Fun, Maps, and Flowers, OH MY!

Well, well, well, where to begin. The past week or two have been super busy and super fun with class activities and events that my friends and I decided to go to on our own!

THE NEW STUDENTS ARRIVED! All the trimester students have moved and settled in. I think they complete our group, definitely adding a new flare.

For their first core course the semester students all had to present our perspective in regards to a topic about Pilsen. Nikki, Jessica, and I presented about politics and the Alderman. So, naturally, we each took a role as Danny Solis, Rahm Emanuel, and Chuy Garcia (respectively) and put on a brief skit. The day was pretty fun and after our presentations we went to help Elevarte spruce up their art room for some community service.

Gotta have a little fun, right?

ISP has provided many amazing opportunities to learn about mapping and what mapping means to all sorts of people. A little project we worked on was to create our own map, and the site visits helped us to learn more. I decided to do my map on the heights of the 50 most beautiful buildings in Chicago.

This weekend was pretty relaxed, which was super nice. A few of us went to a free concert on Saturday night. It's a little reminder to always be paying attention and looking for things to do, you can typically find many free or inexpensive things to do! And the chips and guacamole on the way home was also a day maker.

Sunday Curtis and I went to a flower show on Navy Pier. Walking in smelled wonderful and made me wish it was warmer outside. (Mother nature did not agree, as it snowed the entirety of the next day.) There were little houses set up, clothing made from plants, and TONS of flowers. I guess it is an event that happens once a year, so check it out next year.

TTFN! - Anna

Guess who thinks she's an artist now.

I have never considered myself an artist until this program began. I thought "artist" was a title reserved for painters and sculptures. You know, the visual arts. However, after three weeks in Chicago I KNOW I am an artist, in many ways. As a writer I am an artist. As someone who operates mostly in the right side of her brain, I am an artist.

Something about my roommates, classmates and even coworkers has made me even more...creative. This is not meant to be a rant about how inspired I have become, nor how ambition has begun to consume me. I can admit that I still enjoy my lazy Sundays. However, I have begun to draw. I am still obviously an amateur (that is not a humble brag, it is a true statement) but hey...

A statue at the Art Institute of Chicago

My mother at 21 years old

 I have absolutely no idea where these random sketching sessions will take me, but I have decided that when the muse hits me I will always take time to get creative (even if it is done during commercial breaks of the Vampire Diaries).
So, really the point of this post is to thank my classmates. They are truly bringing out the best in me and I am eternally grateful.

Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and let the creative juices flow! Tata for now folks.
-Much Love,
Kinzie

Succulents and Class Trips (Anna's Blog #2)

Hello again! So much has happened since I last blogged.

The most recent and most exciting thing that has happened was spending a girls day in Edgewater. Kinzie, Nikki, Jessica, Angela, and myself took the day to head to Blue Buddha Boutique for a craft day they were having. We were able to learn about iodizing of metals (to get the cool colors you see on jewelry), make zipper pulls, soaps, and earrings. It was definitely a fun day, thanks to Nikki spreading the word. After our crafts we went separate ways.

Nikki and I went to Adams and Son Gardens to get succulents and materials to make our own little gardens with the containers we got at the thrift store. We were obsessing for a while and finally got the chance to get some. This was the finished product of my little guys!

A few of us stayed up watching movies that night, Come Back to Me and The Nut Job. The latter being an adorable movie about squirrels and other critters. It was a fun relaxing weekend that was much needed after a lots of running around for class.

Don't get me wrong, I love going and exploring the city and the different places it has to offer in a class setting, but it is nice to do some of my own exploring.

The past few weeks I have gone and done some amazing things. Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago and looking at all sorts of art (including tiny model rooms!) was an incredible experience. Hector, myself, Si Mon', Kinzie, and Nikki were all excited for the visit.

And some photos of my favorite works.

Last week we also got a chance to meet a former alderman, Helen Shiller, at a coffee shop where I was able to see some artwork from artists I follow on Instagram. Be sure to check them out @maggie__hubbard, @eeciganek, and @rachelmlindsay.

Winding down tonight with some homework and preparing for the week. TTFN, ta ta for now.