Willow on the topic of moving

Many of you might wonder how Willow adjusted to Melva's arrival. Well, she did quite well. She has been patient on the days that I couldn't walk her 

and got more than enough walks from my mother when she was here. A couple of times she has tried to play with things that weren't hers and I think it was to get attention. She is normally quite good at playing only with the socks I give her. When Melva cries, Willow will often come over to lick her. Other times she grunts in frustration and covers her ears which makes all of us laugh. So all in all she has done quite well.

What you may not have thought to ask is "how has willow adjusted to the idea of us moving?".

Probably because most of you have not heard we were moving. 

The idea is so new that Willow is undecided on the matter just as yet. She and Melva will probably only decide once we get there - to Jupiter Florida that is.

Yes Henry, Willow and Melva have joined me in the title of gypsy ... 

We are moving to Jupiter, Florida mid-June. Henry has decided to make a career change that will hopefully be less stressful and allow him to be at home with us a little more often. 

Henry's last day at Suzlon was Friday. I can't really tell his story, but I know he will be greatly missed. He contributed more than most people will ever know to the company and built deep impacting relationships with many people.

I think Willow - although she did not achieve the title of therapy dog contributed a lot as well. As my walking companion, she brought joy to many a neighbor and child here. Sometimes I think my friends come to visit me with the real intention of playing with her. Just a hunch. She also has brought me opportunities- opportunities to connect. One such opportunity came today when I took her to the vet for her shots. While I was waiting for her in the waiting room, I saw a woman come from another room crying and pet-less. As she left I couldn't help but start to cry. With Julie's persuasion I ran out and gave the woman a hug and we cried together of the loss of a 20 year old friend. I would not have had that connection if I hadn't taken Willow to the vet.

Even though she doesn't realize exactly what is going on, she knows something is happening. The old house looks and feels different now the renovations are done. Willow has followed construction workers in and out, jumped on a few sisters, licked a couple of aunts and sniffed a ton of new objects. The house goes on the market Monday.

Willow probably did not know she was going to be a traveler, but Henry always knew he wasn't going to stay in Chicago long. He's a southern boy and I like him that way.

I didn't know where I would end up in general but I am thankful that God brought me Henry, Melva and Willow while I sojourned here in addition to my masters degree, some great experiences and best relationships I've ever had. 

Willow was born here and even though I know she will love the warmth of Florida, she is smart. If she ever came back to Chicago I think she will remember it.

We leave the 16th. Jupiter, get ready to be trodden on by a friendly, sun lovin, black and white streak of energy!

Houses and Roots

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers - Psalm 1:3

Henry and I live in a quirky 122 year old wood house within a funky part of town called Logan Square. When Henry bought the house about a year and a half before he met me, he saw a lot of potential. For those of you who have visited, you have seen some of Henry's imagination at work. For those of you who haven't ... well you will just have to come and see for your self, because the surprise is part of the total experience. But back to what I was saying. The house has a lot of potential. Which also means it needs a lot of work! I think Henry and I are only just now feeling like it is getting to the place where we want it. This week is especially a crunch moment since we are trying to get the upstairs apartment ready to rent. Renovations include completely redoing the bathroom and kitchen; completing the tile floors in both areas; and putting down new flooring and fixing windows in the rest of the house. Oh and painting too!

And now for the clincher: Henry and I get to travel a lot. Just kidding. That statement doesn't really qualify as a "clincher." Especially since most of you knew that already. But traveling does prevent us from frequenting the house as often as we would like. Neither of us have felt very settled recently. Even with all the repairs.

Our most recent trip was to Oregon and Washington. These states are beautiful during the month of June, which is the end of their spring. Everything was in bloom. One of the places we went along the Columbia River Gorge resembled a rain forest with large trees covered in moss, water catching inside the tree nooks and birds with long blue plumage flitting through the foliage. Needless to say, I found some good tree roots to include in my collection.

Yes, I am slowly building a collection of art using the idea of tree roots to depict "rootedness" and "home," or the lack thereof. I have completed two paintings and am currently working on a paper sculpture around the same theme. Like everything else at the moment, the results come after strenuous and tedious efforts.

To tell you the truth, even inspired writing is wearisome after funneling all the other thoughts through my brain from working on the house, making art, and being "uprooted" with all of the traveling. Maybe even adjusting to married bliss should be included in that list although I think "bliss" should be emphasized. Marriage has treated me quite well. And so has Henry. Nonetheless, it has been rather difficult to sum up my experiences on paper.

Even in the Good Chaos that life brings us, it can be easy to forget the only home and root that really matters:  Our Father in Heaven is always near. I often remind myself of this and hope that I not only remember it but also that others may see that I am rooted. Permanently.

For those of you who have a relationship with Jesus, please talk to him about Henry and I as we navigate through our crazy life!
And to all of you, thank you for being such wonderful friends and family.