March 24, 2008

So far, my track record on a daily shot sucks. And, well, life did get in the way this week, even more so. I slipped on my wooden stairs on Thursday night and fell and cracked a rib. There are a multitude of things right now that are extremely difficult and lifting a camera to my eye is but one of them. Also, the dizziness from the pain meds has impacted my ability to focus!

I'm feeling better each and every day and hope to be back in the saddle here shortly.

~bg_94

March 20, 2008

The Cubs, Old Style, and a cash station... all behind bars. I'm sure there is some deep meaning as to why I was drawn to this. However, right now, all I can come up with is 12 days to Opening Day!

This is a liquor store, early this morn, that I pass several times daily during my usual travels.

March 19, 2008

Yet again... taken on March 20th.

I love the lakefront here in Chicago. There is something striking any day, any time of year. This scene, in just a few weeks, won't be so bleak and stark. Instead, the trees will be budding, flowers will be popping, and most likely there will be people strolling through.

I like this though. The arc of the trees, the repetition leading down the path to the horizon.

What I didn't like was the creepy dude that kept trying to find his way into my photos. Makes you think a bit, honestly. In a city of millions and millions of people, I manage to capture a scene with no one in it. And, only if you zoom in, then can you see the cars in the background.

Yes, millions of people and it was just me and the creepy dude today.

March 18, 2008

Once more... taken on March 20th.

I thought this a bit ironic that pieces of my former, much more rural life found their way into my new, urban life.

If I were to hazard a guess, I would imagine that this is a remnant of a native plant or prairie display from last summer. The city does numerous displays in this area of Grant Park of that nature.

To me, though, it looks as if the skyscrapers have sprung up from the prairie. That's really not too far off, I guess.

March 17, 2008

Again, taken on March 20th. Sorry.

I don't know why, but I've always been fascinated with the multiple levels that exist here in Chicago. This is taken from street level looking south and, obviously, down on a train station. This is the commuter train, the Metra, not the El that Chicago is famous for.

I guess I sorta think of this whole underground world as yet an extention of The Second City moniker, though I can't find any proof of anyone else thinking that way!

If anyone has seen the movie Derailed, the Metra is featured somewhat prominently in that film.

March 16, 2008

Well...time got away from me again. So, I played catch up today. This picture was actually taken on March 20th. So far, I'm really sucking at this every day thing!

This is, what the locals call "The Bean", but what the artist calls Cloudgate. I was fortunate to be there when there weren't too many out and about. Perhaps the 34 degree weather had a bit to do with that? Normally, the plaza is swarming with people on a bright sunny day!

Reflected in The Bean is some of the skyline and the morning sun coming up over Lake Michigan.

March 15, 2008

So, I drive by this scene rather frequently. Today, the stars aligned and when I went to snap the photo, another, unsuspecting car (the license plate, I blurred on purpose) came rolling to a stop. It was a great oops for me as it certainly looks as if the unscathed car is either waiting for its own upcoming death or mourning the passing of those in the ever growing pile. This site is actually labeled a "recycling site." Who knew squashed cars were recyclables? This is also one of the locations that the trash pickers take all their salvaged goods from dumpsters and trash cans to get cash. And, with St. Paddy's Day weekend in town, 'twas a lucrative venture for the dumpster divers. I'm telling you people, I risked life and limb, okay...maybe just life...to shoot this one. There were some, uh, "odd folk" hanging around this area.

March 14, 2008

I snagged a few moments today and started to head downtown. I had a few ideas in mind, but the winter sun hanging low in the southeastern sky drew me to the lake. After some creative driving (crazy Chicago drivers!), I made my way off of Lakeshore Drive and into Lincoln Park where I could use my zoo membership for free parking (always a bonus!) The ice has pretty much all melted save for where the waves come ashore. Not really overcast, but still murky, the clouds seemed to mimic the shoreline. The pylons dotting the coast looked barren and lonely. Come summer, this beach will be absolutely packed. A far, far cry from this picture.

March 13, 2008

I didn't make it out this day. This is an arsty farsty picture that I acutally snapped on the 14th. It is a ranunculus at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. I should have headed over there some time ago as the spring flower show is in full bloom. (giggle!) It was a breath of fresh air with all the wonderful flowers. I must remember this next year when I'm ready to off myself in the middle of winter. Of course, it's been relatively pleasant the past few days, so I really should not complain.

March 12, 2008

I first saw this potential picture last winter. It struck me as salvation at the end of an alley. When I recalled that thought in the spring, thinking that it might look great with things greened up a bit, well, the crosses weren't visible due to the trees! And, honestly, I think the bleakness of winter adds a bit to it.

This is the shot I was trying to get yesterday. I had to circle the block several times this morning. Someone was very irritated that I was blocking the alley and then multiple times while waiting for a van at the end of the alley to move on. Even I'm not morbid enough to shoot away while they are loading a body for transport. There is a funeral home at the end of the alley. Though, it would have probably added a bit of irony to the shot.

March 11, 2008

Okay, I'm cheating already. The light is waning. There is no chance I'm getting out tonight and my three attempts to shoot something today that I already had in mind were foiled by various service trucks. Buggers. Perhaps, it would be wise to shoot several things a day in case I get in a bind or things just simply aren't working for me.

This is a typical "backyard" for where I live. I shot this yesterday around the same time I took the man cycling under the El tracks. So many things are vertical around here. Most people maximize even the smallest space, though the owners of these porches don't seem to have them tricked out...yet. They looked pretty new.

March 10, 2008

I pass this section of El more times that I can count. I've always liked the repetition of the steel uprights and the contrast between those and the wooden beams. And, I got lucky when I went to shoot this! The little old man peddling along adds a bit of human interest to a rather stark and bleak urban scene.