something concerning everything occurring

I visited my folks in Missouri over the holiday, where I spent time baking pies and dancing with my nephew. It's nice to go back, but I'm always happy to return to Chicago. My smile starts as the Brown Line weaves through the skyscrapers in The Loop, and continues to widen as it continues north to my neighborhood, which sometimes feels so much like a small town. Then, I unlock my door, and my mailbox, and the next door, and there it is—the plants, the noisy radiators, the pieces here and there of journeys that have passed. It feels so good to be where I am.

Thanks to two of my best friends: Ally for a beautiful hand-painted card, and Molly for the amazing package (above). I wish they both lived next door.