Author Archives: Mrs. Fitz

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About Mrs. Fitz

Hello! I'm Michele Fitzpatrick, a Chicago writer. Like our town, a work in progress. As a journalist, teacher and writing coach I think all of us live our stories and sharing them creates moments that remind us we're connected. And that is enough.

Something fishy

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Mrs. Fitz

Baseball, tis said, is America’s pastime but I think fishing is. Granted, you can’t fish everywhere since water is required. In that sense, it’s a specialized activity unlike baseball, needing only some ground to ensue. However, it is the greatest … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960s, golf | Leave a comment

Pier pressure

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Mrs. Fitz

Before Navy Pier became NAVY PIER, famous epicenter for single-mingles and family frolic, it was the pier Dad took me and brother Eric and brother Mark in 1961 to meet his Swedish kin, who docked a boat there, a boat … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago | Leave a comment

Sew Sew

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Mrs. Fitz

I think people who crochet are special and my Mom was among them. I don’t know the history of it – how it came to be that a hook and yarn in the right hands created stuff. I do know … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960s | Leave a comment

For Heaven’s Sake

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Mrs. Fitz

When what isn’t present, gently presents itself, it’s a surprise. It’s a present. During the holiday season that happened two times, both in a church, both when a choir sang Ave Maria, a hymn Mom had sung on rare occasions … Continue reading →

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Man on a mission

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Mrs. Fitz

I am trying to become a good citizen of Chicago, in part because my husband and I are new-ish residents; in part because I am old enough to give back without payback; and in part because Chicago can use good … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Wilder and Wilder

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Mrs. Fitz

I don’t know the historical significance of Wilder Park: Who it’s named after, why it occupies acerage in the center of Elmhurst, Illinois; when it morphed from prairieland to park. But it is uncommon, common ground. It isn’t devoted to … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960s, Elmhurst | Leave a comment

Little dolls

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Mrs. Fitz

I think Mom’s least favorite household chore was dusting, based on the fact she had me do it. Why baseboards and dresser tops require this attention eludes me but I did the deed every week in our 3-bedroom Elmhurst ’50s … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960s, Elmhurst | Leave a comment

Miles of style

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Mrs. Fitz

I was in high school when I was gifted with a 3-piece set of luggage, this despite the fact I never traveled except in the backseat of Dad’s car, driving to see Mom’s relatives who lived scattered in suburbs west … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960s, Chicago, Elmhurst | Leave a comment

Showy snow

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Mrs. Fitz

In 1967 it snowed in Elmhurst Illinois like it never snowed before. It snowed elsewhere around Chicago, of course, but Elmhurst’s snow was OUR storm. 23 inches may be slight to important states like Colorado but for Illinois 2 feet? … Continue reading →

Posted in Elmhurst | Leave a comment

Skill development

Posted on November 5, 2011 by Mrs. Fitz

Dad married Mom when he was nearing 40 years on earth, enough time surely to have learned how to cook; however a single instance during growing up years disproves this hypothesis. Dad cooked a chicken on the Sears Roebuck grill … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960s, Elmhurst | Leave a comment