Wild Magic in Surprising Places:

Hi!

How are you today? 🥰

I am sitting at the kitchen table in Indiana, visiting my Mother-in-law. I found a pocket of time to write to you, so I thought I would just type without overthinking it. Despite upgrading the internet, my hubby has dibs during the day since he is working online. He searched for a co-working spot nearby after pulling out his hair dealing with dropped calls.

What began as a quick getaway for a wedding in nearby Chicago was extended due to Rob’s work schedule. I am making the most of the extension by enjoying the weather, reconnecting with friends, entertaining, and helping out Liz.

Take-out pizza is on the way, and Hallmark is playing on the TV. My pocket of time is quickly disappearing…

It’s been years since I visited Chicago, my old stomping grounds. The city is huge and expansive, but it sits on Lake Michigan, which adds an element of Wild Magic for me. The wedding was held at the Viceroy hotel, a couple of blocks from the lakeshore. College friends gathered together to celebrate the second marriage of a dear friend. Being sober for almost two years allowed me to go to bed late and still rise with the sun.

Waking up early the next day, I laced up my running shoes and headed toward the lake. The city streets were bustling with early risers, but subdued compared to the height of the day or night. I made my way toward the tunnel under Lake Shore Drive and spotted wild magic.

Walking toward the lake, I found a sweet garden tucked in the meridian of the highway. What a pleasant surprise! I meandered through the garden pathways to find native species familiar to me and to my land in the mountains. Phlox, black-eyed Susan, and Joe-pye-weed were just a few that attracted my attention. Tucked underneath the tall skyscrapers, the green foliage and color allowed me to breathe and feel connected to the land.

I winded my way along the lake, making sure to stay in the walking lane to avoid the bikes racing by. There were large groups of runners, training for the upcoming Chicago Marathon in October. I spotted several swimmers, attached to buoys, making their way through the water. It was inspiring to watch all the diverse people enjoying a lazy Sunday morning outside.

I forgot how much I loved this city.

Yes, it is windy and bitterly cold in the Winter.

Yes, there is crime and poverty.

Yes, it houses both rich and poor.

Yes, it can hold both.

My dad was born and raised in Chicago. I was born outside the city, and spent most of my childhood in the suburbs. Despite moving away to Michigan and Connecticut for a couple of years, Chicago was home. Special birthdays, holidays, and entertainment were all spent in the city.

My Dad continues to share his childhood stories and adventures with the family. These stories are received with tender hearts these days. My Dad was recently diagnosed with Atypical Parkinson’s Disease. His recent trip to my nephew’s wedding will be his last adventure. As I walked throughout the city, I took pictures and sent them to his phone. I tried to share my adventure with him.

Leo Season is a time of the heart. The recent Full Moon paired with the Sun-Pluto conjunction brought on deep reflection and tender-hearted memories.

What was revealed under the Full Moon?

The wide, expansive sky held a huge, visible Moon last night. Normally, the tall trees in the mountains shelter the Moon until the middle of the night. I enjoyed gazing up at Grandmother Moon and soaking up her guidance and wisdom.

Instead of trying to rationalize or think your way through Leo Season, can you open your heart? Allow the gifts of the season to unravel in their own time.

The thin Chicago-style crust pizza, cut into tiny squares, is here! What a treat…and it isn’t even Friday yet.

I’ll be back in the mountains next week.

Talk to you soon!

❤️ Blythe