A sense of seasons
The crisp-apple air of autumn has begun blustering about. Tiny cold and warm fronts battle in eddies above my tea mug; on the window sill; at my upper lip. The invisible becomes tangible in this shifting season, and as the birds rang in the dawn an epiphany woke within me. Autumn will forever be scented. … Continue reading
Chicago Botanic Garden
One of the true hidden gems of our Chicago explorations so far. Despite the first part of the name being slightly misleading — the Gardens are a full 25 miles north of downtown, on the edge of a pretty suburb named Glencoe, I can attest it is absolutely 100% worth the journey. A traditional Botanic … Continue reading
One Small Thing
Life is made up of small things. Mostly these are the little gestures and daily patterns which make up existence, but every once in a while there are those magic, infinitesimal changes that alter the course of everything. Or if not everything, at least Important Things. ~ One week ago I became an Aunt. A … 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
Two Magical Things
It is a Friday afternoon in midwinter. To brighten the dull gray sky and open my heart for the weekend, a list: Storycorps Until last week I had never heard of Storycorps, and my life was less interesting as a result. An NPR producer built a soundproof studio booth. It travels around the country where … 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
Oh, Britannia!
We leave in three days. The bags are packed, the tickets bought. The visa is stamped, the car is sold. It is time. While I never expected a wild rushing summer of family politics and working remotely, we’ve covered thousands of miles of country and had countless hugs along the way. Ten weeks ago we … Continue reading
Que Sera Sara? 