Mary Schmich
Mary Schmich is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune who won the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for commentary. Her column, which she has written since 1992, appears Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. A Georgia native, she was previously a Tribune national correspondent based in Atlanta. She also teaches yoga, plays mandolin and piano, and with fellow columnist Eric Zorn hosts an annual holiday singalong at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Recent Articles
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Our definition of 'elderly' changes as we age
A couple of days ago, a colleague mentioned that her mother was turning 73, and I responded with a small exclamation — along the lines of “whoa” or “oof” — as if to suggest that, wow, 73, that’s really getting up there. Then I paused. Why had I reacted that way? No doubt because, however subliminally,...
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Column: How President Donald Trump stirs his fans on the stump: A New TrumPoem
Here’s the latest installment in my rhyming chronicle of the presidency of Donald J. Trump, based on his own words. A MIDTERM TRAVELOGUE INCREDIBLE I went to Mississippi Where I know that I’m adored Then did the brave and stately thing— I mocked that Doctor Ford . I’d tried so hard these past few...
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Column: The Chicago Marathon and the state of the world
I woke up Sunday morning feeling sad about the state of the world. But I believe in what the artist Maira Kalman has called “the optimism of breakfast,” so I grabbed a newspaper and went out for coffee. I didn’t realize until I got there that the coffeehouse I chose was along the marathon route....
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After the Jason Van Dyke verdict, a city exhales. But the problems aren’t over.
The Dunkin’ Donuts near the corner of 41st Street and Pulaski Road was quiet Friday afternoon. No demonstrations nearby, no bullhorns, no banners, nothing dramatic to suggest the historic verdict that had just been announced in an old colonnaded limestone courthouse not quite three miles away....
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Whatever happens to Brett Kavanaugh, this much is true
One day soon, Brett Kavanaugh may take a seat on the United States Supreme Court. Whether or not he does, people will continue to debate whether he assaulted a teenage girl when they were both in high school, whether as a young man he was an aggressive drunk and whether, in pursuit of a job dedicated...
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Thank you, Christine Blasey Ford
Thank you, Christine Blasey Ford. Thank you for getting on an airplane and sitting in that crowded U.S. Senate room and facing an interrogation in front of a phalanx of men who wanted you to fail. You didn’t. You shone. With your big glasses, your unadorned face and that wayward strand of hair,...
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A 9-year-old girl asks for writing tips. Here are 10.
A while back I received a pressing letter from a 9-year-old girl. Dear Aunt Mary, When I heard that you were a writer I was sooooooooo exited! Because when I grow up I want to be a writer. So I want to ask if you could send me some tips on writing? I want to write children’s books. Thank you very...
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Just because she didn't report it, doesn't mean it didn't happen
I was ashamed, confused, afraid. I knew no one would believe me. I knew no one would help me. I knew I’d lose my friends. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know who to tell. It would have ruined my reputation. It would have hurt his family. I thought it was my fault. I thought I was tough enough...