Hello from Chicago!

First, my thanks to everyone for the concern and well wishes after seeing my “glam” photo from the ER at Northwestern Memorial in the last newsletter. I’m doing fine and very grateful it wasn’t more serious.

Already a quarter of 2025 is history. Between politics and climate change, we’re living in stressful times. Striking a balance between staying informed and over consumption of the news continues to be a challenge for me. Turning off the TV and picking up a book or knitting needles helps along with seeing signs of spring like the sailing school practicing in Belmont Harbor. It’s a reminder that soon I can put away the heavy winter coat, hat, and gloves. In this newsletter, you’ll notice a “Wilson” theme (see below!). Since Shawn Wilson is a pen name, I can’t claim Hannah and Carter are my cousins, but if they were I’m sure we’d have amazing family reunions.

Shawn’s Special 17^th Strategy

February 17^th — On a cold, windy mid-February day, I put on the above-mentioned heavy winter coat, hat, and gloves and went to see A Complete Unknown. It was a complete escape. I especially enjoyed the summer scenes from the Newport Folk Festival. The music was great, as was the acting, especially Edward Norton portraying Pete Seeger.

March 17th — Okay, on St. Patrick’s Day, I stayed home and enjoyed a corned beef sandwich while listening to Irish music. On the 18th, I went downtown to see the Chicago River dyed green without having to deal with the crowds celebrating the day before. The red building in the photo is the Reid Murdoch Building. Built in 1914, several floors were dedicated to manufacturing and processing various foods: cheese, coffee, sugar, fish, bread, and pickles. The building even had a humidor where tobacco was rolled for cigars. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a Chicago landmark.

I met Carter Wilson at Bouchercon, either in Minneapolis or San Diego. He’s the Publishers Weekly and USA Today bestselling author of ten award-winning psychological thrillers. TEN! Carter is also the host of the Making It Up podcast and the founder of the Unbound Writer company which provides coaching services, writing retreats, and online classes. Gee, does he ever sleep? Check out his website at carterwilson.com.

In the category, Andersonville, the following: Data scientist uses proceeds from multiple wins on Jeopardy! to open yarn shop and fiber arts emporium. If you answered: “Who is Hannah Wilson?” Ken Jennings would respond, “Correct!” As a long-time daily Jeopardy! watcher, it was seeing Hannah interviewed during the recent Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament that I learned about her shop, The Dropped Stitch, located at 1524 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue in the Andersonville neighborhood. It was exciting meeting Hannah and hearing a little “behind the scenes” information about the show. Good to know that even though it’s highly competitive, the contestants are compatible off-screen. Some remain friends long after their episodes have aired.

Until next time—Here’s wishing you sunny skies and creative distractions.

Sláinte!

Shawn