BrandInnovator: Chicago

Showing posts with label Chicago. Show all posts

Thursday, May 31, 2012

My tree on Erie St.

I have a favorite tree on Erie St. in Chicago that I discovered in the fall of 1993.

I still visit it often to reflect.

Examining it closely, I've seen a small bud, tightly holding a tiny green leaf sleeping snuggly until spring.

I might be reminded of how the tree will live one day at a time without worry, concern, or complaint.

During the snow and cold, most passersby wouldn’t notice it. But in spring when it blooms those leaves, all who walk past will appreciate it and be thankful for its beauty in the sunshine.

I admit that I have even hugged the tree. A silly sight, if anyone had seen it. But a sincere gesture meant for all of nature – including human nature.

"Show appreciation for those you take for granted," I say to myself, "and those who have given you happiness or satisfaction without asking for anything in return. And no matter how cold and bare life may seem now, nature’s way is to bring renewal to all life."

Thursday, May 17, 2012

46 pics from 46 blocks of Clark Street, Chicago

On a recent trip to Chicago, I traveled the entire length of Clark Street, from its intersection with Ashland Ave. then south.

Clark Street passes through the Andersonville Commercial Historic District.

Graceland Cemetery is on the east side of Clark Street from Montrose Avenue to its entrance at Irving Park Road.

One of my favorite coffee house spots for music was Uncommon Ground.

The Metro concert hall is located at 3730 North Clark Street, just a block north of Addison Street. At the intersection of Clark and Addison is Wrigley Field, the home of the Cubs.

Another commercial strip on Clark Street stretches from Diversey Parkway south to Armitage Avenue. Further to the south Clark Street borders Lincoln Park, and at North Avenue sits the Chicago History Museum. Also at this corner is the Moody Bible Church.

The street then passes through the Near North Side, and our often mispronounced cross-street of Goethe. In the River North neighborhood, we pass the Newberry Library, my first downtown apartment, Oakwood, and the Walgreens where I always knew the price of milk.

Then it continues over the Chicago River at the Clark Street Bridge and through the Loop, where it passes the Thompson Center and its Monument with Standing Beast.

Clark Street continues between City Hall and the Daley Center and on to its termination at Cermak Road.

Here are some pictures I took as I drove along.