Unexpected image

I'm the photographer and also can be seen in this photo 3 times - I'm the stick figure taking the photo on the rear center and a little higher on the left and right. Anyone want to guess what this is?? Never mind. It's the famous bean in Chicago Millennium Park- "Cloud Gate" designed by Anish Kapoor, and created by the City of Chicago Millennium Park Project team.

Both my kids live in Chicago. I like to visit - especially now that I have a sweet granddaughter to hold. But the kids can only take so much of me, so there's time to roam around downtown, take pictures and watch people.

People watching is one of my favorite pastimes-- goes with photography. I like to sit at an outdoor cafe with my coffee and flit from face to face until I find someone I want to light upon. There are alot of beggars in downtown Chicago. Inevitably, they greet me as I walk by their corner or stoop. Just a "good morning" with a shake of the cup. I always turned away, uncomfortable because I fear that they would gain an advantage if I looked at them --if I let my guard down. But that's not true. By not looking at them, I'm denying their humanity - and I'm not going to do that anymore.

Glenn stands in front of a Starbucks on MI avenue with his quiet smile. He hails all who pass by with a greeting. There's an outdoor seating area in front of his Starbucks, so it's easy to sit, sip coffee, and observe those who must pass him by. Some mumble something to his greeting but look down, maybe give him a few coins. Most people just pretend that he's not there. Somehow, he maintains his dignity. Just goes to show it's not someone else who gives you your dignity.

Every one of us seems to have an innate ability to sense an advantage when it comes her way. Hell, my cat can do that. That doesn't mean that her motives are sinister. It's about survival.

Somebody said that we'll be judged on how we treat the least fortunate among us.
I think we're in trouble.