We owe you, Daniel Burnham!

2009 is the 100th anniversary of the Burnham plan for Chicago. 

And, all I can say is "THANK YOU" Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett. These two architects created "The Chicago Plan" which preserved the lakefront, prioritized green communal spaces and outlined land use policies that I believe ultimately made the city of Chicago a community. Millennium Park continues that gift. And, initiatives such as Cool Globes, rooftop gardens on civic buildings and bike-friendly policies continue this tradition of thinking big and thinking green.

Here in Chicago we have the poetic meeting of industry and nature; architecture and science; academia and adventure; and art and world-class food. But the contrast that still mesmerizes me is the visual convergence of the divine and diverse palette of Lake Michigan's waters with the ever-changing skyline. We are lucky that something that is so much bigger than all of us can also be mine, yours, ours.

I am grateful to call Chicago home and what an exciting time it is to do so, with Obama's ties and the promise of his administration, the potential to host the 2016 Olympics and the many efforts this city makes towards greening itself and teaching its citizens to green their own lives. And, what can be more democratic than 1,000 free arts programs a year? Yes, to anyone, every day at the Chicago Cultural Center? 

We are lucky. And, no I don't work for the city, but I am a Chicago fan. And, I am a world-class dreamer and idea collector. I tip my hat to Burnham with the name of this blog, and acknowledge his gift and the power of his words. I am sure we all could share a year or more of entries inspired by this one quote (below) -- I think it's that good. And, I hope the content of this blog can in turn, be a place to share the things that stir our own souls. Cheers!

Here's that famous quote -- 

"Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty. Think big." Daniel Burnham, Chicago architect, 1864-1912.