Sweet Home, Chicago

This photo was taken the first time the little angel went to Chicago. My family has close ties to the Windy City, as I ventured there after college for a little over a year, and then Blondie stormed the place for six. I have a cousin that still lives there, and many of my closest friends from college live there. Even though it was too expensive and crowded for my taste, and even though the view of the sunset was consistently blocked by buildings, I feel, to use Cagey's word, wistful, every time I return. We're headed there today to meet Amy Jo of Binkytown tomorrow for a reading and signing of Sleep Is for the Weak. It'll be the first time I've read at one of these things. Eek.

Blondie and the little angel on the mean streets.

Me and my Chicago-living cousin. She's hot, gentlemen, and she's single.

The little angel and I both found Soldier Field a bit, well, warm and overpopulated. And tall.

This is still one of my favorite photos ever. And I can't wait to see our lovely hosts...

This girl.

And this boy that she married.

And hopefully the chick in the dress.

And really any of these people.

And especially them.

So, I'm off to take the little angel to school for a few hours so I can finish packing in peace. Please come out and see us!

Saturday, Oct. 11 - Rita Arens and Amy Jo Jones give a signing at The Book Cellar in Chicago at from 4-6 p.m. (4736-38 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625)