Solace in a Book

Glimpse of solace: look up

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I did something stupid today, and though, after considerable time, I worked my way around the problem, I was mad at myself. Flustered. Frustrated. Then I sat at my desk and gazed out the window. How glad I was to have looked up. Maybe the view will do the same for you.     … [Read more...]

Glimpse of Solace: Rust (and politics)

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Yesterday was Election Day. About ten days ago I received a dozen roses. You know what flowers look like after ten days. I finally admitted I should toss them. When I did I was struck by what I found on the back of a fern. So I got out my camera. A little research showed it was fern rust – I think it is Milesina dieteliana Magnus. It’s not usually thought of as pretty. But the pattern, the uniformity wowed me – it’s another example showing the intricacies of … [Read more...]

Glimpse of Solace: In the City (Chicago Open House)

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This past weekend was Open House Chicago, which is put on by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, and gives free, behind-the-scenes access to 150 buildings across Chicago. This is the fourth year of the event, and I've done it all four years. It is now one of my favorite events of  Autumn. Our first stop was to Sedgwick Studio, 1544 N. Sedgwick, which is described as "Hidden under the Sedgwick L station, this building opened in 1900 as an electrical substation. It now … [Read more...]