Is Chicago "My kind of town"?

As Frank Sinatra crooned the words "My kind of town, Chicago is", he certainly wasn't exaggerating. Neither is the sign advertising the the stretch of State Street called the "Magnificent Mile". Chicago is pure delight.

Last year, after my mom passed away, my sister and I decided to plan a trip down memory lane in honor of my mom and dad. Sort of retracing our roots, so to speak.We were both born in or around the city of Chicago. My parents met and fell in love in this city and our grandparents lived and worked here as well. I had not been back to the city in 40 years and am so glad I finally found my way back "home".

The tiny house we lived in when I was born.
(Schiller Park - right outside of the city)

My sis and I had a wonderful time visiting all the places we lived and places we loved, while reminiscing and retelling family stories. But in addition to this, something unexpected happened to me on this trip - I fell in love with the Windy City.

I have traveled a great deal all over the world and have been to some of the world's greatest cities: London. Paris, Rome, Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and many more.  Up until now, I have always thought of Paris as my most favorite city. However, I think Paris now has some stiff competition.  Chicago definitely has taken a top spot on my list. 

Outdoor Amphitheater

Why??? Well, I'll start with the obvious - it's gorgeous. The city is rich in art and architecture. You may say - "Yeah, well so are all the other cities". That may be true, but Chicago just has a "niceness" to it that the other cities just don't have. You feel warm and welcome here as if the city envelopes you in it's hospitality and history. It's a special place where...

...like London, Paris, and Rome, a river runs right through the city. While on a boat traveling through the core of this metropolis, you are surrounded by phenomenal structures such as the Wrigley Building and Marina City.

The Chicago River

Marina City

A view of The Wrigley Building

...art and sculptures by Picasso and other renowned artists are scattered about the city so that "Everyman" can enjoy the work of  these creative geniuses.

Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) at Millennium Park

...you can rent bicycles and ride along the lake on an 18 mile trail and enjoy a view of the beach and lake and the parks. 

Trail along Lake Michigan
The John Hancock building is in the background.

... the people are so nice and helpful that at stores, restaurants, hotels, while walking on the streets, and even at the airport you never meet a snarky person. 

... it's CLEAN. I mean really CLEAN.

... the neighborhoods consist of stunning, tree-lined streets with buildings built at the turn of the century. The beautiful cut limestone or brick houses with ironwork are to die for.  

I imagine this city as humble. It doesn't have the bustle or trademark style of New York. It doesn't have the quirkiness of LA, the snobbishness of Paris, nor the hipness of South Beach. It's simply nice - like its people. 

To me, Chicago is the forgotten city in the USA. It doesn't brag, wave its greatness in your face, or try too hard. It's just surprisingly wonderful. Chicago was my first home and this trip helped me develop a great appreciation and love for it. I think my mom and dad would be very pleased that my sister and I had a fantastic time in the city where we began our journey through life.

Frank Sinatra said it best through the lyrics of a song about this great city:

My Kind of Town

This is my kind of town, Chicago is
My kind of town, Chicago is
My kind of people, too
People who smile at you

And each time I roam, Chicago is
Calling me home, Chicago is
Why I grin like a clown
It's my kind of town

You CAN go home again and I definitely will!

The quest for HGTV stardom continues...

The house that stole my heart.

I have made my first step towards becoming the newest HGTV star and no - I didn't have a face-lift or boob-lift. Although that certainly would be helpful - no doubt.

I found an awesome project. Now all I have to do is convince Phil. Oh... and find the money, write a proposal, find a producer etc etc. But one small step at a time...

Phil and I took a field trip to Thomasville last weekend just to check things out. I was certainly right about one thing. The town is adorable. The downtown area has a very young, hip feel. Old brick storefronts' second stories have been converted to lofts and condos that are attracting a younger clientele. There are restaurants, bars, coffee houses and boutiques. Broad Street is indeed broad and brick-paved giving it that historic charm.

We spent the afternoon looking at old houses that need restoration. They all come with similar issues - termite damage, mold and mildew, funky layouts and additions made throughout the years that are definitely not to code. But they also come with incredible craftsmanship (mantles, woodwork) and history. As I age, I find myself becoming drawn to less shiny, new objects and more to weathered items made from quality materials that sport a patina or a maybe a bit of rust (sort of like my skin and joints!). Things that were made 100 years ago were not mass produced, but required a knowledgeable laborer who learned the process from a master, like these old houses. 

OK...so it needs a bit work - don't we all?
All hardwood floors are intact as well as bead-board ceilings.

One house, built in the 1890's, particularly stole my heart. It is a mess. Every part of the house needs work. It looks like it could be set for demolition in the near future. 







To ignore this pestering itch in regards to this house and find something a bit less overwhelming would be the safe thing to do - the practical thing to do. That just makes sense. Phil and I are older with a limited bank account and should guard what we have. I also understand that as we age, a lot of decisions (or lack of) are based on fear and practicality, as opposed to unbridled confidence, spontaneity and passion like when we were young. Does it have to be like this? If so - that's pretty sad. I just don't think Phil and I are ready to give up those aspects of youth yet. Yes, the work would be very challenging and investing in something like this is always a risk. But, this house could be magnificent again, as I imagine it was when it was first inhabited by William Beverly, the lumber dealer and alderman who was the original owner 110 years ago. 

They don't make 'em like that anymore!

Gorgeous pocket door. Not sure what the deal is about all the pink though.

Original butler's pantry is still intact.

Maybe you or someone you know is looking for an investment in a piece of history and a possible slam dunk real estate-wise. 

Wait - I just had another brilliant idea. Hey... Nicole Curtis - listen up. We could be partners! Yeah - I'll even work on toning the arms and get some hair extensions! It's a helluva alot warmer in Thomasville than Detroit! Whaddyasay? You in? We could save this house, make it shine again, and make some money in the process. 

 Or.... maybe I'll win a contest or the lottery this year. If I do, my first call will be to Thomasville with an offer for this house. Then, the second call will be to the plastic surgeon. After all, you have to look good on HGTV, right?