My town… 

Growing up I would always answer the “Where are you from” inquiry with a proud “Illinois!” Don’t get me wrong, I still answer that way and still call Champaign/Urbana my hometown. But moving around as much as we have means we have had a lot of places we call home. Which,  by default, means  we also have a lot of places we miss. 

I’m just starting to find the hidden gems in our, Lord willing,  final hometown. A good barn for my horse,  favorite restaurants and the mail lady at the post office knows me (ok,  really the kids) by name. I know shortcuts and can give newbies advice on where to find things. I even figured out how to order at our local coffee stand to get a pretty close replica of The Common Place’s beloved Holy Brown Cow (Gosh I miss Indiana, PA). 

This week I ended up meeting with a community board member for coffee. I wanted to learn some more about my community and he was more than willing to oblige. It affirmed my adoration of this town as I heard some of the amazing things going on here. 

Then today  I ran further than I ever have in my town. I usually run one for many loops I’ve mapped out that all bring me back home. Recently I found out that the local Episcopalian church has a prayer labyrinth on its property. So, tonight,  I ran the 4 miles to the church and spent some time in the labyrinth. Along the way I saw new things, understood how some paths connected and observed my town (and it’s people) in a whole new way. It was fun to see my town from a different perspective and fall a little more in love ❤️

Now to get some lined leggings… 27°F is no joke in summer running leggings!  Brrrr

❤️ Tara