Chicago Architecture… Now houses Target store!

August 7, 2026brilliantviewpoint 14 Comments

I haven’t been to downtown Chicago for a while. Luckily, I was there early, 7:30 AM for an appointment and was able to actually “see” the city with not many people around.

As I was standing at the light, I noticed this beautiful old building. I wondered what had been there before, because it seemed funny to see Target in a building like this.

Turns out, this was the flagship store for Carson, Pirie, Scott & Company opening in 1899. This building is 127 years old. The landmark structure was designed by architect Louis Sullivan. It’s officially named the Sullivan Center and is celebrated as a masterpiece by the Chicago School of architecture.

Apparently, Sullivan built many buildings and was a great influence on Frank Lloyd Wright.

Oh, when I turned around, I saw the iconic Clock on the old Marshall Field’s building. It’s always hard to get a photo of it with so many people around, but I got it. It’s known for being “the” place to meet… UNDER the CLOCK.

It’s nice when we are able to take a moment and enjoy our surroundings and old architecture.

Have a great weekend.

A new way to unwind, a floating sound bath…

June 5, 2026brilliantviewpoint 19 Comments

We all have stress in our lives for different reasons. All we want is to relax and unwind.

Well, look at this. I saw it on social media, the website: Stillwater Symphony, offers luxury floating sound baths.

What do you think? Have you seen this before?

Have a relaxing weekend!

The Traveling Wooden Puzzle…

May 27, 2026brilliantviewpoint 24 Comments

I’m not normally a fan of wooden puzzles, the shapes are just so strange. However, my friend had posted this sea turtle puzzle she had done, which is so beautiful. So, she sent it to me to do and then return when done.

It’s my first “traveling” puzzle.

I’ve done the first step, sorted the pieces. Now, to tackle putting them together.

LOL – I’m always amused when people are doing something challenging and they say, “WISH ME LUCK!”

Is that what I should say, given this situation? Look at these pieces. I don’t know where to begin.

Look to the far right of the photo. They had some cute shaped pieces.

Ok… today is the day to tackle this beast of a puzzle!

What challenging project are you working on?

WP – NEW Achievement Awards

May 22, 2026brilliantviewpoint 24 Comments

Anyone else start receiving WP Achievement Awards. LOL – I’d like to think I have a FANTASTIC blog, so I was amused when I received this World Domination Achievement unlocked.

What’s behind that one? How did I achieve it? I am flying high this AM, even though I secretly know it’s not true.

PRETENDING is fun. YES, I rock! YES, I dominate this Blog site! YES, everyone wants to hear what I have to say!

I guess… it’s a fun way for them (WP) to motivate us… play a game of getting “MORE” Achievement Awards.

I’m not sure where to find them. Looked around, but didn’t see them.

I mean, if I have these two, WHAT else have I achieved!

Here’s to NEW —ACHIEVEMENT— goals this second quarter of the year, RIGHT!?!?

Have a great long weekend!

What do you see?

May 20, 2026May 20, 2026brilliantviewpoint 15 Comments

My daughter and I were driving and saw this statue. We went by too quickly for me to see WHY the statue was there.

Then I saw some murals, really nice.

Fun to see… I’ve seen some interesting billboards lately too, but alas, when driving can’t take a photo.

Enjoy the great weather. Well, if you are having nice weather, we are, FINALLY.

An interesting sheep…

March 26, 2026brilliantviewpoint 20 Comments

I was at the store, standing in line when this sheep caught my attention. It was the hair, it looked cute, but also creepy, like real hair.

I went to inspect it. The hair felt like wood, but so realistic. I wasn’t sure how they could have done it.

We never know what we see at the thrift store.

Have a great weekend!

Do you need a new toaster?

February 20, 2026brilliantviewpoint 27 Comments

We all need a chuckle on a Friday.

I saw these chicken toasters and was amused.

They are cute and would make the breakfast ritual more fun.

Have a great weekend.

When LUCK finds YOU!

February 13, 2026brilliantviewpoint 28 Comments

Yesterday was an interesting day. I was running errands. Parked my car, opened the car door and a $1 bill was there.

Some Good Luck coming my way.

When I walked in the store, I immediately saw this shirt. I thought of St Patrick’s Day, the Luck of the Irish.

Finally, I decided to stop at the thrift store, look at the puzzles.

I fell in LOVE with this Ravensburger beach scene. I’ve never done a 2,000 piece puzzle. Looks like it was time.

BAD NEWS, the box was not taped closed. When I opened it, the pieces were not in a bag, but they looked plentiful?!?

I thought about the $1 I had just found. The puzzle was $1.99.

I decided to add 99 cents and take the RISK that when I put the puzzle together – ALL the pieces will be there!

This scene is a reminder, Spring / Summer are coming!

Have a great weekend!

Puzzling… Is this CHEATING?

January 15, 2026brilliantviewpoint 31 Comments

I’ve been wanting to do this Disney puzzle for a long time, but 1,500 pieces seemed like a lot.

2026 – It’s the year. I was at a puzzle exchange and “there was the puzzle.” I immediately snapped it up.

Imagine my surprise, when I opened the box, and the person who donated it had left many sections intact. Sometimes this is done, when it is too hard to take the pieces apart.

I have to admit… I was excited versus annoyed.

I did think… Is this cheating?

I mean, we’re “supposed” to do a puzzle from start to finish. Then I thought, it’s winter, I’ll pretend I’m on a cruise. I’ve gone to the game room and the puzzle is sitting there and I just continue working on it.

As you can see, I need to improve my evening lighting. Hard to get clear photos, but you get the idea.