Didn’t think I’d have any time to post but the show sounded great in the bigger venue, therefore, no rehearsal this afternoon. Yesterday I was up at 5:30 am and didn’t get to bed last night until 1:00 am Chicago time, which is 2:00 am New York time. I was up for just about 23 hours. Not good. I made myself get out of bed at 8:00 so I could spend some time with my very best friend in the world, Laural.
I cropped this since my 17 year old leather coat (bought before I was a vegetarian) was falling off my shoulder making me look rather hulk-like.
I’ve known Laural since I was 12 and she was 13. We met doing summer theater in our hometown and I’m proud to say we are both still working in theater. Laural just lost her brother, Sandy, last week. So I was especially happy to have this visit scheduled. We needed to talk, to remember Sandy and, in turn, remember my brother. Laural’s parents are also gone. Her dad was a State Representative in our home state of Michigan and I used to help on his campaigns. Her mom was like a second mom to me. We’ve been through so much together, Laural and I. I’m very grateful we were able to see each other today.
I’m staying at the Palmer House. I’ve spent a lot of time here over the years. When I was teaching in San Diego and we went on our yearly audition tour, we always stayed here. It’s been 11 years since I last visited and the rooms are looking very trendy.
The lighting in my bathroom is so dim that I had to do my eyebrows over 4 times. I looked like Joan Crawford.
The Palmer House is a huge, grand, lavishly decorated hotel. I love the ceiling in the lobby:
They don’t make them like this anymore.
A little tour in the area around my hotel:
This incredible sphere is in Grant Park – a giant gazing ball, if you will – and it reflects the skyline. Love it.
Also in Grant Park. (I thought it looked sort of like Steve Carell.) It changes to this:
The wonderful Art Institute of Chicago. I remember spending a long time in line many, many years ago to see the King Tut exhibition.
Home of the famous Chicago Symphony Orchestra – conducted by Riccardo Muti. He was the conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra when I lived in Philadelphia.
I made a little trip to Marshall Field and Company – which is now, unfortunately, a Macy’s. In yet another blow to individuality, what once was a store with a distinctly Chicago identity has become just another building in the Macy’s arsenal. Part of what I call the Homogenization of America. Everything is now part of a chain; so no matter where you go, you will find exactly the same store in any city. Yuck.
The building is still beautiful – many memories of lunches in the Walnut room, of gasps at the beauty of the architecture. And of these:
Used to be you could only get these at Marshall Field. Now, of course, you can find them other places. But not, I think, where I live. So, for old times sake, I bought some. Frangos are great, especially if you like the combination of mint and chocolate as I do. Note to Don: the caramels are all gone. How did that happen??
My niece and nephew and their families live in the Chicago area. Unfortunately, not enough time this visit to see them. So I will have to come back.
Oh, and here’s the marquee:
Gorgeous theater, by the way. Very ornate with lots of gold and 3 balconies.
Talk to you soon.
hi claudia,
there is nothing like an old friendship. my closest friend and i attended kindergarten together. we are like sisters w/o all the jealousy. chicago is fab and you captured it beautifully.
xo
janet
ps – i totally agree re macys.
Hi Claudia,
Glad to hear all is well in Chicagoland…I think it’s especially hard on those of us that grew up with “neigborhood” stores….owned by someone that we knew and had a personal touch.
We can point a finger at Walmart for putting a lot of those privately owned hometown stores out of business…and that list goes on and on.
Glad you got to visit with your friend.
Be safe and have fun,
Hugs, Stephanie ♥
Hi Claudia,
Wonderfull that your Chicago tour was succesfull, and how good that you 2 old friends could meet, and talk.Old friends are the best-
The photoes are gorgeus, Claudia,
and I can see the place you lived in, is a fantastic one ,too.
I`m home again after taking my grandkid, home to mom and dad-so now starts real life:working…
I wish you a happy week-end dear.
Hugs,Dorthe
Claudia,
Love traveling with you. Beautiful photographs. So glad that you could spend time with your friend. Take care.
Carol
How exciting Claudia~ from NYC to Chicago! Love the photos, that gazing ball has me wondering, how many birds fly into it? I know, morbid thought!!
It is a shame, the homogenization of America~ erasing individuality one store at a time.
Glad you got to spend time with your dear friend!
hugs,
paula:)
So glad you got to see Laurel, you both look great. Chicago looks beautiful. Talk to you when you get back,
Mere
lovely post from beginning to end, claudia. i read it with my cereal this morning. nice way to begin the day!
xo
elyse
ps
i remember marshall fields. gee — all of those old department stores are vanishing, aren’t they? wannamakers (sp?) in philly, jordan marsh in boston. i’ll bet there’s quite a list.
oh what gorgeous photos! I adore my little house in a small town but when I see pictures of big cities my heart does start to race- maybe I have a bit of a city dweller deep down inside of me :) The ceiling in the hotel is gorgeous-I wish I could see it in person, I bet it’s even more beautiful staring up at it while you are physically there. I’m so happy you had time to visit such a wonderful friend Claudia. I hope you get a chance to get some good rest soon♥
What perfect timing for a visit with a special friend.
Chicago is one of my favorite cities. My family used to stay at the Palmer House. Love the grand old hotels!
I, too, miss MF and could not agree more with your statement on homogenization. So sad.
Thanks for sharing a little of Chicago with all of us!
Claudia, that you for showing us around and sharing your memories.
I am so glad you got to spend time with your friend. There is nothing like the love and comfort of a dear friend.
I know each and every one of your stops. But, have to admit, I didn’t realize that hotel had new bedspreads. Looks updated too. Glad to see we are providing you with some warm spring like weather. Now, don’t forget to see the green river today.
Kate
Wow if I had been up for 23 hours I don’t think I could hold the camera steady much less take such awesome pictures! Thanks for the glimpse into your world. Blessings, Joanne
Claudia, I wanted to drop by to wish you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Looks like you are having a good stay in Chicago. That hotel is wonderful, and it’s exciting to see the play marquee. Hope you got some rest. You take care of YOU!
I’m still not back to blogging as I have workmen stacked up to the ceiling, but I hope to be blogging again on a more regular basis in the not too distant future. I’m behind on so many things, I’m wondering if I will ever catch up.
Sending you warm hugs across the miles.
XO,
Sheila :-)
Well, it looks like you are having a good time in Chicago….other than the lack of sleep!
It is so good you have been able to meet up with your dear friend.
I do love the Chicago museum of art, it is one of my favorite museums.
Hugs,
Terri
Looks like oyu had a wonderful time…I still have freinds from when I was a child as well…nothing beats that.
I’ve been in that theater a few times…lovely building.
Hi Claudia, thank you for taking me to places I may never go. You get some sleep please. ♥O
so glad you enjoyed your visit to chicago! i was so sad when marshall field’s became macy’s…it’s just not the same and never will be. YUM to the Frango’s though :)
the Palmer House has really gone trendy with their rooms, guess they are trying to keep up with all the other hip downtown hotels. sounds like the show went well too and how nice you were able to spend time with your dear friend!
Well Claudia, aren’t you the girl about town! Just a-traveling this way and that way. Glad you had fun with your friend. That’s a long time to be friends! Be safe.
Brenda
Claudia, I’m so glad you were able to see your childhood friend, Laural and lend her some much needed support. Thank you for sharing your jaunt to Chicago. I have never been there, but hope to one day and now know some things to look for and enjoy. That giant “gazing ball” is fabulous. Glad the show was a success. Ann
Loved meeting your friend Laural. You made me laugh about the cropping of the photo…lol!
What an awesome city Chicago is isn’t it. I would love for Marshall and I go there once before we get too old.
I loved that your hotel room had crown molding! The photos you took of ceiling of the hotel and of the sphere are amazing.
Deanna :D
Even in the short time you were there, looks like you packed in a lot of adventure. SO glad you were able to see your best friend.
btw, you may not appreciate me telling you this, but we have Frangos readily available here. Just in case you need any… xo