In January of 2000 I left Michigan for the big city. Things change a lot over twelve years and upon returning to Michigan four years ago I felt so – lost. Lost in this state where I grew up.
The thing is, we really grow up more as young adults after leaving college than we do anytime before. So it was Chicago that unintentionally formed me into the person I am today. The city wasn’t always nice to me but it inspired me in ways I never expected. It taught me appreciation for the little things. It taught me what really mattered. It taught me how to face a challenge and to deal with situations that really just sucked. The city took off my rose colored glasses. It made me harder. Tougher. Wiser. I survived everything the city threw at me and that’s why I love it. We know each other’s secrets. And it was there, in that big city, that I got married, found my passion for food, met some incredible friends, and gave birth to my beautiful daughter. Chicago was, and always will be, such a huge part of me.
But life, as it tends to do, kept chugging along and eventually I started to feel at home here in Michigan. I can’t tell you when exactly it happened. It sort of snuck up on me, quietly, unassuming. All of a sudden there were roots here. Friends. Lots of really great ones. My daughter’s school. My daughter’s friends. Traditions.
This summer it dawned on me that I’m not lost anymore. I’m actually home. My life is here.
….cue BIG exciting announcement….
This blog was such a wonderful outlet for me to learn to love Michigan again – to rediscover my Michigander roots – but I’ve grown. I’ve grown as a person, as a mom, as a writer and I want this blog to grow with me so I’m “re-branding.”
In the coming weeks, “Lost in Michigan” will officially become “Little City Life, Big City Heart.” You will be able to find me and my shiny re-designed blog at www.bigcityheart.com with a lot more content focusing on life, food, style & more – and of course still plenty of Michigan. “What about all of the fun stories here?” you ask. Well they are coming right along with me as they are an important part of who I am.
This big city heart of mine has grown a little city soul … this is my “Little City Life” and I can’t wait to share it with you!
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