For me, this new year is about returning. Returning to the things that were put on the back burner as the past year brought about surprises and new challenges. Returning to writing. Returning to cooking. Returning attention to projects that matter to me.

This reflection, this idea of return, to move forward has me thinking about a question that I’ve been randomly asked a few times over the past month. Would I move back to Chicago?

It’s a question that’s not so simple now.

When we moved to Michigan, our daughter was almost 2. Now she’s 6. In Kindergarten. We have a giant backyard. One that I can send her out to play in by herself when it’s snowing buckets {while I sit inside all warm and toasty getting the hot cocoa ready}.

I think of Chicago. Of the people and how wonderful it is every time we visit. Visits that are never long enough to do all of the things we want to do or see all of the dear friends we miss so much. Of how every time I arrive I feel a calm wash over me, like I’m home. Each and every time I see the city, the beauty of it gets me {and my daughter too, which makes me very proud}. I know not everyone sees a big city as beautiful but to me the design of the sleek new buildings nestled along side the preserved old intricate stonework is a lesson in how we need to appreciate and care for all things – old and new.

I think of Michigan. Of how all of a sudden a switch flipped and I felt like I’ve been here forever. How, through my volunteer work, I’ve been able to reach out and make an impact on the community in the four short years I’ve been here. I’m connected to the area. I care about it. The beauty of Michigan is different. It’s old buildings were not as well preserved. It’s new buildings aren’t nearly as sleek. Mother Nature is the true architect of this state. It’s rustic beauty is everywhere. It’s quiet. And the old is slowly being redone. Revived. Returned to.

Would I go back to Chicago given the chance? I don’t know. Probably. My heart is securely rooted in two places now. Two places beautiful in their own way. Two places where either one sure is a great place to be able to visit.