Lakefront Musings

Thoughts by Hannah Burtness

Is there anything more soothing than water? Ever changing, ever moving. Completely unconcerned with your bullshit.

+

Use all your senses. Don’t forget to feel. Slow down and listen. Remember that fresh air helps the lungs and we can see farther than the distance to our computer screens.

+

Lake Michigan, as great as an ocean from this vantage point. The city of Chicago perched on its edge like a jewel in a ring, or a spot of destructive metal that spreads rust the longer it’s there.

+

There is a freedom to be found only in the city; a freedom of movement and opportunity. Alone with your thoughts, surrounded by humanity. You can be exactly who you think you are.

+

It’s good to go with the flow, when you can. Why make it harder on yourself? (This lesson brought to you by watching a pair of geese.)

+

Natural boundaries are by definition organic, imprecise, free with movement. We should allow ourselves to be more natural; to go in directions that don’t always make sense, to flow from one obstacle to another without worrying about the right direction.

+

One day, I will know what it is to enjoy this Lake from a sailboat.