Making the move from the City with its bright lights, noise, and crowds to a urban residential neighborhood where I can see the stars, hear the sounds of birds singing songs I’ve never heard before, was a wonderful opportunity for change.  

Neither here nor there is better – they’re just different. 

I still have parks that offer an opportunity to be in nature - one with curated trails the other is wild and raw. I still don’t need a car! 

Here I run on unpaved paths challenged by roots, rocks, and steep hills. There the paths were clear; menacing dogs and oblivious folks on bikes and scooters were challenging there. 

In both places I can run (or walk) to the gym. Here, it’s up hill all the way! I traded 5 flight of stairs for hills to climb. 

The benches on Broadway served as an outside office; I have a backyard for here. The smell of freshly cut grass has replaced the smell of people smoking “grass” outside my window.  FYI, I prefer the former. The sound of lawn mowers has replaced the sounds of sirens and traffic. 

In both places neighbors stop to congregate - here in front yards and there often in the middle of the sidewalk oblivious to the flow of foot traffic. 

Street vendors are rare here; I am getting to know the owners of brick and mortar businesses here. Both are just as eager to engage in conversation.

Both here and there offered the right place at the right time for the amount of time that was right for me. 

I hope wherever you are and wherever any of us goes next, offers all we want and everything we need. After all, wherever we go … there we are.