Temperatures have soared in Chicago, and so it’s fitting that my beach article appeared on kveller today. The idea for it occurred to me many years ago while sprawled on a beach towel, running the fine Chicago beach sand through my fingers. (Side note: You can make good on an idea many years later!)

Even with three boisterous kids, there was a certain calm that descended upon me once we were settled at the beach. The kids would happily dig away, and I had some blissful moments to myself, lying there in the sand, letting the constant swoosh of the waves wash over me.

Happy summer everyone!