W^2 or W squared for Wordless Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Summer break is finished. Every year when I get to this point, this day on the calendar, and I ask myself the question,
Did I do enough?
This year, I can answer yes.
Of course there are things I didn’t do, but I did a lot.
This past summer I passed through several train stations – Paddington, Swansea, St. Pancras, Gare du Nord, Amsterdam’s Schiphol, Central, and North, and this past Sunday – Chicago’s Union Station.
Sunday, I used public transit to attend a baseball game on the southside. It was a good game and getting to the city and back was easy and efficient.
After the game, I sat in the Great Hall of Union Station waiting for my train and mind wandered and I thought of another great hall, the main hall of the Musée d’ Orsay, which was once a train station. As I sat and took in the hall, I went back to look at the photos I took when I visited Paris. There were similarities.
While the Musée d’ Orsay is significantly larger the two stations were built in similar time periods at a time when train travel was the only way travel long distances.
I wondered what these stations might have looked like in their heydays.
I am partial to the black and white, which do you prefer?
It’s the last day of summer break and I am going to finish strong and be ready when the alarm rings early tomorrow morning. Today is going to be like the last sixty-nine days have been – AMAZING. I know it and I can feel it, so I’d better jump up, jump in, and seize the day. Making the Days Count, one day at a time, especially when a last day leads to a first day.
How do you do with “last days?”
Enjoy the photo tour of these two grand stations. How exciting to see these great exhibits at the Musée d’ Orsay!
The Musée d’ Orsay is one of my favorite museums. Even though I’ve been there before, I always visit when I am in Paris. Never thought of the connection to Union Station until last Sunday. Have a great week and thank you for stopping in.
Your summer break is one for the ages! I have a last day coming up soon. My daughter, who now lives not far away, has decided to move to New Zealand. Seeing her off will be sad, although I am sure she’ll enjoy the adventure.
Thank you Meg. New Zealand, oh my. But in today’s world, it’s a lot closer than it was when we were growing up. What an adventure and hang in there. Peace.
Wow – I love this incredible side-by-side you’ve provided us, Clay! Incredible similarities. And so rich that you were able to enjoy both in one summer. Talk about making the days (and summer) count! Hope you have a great first day back at school!
Thanks Wynne. Kiddos arrive tomorrow and I am looking forward to a great year. I have lots of daydream material from the summer!