Monty and a teapot version of Monty (October 2015):
If there is such a thing as a "Cute Olympics" then I am throwing my wee guy in the ring. Look at that face! He would bring home the gold.
November Book Recommendations
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Written by Elizabeth Gilbert
I've reached a point in life and career where my confidence and trust in instinct guides everything I do. Experience sharpens the blade. It has taken many (many) years of failure and self-doubt to reach this stage of nirvana though. I wish I had taken the time to read a book like this when I was first starting out and constantly comparing myself to others; Elizabeth Gilbert's advice to create just for the sake of self purpose (not wealth, prestige or any other ego-stroking distraction) is truly what it's all about. The only part of this book I didn't like was when the author talked about creative pursuits not mattering as much as, say, being a health care provider or accountant. I argue: art, whether through written word, imagery or song, has the ability to educate, influence and touch the soul in a way that is incomparable … and invaluable to life.
Favorite line: "Most of all, though, he asked his students to be brave. Without Bravery, he instructed, they would never be able to realize the vaulting scope of their own capacities. Without bravery, they would never know the world as richly as it longs to be known. Without bravery, their lives would remain small – far smaller than they probably wanted their lives to be."
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)
Written by Mindy Kaling
Whether describing embarrassing incidents from her childhood, sharing insight gained after suffering self-esteem issues during adolescence, or writing about her curious experiences post-achieving fame and success, Mindy Kaling speaks with a relatable, engaging voice that I felt was somewhat more sophisticated than some of her peers. The book is part memoir, part sharing of knowledge gained through living an exceptional life that all started with simply believing in one's self and working hard to actualize ambition.
Favourite line: "Getting professionally beautified was all that I dreamed about doing when I was an asexual-looking little kid. That's because my parents dressed both my brother and me according to roughly exactly the same aesthetic: Bert from Ernie and Bert."
Yes, Please
Written by Amy Poehler
A friend of mine recommended this book, describing it as a memoir by a strong, funny female that I would probably appreciate. I admit to being somewhat indifferent to Amy Poehler and most SNL alumni, skimming over a portion of the copy relating specifically to this and her early improv days. However, her advice on achieving and maintaining success was entertaining and relevant to any profession. Success is never about luck, it's about extremely hard work, and it's refreshing to hear someone be honest about that.
Favorite line: "Decide what your currency is early. Let go of what you will never have."
Chicago Vignette no.5
After taking an architectural boat tour of Chicago:
"I cannot believe how beautiful the architecture is here. Wow! Just like you said, Deb, everything feels larger-than-life. The entire city is a work of art."
After sharing some photos I'd taken of Chicago:
"Wow, Deb! I love your photography. You have an eye for capturing things in a way that others don't see. You're so artistic … I wish I had that talent."
After visiting The Art Institute of Chicago:
"This was one of THE greatest days of my life, Deb. Wow! I can't believe I was in the presence of so many great, historic paintings. I think I'm going to come back tomorrow. This is way more interesting than looking at buildings all day. These are actual masterpieces. There's so much to explore. I went through every gallery … except for photography. That's not real art."
😐
Chicago Vignette no.4
Early in the a.m., I headed north of my hotel to Oak Street Beach, an actual proper beach on the shores of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago. All finely milled sand and ambient skyline views, it was a quiet, scenic spot at this hour to escape from one's thoughts or, as I had chosen, meditate further on their meaning while taking in the symphony of the streets.
Chicago Vignette no.3
Chicago has a number of restaurants that, bizarrely, cater to those who seek rude service and like to be insulted by complete strangers. I discovered this inadvertently the last time I was in the city and found a nice (or so I assumed) 50s-style diner to have supper at. Dining solo, I was completely unaware that Ed Debevics' "theme" was to be complete jerks to their patrons and watched in horror as those around me were singled out to be mocked in front of the entire restaurant. Thankfully, my waiter took pity on me sitting by my lonesome and made a point to let me eat my cheeseburger in peace. Big tip. BIIIIIIIIG tip.
So why did I return during this trip to the Windy City? Well, I did recall that my cheeseburger and malt were really, really tasty. And also, my friend hates crude behaviour, fast food served with poodle skirts, and places where young children run rampant. This would be payback for all of the strange men she's tried setting me up with over the years that I've known her.
Thankfully, she was so excited to be in Chicago (and so attracted to our waiter, "Thumper") that she had a great time. The singing, the dancing, the throwing of napkins in our faces and insults about our home and native land, it was a night not to be forgotten. Especially since it was, as we discovered, Ed Debevics last. Their doors closed the following night. No joke.
Chicago Vignette no.2
"Are you two sisters?"
The man approached us as we were taking selfies reflected in the mirrored surface of Cloud Gate. He was older, probably late 50s, of short stature, and had a jovial manner to him. We weren't concerned that he would rob us or accuse us of being crackheads, so we decided to amuse ourselves and entertain him. "No," I replied. "but we get that often."
Quite often, in fact. My best friend, travel partner and accomplice in crime could be my sibling: we are both tall, share the same body type (and, conveniently, clothing), have wavy bronde hair and wear glasses (she sports the cat-eye, while I go for the standard-issue designer black frames). Only in personality were we antipodean: my friend is a truly free-spirit with literally no fucks to give about anything, whereas I am much more reserved, shy and cautious.
The man seemed to appreciate that we were receptive. I suspected that he visited the site every Sunday to converse with strangers, probably women. He seemed to have lines rehearsed like a theatre actor, anticipating our responses in advance and always coming up with appropriate witty retorts. I learned he was originally from India and now lived in Chicago, teaching Pharmacy at a local university. He was well-travelled and talked of his favourite – and least favourite – cities in the world.
"Paris is overrated." he ranted. "The people of France are so rude and condescending. Everything there is expensive because they think they are the best in the world. Who are they to think that? I will never go back there."
He went on and on (and on) about his hatred for the country and its snooty citizens until finally taking a moment to catch his breath with the query "So tell me, what is your favourite place?"
"France." I replied.
Chicago Gallery Updated
The Chicago gallery has been updated. You can view it by clicking here.
Wrigley Building (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Civic Opera Building (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Trump Tower (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Marina City (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Chicago Vignette no.1
In retrospect, it may have been a bit later than we should have been out. At least in that part of town. However, I was consumed with other priorities during the day and the only time I could show my friend the windy city's architectural wonders was after dark. We made our way through the seemingly deserted streets where occupants seemed to exist solely in the shadows of night. Naïveté was our virtue.
"Look over there!" I exclaimed, pointing at a rat scurrying across the sidewalk just in front of us. "There's your big city experience right there."
We walked another block to South State Street when a man on a bicycle bumped into us. Deliberately and with force. He then shouted obscenities and proceeded to accuse us of being on hard drugs. Crack, in particular. An audience of souls blithely waiting at a bus stop nearby continued to be transfixed by their smartphones, clearly avoiding any acknowledgement of the conflict brewing in their midst. Perhaps they had seen it all before...
"Well, this will be interesting" I thought to myself.
Sure enough.
The man, clearly looking to provoke anyone or anything, dismounted his bike and threw it violently to the ground in front of us. The wheels continued to spin as he then paced back-and-forth pounding on his chest with all the bravado he could muster. I knew my friend had taken wen-do but I had no self-defence training. I scanned the area for a storefront that might be open. Perhaps a bodybuilder or two would conveniently be shopping there at this hour.
We continued to ignore him and the man lost interest as quickly as he started antagonizing us. "There's your big city experience right there" I thought to myself.
Chicago Board of Trade building (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Chicago Board of Trade
Chicago Board of Trade building (©Deborah Clague/Oblada.com)
Chicago Board of Trade Building
One of my favourite buildings in Chicago is the Board of Trade. Located at the end of South La Salle Street, the structures leading up to it appear to frame its bulk with an acquiesced perspective, allowing it to cast a formidable presence over the downtown area known as "The Loop". The highlight of it for me is the figure perched on its roof – I originally mistook this for a sculpture of an angel, but it is, in fact, the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility, Ceres.
Walking through downtown Chicago feels like exploring the panels of a comic book. Everything is so bold, dynamic and larger than life. Hollywood thinks so too, as I just realized while Googling pictures of this building that it was featured in a pivotal scene in Batman: The Dark Knight.
