Settling

This apartment is feeling more like it belongs to me than it ever has. 

Something about the coziness of winter is making me feel settled and peaceful. It's a season of comfort. A season for wearing flannel and over-sized sweaters. For listening to records while drinking hot tea. For burning candles and baking treats. 

So different than this time last year when I was preparing to move across the country. This might not be home forever, but it's home for now.

Today

Today, I woke up and laid in bed for a few minutes, savoring the feeling of heavy, cozy blankets keeping me warm and the cold morning air making my nose cold.

Today, I showered, picked out an outfit, and got ready for work while enjoying a hot, strong cup of coffee.

Today, I left my apartment and walked into the cold, blustery morning while it was still pitch black outside.

Today, I drove into work and thought about how the commute into the city is nicer in the dark. All of the brake lights and headlights make bright patterns against the darkness. It's a time for me to slow down, to think, to be in the quiet of my car.

Today, I walked into work, turned on the lights to my office. Settled in for a busy day.

Today, I answered email. Organized. Planned. Delegated. Went to meetings. Made lists and checked things off of lists.

Tonight, I stopped at Goodwill on my way home to look for supplies for a new project. Sometimes I need a creative outlet after I spend all day exercising the analytical side of my personality.

Tonight, I cleaned my apartment and put my life back in order.

Tonight, I arranged mums and place them in vases around my apartment, loving their deep Fall colors and their simple beauty.

Tonight, I went grocery shopping for baking ingredients and then spent time making my apartment smell like pumpkin and cinnamon and Fall.

Tonight, I will crawl into bed, appreciating my heavy, cozy blankets and the lingering scent of baking. And I will fall asleep, tired after a full day.

It's Friday

I wasn't feeling very well this afternoon, so I left work a bit early. This time of year, by the time I finish work in the evening, it's starting to get dark and cold. But leaving earlier than I usually do was a breath of fresh air. Literally.

The sky was azure and the clouds were the kind that make you want to get in a plane and, when you're thirty thousand feet in the air, try to walk out onto them, just to see if they'll hold you. You know what I mean. You've totally thought about it before.

I went back to my apartment and finished up some work, but also had a chance to sit by the window, take in the gorgeous day, drink a warm beverage, and think. 

A much needed break at the end of the week. 

Letter #6: Home Sweet Home

Just a few pictures of Fall in Cleveland.

Dear Cleveland,

This past weekend, Matt and I went to Chicago for a friend's wedding.

And, as we drove back to you in the middle of the night, after the ceremony and festivities had ended, I was sleepy but grateful to be returning to familiar scenery.

Sometimes, I need a break from you. Life anywhere can get monotonous, I suppose. And because my daily schedule is so established (and sometimes not very exciting), it can be easy to forget about all of your good qualities. I've become accustomed to driving on your roads, seeing your skyline, even taking in your natural beauty. More often than not, I rush from one thing to the next, never stopping to think about how much I appreciate you.

But coming back to you, after a much needed separation, was lovely. Feelings of comfort washed over me as I, for the millionth time, drove down your familiar streets. It was so nice to know I was home.

Love, 

Alix

Out of Town

This weekend, we left Cleveland and traveled to Chicago for a wedding. While there, I was able to spend some time with one of my lovely roommates, Jordi, her husband, and their son. It was relaxing and rejuvenating and wonderful. Plus, how adorable is that little guy?!

I love Chicago and, for many years, it's where I wanted to live. I still love Chicago-- the bustle of a big city, the history, the amenities, the memories that I have there-- but being there made me appreciate a few things about Cleveland even more.

1. Cleveland is the perfect size. There is so much to do and yet, it is so easy to drive to any part of the city. In Chicago, it can (and did) take an hour to travel between nearby west suburbs.

2. Cleveland has less traffic. I know I've said it before, but it's true.

3. Cleveland has an unbelievable number of locally owned restaurants. I know that they exist in Chicago too, but in Cleveland, I always seem to be right by some locally known, locally owned restaurant that I'd like to try. In Chicago, there is a Panera, Chipotle, and Noodles & Company on every street. And, even though I love those places too, I'd rather go to a quaint, independently owned place any day.

Spending a few days away from Cleveland was nice. Seeing friends was lovely and exactly what I needed. But it's also good to be back.

Letter #5: It's in the Details

Dear Cleveland,

You inspire me.

I took a couple days off of work, because of scheduled appointments and to generally put my life in order. It's been the best week ever. Having time to be productive and to just be has really made me appreciate my life here so much more. 

There is something about the light here. Maybe it's all the overcast days. Maybe the clouds provide a filter for the harsh rays. But as your soft, vibrant light shines through the windows of my apartment, I am inspired. To be creative or to clean or to read or to rearrange furniture. All things I've done this week.

I know that you are a great place for activity. There are always thing to do and places to go. Festivals. Farmers markets. Parks. But you are also a great place to relax. To just appreciate and soak up life. 

This week has been all about noticing the details and being grateful for simple things.

Thanks for providing that, Dear Cleveland.


Love,

Alix