On my way out of Wilder Mansion, following a Garden Club meeting, Marilyn handed me a heavy tote bag. Showing concern, she told me to go home and put my foot up. She also encouraged me to spend some time enjoying her book which was weighing down the bag.
I have been missing my long walks with the seasonal shuffling through carpets of fallen leaves, as well as observing the many migratory birds stopping for sustenance and rest at local watering holes. Trips to the local forest preserves have all but abated, though I have been enjoying drive-by leaf peeping.
Marilyn’s book was a welcome diversion for me.
I have heard nature photographer extraordinaire, Mike MacDonald, speak and was aware of his inspirational book, “My Journey Into the Wilds of Chicago: A Celebration of Chicagoland’s Startling Natural Wonders”. I had not yet journeyed into his luminous creation. Since I cannot physically wander the wilds around me, I truly appreciated being able to vicariously roam them by leafing through this glorious book.
Mike MacDonald wears many hats, including humorist, poet, naturalist, speaker – and photographer. His command of lyrical prose and eye for natural beauty are hallmarks of his talent and are gifts to the reader of “My Journey Into the Wilds of Chicago”.
My own nature wanderings came to mind through Mike MacDonald’s exquisite images of prairies, savannas, and preserves. I instantly became an armchair traveler and felt a wee bit smug knowing that I have actually frequented many of them. I was also humbled, curious, and anxious to journey to so many more that I either have not been to, or was not even aware of. Some are but a few miles from our home, others just over the Wisconsin or Indiana border or an hour or so away.
With his breathtaking photography , MacDonald takes readers to oak savannas and mystical fens, through the changing midwestern seasons amid the changing light of day and the dark of night when the prairies alight with winking and blinking movement. Bull snakes and egrets and dragonflies offer startling scenery and interesting photographic dilemnas. From Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin, the McGinnis Slough in Palos Park, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and the Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area near the Illinois/Wisconsin border, such natural wonders abound in the greater Chicagoland area.
“My Journey Into the Wilds of Chicago” is more that a coffee table book. It is a photographic celebration of the diverse ecosystems and prairies of Illinois, filled with evocative prose and poetry, humor and facts, tips on photography and insight into wildlife – and more. Much, much more.
I am grateful to Marilyn for lending me this treasure. It has allowed me to travel to some of my favorite preserves, to explore so many I did not know about, and to experience the sunrises and sunsets and seasons in Mike MacDonald’s “My Journey Into the Wilds of Chicago: A Celebration of Chicagoland’s Startling Natural Wonders”.
What a treasure of a book Penny! I can imagine how it would bring you solace during your recovery time, when you can’t ramble as you would wish. That cover image is amazing – the purples in all shades are so beautiful.
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It truly is, Juliet, and I appreciated the loan of this book. There are dozens of equally stunning photos inside of the book, which exemplifies the area. Chicago usually brings to mind a big, crowded city of skyscrapers, but, there are so many hidden gems all around. Thank you.
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Yes, exactly. You have extended my view of Chicago; not just skyscrapers and city scapes, but also surrounded in beauty.
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What a lovely book, Penny. I’m glad you get to explore through it. I love books like this. I have several treasured coffee table books. 🙂
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Thank you, L. Marie. This was such a delightful book to explore.
Coffee table books can be such faithful friends, can’t they? There to keep us company in the quiet hours – or sometimes the turbulent ones to calm us.
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Wonderful armchair traveling at a perfect time for it — and even better is that I’m sure you got some good ideas for places to go and things to do when you are fully recovered.
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It is such a joy when the stars all align. 🙂 I am itching to explore some new places, Sallie – some quite near and a few about an hour away. The photography in this book is amazing with images I you would appreciate. Off I go to my next armchair adventure.
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This book definitely had your name on it, Penny! I’m sure you’re taking notes for when those walks will once again be regularly scheduled! It must be so difficult to be “waiting it out” when you know that winter is coming and you’re missing a favorite time of year to explore. I hope the healing is progressing nicely and I’m glad you have such good friends looking out for you! 🙂
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I definitely took notes, Debra. 🙂 Come spring, I will definitely visit a few, I’m sure. I am truly missing the walking joys of this season here, especially since the Autumn splendor is lasting so long, but, it is what it is and I know I will be exploring some new spots come spring. It was so thoughtful of my friend Marilyn to lend this treasure to me – and you, my friend, for your kind words and concern. I am healing well and so, so grateful that I can drive – and that we haven’t had ice and snow. November 16 – and we still have leaves on the trees. Thank you, Debra.
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What a great book review Penny! I’m glad the book allowed you to do some armchair traveling and hope your recovery is moving along well!
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Thank you, Janet. It is a wondrous book and was just what the doctor ordered. 🙂 Recovery is coming along and I am hoping to graduate from the boo to a shoe this week. It rained here Friday night and we are in the 30’s, which is late for cold. I realize I’ve been fortunate in that I haven’t had to deal with snow and ice through this recovery period.
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Hi, Penny!
I performed the occasional search on the title of my book and found your blog post and book review. I’m flattered and honored that my book could help you in your time of healing.
Since you like the book, I think you might like my latest creation and find it useful. It’s a free website called Chicago Nature Now (www.ChicagoNatureNow.com). Its purpose is to connect Chicagoans with glorious local nature experiences that rival the quality of the national parks. After all, there’s more nature within an hour’s drive of downtown Chicago than twenty-nine national parks, including Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Acadia, and almost as big as Mount Rainier National Park! About every week of the growing season, I post an alert that tells you exactly where to go within the wilds of Chicago to get a national-park quality experience. You can even subscribe to receive alerts by email so that you don’t miss one magical moment.
I wish you good health and I hope you can continue your explorations.
Take care!
Mike
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I am delighted that your online search landed you here, Mike, and appreciate your contacting me. Your book did, indeed, provide me with wonderful adventures as I healed from a broken foot.
I just spent a few moments on your website and will be subscribing for your alerts. I live minutes away from some of the prairies and preserves and not all that far from others. I was just at Saganaushkee Slough the other day.
I am the current Conservation & Education co-chair of the Elmhurst Garden Club and will let our members know of your website. Many of them already know of your book.
Thank you for your good wishes – and thank you for bringing these natural treasures so beautifully and informatively to all of us.
Penny
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My pleasure! Thanks for the promotion!
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