Visiting the ole 'hood...

Visiting the ole 'hood..., originally uploaded by jjvannorman.

Ahhh....

The classic Big Baby.

No special sauce, no gimmicks. Two beef patties grilled in front of you, slap on some American cheese, on top of the grease toasted bun. Slap on the grilled onions, mustard and that's it. The heart surgeon's best friend. I think it was something in those grilled onions those Greeks added that kept patrons returning.

It was impossible to not stop here now and then. Commuting from IIT to home -- 35th St. bus to the Archer Express, then down Kedzie Ave, and there it was...like a shimmering light beckoning the hungry to come in.

Reach...

Reach..., originally uploaded by jjvannorman.

Autumn’s grandeur fades
To touch ever blue heaven
Icarus revealed

Paint me...

Paint me...-1, originally uploaded by jjvannorman.

It's been about 5 months since re-joining my company after being "fired" in September.

I knew then but now with a deeper perspective, that i was still much more fortunate than many, many others who are trying to meet the day-to-day demands of trying to get by. Very few folks have 60 days to remain on roll while seeking another job -- it gave me the window to return to my position at work. As my good friend Cal said -- "you're one lucky bastard".

I'd like to write more about my job, but frankly it still seems like I'm getting settled in and haven't quite the ability to articulate how I see myself -- career-wise. I'm certainly less susceptible to whatever rumour happens my way, having already been through it once. It does seem somewhat empowering and I think there's some truth to the saying "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger".

I've lately become interested again in my photography including many photos taken during my "sabbatical". I was surprised at the emotional impact of being "fired" and the feelings of feeling less worthy or dare I say it -- a failure. I'm sure that's some of the feeling I still carry today.

My joy of photography was certainly dampened, but lately the itch has come back and it's interesting to see the photos I took whilst I was wallowing in failure-mode. My joy of writing seems to go hand-in-hand with my photography.

I'm not yet satisfied with my writing, I know I am being too reticent on expressing details and my feelings, but I'm hoping this is a growth process to be nurtured.

Memories from Fall

More remnents from Fall-2, originally uploaded by jjvannorman.

This took too long.

I drafted a couple of entries but didn't publish them -- somehow it wasn't quite right. So I am retracing my creative threads back to how my blog got started. Photos -- so I am reviewing some photos taken during my "sabbatical".

I kind of like this photo for the contrasting time line -- the old building and ornaments coupled with the green-friendly eco lights.