Google Maps tells me I live .7 miles from Lake Michigan.
That doesn’t seem very far, but it’s not a straight shot. I can’t lean out my window and see the lake. I can lean out the window and see over to Grant Park (when the Cubs won the World Series, I leaned out a lot) but I’m not rich enough yet for a close-up lake view.
But every once in awhile — it doesn’t happen often — a seagull from over at the lake will wing its way over to my block and sail through the sky past my 16th floor windows. The bird is bright white against the gray and brown and glassy blue of the mid-rises and the high-rises here in the South Loop. If a seagull comes through up here, I notice, even if I’m not looking at the window at all. The contrast is remarkable enough to catch the eye.
Oh, seagull.
Just because you finish a degree; just because you decide to mention you’re seeing someone; just because you’re working a job you love — nothing is set. Ground shifts; it shifts again. In your case, maybe I should say that the air current changes and changes again or the rain stops, then it starts again. My point is that no matter where you fly, there you are, and just because you wanted the city to be different than the lake, that doesn’t mean it will be. I hope you find what you’re looking for, but like …
This is just another place.
And you’re still the same seagull.
Joan
“And when it’s all uncertain, believe in your own wisdom and your place on the path.That’s all you have to know “. Rebecca Ray
Mary Ann Cotten
Yes, the ground shifts, but now when the ground shifts you’re armed with a graduate degrees that will help stabilize future shifts. An impressive accomplishment. Just my two cents.
Melinda Seegers
Here in suburban Minneapolis we get turkeys. They just strut up the street like they own the place, and they travel in packs. Wait, maybe that’s a flock! Anyway, they know where all the bird feeders are and make a mess eating all the feed meant for the robins. The kids still enjoy seeing them so I guess that’s something!
Jen
I love this. Thank you.
Deborah Rhodes
Mary I hesitate to say some of your posts are being blocked I took a chance and bypassed the block just now somthimh about the certificate?
Bob Collis
I’m remembering Joni Mitchell’s “Song to a Seagull”. Your post makes me think of that song.
Sarah Pegg
Life is uncertain. God is not. Just sayin.