Nature Walk

"Perfect", was the word that came to mind as I stepped out of my apartment, felt the heat of downtown Chicago and soaked in the nearly cloudless day. Walking through the Loop's towering high-rises and endless asphalt and concrete, I came across a green oasis juxtaposed against the hard and often metallic surfaces. It is a newly built park in between DePaul Central and the John Marshall Law School. It has a neatly carved grassy knoll and there are activities going on today. Frisbees fly and a few business people have sought refuge in the sun from their offices. Argo Tea has a stand set up where they are handing out samples to passersby. There is also a small coffee stand where Chicagoans can get a quick pick me up while on their way to work. Feeling the heat surround me, the noise from
Chicago traffic and the green landscape makes me feel at home for the first time in a very long time!
I grew up in an area very different from Chicago. It was much greener and quieter; this little park reminds me of the smell of land and the feel of grass. I don't give in to the temptation to take off my shoes as that will come later. As I continued my walk, I wonder how it will feel to have grass under my feet, and I am reminded that we are fortunate to have so much green space in downtown Chicago. Grant Park is a beautiful piece of land surrounded by statutes, restaurants, and lots of places to have fun! As I approached the walkway to the marina a softball game was going on. I stopped to watch for a bit until my allergies started flaring up from all the dust and the cottonwood trees. This is the part of nature that aggravates me. It is soo beautiful and calming but can be such a pain for my sneezing and breathing! After a brief jog down to the marina I finally reached Lake Michigan. It is a windy day down by the water but watching the boats bounce off the waves and the trees blow reminds me of my beach house in Grand Haven, Michigan. I finally take off my shoes feel the grass and look at our beautiful lake. Being close to the water, the sun, the boats, other joggers, and sitting on the grass makes me wonder how I ever stay inside my apartment!