2014: A Photo Essay
Per my annual tradition, here are twelve photos representing my 2014. Although it was wonderful to be closer to family, it feels strange not to include a single photo from Japan. Unlike in previous years, all photos below were taken in the Chicago area.
In 2015, I plan finish my “Transition Japan” series to focus on more narrative non-fiction stories. Happy New Year everyone, and may 2015 bring you much joy! 明けましておめでとうございます｡
January
The Adler Planetarium and a frozen Lake Michigan on a frigid January afternoon. Winter 2014 in Chicago was dubbed “Chiberia” by many.
February
Ice covering the Chicago river in February 2014.
March
Runners finishing the Shamrock Shuffle, the world’s largest 8K race, in March 2014. The city finally thawed.
April
I love seeing Chicago’s skyline from various spots throughout the city. This was taken near the intersection of Chicago & Halsted.
May
Runners gathering on the steps of Soldier Field before the Solider Field 10 Mile race, where participants finish on the 50-yard line.
June
Chicago’s brutally cold winter of 2014 caused an unusually thick amount of fog in the spring and early summer.
July
Michigan Avenue & Wacker Drive, Chicago, July 4, 2014.
August
I walked around Northwestern’s campus for the first time in nearly five years and visited Evanston’s Grosse Pointe Lighthouse, which was built in 1873.
September
I visited Ernest Hemingway’s childhood home in Oak Park for the first time. Our guide gave an animated and informative tour of the house and Hemingway’s early life. “But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated. ” – Ernest Hemingway, “The Old Man and the Sea”
October
October in Chicago brings the famed Chicago Marathon. Before volunteering at the after party, I cheered on some of the top runners. Here, Kenyan runner Rita Jeptoo brings in her famous kick to finish first in the women’s division. Unfortunately, she later tested positive for a banned sports enhancer substance.
November
I climbed the Willis Tower (103 flights of stairs, 2,109 steps) in support of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (SkyRise charity event). Upon finishing, I could see for miles and miles on this crisp fall day.
December
Two American heroes—Hank Rossetti and Al Mampre—who were combat medics in the 501st and 506th Airborne Infantry Regiments in WWII. I met them courtesy of WWII historian, author, and 101st Airborne expert Mark Bando, at his annual Trigger Time 101st Airborne dinner in Arlington Heights, IL.
Sheila Burt 