Jonathan From Chicago

Hi everyone. I’ve heard good things about Blue Sky and I wanted to check it out. I’m here for a positive experience. I hope you will join me.

Jonathan’s 2026 vote guide for Cook County: I’m reasonably happy with the slate of candidates the Democratic Party put together this year. Some Democrats I’m actually happy to vote for. But there’s always at least one I can’t❌. DON’T vote for Tom Dart! He’s terrible. Be like me and leave it blank.

Went to the Brett Goldstein comedy show last night at the Chicago Theater. Loved it and had a great time! Before the show, I walked along the Riverwalk downtown and caught this amazing view of the moon rising between the buildings. Sometimes my city just dazzles 😍 and I take joy in it ❤️ #Chicago

More Halloween carved real pumpkins from the “Night of 1,000 Jack-O-Lanterns” at the Chicago Botanic Garden that I attended last week. This is from the “In Memoriam” section, including pumpkins dedicated to 2 icons, Dolly Parton & Tim Curry 💔😢. Such beautiful, intricate artistry…

Unlike Stephen, I didn’t visit Grand Teton in the autumn. It was summer when I visited. I did a number of the same activities Stephen notes in his blog, including visiting Two Ocean Lake (view shown below). Check out his blog for great Park tips and suggestions👇.

Went to the Chicago Botanical Gardens “Night of 1,000 Jack-O-Lanterns” this past weekend. Highly recommend the drive up there if you are in Chicago in October. I‘m gonna share some highlights before Halloween. These are real carved pumpkins! Incredible artistic talent😍❤️!

It’s Mountain Monday! Thinking of France today with all the unrest. I hope everyone there is safe and that the violence does not continue. This a view of the small town of Rocamaduer, built on the side of a mountain in south central France. Such a beautiful, sacred spot for the faithful🙏🕯️.

Please follow Aili here and subscribe to her Substack if you are on that site too. She has a wise, intelligent “, creative perspective on things that will probably stay with you long after you have finished reading.

It’s Mountain Monday! Happy Indigenous People’s Day and Happy Thanksgiving to those in 🇨🇦. Today’s view takes us to the shore of Buffalo Bill Reservoir near Cody, Wyoming. It’s a beautiful drive😍 as you leave Yellowstone National Park. May you have a clear, smooth week!

Happy birthday Adonis! This fellow Libra is wishing you a wonderful birthday, a great month of October, and an upcoming year of growth, joy, and success. Your presence and kindness is a treasure. Sending you the best from Chicago!

I donate $ to Wikipedia at least once a year. It isn’t a huge amount. However, it is important to me to $ support organizations that provide information to people without a paywall or subscription.

It’s Mountain Monday! This picture, taken several years ago, is from a plane flying over the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado, preparing to land in Denver. Love the remnants of snow high atop the peaks in summer and the green forests below. May you soar to new heights this week! ✈️

It’s Mountain Monday! There is a bit of a chill in the Chicago air this morning, reminding us of cooler temps and autumn‘s arrival. While not quite mountains, this pic taken several years ago on Lake Superior reminds me of the beauty of fall. Trees changing color, cloudy conditions, and peace❤️.

I mean, Chicago is great and all, but this weekend I’d much rather be in San Francisco for Folsom. One of these days, I’m gonna hop a jet to the Bay, spend a ton on the coolest leather from @mrsleather.bsky.social , and get led around the fun festivities by “mommy” or “daddy” at Folsom. 🔥🥵😈🏳️‍🌈

Happy Bisexual Awareness Day to all my fellow bisexuals out there🏳️‍🌈! Love this sticker which combines my pride with my love of nature and mountains. May all of you receive the love and support you so richly deserve, no matter your relationship status or experience. You are loved and valid! ❤️💜💙

Despite all the mapping and exploration of the planet people have done over centuries, there are still new discoveries to be made. This makes me happy this morning👇😀. Yet another reason it is important to protect our planet and our wild spaces.

Please leave wildlife wild. It’s great to see animals on our trails from a safe distance. We need to respect them and not teach them to view humans as a food source, whether tiny chipmunks or large bears. This is awful😭

It’s Mountain Monday! Today’s pic takes us back to Joshua Tree National Park and a dusty, peaceful, quiet trail near the Hidden Valley Campground. Even though many people visit the park annually, there are many trails that take you to solitude and the wonder of nature. Restores your soul ❤️ #JTNP

Reflecting on the events from 25 years ago, and how much everything changed. Many people suffered that day, in the days that followed, and in the years since💔. If you were impacted, know that I hold compassion and love for you🕯️. And I pray for a world that moves away from violence as a solution 🙏

Went to Lake Geneva in Wisconsin this weekend with my dog for an afternoon away. It was a gorgeous day on the lake and lots of people were out enjoying it too. Should have brought my bathing suit so I could jump into the cool water! And love the seagull laying claim to the dock😂.

It’s Mountain Monday! Today’s view is from somewhere in Colorado, near Denver, but I’m not sure the trail. Looks out at the Rocky Mountains to the west. Love the single tree in the middle of the view. May you have a happy Labor Day and a great week ahead!

Gorgeous day in Chicago, especially for a long holiday weekend. I’m gonna spend a few hours of my day outside. Should I read or should I write? If I write, should I write something thought for Substack or write something absolutely filthy for me? Ahh, questions on a rare quiet afternoon.

It’s Mountain Monday! Today’s view is from the Lake Butte Overlook at Yellowstone National Park. It looks to the southeast over Yellowstone Lake and in the far blue of distance, you can see Grand Teton Mountain (middle left). Nothing beats the blue hues on a clear summer day there!

When you’re done being sad about Dolly, go out there and carry on her legacy of kindness, grace, and generosity. That’s what she would want.

Sitting here at work, feeling a bit emotional and teary😢💔. This world could use more kindness, empathy, encouragement, and music- things Dolly Parton seemingly personified. May we remember her spirit and honor her memory through kindness and love towards others🙏

It’s Mountain Monday! Today’s view takes us to a dusty trail out west (probably Wyoming), where scenic views await around every bend. It was such a peaceful trail to hike. May this week’s journey be scenic for you as well🙏

Alexis is taking care of her health today and getting the Gardasil HPV vaccine as an adult😍. I‘ve also had my rounds of Gardasil as an adult. It’s a great way to help reduce the risk of HPV related cancers in later life, and I encourage everyone to talk with their doctor about it. Be 🔥 like Alexis!

It’s Mountain Monday! Today’s view is the Lake Butte Overlook at Yellowstone National Park looking towards the northwest over Yellowstone Lake and Bannock Peak in the western part of the park. It’s a busy park, but there is solitude and nature if you get off the beaten path. Gorgeous area😍

Apparently there is a magical land called “Sacramento, CA” where this delicious utopia awaits 😍. There are some truly incredible dessert bakeries here in Chicago, but this might give them some competition…

It’s Mountain Monday! Today’s view is from the Rock Creek Vista in the Beartooth Highway that runs from Red Lodge, Montana to Yellowstone National Park. The deep Rock Creek Valley and the towering mountains are shown. It’s a gorgeous, but occasionally scary if afraid of heights drive. I recommend 😍

Some people say the 1980s hit “We Built This City” by Starship is the worst pop song ever created. I must have terrible taste 🤔because I think it is a banger. Every time I hear it, I wanna get on a flight to San Francisco. Like tonight😂. The Golden Gate calls to me…

It’s Mountain Monday! Today’s view takes us to an unknown valley in Montana. I can still hear the sound of the breeze in the trees and the splashing creek as the water flows to the sea. May your week be as peaceful as this quiet, seemingly undiscovered, valley.

At a picnic table working, trying to enjoy the beautiful Chicago weather. I love to see praying mantises and know they help the environment. But this tiny one wants to fight me and won’t let me work!😂

This thread 👇, while a bit long, is well worth the read to the end. Lots of topics touched on, including consent, testing, health, safety, etc 🥵. Thank you to Evie for putting this together ❤️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

It’s Mountain Monday! Today we have a beautiful sunset from a rural farm somewhere out west. In moments like these, this city slicker can imagine being a cowboy and riding a horse off into the sunset.

I tried pure coconut water last night. I normally like coconut taste, but wow, that water was rough. How do you drink that stuff and why is it so trendy?

It’s Mountain Monday, on a Wednesday instead because I’m a bit chaotic and disorganized 😂. And I just want to share this pic. Love how the mountain reflects perfectly on the peaceful lake. May peace and ❤️ surround you today!

“Hey Buddy! You just fed me a delicious carrot! Now I want to know if that phone in your hand is just as delicious!” Good thing he was a very friendly horse😂

As Chicago wheezes under a smoky sky tonight, I think of clear skies, clean air, and views for miles. While many summer nights are smoggy here in Chicago due to human activity, my hope is the wildfires subside and we can all breathe a bit easier.

Holy smokes! It is really smoky here in Chicago today. Thinking of all the people impacted by wildfires, the environment, firefighters doing their best, and my friends and neighbors here in Chicago impacted by smog. I hope everyone is safe, healthy, and rain falls on the fire areas soon!

It’s Mountain Monday on a Tuesday! I was passing through in the early morning on a trail out west and found this view. While I love Chicago, part of me wishes I had the peace and tranquility of this beautiful mountain home nestled in the trees. May you have peace too!

I’ve recently done a lot of driving lately across rural areas of the USA for vacation. I was in a tiny conservative town, and I stopped at the local coffee shop. This was so unexpected I had to take a pic. Consent is indeed hot ❤️🔥… and important! Love to see it!

It’s Mountain Monday! I’m not a golfer, but I had dinner a while ago at a golf course with a buddy of mine I hadn’t seen in years. Good to catch up, and I loved the golden hour views of the course and mountains as storms moved out. Friendship & beautiful mountains = perfection!

Happy Birthday Kelly! She does so much for her community and Seattle is blessed to have her presence. While any day is a great day to celebrate Kelly, I encourage you make her birthday extra special with gift$$$!

It’s Mountain Monday! I‘m finding the road I’m on isn’t exactly straight 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ and may be headed in a new direction. Sometimes what’s on the road ahead you can’t see or predict. There’s opportunity and trepidation for the future. I hope you have some fellow travelers supporting you on your journey!

May everyone going to the Chicago Pride Parade have the best time this weekend and stay hydrated in the heat 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

@mintstars.bsky.social Is your site currently down? It won’t process the tip I’m trying to send and I haven’t heard back from your chat bot.

🏳️‍🌈 Remembering the 49 souls lost to an act of terrorism at the Pulse nightclub ten years ago today. 🏳️‍🌈