Green in Orange

We are moving to Orange County. I feel like a pioneer, venturing forth from San Francisco, the territory ahead uncharted. Will we have to build our own compost bin if the city doesn’t collect food scraps? Will the neighborhood association let us keep a chicken coop? How far will we have to bike to find wild places for the kids to get muddy? Can Colorado River water compare to that of the Tuolumne? There are answers to these questions. But the one that burns: will there be room there for all of me?

I’m looking for the green in Orange. Excited for that adventure. At the same time, I’m standing like the new girl at the edge of the playground, tracing a circle with the toe of my shoe. Will there be a place for me?