Magnificent Mile

"I used to be Snow White, but I drifted." -Mae West

I heard about "Blizzard 2011" as I headed to work at PYR Chicago design studio. I thought nothing of it; typically, weather reports are like my loving grandmother sharing, "I can smell the rain coming."

I was delighted to observe many Chicagoans listening and trusting their weather reports. Before the storm hit, the local grocery stores were packed with anxious shoppers, hardware stores were looked upon as precious luxury boutiques, and fashion held no regard, as everyone was bundled up. Our priorities shifted and forced us to reshuffle our priorities.

During the blizzard, my restful evening was constantly interrupted by the sound of the forceful wind rattling my apartment building. Living on the edge of Lake Michigan didn't hinder the wind, but the beautiful and strong Mies Van Der Rohe apartment complex stood like the Great Wall of China, bracing for the arrival of Mongols. Soon the loud blasts of wind joined forces with thunder and lightening, and the first thing to go was Chicago's fragile Comcast cable system. We were virtually disconnected with the world.

As if still dreaming, morning arrived and I expected everything to be back to normal. Peaking through my window treatments, I saw little change. Not with joyous intentions, I decided to walk outside and feel the situation in person. Visually quiet, sensations are invasive when walking through stormy city streets. Although I saw a few cars stopped at traffic lights, Magnificent Mile, North Michigan Avenue, was shut down. I took some photos of the Van der Rohe apartment building, and other recognizable buildings in near area.

How graceful these designs stand against the weather! If there were enough Christo Wrap to go around, I'd drape them myself, or at least find some people to do it for me.