You've Got a Friend

While talking with Maureen yesterday afternoon she related a story about a friend of hers. During a trip to the beach with some other ladies, the said friend told the others, "excuse me for a few hours, I'm going to Africa." I'm sure you've guessed what she meant--you are much too clever to need an explanation.

That's what I've felt like while reading, The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. My physical body was at Gem Mary Court, my mind was teeming with the images created with words on the page. I could almost envision the enchantment of the Exposition juxtaposed with the grimy reality that was Chicago in those days. I remembered that I'd tried to take photographs inside The Rookery building where the early planning of the fair took place on the top floors. Immediately upon completing the book I went to my folder of Chicago photographs.

Because I was only in Chicago for such a short time, and still very weak, my foot travels were somewhat limited, not only because of energy, but a constant drizzle on most of my second day kept me under cover for part of it. Thus, I went into the Chicago Visitor's Center and came across an amazing photography exhibit showcasing the architectural marvels found in Chicago. I was captivated by a black and white of the staircase inside the Rookery prompting me to consult my maps and find this marvel. Unfortunately it didn't work according to plan because they don't allow just ANYONE in there taking photographs. I needed a permit, which of course I didn't have. Nonetheless, I took this in the beautiful lobby which was updated by none other than Mr. Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907:

According to the book this is one of the few buildings left in Chicago designed by Burnham and Root, the most influential architects of their day. Mr. Root died of pneumonia before the monumental task of building the Columbian Exposition got underway with Mr. Burnham shouldering the responsibilities. By now you are probably either bored or lost, but suffice it to say, the book chronicled the remarkable achievement that was the "White City."

Good books have a way of making you want to know more, whether it is about the author, the time period, or the place. Forgive me for going on and on--I did learn that Mr. Burnham was responsible for not only the "Miracle Mile", but the parks abutting Lake Michigan. Roaming Grant Park in the rain, I was amazed how the clouds off the lake obscured the skyscrapers (Mr. Root's design coup).

I am having some issues right now with not only my iPhoto library, but it appears that my mouse is misbehaving. Hmmm....what to do, what to do?

A week ago I was floating in the Pacific Ocean with Pi, I've been immersed in Chicago, and now my friends, I think I'm heading for New York--I'll be sure to let you know how it was.

P.S. Did I mention that Mr. Burnham designed one of my top favorite buildings in New York--the Flatiron--I knew I liked him.
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Listening to: Tift Merritt - Write My Ticket
via FoxyTunes