I’ve pedaled past this house countless times…
loving the color, the charm & the craftsmanship. Seems even more appropriate as we get closer to Christmas. Just hoping & waiting for some pops of bright RED to contrast against the chartreuse green accents!!!

Closed, but not forgotten… Chicago’s Navy Pier may be closed due to the pandemic and a huge lack of tourism in Chicago. It’s completely locked down so you can’t even go down The Pier. But you can still enjoy the gardens & views out front… especially by bike!

Clear blue skies made a perfect opportunity for a beautiful afternoon bike ride! Including a stop at the totem pole at Lake Shore Drive & Addison… a favorite landmark for many Chicagoans!

A quick ride down to the South Shore Cultural Center this afternoon… for a quick turnaround to head back home. No time to linger as I had to get back to teach my pottery class tonight!!!

My day started off yesterday with a crisp start to a beautiful Fall day. I hopped on my bike to pedal north for the day… with a quick stop at the Baha’i Temple in Wilmette. Such an amazing building… even better when surrounded with blue skies & warm Fall colors.

I even found a piece of history in back where they show off one of the original “test pieces” to create this magnificent building!

On my way home from Openlands, I was pedaling through Evanston and saw this amazing house… okay, so maybe it’s more the decorative work on the facade than the house itself?! I was completely enamored by the craftsmanship & design… and the fact that they have kept it in tact and in great shape over the years! BEAUTIFUL!!!

Gotta love a good “self-isolating in my car” roadtrip through Central Illinois. Nothing but blue skies… and some rural architecture, landmarks & scenery!

On my way home from the studio, I passed this condo building just two blocks away with these STUNNING pink dogwoods flanking the doorway! The color is incredible, the profusion of blooms beyond imagination and I love how well they play with the architectural details of the building. And yes, I pulled over, stopped the car, and got out crossing the street just to take some photos! They’re THAT stunning!!!

While exploring north along the lakefront, it’s been a bit of a challenge finding new routes away from people… but fun finding new locations to stop & play. Like this historic lighthouse up in Evanston. It was a bit chilly this afternoon for a bike ride… but better get it in before it snows tonight, right?!

You know I love rusty metal, and good patina here & there. Let alone the stunning craftsmanship on so many of the doors of the monuments & mausoleums at the cemetery yesterday! So yes, yesterday was beautiful day for some visual inspiration!!!