aic library sketches, thriftshop, woods

school has started, had classes last wednesday and friday. it's been really nice to finally start getting into art. for our research class, our teacher got us to do a portrait of ourselves/anything that we want in the form of a diagram. it was fun to just let the mind wander and to not feel restricted by tight boundaries and instruction. yet that kind of new found haha independence and freedom in our art caught us offguard as well, not knowing where to start. but it was fun. it's crazy to hear how the different works conveyed the stories of various individuals, and how conversations could get deep really quickly. it's scary i think, doing art, because it makes you vulnerable to your audience.

went to the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries at the Art Institute to check out this special exhibition they had "Around the World in Travel Sketches", displaying sketches of artists as they travelled the world. it's really cool to see like their rough work, and the way they captured the scenes before them - be it in colours, or strokes, or how the light falls on the buildings, or they feelings they evoke. 

it's the labour day weekend and campuslife has organised day trips that bring students to various parts of the city. we went to lakeview/belmont area thrift stores on saturday. it was nice to be in the neighbourhoods and out of the city for a little bit. the streets and houses are so pretty.. very much different from the way singapore is obviously. haha.

walking through the streets

mehrnoosh and tricia

really good korean bbq food from Crisp, 2940 N. Broadway Chicago

thrifted from: Plato's Closet, 2817 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60614.

i should thrift more. these were 7 and 10 respectively :O

shots from an evening run, chicago is really really pretty it leaves me in awe

God's creation even more so.. the sky was incredible

On sunday, we went to thatcher woods. i think most of us expected a like nature reserve somewhat, with proper paths and everything, but it was really the woods as raw and real as it was. it was pretty though, except for mosquitoes (im scratching a bite on my pinky as i type).

it's always nice to be in nature once in a while.

was really tired after the trips and took a nap. this is what i saw when i woke up.

it's odd to be in another city. in my research class, one of the girls was saying how her artwork conveyed that despite being in america for more than a decade, she still does not feel like it is home. and my teacher was saying she doesnt think it would ever feel at home if you're not born here. i think each of us feels a certain connection to where our roots are. singapore will always always be home i feel. at this point in time anyway. it's where i grew up, where most of who i am originates from, where the people i love are. then again, when i return back after 4 years for good, it would have had changed drastically im sure, and things and places would be different - it will never be the same as when i left on 14th august 2014. perhaps then, there's never somewhere we can truly call "home". i'm not too sure. i'll let you guys know when i've lived here a little longer. and have more coherent thoughts on this matter.

it's good though, to be away. i feel as though my worldview has broadened a lot more over the past few weeks, just being exposed to a myriad of different people, things, experiences. and yet there's still so much more to learn.

i think it's also recognizing that in every situation, He is the only constant. and being aware and recognizing His presence in my life each and everyday. it's so easy to get all caught up in the new, and letting myself go with everything that comes my way. got an email from delia, and have been getting texts from pkaf to ask me how i am and everything, and i'm really thankful to have people keeping me in check, despite being 15062 km (acc to google hahaha) away.

i hope everyone is well. :) i'll end this post with a psalm.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— 

where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the Lord, 

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip— 

he who watches over you will not slumber; 

indeed, he who watches over Israel 

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you— 

the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 

the sun will not harm you by day, 

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm— 

he will watch over your life; 

the Lord will watch over your coming and going 

both now and forevermore.

- Psalm 121