I love Chicago.But I don't live here anymore.
But my office is here.
And I still work there.
Confused?
About a year ago, after thirteen years in Chicago, my wife and I decided to move to Maryland to be closer to family. My bosses were cool enough to let me work from home. So I come in once a month or so and show my face.
Anyway, I'm here this week, working on a few projects. (I write TV, web and radio for a bunch of big corporate clients. Yawn... )
So when I got here, the first place I sought out (other than the office) was my old haunt, Millenium Park. It's one of my favorite places in Chicago. The picture I took this morning is of a sculpture called Cloudgate (often referred to as the bean.) I used to come here just about every morning during Chicago's short summer and try to squeeze in an hour or so of writing.
It's such a wonderful place to write, especially in the early morning, when it's quiet, and the park is yet to be invaded by the masses. The reflective surface is a brilliant metaphorical brain from which I draw energy. At least that's the fantasy in my head. (Click the pic to enlarge it a few times. I was glad I was able to get a pic without anyone standing next to it. That's rare.)
It's nice to be back for a few days.
What is one of your favorite places to write?
12 comments:
My favorite place to write is on my bed. There's an octagonal window nearby and the sunlight streams through the window and onto my bed. So peaceful.
I've never been to Chicago, but it is on my list of places to visit
:-)
I don't have just one place to write but I often carry my laptop with me and write whenever (and wherever) my Muse decides to visit!
Please stop by my blog to accept your Versatile Blogger Award! Congratulations! Here is the link to that post:
http://cheeriosandpearlsstories.blogspot.com/2011/09/versatile-blogger-award.html
It's cliche, but I like to write in cafes. It just feels so cozy in the winter when you're inside with a coffee. Funnily enough, one of my favorite places to write is the Bourgeois Pig Cafe in Lincoln Park in Chicago. You do have to dodge DePaul students, but it's one of the coolest buildings in town.
Connie, that sounds nice. But I think the temptation to nod off would be too tempting for me!
Chicago is great, Angela. Thanks for the award!
Reinhardt, cafes are also my favorite places, and where I do all of my creative writing. Unfortunately, in Baltimore, it's Starbucks, only 'cause it's close.
Intelligentsia Coffee in Chicago not only has the best coffee in the world, but I wrote a complete MG novel in there one winter. God, I miss that place. You should try it. The one in Lakeview is the best.
I've only been to the Bourgeois Pig once, I think.
Boring, boring, I almost always write in my home office where I have all my notes and stuff. Or, at the very suburban and non-hip giant coffee chain near my daughter's dance studio. I'm just happy when I find an hour or so to write, no matter where it is.
Hi, Ron, I write everywhere. Seriously. I'm writing on the kitchen table this very moment.
BTW, I left you an award on my blog -- The Versatile Blogger Award. Stop by and pick it up.
Ron,
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. Yes, I love Polish pierogi and golabki too, although I don't make them as often as I've used to. There is a Polish lady living close to me that makes tons of pierogi all the time. I just buy them from her.
I know about a huge Polish community in Chicago. I think there is Polish district there too (the name just escaped me).
In the corner of my room! I can usually write almost anywhere (as long as it's quiet), but I find I write best right there.
I love writing in gardens and on balconies. Something about the outdoors motivates me to write.
I'm going to visit Chicago for the first time in November. I can't wait.
Well, Michele, the writing and finding the time is what's most important after all.
Elizabeth--well, I'm just an award-winning fool, aren't I? Thanks so much.
Angela--I'm sure you're right about the neighborhood. There are so many here, I'm not sure which one you mean.I need to do a search so I can find some good Polish food!
WritingNut--in the corner? I picture you with your legs drawn up with a notebook propped up on your knees. But I am sure you mean a desk or table in the corner. But that was a funny image I just had.
Medeia--gardens and balconies sound wonderful. I hope you enjoy Chicago. There is so much to do and see here. Make sure you visit Millenium Park. The Museum of Contemporary Art is very inspiring, as is the Art Institute of Chicago.
Wow, I just saw Cloudgate for the first time at the end of August! (I didn't know the name of it.) I guess I missed you by a couple of weeks. :)
Thanks for coming by Marcia. It is quite inspiring isn't it?
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