Ten Things I Did Not Know I Would Love About Chicago
The sailboats ambling by the end of our road The distant rumble of trains reminding me of the hurtling city a few miles down of the line Drag Performance Debates The big yellow school bus that stops on our leafy street The sunpatch-cum-mini-patio at the top of our fire escape The inspiring homeless guy … Continue reading
One Year
One year ago, we took a one-way trip to America. Since leaving Heathrow that morning we’ve been rather busy. We’ve clocked 15,000 miles by car, plane, bus, train, boat, bicycle and ferry. We’ve visited 5 states and 19 North American cities (not including driving through dozens if not hundreds of one-stop-light towns and villages). On … Continue reading
Hello, world
Once a month I have a night or two of insomnia. Despite a double-dose of painkillers my aches crunch on, dulled but unabated, and so I am left to ponder the world in a quietude all my own. I’ve come to enjoy the peaceful time, the botherings aside, and consider it a small space where … Continue reading
Not all who wander are lost
Last week my dad invited me to see his friend’s rock band. I had no idea what to expect (other than, I kidded to myself, some middle-aged people acting like high schoolers). I certainly didn’t expect what found. ~~~ It’s a hot sticky night, humid and blazing even at 6pm. We … Continue reading
Midsummer Americana
I have the luxury of my mother’s rusty old Schwinn bicycle to relish these summer evenings. And what a luxury it is. The light lingers long and orange on trees so green they could burst. The neighborhoods are filled with a floral perfume, like lilac but not so saccharine. The streets echo softly with children’s … Continue reading
Getting into Focus
Almost one year ago we boxed up our lives in Edinburgh and hopped on this crazy merry-go-round. We’ve been in four countries, five states, a few dozen cities, and traveled tens of thousands of miles since. As this transitional year wraps-up (she says with a knowing hubris) I’ve been dwelling on little blessings, like my … Continue reading
The Broad Art Museum
I can be a total snob. I don’t mean to, and rarely is it malicious, but my judgmental streak pops out sometimes when I lease expect it. My prejudices must delight in surprising me. They are so damn good at it. ~ Yesterday, Bean and I went to the gallery. We used to do such … Continue reading
Even the light here is different
There are many things I knew would change when we moved to America. Our language would be odd [use the phrase “he threw his toys out’ the pram” and just watch their befuddled faces], our routines unconventional. I fully expected a warehouse-sized grocery store and a wild goose chase or two when I craved the … Continue reading
Michigan’s Winter Wonderland
All of a sudden winter is here. Last week we took a break from life-altering debates and financial planning to explore northern Michigan. And on a whim, Bean decided it was high time we saw the UP. What’s that you say? What in heavens name is the UP? The UP is Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to … Continue reading
Tawas, Michigan
Sometimes the world hands you magic on a silver platter. While the summer and autumn of adventure have been glorious, exciting and full of love, Bean and I are moving into a new phase of madness. One where all our plans and ideas are more than pipedreams. Where it is time to choose where to … Continue reading
Que Sera Sara? 