displaced ramblings of a reformed urbanite Part 2

More of Chicago’s Downtown Residents

“They don’t make ‘em like they used to”
Anonymous

Some things get destroyed or demolished.

There is some type of construction activity taking place in the downtown area of Chicago. Some buildings are being removed, like the building in the photo on the left.

Revised Thompson Center Chicago

Some older buildings are being renovated, such as the former Thompson Center, which is being converted to become the new Google Chicago headquarters.

As I continue my urban safari, aka my quest to improve my photography skills, I am finding items, objects, and things I would either not see or don’t see.

Whose job is this?

Then there are objects I do see and wonder why I am offended, or should I even be offended. Why doesn’t someone clean up this mess? Is that person overwhelmed? Does that person even know about this mess? Or is it just me who is concerned that someone should clean up this mess? Just sayin’ …

Waukegan Metra Station south bound track

Reflection From Across The Street

I thought this would be a nice touch. The store window acted as a mirror, and the lettering gave me the idea to frame this shot. The people were standing on the steps of the Chicago Cultural Center across the street from the window. My intent was to use the “PHOTO” lettering to frame up the shot. There is a double reflection within the mirrored glass. The outside environment is reflected in the glass. Also, there is a faint hint of lettering on the wall inside the store.

stated with a smile, “I don’t have on any lipstick”

I encountered this woman, who had taken residence within a CTA bus shelter. When I spoke with her, she told me she came to Chicago from California. She was a singer who was cheated out of her money and not paid for her studio performances for some recordings, and fell on hard times. Her arrival in Chicago was more than ten years ago.

I politely ask for permission to take her photo.
She smiled and said, “I don’t have any lipstick on”

Goes to show that no matter the circumstances or the difficulties, some people will maintain some sense of pride and dignity; and vanity.

I’m from the Chicago South Side

This gentleman said he is from the Englewood community on the South Side of Chicago. He’s a U.S. military veteran who is experiencing some difficult times. Despite his being homeless, he was very humble and did not mind posing for a photo.

This one surprised me

I was caught off guard by this person. My attention was distracted in another direction as I was walking, before I saw him. I intentionally retained the color due to the green and red vegetation. Not sure of his situation. I did not bother to ask.

Mother and Daughter

These two individuals were seen sitting on the window ledge of the Marshall Fields building on State Street a week before. I did not speak to the woman. However, she and her child are together. The experiences of this young person have to be troubling. Although they could be better than the family’s previous experiences.

Here is a selfie.