Block 9: “Follow the Seasons”
Block 9: “Follow the Seasons”
My friend Will once told me, “Lessons come in waves.” That sentiment reminds me of Thaddeus, a resident I met today. Thaddeus used to be a chef in Michelin-starred restaurants, specializing in classic French and contemporary cuisine. Nowadays, he dedicates his time to bettering his community. When I asked him what his favorite dish was, hoping for a tip to try at home, he said, “I was taught to just follow the seasons and cook whatever’s freshest.”
I thought that was more than just cooking advice—it was life advice. I’ve heard motivational speakers say things like, “Life is like the seasons—you can’t change the weather, but you can change yourself.” We all go through financial winters and relationship storms, and we have to weather them. Deep down, we know what’s working in our lives and what isn’t. Being self-aware, grounding ourselves in that awareness, and acting accordingly is what serves us best. You can’t keep moving the way you did last year, last month, or even last week. You have to follow the seasons.
Right now, my season is 100 blocks in 100 days. Today is block nine, and I’m in Logan Square.
I hardly ever make it to this part of town, but it’s beautiful and quaint. I feel like I should spend more time here. The mural work in the alleys is stunning, and Milwaukee Avenue is alive with thriving businesses: small restaurants, mom-and-pop convenience stores, yoga studios, medical spas, nail shops, art galleries, and bookstores. This strip is incredible. All I see is opportunity.
Crime isn’t a major issue here, but there’s a lot of construction, which leads to littering. I recognize the privilege of that being a concern. If litter from development were the biggest issue on my block, I’d feel like I was doing pretty well. Lord, you didn’t have to wake me up this morning, but I woke up healthy while some folks woke up sick. I’ve got to be grateful for whatever life I have.
While walking with Thaddeus on Milwaukee Avenue, we counted about 15 vacant storefronts. Along with the new construction, Thaddeus worries that the winds of gentrification will soon sweep through Logan Square, forever changing its character.
As we chatted near the Solidarity Triangle, a public community space, an older Black man started sweeping the square. A few cardboard boxes were lying around, and he asked if we’d seen the guy who’d been sleeping there. He was worried because he hadn’t seen him today. At first, I thought the man worked for the city, but he was just a longtime Logan Square resident doing his civic duty. I asked him to take a photo of Thaddeus and me. I gave him $10, and he said he’d pass the blessing along. I like that.
I used to say, “The community is a reflection of who I am, and I have a responsibility to it.” This man embodies that statement. He’s been living near “The Square” since he was 12 years old. When I asked how the neighborhood had changed, he said it used to be overrun with gangs and drugs, but things started shifting in the late ’90s. By 2005, the last of the old guard had moved out.
Another resident stopped by to chat, and they talked about checking on someone named Flaco at the currency exchange. Apparently, Flaco was in rough shape, and they wanted to make sure he got home. There seems to be a strong sense of community among the people living on the streets here.
It’s cool to be out here, getting a feel for the rhythm of the neighborhood. In fact, I saw a quote on a mural that said, “Rhythm is the language of culture.” I can’t help but worry, though, that some people move to neighborhoods for the “culture,” only to call the cops when that same culture shows up as loud music or kids playing basketball. They move in for diversity, but they move out when that diversity feels too loud.
Thaddeus told me he’s lived in many places, but Logan Square became his home just last year—and it truly feels like it. “I’m alive. I’m on the street. I’m in it. I’m engaged and active. I’m a part of the change. I like to give back and take action, whether that’s cleaning up, picking up cans—that’s a start. This is where I live. I want to be a part of it.”