Today marks my second day of stay at Windy City. Yesterday I flew from California at Ontario International Airport via Alaska Airlines. I had a brief layover at Seattle and I immediately bought boxes of chocolates that gingerly welcomed and enticed me in a kiosk. I remember how addicting the sweet stuff were back in 2016 on my Washington escapade with Tal and Arlette.
My first cousin Ate Reggie and her hubby Kuya Robert are my over-indulging tourist guides and hosts for my weeklong visit at this Midwest state. As they are both retirees, they have the luxury of time to bring me to places Illinois is known for. They strongly support me with my list of food to try, yes that's me- food is love. I take its discovery and exploration in a serious and no-nonsense tone.
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| Meet, American Girl model Viv. |
The drizzle didn't dampen our jovial spirit, we had a leisure stroll at the Chicago Riverwalk and had lunch at City Winery. Ate Reggie ordered Mojito for me right away. Haha!!I have always been spoiled with much love and care by these bunch of first cousins. My Mamang loved them like her own, me and my Koyas treat them as our siblings and they consider us in the same manner. I am damn lucky!!!
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| Hi, Donald. Miss you. |
Afterwards we hopped on Wendella boat ride for a Lake and River Architecture tour. Chicago has its fair share of both contemporary and archaic skyscrapers that are jaw-dropping. They were feast to the eyes as we sail along the languid clean Chicago River. I was wishing PH may make it happen in Pasig River someday. I still love Philippines. I tried to remember bits and pieces of information and trivia the guide was sharing to the audience. Like how wealthy the Kennedys are, when she pointed the Boeing building, the former tallest building in the city- the Sears Tower and other else.
I paused, breathed in the present and slowly breathed out with appreciation the gift of the moment. Eyes and mind wide open to welcome and bask in the beauty of now. Mindfulness... how it helps to soothe my longing heart and restless thoughts. It is not easy, nevertheless I try to practice it every now and then. The world may sometimes be cruel, so I remind myself to be gentle to my own. It is a gift to myself that I deserve. I have family and friends that care for me endlessly, Mom up there cheering for me to remain strong with grace and I finally found someone that completes the missing puzzle piece.
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| Hi Love.:) |
Life is still beautiful. Really.
Appreciate. Smile. Breathe.
