Despite having several layovers in Chicago throughout my travels, I had never actually visited the city until a few years ago when my husband and I were invited to attend a dear friend's wedding. We had a wonderful time exploring the city and indulging in its delicious pizza, that it quickly became one of our favorite places in the US. 
On a recent layover, traveling east from the SF bay area, we had a stop in Chicago. While on the tarmac,  I captured a photograph that showed our newfound friend: the city of Chicago in the distance. I've found myself eagerly longing to reconnect with this friend.
I miss the city dearly and hope to visit and explore its streets once more.

An afternoon with Mimi Olins in her studio

As I stepped into her studio, I was transported to a celestial realm, where the earthy elements of clay and fire mingled with the luminous essence of creativity and passion. SoftSet Ceramics, nestled in the heart of Portland, Maine, was a sanctuary of light and beauty, where each piece was lovingly crafted by the hands of a master potter.
Her studio, perched high above the bustling city below, was a veritable oasis of freshness and vitality, with the sun streaming in through the windows, casting a warm glow on the intricate geometries of her work. The air was infused with the delicate scent of fresh flowers, adding a touch of grace and elegance to the already sublime atmosphere.
Each piece, carefully molded and shaped with expert precision, was a testament to her artistry and skill, imbued with a sense of life and vitality that could only come from the hands of a true artisan. As I watched her work, I felt the humbling weight of her expertise, knowing that each step in the process was a crucial piece in the puzzle of creation, leading to the final masterpiece that lay waiting patiently on the shelf.
Her kindness and warmth were palpable, suffusing the space with a sense of generosity and grace. She welcomed me into her world, sharing her knowledge and wisdom with me, and allowing me to glimpse the inner workings of her craft.
In her presence, I was humbled and inspired, moved by the boundless potential of the human spirit, and the transformative power of art to elevate and enrich our lives. For a brief moment, I was transported to a world of beauty and wonder, and I knew that I had been blessed to bear witness to the magic of creation at its finest.

At a local Mexican supermarket in San Jose, California, I came across a collection of statues featuring Jesus and the Virgin Mary displayed on the top shelf. These figures are revered as strong symbols of Christian faith in Mexican culture, commonly found in homes and churches throughout the Americas. It's likely that the statues were placed on the top shelf out of religious respect, mirroring their positioning in Catholic churches.

However, seeing such important icons of religious faith being sold in a commercial setting made me reflect on the commercialization of faith. On the one hand, the presence of these statues can be seen as a way for individuals to personalize their religious experience by bringing these figures into their homes. On the other hand, it can also be viewed as a way to congeal faith with others, by making it a mass-produced commodity available for purchase.

​This small example of the intersection of faith and commerce highlights the tension between individualized spirituality and the commodification of religious icons.