Eyesore on Ashland
I drive down Ashland Ave. at least twice every day. It’s probably one of my favorite streets in Chicago. There’s almost no traffic on it except between Lincoln and Diversey. The Catholic Church on Ashland and Irving Park (?) represents the Star of Bethlehem in their nativity scene with a 40 watt light bulb. Lake View High School has these really neat mosaics with peacocks. Etc.
Just the other day, I noticed a house I’d never seen before. It’s just south of Ashland and Cullom and boy, is it an eyesore. Imagine a ski chalet’s flat, big-paned windows, like huge eyes. Think about the rough-hewn look of an Irish sod house. Now, like a deranged Mies van der Frankenstein, breed these two distinct architectural styles into one motley beast. Just to be festive, drape the metal pipe bannister with gold and red tinsel. Isn’t that fun…and pretty?
Reading: A lot of Barbara Pym. Polished off two more of hers this weekend. She recycles a lot, if you know what I mean. A favorite word? Wordsworthian.
Eating: Back on the wagon, in order to fulfill the “another 40 lbs.” part of my resolution.
Viewing: We’re going to see LOTR 2 again tonight, for it is the proverbial shit.
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