North Maple Rag

I think something happens to Midwesterners when we visit sunny beaches that allows us to forget all the things that are beautiful about the middle of the country. Somehow, the minute our bare feet touch warm sand, all we can remember about home is the bleakness of frigid, grey winters. Memories of warm summer evenings and fresh spring days are wiped out as we squint through the bright sunlight and breathe in tangy salt air. It's no wonder so many Midwesterns stay. It's no wonder I'll probably be back in Southern California next summer.