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I've bean to the crown
Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 05:44PM 
You know I exist to bring you not only experiences, and pictures of those experiences, but the commentary that both deserve.
And the explanations that you deserve.
But I'm pretty sure there's no need for explanation when it comes to Chicago's Crown Fountain.
The installation, completed in 2004, comprises two fifty-foot-tall glass block towers with a reflecting pool between them.
The "face" of each tower is a massive video screen, displaying the actual faces of ordinary Chicagoans (facing one another as though communicating) blinking, smiling, staring, and blowing water kisses.
The water jetting from the mouths is said to have been inspired by gargoyles -- which, I'm not sure if you know this, but if it doesn't spit water, it's not a gargoyle. It's a grotesque.
At any rate, mist and spray moisten anyone walking within twenty feet of the structures, which do, gargoyle-like, spit water from their LED video mouths.
People cavort in the reflecting pool, which is so shallow as to be more like a low place where the water collects. I didn't try it, but I doubt it's even ankle deep. I don't believe it would attract ducks.
Water sluices down the towers for much of the year. In winter, for obvious reasons, the glass block is lit from within and the water is turned off.
We wouldn't want two fifty-foot ice blocks on our hands. Gets a trifle nippy there a few hundred yards from the shores of Lake Michigan, where Millennium Park is situated.
Crown Fountain is at the edge of that newer twenty-five-acre park, all of which -- and then some -- was for decades known as Grant Park.
The fountain gets its name from the wealthy and influential Chicago family who commissioned it into existence and paid the seventeen-million-dollar freight.
Do I like it? To say that the jury is still out is likely the closest we'll come to my feelings in the matter, for a long time to come.
It may even require a second visit before a conclusion may be reached.
The source of my ambivalence is that, although the Crown Fountain was interesting to look at, it wasn't exciting. In any way. As such it failed to touch or move me. It illuminated nothing.
When I walked away, I didn't miss it. I guess we could say I found it boring.
I could go into why I think that's the case, but I'd probably offend someone.
And we wouldn't want that.
You may have seen photos of the highly reflective Cloud Gate sculpture -- known colloquially as the bean -- which sits a stone's throw from the Crown Fountain, drawing thousands of visitors each day.
Here's me taking a picture of TG standing in front of the bean. If you look closely, you can see us both. Haha.
Although I find much to be charmed by in the country, I'm a city girl by nature. As such, the urban sprawl never fails to fascinate.
Among cities I've visited, Chicago is far and away my favorite. It has the sort of energy I understand.
So if the Crown Fountain fails to impress in the way another design might have? I can forgive that.
Because next time I visit Chicago, among the familiar sights there will something else to notice, to marvel at, to wonder about, and to show you.
And that is all for now.
>>>>>>>>++++<<<<<<<<
Happy Thursday
Reader Comments (7)
Mercy, woman, I don't know what to say! Amazing to see, but I rather enjoy those oddities from my desk on the computer. However, that photo of you and TG? Wow, that's a keeper for sure; I hope you have it framed!
You like the city, I like the country. Even though we're only about a 45 minute commute to Jacksonville, I have been there in years! In earlier years, I went to L.A. on business, and to NYC on business. One time was enough, seriously. Even back then, you could look out the 30 floor windows and see nothing but yellow (in L.A.) taxi's. I was so happy to leave, after that week I gave the driver a $50 tip. Of course, I charged it to the company. :)
It's always nice to see you, here as you're a real deal!
xoxo
@Sally ... it's good that there's enough city for those who want it, and enough country for those who want it. I really do like both but if I had to pick one, I'd probably choose peace and quiet. xoxo
I'm not a huge fan of the fountains, but I like the Bean. I've never see either in person though. That's cause I'm a country girl and would much rather visit the woods... than Chicago. I still like you though, even with your questionable tastes in location!
PS - cute pic of you and TG!
I have not bean to the crown, but I'm fascinated by the concept. You and TG look cool in that Bean.
@Mari ... haaahahahaa says the one who just vacationed where it's boiling HOT! Alas, I did the same thing ... it was scorching in Chicago on all but one of our days there. But at least you scored a meet-and-greet with a real live raven. Color me envious xoxo
@Irene ... haahaa thanks. We were just finally so thankful for a cool evening. xoxo
I enjoy looking at these pictures from afar. I am not a lover of Chicago. I have visited there a few times. I did like the Museum of Science and Industry. I could have spent a few days there. There is something about these gargoyles that turns me off. Can't put my finger on it but...……
I did like the picture of you and TG. I am glad that you got to go back to where all your dating began.
@Cheryl ... I like the Museum of Science and Industry too. Our children loved it when they were young. I agree with you about the video gargoyles; they're lame. And it was nice to be in Chicago together again, where we have so many happy memories. Tonight the Cubs begin a three-game series with the Chicago White Sox, at the new stadium which replaced Comiskey Field, where we had our first date forty years ago. xoxo