When I think of the things I love most about Chicago …
People often ask me what I miss most and that’s easy: the people. I have friends from my entire life, schools, jobs, neighbors, organizations, etc. Food comes in second.
What I didn’t realize I missed was the architecture. As a few friends mentioned this week, it’s a beautiful city with a distinct skyline and truly no adjective does justice to its beauty. When we went on our visit in midSeptember, we took the Wendella Architectural River Cruise and it was even better than I had imagined it would be. I love my city even though it’s no longer my home.
I'm a reading specialist and award winning educator from Chicago. While living in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for nine years, I spent time hiking on the trails with my Goldendoodle Charlie and friends, writing, working in a literacy program at the Boulder Public Library, and mentoring writers and teachers. I love visiting schools. My books combine STEM and Kindness. "Aliana Reaches for the Moon" a picture book that draws inspiration from the moon and the curiosity of children, inviting children to be creative, explore, and experiment. "An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story" a picture book told in the form of a newscast which skillfully balances the serious subject of forest fires with compassion and humor to help children navigate this important topic through the real events of 2020. I moved to Northern New Jersey in 2025 and am working on new projects.
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4 thoughts on “Chicago Architecture”
I have fond memories of visiting my sister’s family in Chicago during the summer many, many moons ago. We always had so much fun there -The Taste of Chicago, Chicago-style pizza, and this little hotdog place off Laramie (I think).
As I read, if made me think of my hometown and how much it has changed. Whenever we visit, we usually find out that something is gone and/or something new has come. Cities are a lot like writing…always under revision.
Thanks for sharing your memories and I love your analogy to writing. So many wonderful hot dog places in Chicago! I picked up lunch from the place my friends and I frequented after school growing up and it’s still run by the same family. 🚫ketchup!
Next year, come during the Chicago Open House – October 14-15. Over 100 places to see on your own schedule – some have rooftop gardens and beautiful views!
Laura Roettiger Books 
I have fond memories of visiting my sister’s family in Chicago during the summer many, many moons ago. We always had so much fun there -The Taste of Chicago, Chicago-style pizza, and this little hotdog place off Laramie (I think).
As I read, if made me think of my hometown and how much it has changed. Whenever we visit, we usually find out that something is gone and/or something new has come. Cities are a lot like writing…always under revision.
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Thanks for sharing your memories and I love your analogy to writing. So many wonderful hot dog places in Chicago! I picked up lunch from the place my friends and I frequented after school growing up and it’s still run by the same family. 🚫ketchup!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Next year, come during the Chicago Open House – October 14-15. Over 100 places to see on your own schedule – some have rooftop gardens and beautiful views!
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We did visit a rooftop garden when David and I were in town. What a wonderful addition to the city.
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