Location, Location, Location

My family was recently in Chicago to take our daughter to visit an art college located right in the heart of downtown. We were surrounded by somber-colored sky touching buildings set against the brilliant blue color contrast of Lake Michigan. The nearby parks and sidewalks boasted hordes of strangers, many of them tourists just like us. And always the sounds of ceaseless traffic. So much to see, so much variety.

We didn't get to see much of the city because of our business at the college kept us inside, but we did make a stop at Millenium Park to visit a Chicago landmark. The parking garage where we left our car was actually directly below Cloud Gate or as it is better known, 'The Bean'. This shiny bean-shaped sculpture reflects the skyline of the city. It's been in several movies and is really a beautiful sight. 

I did get in a little writing research on our day of fun and adventure. Our path took us to within blocks of where I set the ending of my latest novel, Dodge the Sun. Not far from 'The Bean' (just to the right in the picture below) is a spot where the skyscrapers almost meet Lake Michigan. It's a place with the narrowest gap between buildings and water, and that's where I set my finale. Of course when I wrote those chapters I was miles away in Indiana. I got a chance to see whether my memory from dozens of daytrips to see Cubs games or visit the Field Museum and Aquarium matched the actual scenery. I think I came pretty close. A successful trip all around.