My Chicago

May 1, 2009

Somewhere on a highway outside of Chicago. 

I’m sitting on the charter bus with the students from SASA on our way back to Saginaw after a wonderful trip to Chicago. 

My favorite part of this trip was walking through downtown Chicago this morning as the sun was coming up and the city was beginning to wake up for the day.  The sun was coming up over the Lake, and the air was exceptionally clear for an early Chicago morning.  I enjoy watching all the people go through their daily morning routine, but I notice one thing.  There are a ton of people, but nobody is talking to anybody else.  Everyone is in their own little bubble, and nobody seems to mind.  I slowly burst the bubbles as I smile and wave at each passerby.  Some people take a second look as they walk away, almost pleasantly surprised or perhaps completely perplexed by the jaywalker with a  sunny disposition.  

egg whites and onions

a spoonful of sugar

clean streets

crisp sheets

class, sass, minimal grass

“a crow on lakeshore drive is unusual”

guess, express, forever 21

ferris wheel lit only by the rising of the sun

transplanted trees

hospitality that comes naturally

“we don’t open until 5” italian and a show

my Chicago

I could live in Chicago.  I could live anywhere and make the most of it, really.  It wasn’t always that way.  I moved around a lot.  It seemed every time I would stay in one place for very long I would begin to catch up with myself, and it wasn’t long before I would find a new place to roam.  What I slowly began to learn is wherever you go there you are.  Often it wasn’t the place that needed to change, it was me.  

There are a million thoughts circling the inner most parts of my mind.  The front part, however, that applies those thoughts, or at least puts them into a concrete location where they become tangible ideas, is completely relaxed.  I am inspired, somewhat rested, and content with sitting on the bus and doing nothing for the next four hours.  I’m sure I’ll feel differently about that in a couple of hours :)  

I do not want to write anymore.  I had some ideas and thoughts floating, but it seems they choose to stay where I cannot reach them for the time being.  I’m sure as I close up my computer and snuggle back into my seat, the thoughts will push to the front and swim around a bit more.