Javi Báez 
Anthony Rizzo
Wilson Contreras
Addison Russell
The Cubs played three games in Denver. The first was a close one with a sad outcome. The next two were lopsided 10-3 and 10-1 finishes with one win and one loss. Win or lose, I’m a Cubs fan for life!
I’m excited because as a Cubs fan living away from Wrigley Field my team is coming to town. They are on a hot streak and I’ll be at the game against the Rockies tomorrow! Even Charlie is giddy with anticipation. ⚾️💙🐻
I’ve always believed in putting positive energy into the world. I cheer on my friends when something wonderful happens; their joy is my joy. I try to be encouraging when they are facing challenges. Sometimes just letting someone vent or have as much time as they need to talk about what’s bothering them, is a gift.
This is also my habit on social media and with people I don’t know. You never know when your smile, your kindness, your acknowledgment of someone will make a difference.
Last week, after a successful day of two school visits that included seeing children who used to be my students and their families, I was driving in Chicago to meet a friend for dinner. I saw a man spreading out newspaper on the wet street so he could kneel and change a flat tire. I had an empty box that had been full of books that morning. I stopped and offered the box to the man and the woman whose tire he was changing. They were grateful and I was happy to be able to help.
I mentioned that I would appreciate it if they would recycle the box when they were done because it had my name and the title of my book on it. They asked to see the book and each of them bought a copy! When I stopped, selling books wasn’t even on my mind. I just felt like I could spread a little joy after a wonderful day.
photos of the wonderful families who I used to teach who came to see me.
A quinceañera photo shoot
on a beautiful rose garden day
children gather to watch.
Overheard, “Do you see the princess?”
“May we say hello to the princess?”
Children kept at bay, eyes fixed on the beauty, until ….
“Aren’t we lucky we saw a princess today?”
The August lushness
on a perfect summer day
beauty surrounds me
I’m a lifelong Cubs Fan who no longer lives in Chicago. An afternoon at Wrigley Field is always a good time and an important stop during my week in town.
This weekend is Players Weekend complete with alternate uniforms and nicknames!
For the full experience, a Chicago hot dog (mustard, chopped onions, neon green relish, tomato, dill pickle, and NEVER ketchup!) is required.
And the icing on the cake: Cubs WIN!
A visit to the American Writers Museum at 180 N Michigan Avenue in Chicago with a fellow writer is the source of renewed inspiration and energy for writing and reading.
The museum, which opened in May 2017, has a variety of exhibits including an entire room devoted to picture books with large displays of cover art and a library for families to enjoy reading time together.
A special exhibit dedicated to Laura Ingalls Wilder is captivating for anyone who has read the books, watched the TV show, or sees themselves as an explorer or pioneer. We were especially captivated by the panel about how Laura became the “eyes” for her older sister when Mary became blind from illness. This is likely the reason Laura became such a wonderful storyteller.
My friend and I were reminded of so many favorite books and authors from high school and college days, and were also surprised at how many more we need to explore.
Walking in Andersonville this morning, I was lucky enough to see this beautiful tunnel of mosaics and murals.
Another reminder that “beauty is where you find it.” – Madonna’s Vogue Vogue by Madonna
