MOMENTS IN CHICAGO

photojournal winter 2015

Home was really sweet this time around in particular. It was busy with family and friends,  guests from out of town, spiffy dinner parties (as shown above), and yes, as the tradition still holds strong, morning runs to The Doughnut Vault. All the mundane aside, relationships were unraveling quite beautifully, and I suppose that's what meant the most. 

Chicago is always characterized by a sense of 'delving deeper.' This winter fell nothing short as I had the luxuries of spending time with people I love in a city that is unceasingly amazing. For those who can't quite grasp what I mean by 'amazing,' let me just say that Chicago comes in layers. It initially presents itself as very refined and simple with big streets and big-hearted people. But stay a season longer (and or live through a brutal winter if you dare) and you'll find a much more intricate tapestry of subcultures pocketed within each neighborhood — Logan Square being my current favorite. I'd say it is hardly accessible for a first timer, but every true Chicagoan knows that there's so much more than meets the eye. It is resilient, annoyingly close-minded in a sense, but absolutely rich in the most mysterious, charming way. 

I think to enter a city with fresh eyes is what makes any place enchanting and exquisitely wonderful. Those are the eyes I should choose to hold onto tightly as I make my transitions back in Seoul. It has been exactly one week since coming back and already it has been quite the ride. Decisions made, risks being taken, and plans in the making. Here's to living through the transitions into the wild unknown and with that hopefully will be accompanied by more winter adventures.

PLANTS + TOAST

Same Day Cafe, Logan Square Chicago

I am absurdly jet lagged right now, so at 6:09 am I'm taking it upon me to share some photos and thoughts. To keep it brief, "Same Day Cafe" (opened 6 months ago in Logan) has the best avocado toast in Chicago and the best plant collection I've seen in a while. Enjoying the company with Sammy Boy and Petey Green talking about security and art and life made it that much better too.

My other avocado favorites include "Two Hands Cafe" in NYC and "Bartavelle Coffee and Wine Bar" in Emeryville, California. I haven't had anything outstanding in LA, but I guess I haven't tried one too many. Anyways, Same Day Cafe has a simple but delicious menu along with some classy old-fashioned tunes spinning from a record player in the far back. Absolutely heartwarming. It also has inspired me to become a plant owner for my little home in Korea. Who's excited to go plant shopping? Me. 

BACK TO BLACK

Home is Korea, home was LA, and now for a week and a half home will be Chicago. Chicago's chills are already intolerable, but spending time with people closest to my heart in a city that I love is just perfect for now. With new seasons come new things and I suppose I jumped the gun with a hairstyle change. It is the slightest bit uncomfortable (I haven't had black hair for a very long time now), but I welcome change...always. For my hair, I used Color Brilliance Ion in "darkest brown" with 20% developer, both from Sally's Beauty Supply. I personally think any hair color is achievable from home if you purchase professional hair color (not sure how I feel about box dyes) and have a skilled friend. And for $12 you can revamp your look + throw a hair dye party over some good laughs and R&B tunes with a friend! Remember, for darker hair use lower developer and for lighter colors go brighter. Dark hair makes me feel more equipped for the winter season. Toasty and bold. And with that, off I go to the city for some Chicago exploration with  Californians who make me feel less bad about being a featherweight of the cold. Happy Friday!

DAY 4

A daily journal of my 5 days remaining in Los Angeles.

The highlight of my day was driving to Los Feliz (also known as LA hipsterville) for a long overdue catchup session with my friend Sorah Yang who has been busy traveling the world in pursuit of her dreams. [Can I brag? Let me brag. Check out her youtube channel here]. Sorah and I met at a dance studio in Korea in 2011 when she was an exchange student at KU and I was fresh out of college venturing into adulthood. To think that she has since stepped out of all that is conventional and certain to make life work for her is truly inspiring. It empowers my understanding that if I work hard and give it my all, whatever I will will happen. No plan B. 

Over lunch and board games we caught up and talked about life. Honestly, life seemed so much easier four years ago when we had dance parties in our matching pajamas over some random sleepovers in hongdae. But I'm glad I have someone to share headspace with (it's very rare these days), as well as someone I can look up to and laugh with (also rare). Sorah, here's to growth and the giving of ourselves!

Currently: Listening to Miguel - Leaves