I spent last week at The House of Two Urns for the winter Chicago Writer’s Residency, and had a phenomenal experience. I drank tea with milk, wandered Wicker Park, read inspiring short stories, spent a lot of money on books and quirky, pastel macarons, and worked in a peace and solitude unlike any I’ve experienced.

I also drank some great red wine in the company of some great folks, and ate like a very lucky duchess.

It was a retreat in all senses of the word. I’m thankful to Kapra, Miguel and Lauren for the fabulous accommodations, and to my supportive family for letting me run away for seven days. I did a lot of writing I feel really great about, as well as a lot of writing I will feel really great about after some rewriting.