Stacker of wheat

Ah, the windy city. So different was she in the winter than in my previous summer visits. Bustling and cold, brimming with life and commerce. Trains and bike messengers. Taxis and pedestrians. Ice on the river and lake. Silent fountains. Steam streaming from the tops of skyscrapers. Amazing architecture silently crouched amongst the grid of streets - sparkling glass towers adjacent to carved stone cathedrals. The warm glow of candles from within restaurants beckoning passers-by as they hustle down the sidewalks, pushed by the biting wind.

I met hard-working professionals, shop keepers and bartenders. Everyone working, moving, flowing above the unspoken worry of the failing economy. A beautiful city full of amazing people.

I also traveled outside the city, north and west. I saw the plains blanketed in snow. The farmlands, the richest soil in the world, flat and endless and very unlike the rolling hills of my Maryland home. I imagined what they'd look like in the summer, lush and green with heavy storm clouds overhead. Ripe with possibilities. But for now they are silent and still, waiting for the tilt of the globe to bring them closer to direct sunlight as the Earth continues its dance around the sun for another year. The snow blew, powdery, across the highway. All was white and gray under a piercing sun and blue sky. I stepped out of the car for moments at a time, and experienced what an 'arctic blast' can feel like on unprotected skin (it's not good - you can rest assured).

My boss and I shared a great experience, and laughed the whole way through. I am inspired by her courage and enterprise. I could not imagine stepping out of my comfort zone as she has, even to pursue a very possible dream of a blooming, successful business venture. I followed along in my comfortable role as support staff. I can only hope I offered something for the cause. One thing is certain, though. I was able to get out there and stretch my wings, and feel as though the work that I accomplish perched at my kitchen counter, peppered amongst my more intense efforts as a mother and (ack) homemaker, actually adds value. What a great experience.