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.

Sodality Strong

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Mrs. Fitz

During the 1960s within Immaculate Conception high school in Elmhurst, the Sodality of Our Blessed Virgin Mary was having an image problem among girl students, which was the only gender allowed to join. Girls didn’t sign up voluntarily. The Sisters … Continue reading →

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Good words

Posted on August 17, 2014 by Mrs. Fitz

Writing about writing and writing about writers is very distracting for writers, which is probably why we do it. Here are three nice things  about writing and writers: 1. Writers envy but they are not jealous. We envy good writing … Continue reading →

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Birth daze

Posted on March 2, 2014 by Mrs. Fitz

Some people I know react badly when surprise is bestowed upon them. This is because I am one such. My auntie engineered a surprise party for me on the occasion of my 16th birthday. Only someone of great courage would … Continue reading →

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Big foot

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Mrs. Fitz

Female shoes have taken a disturbing turn toward gigantic. Quizzical. Once, platforms on shoes that inched you up adapted the uneven gait for a person suffering with a club foot. Once, high heels embraced the arch of a lady’s foot … Continue reading →

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Floating

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Mrs. Fitz

A football game and a dance in one day equals high school Homecoming. During the 1960s, each class at Immaculate Conception high school in Elmhurst, Il built a float for the parade to herald the game and the dance. Float-making … Continue reading →

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Gone-ness

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Mrs. Fitz

There should be a better word for the times between, times like almost in love, nearly retired, or soon to be a parent. Or, the time after loss, such as when someone’s house is demolished by a tornado. We’ve got … Continue reading →

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Binds that tie

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Mrs. Fitz

In our Chicago suburb during the 1960s, certain phrases reminded our family of five we shared more than the three bedroom ranch house: 1. “That’s your color, baby.” 2. “I guess the man who did it died.” 3. “Think fast.” … Continue reading →

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Reason #6 Why Folks Don’t Write

Posted on October 23, 2013 by Mrs. Fitz

There are many reasons why folks don’t write. Lack of talent isn’t one of them. Writing what you know, is. Following the advice to “write what you know” stalls many writers for three reasons: 1. You KNOW a lot. Oceans … Continue reading →

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Think-a-Loud (archive)

Posted on September 28, 2013 by Mrs. Fitz

When I left the Chicago Tribune newspaper to become Managing Editor at an educational think-tank, I found it quizzical and lonesome that my new coworkers spoke a variation of the English language heretofore unbeknowst to me. Three words in particular … Continue reading →

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Grandpa’s Hat (archive)

Posted on September 12, 2013 by Mrs. Fitz

  It was his granddaughter’s kitchen. She and her husband liked old things, such as the house, and they hung the hat there. It looked right, an old farmer’s hat on an old farm kitchen wall. And Grandpa didn’t need … Continue reading →

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