Birthing Beautiful Ideas

years ago, you turned me into a city girl. one short year in your arms, and i fell deeply, madly in love with you. i miss you the way one misses an old friend, an old lover.

i recall one of my dear windy city friends telling me to "look up! whenever you are sad or gloomy, just look! up! and remember how lucky you are to live here." i miss looking up. i miss your rumbles and grumbles.

i even miss the wind.

i miss the clickety clack of my heels all the way down randolph street each morning. i miss the morning bus ride. i miss lunches by the river. i miss working here. i miss living here.

and yes, i miss things that didn't even exist when i lived here.

i miss the small gifts, the secret gems, the thrilling discoveries that each of your streets offered.

we--we weary parents, we transplanted ohioans, we lovers-turned-tourists in your arms--we miss you. sometimes fondly, sometimes desperately. but always, always.