I just came back from a long weekend in Madison, Wisconsin. After having been away from home for a week for Quilt Market, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be gone again so soon…but I’m so glad I did.

We moved away from Madison about 5 years ago and I have never *quite* gotten over it. We have made a life in here in Maryland, the way that you do when you are raising kids and working and living your life. Paths get chosen, things evolve, for better or worse, there you are. But good friends, fond memories, and pretty places beckoned me back…at least for a few days!

Capital Square, Madison, Wisconsin

Hanging out on the square

pretty produce at the Farmer’s Market

Inside the Capital building

Me and my pal Natasha

I stayed with my friend Natasha and her family. We spent the weekend hitting some of my favorite places: The Farmers Market on Capital Square for breakfast, people watching and shopping the State Street boutiques. We drove through my old neighborhood off Monroe Street and visited Lake Wingra then had some Michael’s Frozen Custard. We had dinner out with 2 other girlfriends and between us we were the moms of 9 boys between the ages of 8 and 13. It was amazing to catch up, compare notes and share stories of the last 5 years. The list goes on but suffice it to say, I haven’t had such a work-free/family-free/friend-based visit like that since…well, maybe forever. I feel reconnected, restored, inspired and truly happy.

Who knows, maybe some day the stars will align and we’ll find ourselves living back in Mad City. And if not, I may have to make this visit an annual event!