Back to the Bean ... for Marilyn by auntietk
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
In September of 2009, Marilyn (beachzz) and I went to Chicago for a Renderosity meetup. It was one of life's high points for both of us! We had SUCH a good time, and we met people we'd only known on RR previously. Some of us are still posting here, but some have moved on. It was a point in time, a fantastic long weekend, with laughter and love and terrific weather.
In September of 2011, Bill and I went back to Chicago for another visit, at which time I took this picture of the Cloud Gate sculpture, aka "The Bean." It's an iconic Chicago destination.
So Marilyn, for your birthday, here is a photograph that encompasses more memories than I can mention. Not only that trip, but the times we talked, the plans we made, the conversations with other participants ... the whole thing. It was epic, wasn't it? Just thinking about that weekend makes me grin from ear to ear. Headlights on the 12th floor. Red-headed neon. First time in a subway. Pomegranate-walnut chicken at Reza's. Walking the Near North Side with Mark. Fire escapes. Chip's Kafka postcard. And of course, The Bean.
(Plus, you and I have been friends for ten years now. Isn't that amazing?)
With hugs, loads of history, and much love ...
Happy Birthday, Marilyn!

Comments (15)
wonderful & thoughtful gift for Marilyn!
Love those kind of pictures.
Very nice. And a great birthday gift!
Cool distortion. I've been to Chicago a few times (many years ago), though I've never heard of "The Bean" - maybe it was erected after my last visit? Happy Birthday to Marilyn!
A great photo and dedication!
A wonderful reflective capture and you do sound to have had a fabulous time in Chicargo. How lovely to meet up with friends from Renderosity. A lovely birthday present for Marilyn. :)
Delightfully Wonderful Work,
What a wonderfully odd image. And such warm recollections of Chicago. Bringing back such memories is a great gift for Marilyn.
That was a most amazing trip. I remember when you asked me; "Wanna go to Chicago?" And yep, I sure did!!! It was epic, I remember so many fun moments, Chip still talks about my blue and green flip flops, seeing Lake Michigan, walking, walking and more walking. And yeah, the Bean!!! Thanks for this great foto and the memory. I'm ready to do it again!!!
Superb capture and birthday dedication Tara. Happy birthday Marylin. God bless.
Phenomenal!!
I remember all those great pics you all posted. This is a mind puzzle, love it!
Yeah, that fantastic bean. A great memory for you who were there in person. Glad I remember the pics from your trip :)
The reflections capture the wildness and confluence of experiences you describe in your words. And, given how original and wild the reflections are, they're perfect for Marilyn's photography too: When she was posting regularly, she amassed so many wild and saturated dancing pieces that this is perfect for them. Great to see you talk about your long relationship with her---I found you both here, I believe, through the Thanksgiving series you both posted, at your brother's home. (Right? I think it was there.) Loved the rich and warm photos, and the experiences you both shared. You go back a long ways! A wonderful set of memories, written with real love; and I love the plunging image, with chicago turned inside out/upside down---not easy to find that in downtown's very, very blocklike facade's: It looks like a the city's being devoured by a huge lava lamp. Wonderful dedi, Tara. And Happy Birthday again, Marilyn, and many many more!!!
Quite a wonderful shot, Tara! The 'bean' seems to be the place to be in the Windy City! Happy Birthday to Marilyn!