Lifetecture

It was the perfect day in Chicago – sunny and clear. I wanted to mark the end of summer by continuing my practice of floating meditation. I rode the bus from Albany Park, where I had attended the party thrown by J. and M. to celebrate the 100th birthday of their house; transferring from the Montrose bus to the #151, down Sheridan to the North Ave. Beach.

This summer I’ve been swimming in beaches sited more off the beaten track, lying in stark contrast to the  crowded shores of North Ave. I had to make my way to the water by first wading through the hordes of people playing beach volleyball. At the edge, I asked a woman with two small kids would she mind watching my bags – and in I went.

Much as I love this city, the gritty, harsh urbanity sometimes gets me down, so I welcomed the respite of the warm water. It was amazing to lie, fully supported by the lake, and see the skyscrapers above lit by the warm tones of the sun setting upon the official last day of the Chicago summer.