Most of my molecules have caught up with me since my return home from Chicago, but I’m still thinking about what it is that makes me feel at home. One answer came to me at an exhibit at the Chicago History Museum. Called “Chicago Authored,” it celebrates how authors of fact and fiction, prose and poetry shape how people see the city (Brian Doyle’s delightful new novel, Chicago, is one such book).
As much as I love the way the exhibit explores written works about my birthplace, a display at the entrance spoke to me about how a sense of community contributes to feeling at home:
My community of fellow writers, readers, editors, and mentors help me feel at home almost anywhere.
*“Afterthoughts” are my blog version of a practice followed in some Quaker meetings. After meeting for worship ends, people continue in silence for a few more minutes during which they’re invited to share thoughts or reflect on the morning’s worship. I’ve adopted the form here for last-day-of-the-month brief reflections on headlines, quotes, books, maybe even bumper stickers.
Iris Graville - Author 