January 7, 2013
Buddha! I found six Buddha’s in my neighborhood that are part of the Ten Thousand Ripples project, promoting peace. I’d seen a couple of them as I walked around the neighborhood last week. Today I was armed with my camera and I found even more. What a splendid surprise to come across this symbol of peace in such unexpected places!
And, yes, I know I skipped Day 6. Enjoy the extra photos today.
January 26, 2011
Today is the one year anniversary of when Mr. Disney and I met. It was a bitterly cold winter night and we had to improvise on our date destination when our first plan fell through. Now, a year later, my life is full of warmth, even on the coldest nights. I am happier than I knew was possible, sharing my days and nights with this man I love.
On this night last year, we tried taking super cute candid photos in the photo booth. It didn’t work out (the photos were taken, but they were not super cute). This year, we tried again… I’m not sure the results are much better. But the happiness is there! That’s all that matters.
April 19, 2010
Webster’s dictionary defines serendipity as “the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.” It seems I am lucky enough this spring to enjoy more than my fair share of agreeable things.
Yesterday, Mr. Disney and I went for a Sunday morning walk through Montrose Park. He’s lucky enough to live very close to the lake front path, so we meandered down to the water and tried to stay warm (and upright) in the stiff Chicago wind. We ran across a 6K race happening in the park — Dow was sponsoring a Live Earth Run for Water in Chicago. We stopped at the finish line and cheered the first runners to come through the tape and then we browsed the product booths. There was a bandstand set up, but the speakers were blaring pre-recorded music. We didn’t stay long.
Our walk took us to a nature preserve within the park where we stopped to admire the cherry blossoms and tweet back at the cardinals and finches. We headed out along the pier and Mr. Disney held my hand as we walked, ensuring I wouldn’t trip into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan. As we headed back to the main park, the live band started playing. Around song number three of the set, Mr. Disney and I realized we knew the song.
“Do you think that’s the original band playing that song? The race was so small… it must be someone doing a cover, right?”
We kept walking and humming along. Song number four was also something we knew. Mr. Disney started coming up with band names.
“Sonic Youth. Soul Asylum. It’s something with an /s/.”
We headed back to the bandstand at the finish line and stood there with 50 other people. The MC welcomed the band back on stage…. “Let’s hear it for Collective Soul!!!” No way. Of course we stayed for the second set. How lucky are we to stumble upon Collective Soul in the park and have a chance to enjoy a (free) private concert? It’s serendipity.
February 27, 2010
I decided to take a break from school this week. On Wednesday night, I went to my first Chicago Bulls game. I was out celebrating a friend’s 40th birthday. It was a grand celebration. He knew to warn me that when they announced the opening line-up for the Bulls, the arena would get dark and the announcer would declare, “And now…….your… Chicago… Bulls!!!” The drama was exciting and it set the tone for the night.
The Bulls weren’t the only winners on Wednesday. My section won a gift card to Chipotle (the family next to us won Chipotle for a year!). I also won a gallon of water (no small thing) and my friend won a Dunkin Donut. To top it all, in the last four minutes of the game, we were on the jumbotron.
You know the jumbotron… it’s the enormous screen above center court. The whole game, we’d been watching and laughing at the people who had no idea they were on camera. Karma is a bitch. Yeah. It was the last four minutes of the game, during a commercial break, and we were both zeroed in on the dancers doing something on the court. The guy next to me seemed to be chanting, but I ignored him. It wasn’t until my eyes swept across the screen and I thought to myself, “Huh, that girl has a green scarf like mine” that I realized that girl was me! Just as I jabbed my friend with my elbow, the camera moved on to the next oblivious couple. It turns out the guy next to me was chanting, “That’s you, that’s you, that’s you, that’s you….”
So now I can boast that I’ve been to see the Cubs, Bears, and Bulls play. If I can find my way to a Blackhawks game, I may be considered a Chicagoan (transplanted, of course).
September 1, 2009
I’ve just returned from a trip home to the Bay Area. It was a jam-packed 10 days, full of adventure, laughter, and reunions with people I love. I got to see kids and adults, museum exhibits, big trees, fog, and a sweltering sun in a blue, blue sky. The time at home filled me up and helped me prepare for my second year of graduate school.
Last night when I got in to Chicago, though, I also felt the relief of coming home. The sound of the lake lapping at the shore, the tall buildings downtown, the clang of the El trains. It all feels like home. So, if home is where the heart is, does that mean my heart is two-timing me?
Taking all the people I love out of the equation, there are things in both locations that attract me. Chicago has seduced me with its wide, sandy beaches and the long stretches of bike paths along the lake. The architecture that defines the downtown skyline and identifies each neighborhood keeps me interested in learning more. I have found a comfortable peace here in this home. I am happy. Yet, when I landed in California and saw the hills hugging Berkeley and Oakland, the fog creeping in over the bay, and when I smelled the sage on my hike in Marin, my heart swelled. This is home to my soul.
So for all you who worry that Chicago’s seduction will keep me here, put that worry aside. I may stay longer than you think is necessary, but I will always come back to California. It is the home that makes my heart sing.
You can see the entire collection of photos from my trip on Flickr.
August 20, 2009
Now that I’m an urbanite, I don’t have much opportunity to play in the dirt. So when I need a fix, I head to the Garfield Park Conservatory. I’ve been before and shared my images… it is a magical place that offers new treasures each time I visit. Today was no exception.
We had a light rain this morning, so the outdoor gardens were especially fresh. I was taken with the giant nodding heads of the sunflowers and the lushness of the bean stalks. It was the lily pads, though, that took my breath away. I was mesmerized by the array of colors in the pond — greens, reds, and yellows. The lotus flowers were blooming in shades of white, pink, and purple. And then there were the different sizes of lily pads. The contest for my favorite came down to the enormous, lipped pads dotting the east side of the pond and the miniature pads that freckled the edges. I suppose I’ve always been drawn to the extremes.
The vegetable garden was another bright spot in my morning. I tickled the tomato plants (even though there were plenty of bees taking care of pollination), marveled at the striped eggplant, and admired the twisting limbs of the beans. It makes me happy to think that the Conservatory will donate its bounty to the neighborhood when it is time to harvest. Community gardens, big and small, are a wonderful thing.
March 30, 2009
Spring break is over. I had a vision for how I would spend my time and, instead, I got a lesson in how to respond when life throws you curve balls. I learned (again) how to breathe, how to accept, and how to find new opportunities in the unexpected.
Light-hearted
Susan and Drew were here in Chicago for a few days and they buoyed me with laughter. We spent our days exploring downtown Chicago. We walked the blocks with our eyes to the sky, admiring the lines of the buildings that create tunnels on the streets. We toured the river and soaked in stories describing the rich history of my new home town. We wandered through the halls of the Field Museum, making plans for our next international adventure together. Africa seems the most likely destination. More than anything, we enjoyed each others company. There is something to be said for spending time with people who know you, love you, caution you, encourage you, and remind you to let yourself shine.
De-light
On Thursday night, the three of us found ourselves at Topolobampo. Normally, I would not embark on such a food adventure, but my amazing friends and co-workers at UC Berkeley gave me a gift certificate to the renowned restaurant. To them all I say a hearty, “Thank you!” It was incredible. Our guide, Jessica, let us know that the restaurant aspires to provide a dining experience. It isn’t about ordering a simple entree. No. It is about choosing a concept and experiencing the explosion of flavors. I started with a pea soup (and I’m not a huge fan of peas) that was divine. The flavors of peas and potato and bacon were perfectly intertwined with poblano chile, mint, and cilantro. My salad, though simple, was perfectly crisp and drizzled with a spicy lime dressing. By this time, I was floating on a happy culinary cloud. And then Jessica brought out the entrees (with her team of servers). In honor of Oliver, I got the duck. It sent me over the edge. With each bite of the tender meat paired with lentils, I moaned. It was obscene and I didn’t care. The flavors were sublime. I ate my meal slowly in the hopes that it would not end. During the meal, we shared a few laughs with Jessica (our guide) and told her that it was the 10 year anniversary of our friendship (Susan and I met Drew at the breakfast table of our B&B in NYC) as well as Susan & Drew’s birthday. When she brought out the dessert for us, it was with the delightful surprise of good wishes for a happy anniversary and happy birthday. We were happy beyond belief. Thanks to everyone at Berkeley for sponsoring a fabulous experience.
Light-shine
During our weekend escapades, I took photos like a fiend. Part of my motivation was to capture a few moments and prompt memories. Part of my motivation was simply to capture the amazing light Chicago presented. On Thursday, we were lucky enough to be facing west during the sunset. I never considered that an urban sunset could be beautiful. Now I know. On Friday, we spent time indoors and explored museums. The Field Museum has an amazing skylight. Saturday, we wandered around the city trying (unsuccessfully) to find a brunch spot and the flat light reflected our moods. It was all a good reminder that the spectacle of life is incredible, even when the spotlight is shining elsewhere.
(lots more photos on Flickr)
January 12, 2009
My native Chicago friends warned me about it, but I didn’t believe them. They said that when the snow hits, people are ruthless about keeping their parking spaces. They’ll use whatever they have to hold the space after digging out all the snow. Brittney mentioned the use of traffic cones. Freddie said I’d see milk crates and boxes. Robert…. well, Robert took it to a whole new level and said I’d see couches and chairs and statues of the Virgin Mary. Of course, I thought they were all exaggerating. Silly California girl.
Now, my street isn’t so competitive for parking that people are being insane about their spaces. But when I went out this afternoon to dig out my car from the 8-10″ of snow that fell over the weekend, I noticed something peculiar. There were parking cones in the street for no apparent reason. Brittney greeted me with a shovel and pointed it out — “that, my friend, is a saved parking space.” As I was shoveling snow, I told her that I really did think this idea of calling dibs on your parking space on a city street was an urban mythn. And then someone walking by on the sidewalk joined in our conversation. “Oh no. That’s a trademark Chicago behavior. You’ve gotta save your spot after digging out from under the snow. Where are you from??” When I told her I’m from California, she shot Brittney a look and just sort of chuckled. That seems to be a typical Chicago response (especially in winter). After about 20 minutes, I managed to shovel all the snow I needed to ensure I’ll be able to get out next time I need to drive. When I came back in the house to warm up, I checked the Chicago Tribune site and saw an entire photo montage dedicated to the creative ways people are currently holding their parking spaces while they’re away.
For the record, when asked what would happen if you just got out of your car and moved someone’s stuff to take a parking space on the street, one of my Chicago friends said it could result in anything from frozen locks to slashed tires, depending on the neighbor. It is a whole new world here.
In other news, tonight we’re in for an honest to goodness blizzard. Apparently, a blizzard is characterized by at least 3 hours of continuous snow and winds of at least 35 mph, resulting in white out conditions. I’m glad I don’t have anywhere to go tonight!
Before
After
November 10, 2008
I am so lucky to have a sister. I know there are people in the world who don’t have a sister, and they seem to get along just fine. But my world would be bleak without Susan.
She came to visit and the last five days have been spectacular. Since I was busy with classes on Thursday and Friday, Susan ventured out on her own, exploring this great city I now call home. I provided her with a scavenger hunt of Chicago things — I think she marked off nearly all of them in her short time here. Over the weekend, we laughed together, we ran for a bus, we explored new parts of town, and we just enjoyed being in each other’s company. I feel refreshed. I feel like I’m me again, having seen my reflection in her. And I can hardly wait to get my next sissa fix in December.
Here’s an excerpt from the scavenger hunt:
You’ll have to come visit me to get the full list.
August 15, 2008
The grass is always greener on the other side, right? This has been an interesting week. I had a dream about the webcast project at UC Berkeley on Tuesday morning and had to really think about it when I woke up before I realized that any impending deadline is in someone else’s capable hands. I also got tired of wearing my beach gear and had the overwhelming desire to get “dressed” for a day out. So that’s exactly what I did yesterday. I put on a skirt and heels and treated myself to an afternoon of free culture in downtown Chicago.
My first stop was the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Photography. Now, one of my new Chicago friends warned me that the “contemporary” label probably meant that I’d be gazing at sad faces and tree branches. Little does he know that I like that kind of thing. The museum is small and is part of Columbia College. It felt much more like an intimate gallery to me, and I was very pleased with my gallery-appropriate outfit. My heels clicked on the hardwood floors as I moved from one collection of backyard photos to another. The most interesting images in the collection were from a series taken in Chicago in the 1980s. They captured people who don’t have a backyard and find other places — public parks, sidewalks, courtyards — to gather and enjoy their recreation.
art institute lion
After the photography museum, I walked along Michigan Ave. and smiled at the people sitting in the patch of sun on the steps outside the Art Institute. Then I decided to walk through Millennium Park. Of course, I had to take photos of the bean sculpture along with everyone else. It’s funny to watch people laying on the ground to capture an interesting photo. I suppose we all love our own reflection.
tiffany dome
The Chicago Cultural Center was my last stop. The building used to house the Chicago Public Library and it has the most spectacular Tiffany dome I’ve ever seen (maybe the only one, but it was still spectacular). I think the Cultural Center is used for a variety of things now, but I went for the photo exhibit, Ellis Island – Ghosts of Freedom. The photographer, Stephen Wilkes, was allowed to go to the abandoned hospital buildings on Ellis Island where some immigrants were destined to spend days in isolation. The images of the buildings being overtaken by plants reminded me of the temples John and I saw in Cambodia. It renewed my appreciation for mother nature. Of course, in addition to the photos, I was taken with the interior of the building. The people who tiled the stairwells were artists in their own right.
It was a good day to be out. It felt good to be dressed for an occasion more formal than the beach. And even though I love my peep-toe pumps, my feet are killing me today. I’ve gone soft.
A Journey of Kilometers 