these conversations

over the years, i've bit my tongue and withheld strong opinions so many times, i very rarely speak up anymore. it seems like people don't listen so much (and, really, i just mean hear ... i've had people ask me a question and then not pause for my 2- to 5-second answer). and, i often wonder why expressing my opinions matters to anyone but myself - not in a poor-me way, in a realistic one. i so enjoy a solid, meaningful conversation, but so many seem trivial and trite. maybe we've forgotten how to communicate face-to-face. we need to stop to listen.

the blackstone / erik debat

not only was i lucky enough to stay at the blackstone - and on top of that appointed a well-decorated (books!) room flooded with light - i got the likely-otherwise-missed opportunity to check out a fabulous collection of artwork by chicago artist erik debat.

why, of course i'll push that 'art hall' elevator button.

and i'm so glad i did (as if i wouldn't have). it's oddly unique and cohesive. compelling. wanna-look-closer kind of art. and so i did. and then my camera battery died and i decided to spend the rest of my day in the sunshine.

surprise parade

what better happiness than encountering a large, energetic, we're-into-what-we're-doing high-school marching band ... right before they begin

steve jobs

inspiring

colorful messages left at apple

he only wanted jelly

he was drinking a jug of milk and asked for jelly.
i said no, no, i hardly have money (he didn't ask for money!) for myself (not entirely true)
he asked for jelly to make a sandwich
no no no i can't
how about a dollar, he asked,
and i kept walking and ignored him.

i avert *my* eyes and look down
when i see a homeless person
because it hurts me not to give
and because i'm not sure what my money
the money i work for,
usually,
will be used for
but mostly because of the guilt.

i ate my lunch
my $12 chicago lunch
and was full
and started to feel empty
because i *could have* spared a dollar
or some jelly
it wouldn't have been hard
it wouldn't have hurt me
or my wallet.

i bought him jelly and peanut butter and whole-grain bread
and felt better, ready to deliver.

but he was gone.

i looked and looked, and circled the block, checked the places he may have went.
he's gone.

and i feel much worse than i would've
had i given him the jelly he wanted.

a lesson learned
i hope.