On Retreat

The weekend was a great success. Definitely well appreciated. I drove home, had breakfast with my fam, and with a camera and a notebook, headed for Chicago.

I love taking the train. It is always very relaxing. There is always comotion and panic from those who fear missing the train but then when all ends well there is always a sigh of relief-and all is peaceful.

From the station, I headed to the Chicago Art Intitute making a few pit stopf to take pictures on my way. I was on my own and I was loving it. I took pictures of plants, buildings, anything and everything. I had no schedule. I was on retreat...my retreat!

I finally arrived into the museum where I befriended the information desk receptionist. She suggested the European wing and I sped towards Europe "on the second floor".

It was great because the first paintings that I saw were gargantuan and alive. I'm not an art aficionado but I do find creation and technique through art such a gift to our humanity.

The gift to create from scratch that which makes you love life, that which makes you--well, you. One's elation in one's creation must really give one a tiny glimpse at the feeling God had creating man, the world, and the universe.

The first few paintings I saw were of St. Francis. I guess he must have been traveling with me because there was a lot of St. Francis around at the museum , and everywhere else too.

Good to know I was enjoying my time with a friend.

I also saw a few of Claude Monet's works. The texture of a painting and the style of the painter look you traight in the eye. The poster knock offs one buys are like the "sparknotes" of a great classic.

The whole time I wondered what the painter was thinking while painting. What was going on in their lives that made them shade something one way or another?

Either way, it was great to see.

I then headed to Mass where the homily was about St. Francis and taking time to spend alone with Jesus. It was really good to know that this retreat in the city was exactly what the "doctor" ordered.

Of course I spent the day at a few of my favorite stores, not too many though, but just enough.

By this time I met up with my cousin and we headed to dinner to a little restaurant that was highly reccomended by a friend. Really a great meal.

The rest of the evening we spent it walking around, taking pictures and even visiting some bars.

All in all Chicago is "my kinda town!"

Doctors and my weekend plans

Well I did make it to the dentist and after all is done, I would say it wasn't that bad. They had to numb my mouth and it was funny because I went to McDonald's right after (Doctors orders, btw). I wrote a note and handed it to the cashier. She was serious the whole time I ordered and I knew she was trying to be PC with the whole situation. The note read:

"Hello, I recently had dental work done. I would like a large chocolate milkshake. I will be paying with my Debit card. Thank you."

I was laughing on the inside and I hope she laughed a little after I was gone.

Anyway, they told me I'd be okay in a couple of days, but I was okay after a 2 hour nap. I'm pretty proud of myself.

Anyway, my dentist woes aren't over just yet, but the scary part "Over and Done With."

My plans for the weekend are pretty simple but fun...

As soon as I'm off the computer I'm headed to the land where milk flows like water. Then, tomorrow I plan on taking the train to Chicago. I don't have huge plans of any sort. I will probably hang out on Lake Michigan maybe go for a little swim and I would like to go to the art Museum.

There is a cafe that I frequent while I'm there that is quiet and perhaps not to well known--At least I like to think that. I wouldn't mind sitting down, eating, and writing- All while people watching, one of my favorite activities.

I might even have a drink. Cheers to a weekend in Chicago and to those of you reading my Blog.

I will admit, I am a bit addicted.

Samson and I

So after work today, I decided it was time to cut the fro before the end of summer. It is always sad, getting a haircut that is, because when I'm getting it done everyone reminds me how they wish they had hair like mine. I know, I'm being a little vain right now. Either way, it is always painful to see my curls on the floor only to later be swept into the dust bin (one of my roommates in college spoke British English and this was one of his words) but either way I went to get my hair cut.

Since I didn't make an appointment I had to wait an hour for them to cut my hair.

To kill the time I headed to Coldstone creamery to pass the time.

Tomorrow I have to go to the dentist and I figured ruining the good teeth I have left before tomorrow would be the best way to celebrate.

I went and had my hair cut and even though I'm always weirded out by the feeling of a new hair cut, I was happy with the results. The lady even put gel in my hair to make it shiny. I was happy.

So even though I am trying to get used to the guy with short hair on my mirror, I like my haircut. I guess I really don't miss my curly hair that much.

More on the dentist tomorrow (Yikes!)

The band wagon

So after much thought, I have decided to start writing a blog. I guess this will be good for me as I have an affinity for writing. That doesn't mean I am a superb writer, but it does allow me to express my thougths through a medium I have grown to love and respect.

As for the title of my blog, "Only the beginning," I am excited and open to the idea of letting go and taking hold of the gifts that I've been given.

Life is all about beginning, even though we try to hold on to the end.

I won't anymore.

I am unsure where life will lead me, but that is why I'll keep on living it. Day by day I'll lead my life always enjoying new beginnings.