Chicago – conversations-over-coffee.blog

February 10, 2024

We are off on another adventure! Drunk Shakespeare in Chicago. I simply can not wait! Today we are riding the rails into the city. I had planned on writing but I managed to snag a pen that ran out of ink. So, I sit here over caffeinated and words racing through my brain. My daughter is my traveling companion for the day. She wisely grabbed a short novel and stowed it into her city bag. Still no working pen. I prefer pen and paper. There’s something therapeutic about writing and scratching out words and the editing process. I had planned on doodling in the margins and free writing on the train ride. Instead I sit. Typing on my phone. Wondering if my thoughts will last longer than my phone battery.

Our destination is Union Station and from there we walk to the theatre. She wants to take a bus. I could use a walk. Clear my mind. Listen to the city. Bus rides are well it’s a bus. I had the misfortune of sitting in a mysterious liquid last summer. I’ve convinced myself it was a leaky Stanley cup. Pssst. We all know it wasn’t.

The Bard. Shakespeare. Libations. Live theatre. It poses to be an entertaining evening. This past week has been draining. My soul needs to laugh. To be surrounded by strangers. Yes.

Next stop, Hollywood. This stop always makes me giggle. We live in the Midwest in a town that is not glamorous. No celebrities. Not even Pedro Pascal. Maybe, Jeremy Allen White in the city. I read an online article that filming is set to begin in the city. Probably not likely today. Again, we live in a town where nothing really ever happens.

Down to 88% battery. Thoughts still racing. Intruding thoughts of a never ending list to do. Lesson plans, laundry, nuts…,family conferences. There’s more. The train car is silent. It’s not a silent car. I imagine most are drafting mental to do lists. She’s still reading. So jealous. I grabbed my journal to write. Conductor prerecorded message watch your step and caution the doors are about to close.

86% battery. Mental battery -42%.

Less than zero percent attention span today. Again. This past week was draining.

Thoughts are now tuned to I should paint the kitchen. Oooooh new light fixtures and curtains we be sweet too. Is it curtains or drapes? Same thing or different? Is there a difference? Coffee would be nice. Still on the train. Coffee and a pastry. How is she still reading? I should have brought a book to read.

84%

Bouncing and bumping along. Conductor making another pass.

83%

Another stop. I miss the express train. There’s something to be said about zipping along and arriving sooner. Less time for random thoughts and lists of procrastinated things to do. I used the last beach towel this morning. Laundry. Milk. Why didn’t I buy milk last night? Target. Go figure. I’m so distracted lately. More coffee would be helpful? Coffee has become my comfort food.

Yes! I can see the city!!!

Post Trip Notes: Drunk Shakespeare exceeded my wildest expectations! It’s for the 21 and over theater goer. Arrange for a sitter and click the link below to purchase your tickets!! There’s a cozy Starbucks nearby and a parking deck adjacent to the theater. What more could you ask for?

Cheers!

—Jenn 🍷

Children’s Literature (to leave with the sitter 😉)

Drunk Shakespeare Tickets

January 7, 2024

As we dashed aboard the local Metra train, I was eager to arrive at Union Station. The express train clacked, swayed back and forth, and whooshed along the tracks. A gentle snow began falling that made the traveling by rail even more magical. Our final destination was a long over due trip to the Chicago Art Institute. There is a Pablo Picasso special exhibit showcasing his drawings. In my eagerness, we arrived early and the Art Institute was not set to open until 11:00. What’s a girl to do? Well, locate the nearest Indie Bookshop and go exploring, which is what we did. My daughter bookmarked a local review for Exile in Bookville and we were both intrigued.

Exile in Bookville is located in the Fine Arts Building on South Michigan Avenue overlooking Grant Park. The building itself is a historic icon representing a bygone era. When visiting, skip the stairs and take an enchanting ride on a manually operated elevator. As you exit the elevator on the second floor, you feel as though you were transported through time. At last you arrive at an incredibly quaint Indie Bookstore. While you travel through the shop, appreciate that there are books shelved from the floor to the ceiling. Why is this important you ask? There are literally books shelved from the floor to the ceiling! It was breathtaking. Make certain to set aside time to linger in each room. Carefully select several new additions for your TBR pile. Remember, life is short. Smell the books. Read the pages. Breathe.

—Jenn