A Tune for Fall.

Last year, I was introduced to Gregory via my hip brother Michael.

saw him play last night at a cozy venue in Evanston called SPACE with Daniel + friends.

What a talent. And perfect for fall.

I Miss It.

I am learning to love where I'm at presently. And I do - more than I ever thought possible. But, I can't help but miss it sometimes.

The Spanish. The ninos. The sea. The daily challenges of being a foreigner in a new city.

The endless travel possibilities.

Teaching English...

 using what I know I'm created to do 

in another place that's not America.

Santander. My other home.

Spain. 

It will always be on my heart.

Perhaps a return sometime soon.

For now - there are so many ESL opportunities heeere.

I love giving the gift of language.

As a way to partner with new people & cultures.

 It is empowering and life-changing.

Weekend in Wheaton.

... because sometimes you just need to retreat to the burbs. 

thankful for dear britters and the cozy home she has created.
and the hospitality she extends to those in her life.

Listening.

Would I hear the cries of this city.
The voices. The needs.

And would my heart be stirred.

when I think about the voices of this city - these are my thoughts.

I am encouraged by a conference at the Greater Chicago Church a few weekends back to listen.

He is here all around.
What is HE doing HERE.

Fall Eats.

I love how each season has its own food.

Here are a few favorite indulgences this fall.

apple turnovers. tomato soup. chipotle pumpkin salsa. chicken chili.

yummmm.

PS: October.

October, you feel like you just started. And yet, you are almost over. Where did you go?!

Apple picking. Apple treats. Apples everywhere.

It's our tradition to go each year.

And my very favorite fall delight. 

(Although it was an unusually warm day when we went...)

And a bushel of fun it was, indeed.

Home Life.

Remember a time in life when hanging with family was the last possible option for a weekend night... and only if there was a free meal or movie involved?!

And now... I would choose my family over anything in the whole entire world. A weekend with everyone all together is something I soak in and long for when it's all over.

Daniel spotted in yard.

Micks + zucchinis from her garden!

Last weekend, we celebrated my mom & Paul's recent marriage - and what a treat it was to spend a long weekend with BOTH brothers - plus Michael's sweet girlfriend, Jillian. Family meals, apple picking, fall walks, pumpkins, Farmer's Market... so much love to go around. Not enough time! When I'm home, everything in the world feels right... I love walking in to the smells of homemade food, new music via Mikey (film technology media imax major) on the speaks, the warmth & comfort that only home provides, and the peace of a retreat to the suburbs.

Family Breakfast

en route to apple picking

MIKEY BEAR. what's not to love?!

 It feels restful and right to be home... and I know this is something my mom is devoted to providing for us forever. Sometimes I imagine myself as a middle-aged woman driving home - because there's nothing like it. Nothing can ever be what home consistently is. I didn't know what it would be like to live within 30 mins of home - and now I can't imagine living anywhere else. (Plus where would I do my laundry?!)

everything fall.

my Daniel.

Seriously looking forward to a restful Thanksgiving week with turkey & wine & football with everyone again soon. I know already one thing on my thankful list this year: Daniel returning to Chicago!

Family is one thing I will always be thankful for.

THIS Season.

falllll farmer's market.

As much as I ADORE FALL in cozy little Chi... it always comes with a backlash of "winter is approaching"... the days getting shorter, colder, darker... flashbacks to months of hunkering down, frigid attempts at outdoor activity... life slowly becoming the 2 block radius where you happen to live.

But, no. Chicagoans - there's a new challenge here. What if we could simply enjoy THIS season without thinking of the next?! Haven't we learned?! - The sun always comes back, summer appears once again, and the life we know now we will celebrate next year. Why are we ( /I ) so quick to discount the positive with the negative - to look to tomorrow instead of today - to put our minds on the Next instead of the Here...?

pumpkin pancakes. the best welcome for the season.

Good morning, October. 

You are my favorite fall month. 

I will soak you in today.