Chicago odd

Let’s keeping looking for oddities in downtown Chicago. Crown Fountain is a fascinating spot where two 50-foot fountains feature photos of ordinary Chicagoans spitting water at each other. That sounds a bit odd but although not as iconic as The Bean, it’s just another thing that makes the downtown area unique and enjoyable. I encourage you to click on the highlighted link above and read about the fountain.

Here’s bonus, once-in-a-lifetime oddity: today’s date is 2.22.22 or, depending upon where you live, 22.2.22. 🙂

SquareOdds 2.22.22

Peaceful

Although this video was taken at Tohono Chul some weeks ago, it’s a perfect representation of how I feel after a break of just one day.

Maybe I otter do something. Nah.

for Six Word Saturday

Especially exceptional expectoration exceeds everyone’s expectations

for Six Word Saturday

Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Black and White…fountain

In the summer sun with blue skies, this fountain has the look of an abstract dandelion.  In black and white, it takes on a different look, although no less attractive.  Again I marvel at the ease of seeing how a color shot looks in black and white, accepting or rejecting, cropping, etc. with a digital camera or phone.

Although I’ll see many of you throughout the week, I want to wish everyone in the US a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.  Take some time each day to count your blessings.  There are so many.

Randy asked to see the original, so I’ll include it here.

Phoneography Challenge: Abstract (river walk)

  Abstract:  Of art : expressing ideas and emotions by using elements such as colors and lines without attempting to create a realistic picture.  A second definition says:  Expressing a quality apart from an object.  

Toward the end of the week, the sun finally came out long enough for a trip to downtown Naperville that included a bit of photography.  Naperville has  a lovely river walk so, after an obligatory stop at the library (an obligation of love, I hasten to add), I stashed my bag of books in the van, zipped jacket my  against the wind and headed out for some iPad fun.

There were still some flowers providing a last fling of color.  I started shooting farther away, fighting the wind, which kept trying to keep the flowers moving so I couldn’t focus on them, but finally in the first photo, ended up deep in the heart of this beauty.  I find the shapes and colors very pleasing and although you can see the heart of the flower, I think it also allows for the wonder of something beautiful, yet not quite defined as a flower.

The second photo is an up-close-and-personal shot of a fountain not far from the flower.  Seen from a bit farther away, the water mimics a dandelion, but nearby, it takes on an abstract form, showing the “stems”, the water and the wavering reflection of fall leaves.  Both shots are unedited except for enlarging and cropping.

While we generally want clarity in our lives, there are times when the abstract can bring peace and allow for a sense of wonder and imagination.  Enjoy those moments and allow yourself time to dream.

On the fourth Monday, the challenge is the photographer’s choice.  Click to venture to Lens and Pens by Sally, home of our gracious hostess and where you can find links to all the other amazing entries.  If you take photos with an phone or iPad, feel free to join in.  You can find all the information there, too.