The trains hummed us into Chicago and sang us into a trance while we traced its streets. It was too quick of a trip but one of necessity. My eyes were focused on the need to do and so, in squinting, the city’s background bled into ink. The rain, the fog, the curving steel haze; all shining surfaces lit from within.
We missed our return train despite our best intentions, despite having arrived at what we thought was an hour ahead. Not wanting to simply wait, we decided to roam.
I like Chicago, I always have. I remember my Mom’s reassuring hand on my shoulder as I peered into the Thorne Miniature rooms at the Chicago Institute when I was about ten or so. And here she was at my side once more, her presence as loving as always. “Take the photo,” she encouraged. I did so over and over, blinking back to stay present. To be with her and on my own, grateful for both. Then as now, our gazes eventually lifted upwards. It is that kind of town.
My bag was heavy and I shifted it from shoulder to shoulder. Walking on, we were stuck in the Loop. But the city’s buoyant energy pushed back against the clouds, a mid-western expansiveness snaking between the buildings like the L above. We tucked into a coffee shop and from our perch behind a plate glass window watched the crowds. We exchanged gossipy guesses as to what each individual story might be, printed on the inside in that indigo blue.
My Mom slowly flipped the pages of a magazine as the train rolled out of the station, through the tunnels pummeled with commuters until Chicago pulled away. I gazed out the window, tired but content, as the night fell to black. My heart echoed the wheels on the tracks…thump thump…bump bump…thump thump…bump bump…how wonderful it had been to be in a big city again.
I am going to mix in some of the stories that I photographed while in the States with my regular Provence-y business until my camera situation is worked out…I hope that you will stay with me…
And you still have time to enter in the giveaway for Ann Mah’s wonderful book, “Mastering the Art of French Eating” – just leave a comment below or email me at robinsonheather (at ) yahoo.com to express your interest. Thank you for all of the wonderful responses so far! A winner will be announced next Tuesday.
Have a fantastic weekend…
The blueish colors and reflections of the beautiful Chicago. There is a feeling of power in the presence of very tall buildings.Very nice photos.
I love Chicago. I lived there for a year. Mrs. Abstract and I visited Chicago 3-4 times a year when we lived in Michigan.
I was deeply impressed the first time I visited the major U.S. cities. The sense of "huge" strongly hit me and I felt like an ant inside a too big world so different from mine. I stayed long enough but I could not get used to. Too many novelties all at once prevented me from understanding what was happening to me. Only back at home I was able to really appreciate that experience. It was like a journey towards another planet: I felt an E.T. (first letters of my name and surname) in the famous movie.
The sounds and rhytm of your text is so inviting Heather , I read it and read it and read it …
Through your description and feelings I could appreciate my own experience once again.
I am following you in your stories they mean so much to me.
Have a nice weekend my dear.
Heather, I can see your photographs are just so much better, and the close-up and angular shots make me so happy. Some of this work looks like geometry and would make a perfect collection of framed pieces on someone's wall. And, Chicago? I LOVE that place!!! Keep doing what you're doing. It's so very interesting and evocative.
xx's
These are amazing photos. Each one a work of art. And I especially love catching the reflection of you (et maman?) in the sixth from the bottom.
I have many fond and regretful memories of Chicago. I spent my freshman year at Northwestern and it was at the Art Institute where I saw my first Van Gogh. I remember getting lost in the brush strokes as I realized who had created them and when. I've been there a couple of times since for work and each time, there's a certain smell and feel that brings that year right back to me.
What a lovely contrast to your photos from Provence! Your photographer's eye finds the beauty no matter where your travels take you. Good luck with the camera! Hugs to you and happy weekend! Jackie
So transporting! I felt like I was there.
Go Keith! It is so underrated…
Ooh! How do you like them apples? 🙂 Have a great time…I have heard really good things about Dove's Luncheonette for a new eats spot…
I really really want to visit Chicago within the next year or so!
Love this post Heather! I am actually headed to Chicago for the weekend this afternoon 🙂