The Urban Scribe

older and older and older am I

chistranger — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:46:51 +0000

This is really a test post to see how competent I am at integrating new technology into my life. I have recently purchased a new computer, with all the requisite bells and whistles. While trying to find something else, I stumbled upon this offline blog editor and thought I’d give it a try……

Hmmmmm. yup. thats about all I have to say about my latest navel-gazing.

A literary summer….

chistranger — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:55:32 +0000

It is strange for me to fathom and comprehend….but in June I actually graduated with my Masters degree from Northwestern. As a high school student, I dreamt about going to that school, perched on the shore, an oasis from the hustle and bustle of Chicago. When I was accepted, I was thrilled and dreamy eyed.

One year goes FAST!

Come June, I was suddenly back in my “real life” with a degree (which I didn’t actually believe, as I didn’t walk at graduation, until the diploma showed up mid-July) and way too much free time on my hands.

I’ve always been a bit of a workaholic. I even retained some of my writing and freelance work while I was in school. Yet, as I finished, so did many of the projects I was working on.

For the first time in a long time, I had a summer that was all about me. And it was good.
I had adventures roadtripping to Maine with some of the most brilliant, creative folk you’ll ever meet:

Our Crew at the Little House in Maine

Every week, I left all the stresses of the city behind and retreated to my haven- a beautiful, lovely little farm run by my beautiful, lovely friend Michelle in Chicago’s most charming “suburb” (I’m not sure how far out of the city that term still applies…)- Woodstock. I farmed, I ate better than I ever have in my life, and I definitely took advantage of our gorgeous weather:

Tomatoes

With some personal drama thrown in the mix as well, I felt like a character out of a Willa Cather novel, coming into her own and forging her own path…rediscovering her identity and the identity of the place she calls home….
This amazing summer was recently capped by the most exquisite wedding of two dear friends who love each other so much I almost couldn’t breathe watching them….

nick and brandyn

Now that my summer has come to an end, I’m intrigued and anxious with anticipation… What next?

Capturing a city’s spirit

chistranger — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:34:54 +0000

I’ve developed quite the reputation among my friends as being a constant champion and fervent advocate for the city of Chicago. All I have to know is that someone is from out of town for me to spring into action, plying them with tours, culinary tastings, and endless speeches filled with facinating trivia and history about this crazy, amazing place.

It’s not always an easy battle. Fellow Northwestern students who hail from LA or the bay area think I’m insane, as I recount the beauty of winter’s first snowfall.

I just can’t help it, though!

While I understand that not everyone can share the same love, I wish they could have a day to see the city through my eyes. They would appreciate that here, it is not unusual to start up a conversation with the guy cleaning the street or the woman on the bus with you. Here, race is a major problem and intriguing social issue that pushes the boundaries of scholarly understanding. It leads one to question the very nature of cultural authenticity and personal responsibility.

I know I’m getting vague…but this is a giant iceberg floating amongst my thoughts and I’m just scraping off the very tip!

Hello world! {Hiccup}

chistranger — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:08:24 +0000

The Urban Scribe is currently undergoing some site maintenance. We should be up on our feet by tomorrow!

Come back and visit us soon!