by Violet Hesslein

I am from walking to Starbucks on weekends and getting a warm unbelievable matcha latte with my friends

And hearing creaks while I swing on the Jackson Park swings

I am from hearing kids play and screaming, and having nostalgic memories

I am from rushing to school early in the morning

Walking down and up hills for what feels like years 

I am from seeing owners walk their dogs with small sheets covering their mouths

Feeling the cold fog on my cotton shirt in the wet cold air

I am from lying on my bed facing the ceiling and listening to music 

Hearing faint voices as I enjoy my happy place

I am from driving to Tahoe and seeing the tall rocky mountains 

And driving on the flat grassy still, peaceful plains

I am from arriving and immediately playing in the snow

Packing snow with my winter mittens and watching it travel in the air

I am from meeting close friends and family and roasting marshmallows in the fire

From waking up in my warm flannel wooden bed and smelling the delicious thanksgiving turkey in the oven

I am from flying to Boulder, Colorado to visit my moms family in December and seeing the snow fall down on the city, making sheets on the streets

I am from popping my head out of my sheets with my eyes popped open, bolting out of bed on Christmas morning and rushing down the stairs to see the presents wrapped and put up against the christmas tree

I am from Sitting at the dinner table and eating delicious creamy pumpkin pie on Christmas Eve

I am from walking on the red carpet floors of the movie theater and smelling the buttery popcorn float around the theater

This is where I am from