Pink Dusk

Mulling at the brink of the water, s'more in one hand, camera in the other

Fire popping and smoking fifteen or twenty strides behind 

And the cool breeze whispering through the grapefruit tinged atmosphere.

Tonight happiness smells like lake weeds and the wafting scent of one more round of hamburger patties.

Later, when the sun sinks beneath the rising city skyline, 

Silent fireworks set off at the far distant pier are completed by a new soundtrack--

Muffled laughter and soft conversation

As I find myself no longer alone at the water's edge.

Rivals Collide

 ...with good results.

Today the Chicago experience was being sandwiched between a multitude of Cubs and Cardinals fans on the way to the big game. Despite the looming rivalry, the fans took the close quarters with good humor as reds blended with blues. 

I ran into this traffic flow on the way home from a tour of NPR's Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me studio.  May or may not have scored tickets to the taping next Thursday, in addition to a contact or two.  Working for NPR is becoming a new dream of mine--it'll be interesting to see how far I chase it. 

Not to mention that the view from the station was incredible.

Up this weekend: Gelato, some Olympics and an impromptu visit to Northwestern University for a musical collaboration. 

I love this place. 

Rolling Storm

Violent gusts of wind dragged the waves forward as foreboding gray clouds rolled in, seeping the air with thick moisture.  Waiting in line for an outdoor concert, I observed nature's display from one of the best vantage points in the city.  I think I will leave behind one small piece of my heart here--in this city, yes, but maybe even more so in this lake.

Good Night Marilyn

My city view as I settle into bed, listening to the bewitching sound that is Bon Iver.

Listen to this one

So many foreign worlds, so ready for us. 

Night Chicago. 

Windy City Check List

X  Take the subway to work and back without a map

X Experience deep dish Chicago pizza

Eat a Chicago hot dog 

X Go to a concert in Millennium Park 

X Explore the Art Institute of Chicago 

X Check out the vintage shopping in the area

Go to a Cubs game

Cake shake from Portillo's 

Experience Chicago brunch

X Successfully hail a taxi

X Go shopping at Trader Joe's

Check out University of Chicago campus (Grad school?  But mostly just cause it's awesome). 

X Party in a high rise 

X Beach volleyball at North Ave Beach
XArchitectual Cruise

X Go for a lakeside run

Finish The New Rules of Marketing and PR

X Photo-document all of the above

Trending Chicago

(and New York City for that matter), are men's Ray Ban Wayfarers.  I see them dotting the faces of multiple people as I ride the subway from Lakeview to my office in downtown Chicag each morning.

Image via

And I could not approve more.