Some people dream of living in the city's core, being part of the hustle and bustle of daily life. Me, on the other hand? I will gladly take 10+ acres of land out in the country. It's been a dream of mine for years to grow my own food and live off the land as much as possible. Essentially, living off the grid. Except for a few modern privileges, like internet access.  My passion for a simpler life comes from my grandparents. Both my mother's and my father's parents grew up in Italy for their young adult lives and learned to tend the soil in order to bear its fruits. I remember being amazed at the size of the zucchini, cucumbers and tomatoes that my dad's dad grew. And I remember shelling beans and picking grapes with my mom's dad. But the work didn't stop there. My grandmothers would take the produce that my grandfathers grew and prepare each food in the kitchen for all of us to feast on. Seeing the process first hand and watching each stage of seed, sow, harvest was fascinating to me. And although my grandparents have all passed, I really do feel so connected to them when I spend time in the garden.  I may not grow fruits that are as big as the ones they grew, and I may not have the success at growing from seed as they did. But I feel truly at peace and connected to the Earth, to my loved ones, and to God when I simply slow down, plant a seed, and watch it grow.  I encourage you this upcoming spring and summer to make a conscious effort to slow down and connect to your environment.