The first time I saw Minneapolis was back in 1978. I was heading to an FHA conference (and you can just stop laughing) with some kids and a teacher from my school. Now, having been born and raised in the Chicago area I had a pretty good idea what a "city" looked like.
Chicago sprawls out for miles and miles; the buildings gaining height the closer you get to the center until poof! you are standing under the Sears Tower. There's bumper to bumper traffic, elevated trains, the roar of jets taking off from O'Hare and at the time I lived there, trolley buses. There's a dirty river and a dark cloud of smog ringing the city, horns, bells and sirens.
Minneapolis, on the other hand, sprung forth from farm field which seemed to run right up to the edge of the city. Just like it had been planted. It was the Emerald City set on a hill against a cornflower blue sky. I half expected to see cows in the down town area or at least horses of a different color trotting on the streets.Even all these years later I still think of Minneapolis as the Emerald City, though I must confess to liking St Paul better.
Today, Mike and I take off in our ruby van for Minneapolis. There's been a small tornado and we are going to see the wizard (Dr Sahin). While we don't need a heart, or a brain (again, stop with the laughing) we could use a little courage and a way to get back to what we've known as home.
I'm certain there is a witch, Winkie guards and flying monkeys in our future I'm just as certain that we will find our way home for as Glinda the Good Witch says, "Home is a place we all must find, child. It's not just a place where you eat or sleep. Home is knowing. Knowing your mind, knowing your heart, knowing your courage. If we know ourselves, we're always home, anywhere." And there is no place like home.
Peace,
Karen
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