It was 2010 when I left the Midwest and never looked back. Even before I started college back in 2003, I knew that New York would be home for me. I even wrote about it in my clarinet journals for school. Freelancing and building an empire in NYC, living the dream. And for all intensive purposes, I’m blessed to say I am. Chicago and the Midwest though, they still live in my heart.

I’m still in awe of this place, Chicago. Personally, I don’t think I’ll break off my feelings for her. With family and work out here, I’m fortunate enough to recharge my creative inspiration where I grew up. I meet dozens of new people every week from work, and without fail someone says, “Well, you’re clearly not from here.” I’m never really sure how to take that, being the Ukrainian last name or my Midwestern sensibilities. Regardless, in polite Midwestern fashion I always say, I’m from Chicago. To which the response is usually along the lines of, “My roommate is from there… oh, I’ve never been but have always wanted … and my favorite… I love Chicago! It’s so much cleaner NYC.”

They say you can never go home, and for the most part it’s true. I’m not one to look back at the past, but as with any city the Chicago of today is not the Chicago I grew up with. Regardless, there’s something calming about coming home. Walking Michigan Ave, The Loop, The Lake, Lincoln Park, The Museums and cuisine. As I wander Lakeshore Drive with clients, or take break from studio session this June, I look forward to taking a pause and enjoying the splendor of Home.

Wishing you a glorious June with fond memories of Home.