Golden light, vibrant colors, early morning bird chatter and irritating bug bites. These are the elements that feel to me like the soul of this season. While Summer’s rhythm is allegedly slower than other times of the year, somehow things always seem so much fuller and busier during these brief months of June through September.

The mature trees that mingle among the buildings in many Chicago neighborhoods is one of my favorite aspects of the city. I so enjoy looking down on the quilt-like blocks of roof and tree top color from the 29th floor.

A short trip to Chicago last week offered a nice change of pace and a chance to sidestep my usual chores. I relished the chance to squeeze in a bit of leisurely urban sketching practice.

Living with a view to the Green Mountains, the flatness of Chicago is always something of a marvel to me. It’s like looking out over the ocean – only with trees and buildings as far as the eye can see, rather than water. I instinctually gravitate toward plant life, so the perspective of these trees as they stretched into the distance, separating the buildings, was what intrigued me most about this view.

We didn’t make it to the Art Institute this time and Michigan Avenue retail therapy was never my speed. Honestly, whatever shopping gene I may have once had has diminished significantly over time — with one exception.

Despite its simplicity, in many ways I think this quick sketch captured the feeling of this view as well, if not better, than the others. Again, in hindsight, the quilt-like aspect stands out.

It was my definition of luxury to spend some time alone in the bigger of Chicago’s brick-and-mortar Blick stores, combing the aisles, fingering the goods and imagining the possibilities. I didn’t break the bank (or overload my carry-on), but I did re-stock some basics and enjoyed checking out a few unexpected items in the flesh. Added bonus: no shipping fees!

Drawing this tablescape felt much more within my comfort zone. I could just relax into it. A lot to think about here, with plenty of potential to carry forward.

So while this may not look like much of a haul, in my mind these materials are the warp and weft of a magic carpet that will transport me toward unknown destinations and unexpected connections – such as the patchwork quilts in a Chicago cityscape.

Most of these items are self-explanatory, but for those who are curious about the black box, it holds a Blackwing one-step long point pencil sharpener.