Four Square

Hello, beautiful people!

Yesterday was an extremely productive day for me, as I finally had the time and opportunity to photograph some of the art I've been seeing in passing and making mental notes to re-visit. I was driving southeast on Milwaukee, right before six corners, when I noticed these four large murals next to one another. I pulled over, left the car running, and snapped these photographs before hopping back into my vehicle and driving away. The mechanic standing outside on a smoke break looked a bit bewildered by my behavior, but I just smiled and went on my merry way. I also found a treasure in Bucktown, a HUGE mural project spanning damn near a city block. I took so many photographs that I will be posting them in installments, so stay tuned for that!

Other than that, I am beginning to prepare for hibernation mode, as I watch the crimson, orange, and yellow leaves fall, and spindly, empty branches begin to dot the horizon. I have never been much for winter, and although I enjoy autumn (and especially Halloween), it’s almost like watching a slow death of everything I love: sunshine, swimming, bicycling, outdoor concerts, sundresses and sandals, and just the general splendor that is summertime in Chicago. And yes, winter in Chicago can also be beautiful, but the holiday lights, Macy’s window displays, and giant tree in Daley Plaza simply do not make up for the vibrancy of the city during the summer months. I feel more alive in summer than any other time, even if being alive means sitting in more traffic than usual and sweating my ass off.

Happy Halloween!

Homo Riot

As seen near six corners in Wicker Park

Dia de los Muertos

On Fullerton, just east of Western Ave

Black Hole

On California, south of Augusta

Bleu

As seen on North Avenue, just west of Six Corners

Hands Up

Spotted in the industrial district near Ashland and Grand

Big Sky

Hiya, friends!

I apologize for my lack of posts lately. Life has been extremely kind to me as of recent, and I've been too busy enjoying the moment to focus on anything other than work and play. This blog falls somewhere in between. I have seen a ton of great street art lately, but it has all been in passing, while driving through the city or riding public transportation. I plan on spending some time this week visiting the gems I've spotted and taking photos for the blog to share with all of you lovely people.  

These wheatpaste murals are located on Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park. I went out last night to celebrate my friend Johannes' birthday at Lilie's Q on North Avenue. I had already eaten dinner at a work event, but I did try a few bites of my friends' food- fried pickles, sweet potatoes, cornbread, and brisket. Delicious! I washed it down with an American Muscle New World Double IPA, which has a whopping 12.5% alcohol content. Me likey. Sarah made a cake for Yo with purple and green icing, so all of our teeth had a strange purplish tinge to them afterwards, but it was worth it. Birthdays are a great excuse to do my favorite things- eat and laugh with friends.

Afterwards, we stopped by Emporium Arcade for some drinks and video games. I had never been, and I wasn't able to stay for long due to work obligations, but what combination could be better than Mortal Kombat and strong drink?! It brought me back to my high school days, getting out of school early and being up to no good at my friend Adam's house, playing N64 with our cronies... FINISH HIM!!!

Anyway, happy Saturday to all of you! I have a great weekend planned, which I am determined to enjoy, despite the cold weather putting a bit of a damper on it. I'm not ready for winter! I grudgingly pulled on a hat and mittens when I left the house this morning... remind me again why I opted not to take that job offer in San Diego? 

Dressed to the Nines

Located in Ukrainian Village / East Humboldt Park