden! I love fresh herbs. :-) I've tried to grow mint from seed (three times) but was unsuccessful. So I finally bought a mint plant. We'll see if it takes off this year. I've been told that if it does, it has a tendency to take over. I'll have the best smelling garden around if it does!! lol! Are your lavender plants highly fragrant? The lemon tree sounds great. I hope you'll let me know how it does.

      Thanks so much for popping in, Rebekah, and for sharing info about your garden!

      Have a great week!

      Jan

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  3. Diane J. ReedMarch 19, 2013 at 1:52 PM

    I'm with you, Jan—the countryside is so romantic to me! Every time I'm surrounded by nature, I feel energized & my senses just come alive. I love your photos, and like you, I can't wait for the weather to be warm enough to open my windows again & let all that freshness in!

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    1. Jan RomesMarch 20, 2013 at 6:23 PM

      Hi Diane! I've been very lucky to have grown up in town and now living in the country. There are amazing things about both. I like the convenience of living in town, but I like the openness of living in the country. We have a pond in our back yard and it's great to sit by to read. Sometimes we have a campfire there with friends.

      Thanks so much for popping in and sharing your thoughts, Diane. Greatly appreciated :-))

      Hugs,

      Jan

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  4. Nancy Lee BadgerApril 8, 2013 at 3:14 PM

    Here in North Carolina, we had one snowstorm. Today it hit 80 degrees. I ALMOST miss the snow in New England, but not the shoveling and slippery roads. The flowers are peeking at me. Love it!

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  5. Jan RomesApril 9, 2013 at 12:33 PM

    Hi Nancy! Hopefully no more snow in Ohio until next winter! Today, it's in the low 80's and breezy!! Loving it! :-)) I've not been to New England but it's on my bucket list of places to visit. Have a lovely spring, Nancy! And thanks so much for popping into my blog!! Hugs, Jan

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