Muttering Retreat: Chicago

It’s one thing to know intellectually that a weekend getaway will do me good. It’s quite another to actually make that happen. Fortunately the stars aligned and I was able to spend a delightful couple of days with a woman who has been one of my very favorite traveling companions in the past — but since she now has a toddler in tow, we couldn’t go too far out of her comfort zone. So we decided that I would play the tourist and she and her husband the guides, resulting in a visit that was nothing short of enchanting.

Waking up to lattes and warm croissants.

Hearing the tinkle of bells in the voice of a young child who, having used a plastic stick with a soapy rounded end to fill the room with bubbles, reminds us to rejoice in the little things.

Waxing philosophical while walking through quiet village streets, stopping briefly for handcrafted chocolates, and a little less briefly for scrumptious bowls of ramen and heavy pours of cold sake.

Stumbling upon — and ultimately purchasing — a Justin Miller piece from the ever-charming Jackson Junge Gallery that nourished my heart and lit up my soul.

Not to mention the richness of sharing space with some of the most authentic, vulnerable, and compassionate souls I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Bliss is this. I can’t wait for the next time.

Shot on Pixel 6 Pro.