Fri-daze

Downtown Chicago-
Ran an errand to Dollar Daze, this run down, junky, dollar store in the loop to pick up some ziploc ripoffs for a project at the gallery. As I was wandering around the store with my hands fullf of baggie boxes my eye cathes a neon color prices tag that reads $1.49 stuck to a slick black book. I stop and look at the shelf; Holy Bible- King James Version. $1.49
I immediately wondered if that was the going rate for the word of God? I guess so, at least at Dollar Daze where pretty much everything is within the one dollar range.
I also really appreciated that they were at least making such ancient and majestic text available to all at such a bargain price.

Humboldt Park, Chicago-

Night spent in the apartment trying to regroup from an exhausting week (emotionally & psychically)
Around 12:05 I hear a set of gun shots, probably 6/7 fired off.
Was it on my block?
Was it in my building?
Was it gang related?
Was someone hurt? Was someone killed? What happened? Who was shooting? Why were they shooting? Why was I so afraid all the sudden and wanted to cry? Did I want to cry because I thought someone would bust through my door or because my heart ached for whom ever was shooter and the recipient? Who are this persons role models, do they have any? Why do people have guns? Why do I all the sudden feel as if this is my initiation into the neighborhood? Why did I go peak out my window immediately after? WHen I heard sirens where were they going? Who did they pick up? Will this be in the news or just become another of those tally marks that the poorer neighborhoods get for homicides in 2009?
Why cant we all be friends and live in peace (because its a fallen world, its humanity, we have free will)?
Are you now thinking about this as if you were watching my train of thought- its never ending?


This day was full of experiences, memories, firsts, lasts, love & hate, trial & error, sorrow & joy, followed by a day tomorrow that will be overflowing with hope.

Goodnight moon

the tug of war continues: hearts desire & academia

The weekend was magnificant. Gorgeous weather, block party in my new neighborhood, dinner with friends, farmers market, lovely sunday evening at Missio Dei, a great monday breakfast with the roomates, and a bbq to finish the last weekend of summer. Long weekends always get you in the relaxing, enojying life mindset, remind you of what is important in life and how a little chuck of time allows you to transcend the craziness that the world push upon us- then you are thrust back to the reality of Urban life: commuting, rushing, assigned readings, meetings, and work. Its a strange co-existence.
Tuesday for example:
Three hour philosophy lecture followed by a three hour art & economics lecture. Very long, intellectually demanding day. Have not had one of those in awhile- I love to work in the dark room, and pretty much anything photo related, or just creating in general, not necessarily read theory and discuss it with a classroom of people who have very different points of view on the world.
Don't get me wrong, I love diversity, I thrive on people being different and bringing new ideas and concepts to the table that I have yet to ponder. Its going to be a very interesting class, and I am sure my horizon will continue to broaden and my views will continue to be come stronger and more sensible. Seeing views that either oppose mine or question them in some way always helps strengthen your beliefs, reasoning behind the stand point. I am a bit nervous for all the academic challenges behind these two courses, but very excited for what I will learn and begin to understand in a different light. I am never one to turn down and new opportunity for knowledge, even if it seems intimidating.


{ On my mind these past days- 'gospel astonishment'; a profound concept & reality that has been brought to my spiritual and mental forefront by none other than Missio Dei (church in Wicker Park, Chicago)
If you know that God's heart is for us and you are seeking the truth then you will continue to be in awe of His character, grace, love, and pursuit of relationship with us,. So beautiful. God is love and love is real. }

Dont sleep through the revolution

Also...

Tentatively the screenings are for:

November 1st 5pm @ Missio Dei Chicago, Wicker Park location - St.Paul,s Cultural Center located at 2215 W. North Avenue. The Roadies will be showing 'Together We Are Free' Come have some nice home baked goods & watch the film

November 12th 4:30pm @ School of the Art Institute of Chicago (Columbus Drive Auditorium but possible relocation) - pairing up with my Student Activists' group to get people on campus to view film, become aware, and get involved.

Both of these screening events will be open to the public, will post more information a week before each screening! Thanks to Kelsey, an IC Roadie for all her wonderful help

Fall.

I think it might be fall.

First day of class was yesterday- Manipulations & Extensions. A alternative photographic processes class with one of my favorite professors, Robert Clarke-Davis. Stay up with my website to check for new work this fall:
www.hillaryannestrack.com

I really love first days.
New people, opportunity, knowledge, and the chance to impact someone in the greatest way- unconditional love. its powerful.


Friday, today, I booked two Invisible Children screenings- One for Missio Dei Chicago- my church in Wicker Park & another at School of the Art Institute of Chicago ( where I am now the leader for the student activists' group )
What a crazy, amazing day.

Long weekend lays ahead of us, full of friendship and sunshine.
Enjoy it