Hidden Gem

Once again I will try to persuade locals into becoming Art Institute members. Here is the Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room that was taken down in 1972 and then reconstructed inside the Art Institute. This space has recently been opened up for private events if you have enough cash. Keep it in mind if you're looking for a spot to hold your next fantasy football draft or book club meeting.  


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Warmth of the Sun

Having grown up in California gave me the bad habit of taking the warmth of the sun for granted. Since moving to Chicago I've come to truly appreciate each and every moment of sun that is possible. I like this photograph because it looks like what I feel like on a really cold day that has even an ounce of sunshine. 


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Meat Packing District

I'm pretty sure the sign says it all. I love Chicago.


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Bull in Chinatown

Chicago's Chinatown isn't quite as historical as San Francisco's and it's not quite as gritty as New York's. However, it was featured in the Ron Howard classic "Backdraft" and that pretty much trumps any other accolade one could receive. The bull above is one of the zodiac sculptures in the Chinatown Square. If you haven't been I highly recommend it . . . along with a 12 pack of pork buns (bao). Mmmmmm. 


Photograph by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Chicago Skyline-obstructed

Once again it's the skyline of Chicago with obstructions. Imperfect? I don't think so. Most of the views you get of the skyline are obstructed. Most of life is obstructed and imperfect if you think about it. Sometimes that's where you can find the most beauty and inspiration . . . in the imperfect.


"If you look closely at a tree you'll notice it's knots and dead branches, just like our bodies. What we learn is that beauty and imperfection go together wonderfully."-Matthew Fox (no, not the guy from "Lost")


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Election Day

I'm such a nerd that I actually went out looking for a photograph that would be fitting to post on election day. Just as I was about to give up I drove by an underpass near the Meatpacking District in the West Loop. BAM!! The stencil says "Veridis Quo" and it's NOT related to the Daft Punk song. After doing some research I'm fairly certain the phrase translates to "where truth is found". I'll leave the interpretation up to the viewer . . . after all, this is supposed to be an optimistic blog. Get out and vote!!


"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost"-John Quincy Adams


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission

Montrose Harbor at Dawn

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."-Albert Einstein


Photo by Michael Patrick Perry-Feel free to use images with links and credit – no commercial use without permission