#heyworth

[bobbyo-1967]

We're Public Records Request Heavy This Week

Before I get started, big thanks to all of you for the way my book is performing on Amazon.  I never thought I would be competitive saleswise the first time out. Meanwhile, this week’s blog is loaded with public records requests.  There are times you have to capture data before you can make moves.  This is one of those times. Over in Hungary, they’re celebrating St. Stephen’s day.  I was today…

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[alexisastorinaceramics]

I'll be at the Market on Main event in Downtown Heyworth on September 23.

12:30 - 6:30

Small businesses, flea market and farmers market vendors will be lining the street. I will be selling pottery and assisting Inside Out with art activities.

[edvydas]

Andi and Eric are getting ready for their first with maternity photos!

Andi and Eric are getting ready for their first with maternity photos!

Andi has a bit of glow about her while waiting for their first child.

There is something so cool about awaiting a new baby that I have to find something cool to do with mom. And Andi, one of our brides from a few years back, allowed me play with light, stairs and a bit of material to celebrate her maternity.

This is the moment before the moment. . . first child is to arrive in their lives, and it…

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[heyworthffa]

Our Sophomores having fun today at the McLean County Farm Bureau Conference. Learning lots about different things in Agriculture

[theidaness]

#success #pitrow #heyworth #ilovethisbar #nofilter #hogar

[theidaness]

#gatonegro #pico #missingyou #mybabies #loveoverseas #nofilter #heyworth

[lareinadeespana]

Year one.

On July 31, 2013 I arrive at O'hare with two wonderful women, together, making up 1/2 of my support system. With smiles and kisses they wave me on to the ticketing counter. Though I look back wishing they could join me, I have to move forward on my adventure.  I arrive in Sevilla 18 hours later to begin exploring and learning about Anadalucian culture, only to find 1/2 of the city is shut down in August. Treking to bars with the staff of my hostel and using my terrible spanish to drunkenly fight budgers in the bathroom line, I begin to feel comfortable and excited for what the next 6 weeks will bring. I move in with the de la Chica's the following day and though I feel like an outsider there is a sense of relief to hearing my name for meals and seeing their smiling faces each time we interact.

 Leaving Sevilla was difficult after forming a deep bond with 'my family' that taught me so much without realizing. They will forever be in my heart and someday Rocio and I will have coffee in Triana and talk about the grandchildren and her Pueblo again. I will then be able to give her something special from my hometown.  I make another family of friends in Sevilla. Through all the stress and exhaustion three of us fall in love with one another and the Reinas are born. On my last afternoon, We stand next to the Plaza de Armas and I get into the cab seeing their two beautiful faces smiling into my future.  Those two will be the women I come back to spend shady lazy afternoons with; drinking tinto de verano and eating hummus and chips. They are the women that chose me, and even worlds away from our respective homes, we feel at home, together. I return to Chicago to see my family, genetic and chosen, time stands still for a minute as I come down the escalator and see my parents' faces, I miss the unknown of the Spanish adventure. While battling through torn emotions and struggling with the mountains of paperwork, there are moments I deeply believe I'll never make it back. Seeing the most beloved people I've ever known makes me want to stay. Makes me want to leave half of myself on Argyle or Cole Street. In those two weeks I saw what my life could be like without Spain, without Spanish nor cañas nor terrace living. I wanted to stay for one reason, but that reason was not my own. I needed Spain and I'll never regret returning.  Arriving in Madrid, and knowing no one, made for some struggles but even more rewarding triumphs. Losing touch with people while meeting individuals from all over the world is difficult at first- but eventually, like all things- it gets better. I serendipitously meet one of the most amazing women in the world and we help each other through difficult and delightful events over the next nine months. We share horror stories, drunken mishaps, celebrations, even clothes on occasion. She becomes my family and through her, I find several other friends. Together we form our own little family, here, something I never thought would be possible.  

One year ago I left the United States for the endless unknown that was Spain. I left a life behind in order to grow and indulge myself towards becoming a greater Ida. Leaving Chicago was difficult- all of the amazing people that made it home for so long. But, just as I've grown so have they; some moving across the country or into new relationships, some have changed careers or are finding their passions, some have stayed close and some have fallen by the wayside. Every single one remains close to my heart.  

I couldn't have done this without everyone's questions and calls and support. I couldn't look back on the last year and smile at what is to come if I wasn't sure that we will all meet again. There aren't enough or proper words to say it, but ...Thank you. 

-La Reina