Home.

Home sweet home. Words you will find embroidered hanging upon a wall or uttered quickly after a long day (followed by a collapse on the couch.) But it seems when you truly go home - to where all your childhood memories were created and - more importantly - where the people you made those memories with belong - that's a feeling that cannot be put into an embroidered quote. It's a sigh of relief. It's warm embraces that can last as long as needed. And for me, it's also the smell of pine scented candles and the feeling of my mothers warm oven creating my favorite treats!

The reason for escaping the big apple this past weekend: the celebration of one of my oldest and dearest friends uniting in love with her Polish sweetie, Adam Kocinski. The lady of the hour - my beautiful cousin, Dayna Lee. 

I mustn't fail to mention - if you haven't had the pleasure of meeting this fair...no longer maiden, but matron! She is the kindest soul, considerate and caring, crafter extraordinaire and self admitted cat lady. (she also speaks French, mais oui!) The purple streak in her hair reminds you that this small town girl has a spirit for adventure, but knows just where to look for it. Taking a lesson from Dorothy and her slippers - some of our biggest adventures await us right at home. And in this case, literally in Kansas. So a big shout out and congratulations to some beautiful people starting a beautiful life in one of the most (dare I use this adjective again?) beautiful places I know! Home.

Married in a movie theater with attendees sipping on soda and munching on popcorn this wedding was not lacking in creativity or fun! Here we are with the happy couple! And who might that be to my right? ...ahhh yes. The dj of the night. My hubs. Who can answer any problem with a quick and effective fix as well as teach the electric slide with the best of them (it's harder than it looks!) and of course...the man just knows how to command a room :) ....guess I'm a fan of his work. What can I say?

P.s. The cake and home brewed punch: perfection. Sorry if ya missed it. 

Amidst the wedding fun my boy and I got to pack in some down time with the fam as well - and how it was well appreciated coming from the business of NYC life. Phew! Hill City, Kansas lacks the sounds of cars honking, cranes turning, people yelling - and a layer of smog and soot that seem to enter my lungs daily. Fresh air and family appreciated. 

Home looked a lot like Hallmark movie marathons with my mom, with frequent breaks, of course, to gorge myself on the home cooking my taste buds have been longing for. Recliners and real couches. Gluten free check mix made especially for me! Warm fuzzy blankets and a black fur ball that longs to find a lap to fall asleep and snore on for hours. Speaking of my childhood pup - Alan and I might of had a little too much fun dressing him up in a crop top hoodie and giggling at the poor fella's uncomfortable state.. But look!

You can't judge me for thinking this was worth a hardy gig.

Home looked like a church family that has loved me since I was a child and staring up at my father from second row, piano side like I've done for so many years as he speaks life and wisdom with a passion inside that you can't deny is real. 

And finally it looked like my ladies. And yes coco, although you're technically a man you still count because you're a poodle, and really all poodles should be girls. But then if that were the case... there wouldn't be any poodles at all....

I digress. 

These women (plus my beautiful sister Jodi who is not pictured) have molded and created me into who I am today far more than they know. Being there for every teary-eyed phone call and listening to my verbal processing for hours on end. Their patience, their wisdom, their beautifully strong spirits, and their dedicated hearts to The Lord have taught - and continue to teach me what kind of woman I want to be.

So as we arrived back in Harlem to clanging pipes, sirens, and that constant smell of rotting trash I remind myself a new definition of home is continuing to be made. So although home sweet home couldn't have been sweeter, home sweet Harlem calls us in for another chapter in our life adventure.

Talk to ya next time. Back at home. In NYC.