City lights got nothin' on country nights.

I used to be a city girl, that is until my family moved into the country about five years ago. Believe it or not, it is so much better out there (although I might be a little biased). Living the country life helps you appreciate some the simpler things. I would like to share with you some of the many perks of living in the country:

1. Have you ever seen the sky at night without all the city lights?

Let me tell you, it is absolutely breathtaking. You'd never believe the number of stars that are actually in the sky when you don’t have the interference of the city lights in the background. I'd actually find it a bit ridiculous if you wouldn't take the time to just lie on a blanket at night looking up at the stars in the country. Not to mention the sunrise and sunsets in the country….they are simply amazing. There really isn’t a comparison.

2. There are no rules.

You want to shoot guns off your back porch? Well, you can. You want to own 100 cats and 20 dogs? Well, you can. You want to mow the lawn in your underwear? Well, you can. With the abundance of privacy everything is pretty much free reign out there.

3. Country communities are a lot closer than city dwellings.

You may have fewer neighbors in the country, but you generally know more about them than if you lived in the city. Since there are less of them in the country community you actually get to know them better. People in the country really are friendlier and more connected.

4. One question: Who doesn't love barn dances?

You may not be a fan of dancing in general, but you can't dislike the atmosphere of a barn dance. There's nothing like putting on your cowboy boots and a cowboy hat and dancing to some country music to put you in a good mood. No party is better than a barn party.

5. There's no better place to raise animals.

Are you an animal lover? I don't know who isn't, but with all the additional open space in the country it's perfect to raise animals. They can run around and enjoy themselves while you enjoy their loving company.

6. You can actually enjoy some peace and quiet.

It's crazy how much life seems to slow down in the country and how much more relaxing and stress free it is. You can go out and sit on your back porch and read a book without being distracted by the sounds of traffic or screaming kids running around the neighborhood. It's true peace and quiet. I can’t forget to point out that falling asleep at night is a lot easier without the city lights and there is nothing like waking up to the singing of birds rather than by the noises of the city. As we all are well aware, life moves pretty fast. Slow down….if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. what country is.

It's something that can't be bought, it's what you're born with, it just comes naturally. It's what country is.