September swing of things

Susan B. Clark

Susan B. Clark

— 3 min read
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September swing of things
Over the summer I visited Ireland with my person, my kid, and my best friend and her person and kid. We have nearly 6,000 photos between the six of us, and while I have many scenic views and lots of photos of my loved ones, this is one of my favorites. The sheep really rule the road, especially in very rural areas, like here in Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal (Ghleann Bheatha, Dhún na nGall).

🎒Back to school

Due to the combination of my love of fresh paper and pens and being back in a rhythm after summer fun, September feels like more of a fresh start to me than New Years. With temps hitting over 90 degrees in Chicago today, though, it sure doesn't feel like fall yet! And for some reason, my pace hasn't quite slowed down yet, either. See below for a film screening, Chicago area photo walks, Habitat for Humanity, and Save Your Photos month.

What are you most excited about in the next couple months? What are you working on? What's taking up your brain space?

✊No Country for Mothers film screening

I attended a screening of No Country for Mothers a couple months ago, and some friends and I decided to host our own screening of this movie. It explores the culture wars surrounding American motherhood and the growing national movement to reunite moms across divisions and win the kind of support families actually need. This isn’t just about watching a film; it’s about being in a room where we can say things out loud that we’ve been carrying quietly, and realize we’re not alone.

Join us for the 75-minute film and discussion afterwards on Tuesday, September 15 6-8pm at Independence Library in the Irving Park neighborhood at 4024 N. Elston Avenue, 60618, Chicago.

Not in Chicago and want to see the film? There are a bunch of screenings coming up across the country and virtually, so check out that list here.

📷Phone photography walks

In a couple weeks I am adventuring outside of the city to lead Highwood Through a Different Lens, a free guided photo walk Friday, September 18, 2026 from 4:00 PM-5:30 PM as part of that North Shore suburb's Design Week. There is a Metra station in Highwood, for those of you near Metra's Union Pacific North line (the one that goes to Ravinia and Kenosha).

Come take a walk with me in Chicago's Loop. I will share some phone photography tips and tricks while we look at some hidden gems of architecture and public art. I've got a few more Friday afternoon and weekend dates September-November. Use code VIP20 for $20 off.

🔨Habitat for Humanity

For the fourth year in a row, I'm participating in Women Build with Habitat for Humanity. Over the course of October, with hundreds of other women, we will be building homes in the West Pullman neighborhood for first-time women homeowners. Over the years, I've hammered hundreds of nails, installed siding, and climbed scaffolding. What will it be this year? Will you help me reach my fundraising goal of $4,000 to build a home for a Chicago woman?

Sitting on a roof in Chicago's Austin neighborhood during the 2025 Habitat for Humanity Women Build event.

Save Your Photos Month

Do you have a family photo project taking up brain and physical space? Know you should be tackling that but just haven't found the time? The Photo Managers to the rescue! September is Save Your Photos Month, and they have a bunch of free YouTube sessions and articles to help you get started on your project. Sign up here for free.

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