Libertyville To Chicago

Some of you have been asking if I plan to relocate the studio from Libertyville to Chicago now that I have moved full-time to our condo downtown. The answer is are sounding “no!”

I love Libertyville and my little Park Avenue “atelier” and I feel very connected to both after all these years.  I’m happy to reverse-commute to the office, but I have been pondering the circle of life lately as I settle into my new neighborhood. Twenty-eight years ago I lived on the Gold Coast about three blocks from where I am living now. After 15 years of living in Libertyville in two different homes I have closed the loop and am back again, and I love it.

I have figured out the commute to the studio: I have to leave a little before 6 a.m., and I stop for my morning Earl Grey tea latte at Starbucks. I pass quite a few but my favorite is still in downtown Libertyville!  Once I’m home I just drop off my car in the parking garage and it is whisked away. Thank you Jerome, Gerald and Junior!  What a luxury, no need to look for street parking like I did 28 years ago!  After dropping off loads of stuff (our doormen call me the bag lady as I'm always lugging something), I walk to oodles of restaurants that are a stones throw away, do a bit of shopping or go exploring. Or I can just stay home and de-stress with a glass of wine and a stack of magazines.  My favorite spot is on our rooftop on the 33rd floor where I always look either east to the lake or south to the Hancock. I am in the process of finding a new trainer, manicurist,hairstylist, dry cleaners, and shoe repair expert  which has been harder than I anticipated...Body and fender work for the car has been easier to find as Fletcher Jones is around the corner

The move was more effort than I expected, even though we just  moved three years ago and chose to downsize from a big home to a smaller one in Libertyville. This time I have no basement or private garage or outdoor area for patio furniture and grill, so I had to drastically “edit” my belongings,but it’s all good. I have always loved to travel light. Now I can pick up and go without worrying about who is collecting mail and who’s taking care of the yard. My kids can fit a their belongings in their cars. A good goal - why can't I?  It must be a difference in our ages.

But guess what? My condo is already on the market! Now that I’ve sold myLibertyville home I need a bigger condo for me and the kids. Here comes another move, but at least this time I won’t have to get rid of any more stuff!

Yippee!