Tag Archives: #chicago

All The Matters

January 25, 2023 The Blue Widow 13 Comments

What Really Matters

Oh Hi!! WOW! The last few months have been CRAZY!! I try to keep up with everyone on social media. All of it matters. But let’s be honest, most of what is posted mixed with what is filtered is irrelevant. I am still in the process of reengaging. By reacting to a social media post takes a moment of time and energy. I have decided as I give my time in exchange for money, I don’t want to exert excess energy on things which really do not matter. Regarding all the matters, so many things really do not matter.

So what exactly DOES matter? I ask myself this all the time. Well, my loved ones matter. My “inner circle” so to speak. I suck at engaging anymore. My energy level just hasn’t returned. I’m not sure it ever will. I only have so much energy in one day for so much. Then I am done. That’s it. I’m physically and emotionally DONE.

I often wonder if I am the only one feeling this way or this is just the result of the trauma I’ve been through. Either way, expending energy where I feel is unecessary is daunting. So what to do?

When Saying No is OK

For now, just becoming aware of the difference. Understand it’s okay to say no to some things. It’s perfectly okay to just say I can’t do this now. Whether it be laundry, chores, obligations, life. Of course there are going to be things. Things I MUST do. Those things matter, and have to be factored in. Then, if there isn’t anything of me left, I am getting better saying it’s time to stop. Learning to recognize the point I need to stop is still challenging. Slowly I am learning what truly matters.

These are reflections I have learned through my new meditations. Daily I take a few minutes and ponder the good stuff. It’s been very satifying. Not only am I more grateful, but my meditations have also helped me see what exactly is important. What I want to focus more on in my life. What I don’t want in my life and/or things to cut out. And finally, the things I want more of and to do more of.

Speaking of gratitude, my daughter got this book for me for Christmas. (This is NOT a paid advertisement!!) I’ve started and with the first couple of days it’s really opened up my thoughts and inspirations. Not only is it positive but it leaves me with things to think about. Self discovery is never a bad thing.

Update On The Move

Moving has been an experience in itself. I kind of knew it would be but I had no idea living in a city of this size was such a different way of life. As I mentioned before, I live in the North/Northwest neighborhood of Logan Square. I am about six miles from the lake. Which by the way, I have not visited as a resident yet. Anyway, before moving here I always thought I was somewhat a cultured city girl. Boy was I wrong! I have never felt more country than I now do at times and the strange thing is, I’m okay with it. I am adapting and growing.

The culture in Chicago is amazing. This city is so diverse. I can go a few blocks and be in a completely different neighborhood with a completely different ethnicity and culture. That’s what makes this city so unique. One thing in particular I have noticed is the people are really nice. Nicer than I expected. Of course no one says “hi” on the streets or waves from their cars but I do witness nice acts almost every day. Don’t get me wrong, the news is riddled with the bad stuff. In a city of over 2.7 million residents there’s bound to be crime and bad people. That’s everywhere.

Final Thoughts and Gratitude

For now I am content. Trauma and anxiety are still daily challenges. That hasn’t changed. The one thing I can say though is I am in a better place than I was two years ago and I am grateful for that. Tell me one thing you are grateful for.

Thanks for reading. Love you all xxooC

On The Road, Thoughts and Notes, Uncategorized

Times Change

November 22, 2022 The Blue Widow 2 Comments

Times Change. Love Doesn’t

Seasons change and so does life. Life goes on even after someone we love dies. The death is a huge loss and an unmistakable marker in the life of the persons that loved them. However time is both forgiving and not. Times change and time changes things. It helps move around and disorder our thought processes but it doesn’t erase what happens. My husband died. Time doesn’t stand still for me. I don’t love him any less. In fact, I think I love him more. But what I’ve realized is, I’ve been running. Running to get as far away as possible from all of the memories. My thinking was, if I ran far enough, the memories couldn’t hurt me anymore. I was wrong. They still hurt. But I changed my circumstances so I didn’t have to dwell in the past.

I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to take the time I need to grieve and heal a bit. Now I’ve come to a place in my life where I’m tired of traveling so much, so often. It’s just not that enjoyable anymore. So I decided to settle down for a moment. I reached out to old colleagues and friends and I ended up right back where I left off. Well, not exactly where I left off but kind of.

lillies in new apartment in chicago. times change

Moving doesn’t mean Moving On

I once had my “dream job.” Those who knew me then, knew I loved my job. It was the best and I excelled in it. Then, I had to leave for future growth. Now I’m back. And I love it. I relocated to a city I love, Chicago. Best of all, I feel totally supported. Both in my professional and personal life. Getting back to a routine is hard. Living a new city is hard. I moved to the city. A big city. I’m learning my way around. I wanted something new and this is the best of both worlds. Stay tuned for more adventure as I explore and get acquainted with my new surroundings.

Thanks for reading. I love you all. xxooC

city of chicago skyline as I drive home. times change

Destinations, Uncategorized

My Personal Tour of Chicago Lakefront Parks

May 12, 2022 The Blue Widow 4 Comments

Let’s Begin My Personal Tour

I’m so excited to give you my personal tour. Chicago has been a favorite destination of mine for a long time. The city offers so much to do, see, and experience. Besides housing great works of art, these parks also host a variety of events throughout the year.

The reason I wanted to highlight these two parks specifically was this. As I travel around and I talk about places I love, Chicago seems to be a place where I frequently hear the phrase “I would love to see Chicago, especially the Bean and the waterfront.” Well, as I was looking through photos, I came across some I just wanted to share with you!

These are just some highlights this space has to offer!

The Bean. My picture of Cloudgate for my personal tour of downtown Chicago.

First Stop On My Personal Tour- The Bean of Course

My personal tour begins with the Bean. Specifically it’s name is Cloud Gate and it’s located in Millennium Park. The reflections leave me in awe and I just can’t get enough of this space. I have sat here for hours one day.

According to MillenniumPark.org, “Cloud Gate was created by using computer technology to cut 168 massive stainless-steel plates into precise shapes which were then pieced together like a puzzle and welded shut. Once fully assembled, the 12-foot-high central arch provided a “gate” to the concave chamber on the underside of the sculpture prompting Kapoor to formally name the piece Cloud Gate. A network of two large internal rings connects a truss that allowed the sculpture to be assembled and direct the weight to two points at the base. The stainless-steel skin was attached to the internal structure with flexible connectors that allow it to expand and contract in response to the extreme weather conditions in Chicago. The cost of Cloud Gate was completely underwritten by the Millennium Park Foundation using funds from private donors.”

Second Stop On My Personal Tour- The Famous Buckingham Fountain.

According to Chicago Park District website, the fountain opened in May of 1927.

“The Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the largest in the world, is located at Columbus Drive (301 East) and Congress Parkway (500 South) in Grant Park and runs from 8 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, typically from early May through mid-October, depending on weather. Display times are subject to change during special events in Grant Park.”

“While in operation, the Fountain produces a major water display for 20 minutes every hour. During the major display, a center jet shoots water to a height of 150 feet into the air. Major displays begin daily at 9:00 a.m. and continue thereafter, every hour on the hour. Beginning at dusk, a spectacular light and music display accompanies the major display, beginning every hour on the hour for 20 minutes. Each evening, the final major display begins at 10:35 p.m.”

Buckingham Fountain. My picture on my personal tour/

The first time I saw this fountain I was running through the park one morning. It stopped me in my tracks. The sheer size of it is enormous. This space is also worth some time just sitting. There are plenty of places for that too.

Me in front of Buckingham Fountain on my personal tour

The Next Stop- The Agora.

My personal tour takes us back to Grant Park. Chicago.gov says this installation is “comprised of 106 nine-foot tall headless torsos made of cast iron, the artwork derives it name from the Greek word for meeting place. The figures are posed walking in groups in various directions or standing still. Internationally renowned artist Magdalena Abakanowicz donated the sculptural group along with the Polish Ministry of Culture, a Polish cultural foundation, and other private donors.”

I barely reach half way up the statue! Standing in the daylight with their shadows all around you is an experience I highly recommend.

the agora in grant park on my personal tour

We’re Almost Done- Metal Flowers!

I was running through the park on another occasion and came upon these flowers. My personal tour would not be complete without showing you lilies made from car parts. Honestly I had no idea they were car parts at the time. I just learned that little nugget when I was writing this.

The flowers are part of a 2006 “Allstate Insurance Company sponsored the Artists and Automobiles exhibit in honor of the company’s 75th anniversary.”

I’m not sure whether my photos are Dessa Kirk’s or John Mason’s flowers or both. The best information I could find about them is here at the Chicago Park District website. I just think they are unusually beautiful.

metal flower in grant park on my personal tour

The Last Stop On My Personal Tour- Spirit Of Music Artwork.

It was erected in 1923 according to Chicago Parks and is by artist Albin Polasek.

Art Statue in Grant Park on My personal tour

Please click on the links provided to learn more about the works in each photo as well as other interesting features, sculptures, and things to see in these two fabulous parks.

Well that’s it for now. This concludes my personal tour for you. These are just some of the highlights I chose to photograph. Again, I make no claims to being a photographer and I usually won’t edit my photos for you.

I know this is just a couple of my favorites and you may have your own. Let me know what yours is! Thanks for reading and I wanted to mention, all of my photos are originals taken by me from 2016-2021.

Blue Widow Chronicles

Tag Archives: #chicago

All The Matters