The winter sunlight glints off Lake Michigan. I see the ripples on the water, the little lighthouses at the ends of successive piers at different beaches - the one across the street, and the ones south of me. There are mountain chains of white and grey clouds in the sky, but they don’t overpower the varied shades of blue.
It has been an incredible gift to wake up to this view for many months. I will never forget how stunning this is.
I am not leaving Chicago. But I am leaving this apartment, and this view, and these shiny hardwood floors, and the little rituals I’ve developed here.
At this point, I probably ought to say that if you’re interested in subletting a one-bed, one bath for all or part of the time from June through end of November, unfurnished or partly furnished, email workwithsarabenincasa at gmail and let’s discuss.
The prospect of moving is somewhat daunting, but I’ve had 30 addresses in my life and have survived every single move so far. If this is the one that takes me out, know that I was grateful for your subscription as I perished under a pile of cardboard boxes and that extra-wide tape that makes the loud sound every time you yank it out and cut it off.
I prefer a ton of alone time, but to be a part of something - a family, a neighborhood, a community - you do have to actually spend time in person with other humans, if possible. Virtual spaces provide magnificent opportunities for keeping up friendships, but are not where the closest bonding with loved ones can occur. I’m not moving in with my dude, but I’ll be closer to him and his kid.
I suppose in future if I want a stunning view of the lake, I’ll have to befriend somebody who has one or pay for a hotel room. I can also actually go to the lake, which is always a weirdly profound experience for me. It’s just so fucking vast.
Anyway. Thank you all so much for your kind words on my new book project, elegantly entitled ABRAHAM FUCKING LINCOLN. I mean, I think Grand Central is going to do the asterisks version but you can say the whole thing.
Now here are some things to read, if you like. The first is by
at .
I am highly biased, but a subscription to
(which I have, in addition to being a contributor!) is more valuable than ever these days.. for those interested in recoveryThis isn’t reading, but anything Josh Johnson posts is worth watching.
You’re going to get a few more posts from me in the next couple days, as I work to catch up on all four posts intended monthly for free subscribers, plus the two exclusively for paid subscribers. I appreciate you all.
Best wishes,
Sara Benincasa
CLASS! with Sara Benincasa and Chad the Bird - March 21 in Chicago
P.S. You didn’t hear this from me, but if you’re in town on Saturday afternoon and show up at The Paper Machete at the Green Mill in Chicago’s magical Uptown neighborhood (starts at 3 p.m. but I’d get there an hour early to start drinking with Al Capone’s ghost and grab good seats), you might have a truly delightful experience. And it’s free!