Settling in

In honor of today's bone chilling, nostril sticking, eye watering, feet numbing, 0 degree weather we have in Chicago this morning, I thought it only appropriate to post some soothing blue, green hued beach scenes that beg the question; Why do we live here again? Why do we put ourselves through this misery?  Isn't life too short? Why am I not driving around in a convertible today beneath sunny skies and palm trees?

A similar subject came up the other week when out to dinner with some good friends. With bellies full of warm appetizers and heads full of spirits, someone asked whether we felt settled in Chicago. There are so many reasons to answer yes to that question, (good friends, jobs, schools, home, city, etc...) but I could not say it. There is definitely a nesting side to me; sticks and twigs as my friend Nathan call it. But I also crave the new, the unknown, the exploration, the voice deep inside that says don't get to comfortable; there is so much more to see. I guess for now I will take comfort in the Midwest belief that this weather makes us stronger, heartier, better people.

The People's Pavilion

It's really called the People's Gas Pavilion but I prefer my title better because this structure, in the still free Lincoln Park Zoo, is for the people.  It is part of the newly renovated South Pond area and was another unexpected discovery.  The new pavilion is brilliant but I do not know the architect or designer.  If you do, please let me know.  My wife asked me the other night; what is it with you and structures? Why are you so captivated by them?  The Peoples Pavilion is a perfect example of why.  It is simple in its materials, complex in its design and fits in perfectly with its surroundings.  Just like a bee's honeycomb.

Backyard Beauty

There is nothing better than discovering beauty in your own backyard.  And while Jackson Park is not exactly in my backyard it is an area of Chicago I thought I was fairly familiar with.  It just goes to show  what you can find when you wander a little further down the path than intended.  I took these photos several weeks ago as the weather in Chicago was changing from Fall to Winter. Something in me gravitates to flora when the leaves are gone and you can really see the color and structure of the trees and  plants.  These photos were taken in and around the Osaka Gardens.  Worth a visit anytime of year.

Trespassing

I shot these images several weeks ago on the south side of Chicago. They are familiar sites I often see from the Skyway as I zoom by on my way to Michigan or Indiana. I have always been curious what these areas were like up close, so as I wandered around this day I definitely felt like a trespasser.  A silver Volvo doesn't blend in very well in the land of tractor trailers and pickup trucks. The images remind me of a by-gone era when this part of the country was the hub of a nation.  For me they evoke a dreamy, romantic quality but also a feeling of isolation and despair. Tell me what you think...