Hi there! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! My name is Cher, and I am a Canadian expat living in Chicago. I am a writer, author of a story in the book “Chicken Soup for the Soul – Think Positive, Live Happy,” and the author of a children’s book. I’m also the blogger behind “The Chicago Files”.
Writing is my passion, and my work takes me from writing blog posts to devising interesting travel articles, and along a path where I create new ideas for children’s books. You can reach me at:
The Thoughts And Travels Of A Geezer On A Harley ……………………………………... Looking at the World Through Teenage Eyes, But With The Cunning, Guile and Wisdom That Comes With Age!
Inspirational quotes and poems on life and love to help us make the most of every day
Words and Images by Richard Reeve
Everybody has a story. Here's a little of mine.
Celebrating what makes Brittany unique
My Writing Journey
Recognizing & appreciating our oneness with Nature
The world around through my camera's lens
Books and Poetry
Travelling is my joy of living. Sit back relax and come with me.
The Chicago Files 
Looking forward to learning about Chicago from your perspective. And thanks for liking my blog.
LikeLike
Thank you so much! I too look forward to reading more on your blog! Please stop by anytime; it would be wonderful to have your perspective on my perspective! *LOL* Cher 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Expat or not, you are still a Canuck!
LikeLike
Indeed my friend; tis true. The Canuck is synonymous with who I am. I am so grateful to have that privilege.
Hugs, cher xo
LikeLike
Hi there,
Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogosphere and for following. Your support is greatly appreciated, Looking forward to exploring you fascinating blog and seeing more from you 🙂
Eddie
LikeLike
Right back at you, Ed! Thank YOU! I am thoroughly amazed at your work and how you see the world through your lens. It is fascinating, and I can’t wait to see more of what you see!
Cheers and thanks!
Cher xo
LikeLike
Thank you for visiting my site. 🙂 I’ll get back a little later.
Blessings,
belsbror
LikeLike
Thank you, belsbror! I’ll be back to yours as well. With big hugs, Cher xo
LikeLike
I’d wanted just to thank you for liking my little blog, too.
LikeLike
And now, I have the privilege of following! Thank you, kind sir! Cher xo
LikeLike
Thanks so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate it very much. 😀
LikeLike
And thank you for visiting mine! I’ll be back to visit yours! Cher xo
LikeLike
Thank you for liking and following my blog, thefinalcurtain1.wordpress.com. Reciprocating!
LikeLike
Kind Sir, I am very much looking forward to reading a lot more on your blog! And thank YOU! Cher xo
LikeLike
I love Chicago! I’m a second generation born Chicago gal, which takes us back to close to the turn of the twentieth century. Nice meeting you! Paulette
LikeLike
Well Paulette, it is very nice meeting you, too! I love ‘your’ home! This is the best city in the world. I really mean it!! And, as you are a Chicagoan, you know exactly why this is true!
Cher xo
LikeLike
My parents moved from there when I was two but they both had 8 & 9 siblings with their children. Large extended family in our beloved city that holds a big part of my heart. xoxo
LikeLike
Awh, how lovely is that!!! Thank you so much for sharing that, Paulette! I have a big grin on my face to hear your connection with Chicago. Please stop by The Chicago Files anytime to hear my observations as a Canuck on YOUR city! 🙂 xo
LikeLike
Sorry for the late notifications. Tech problems.
I nominated you for the Awesome Blossom and the Lighthouse awards. Please get the badges at http://wp.me/p32YrK-1ll and get more info. Also included are the Inventive Blogger and Shauny awards at http://wp.me/p32YrK-1lp to complete the package. 🙂
Have a wonderful day! Blessings, belsbror
LikeLike
My dear belsbror, to say I am honored and grateful does not begin to describe how I feel at this moment. Thank you so very much for these generous and inspiring awards. I appreciate them beyond words. I hope you have a wonderful day as well; you have made my entire month!!! Thank YOU!!! With blessings to you, belsbror, Cher xo
LikeLike
“It Is What It Is” … has been nominated. We are paying it forward!! Please, accept ….
http://hrexach.wordpress.com/2014/02/10/sunshine-award-blog-award-for-it-is-what-it-is/
LikeLike
Oh Dr. Rex! Thank YOU so much!! I am absolutely honored. I am also extremely grateful!! Cher xo
LikeLike
Hugs and love!!
LikeLike
Thank you and biggest hugs and love back to you!!! Cher xo
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Paying it forward … It Is What It Is …. Acknowledges your awesome blog:
http://hrexach.wordpress.com/2014/02/10/award-for-love-and-kindness-it-is-what-it-is/
LikeLike
Dr. Rex, thank you again so very much! I am honored and feel it a privilege to receive this award from you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Hugs, Cher xo
LikeLike
Welcome!!! Hugs back …. Tighter ones!!! ❤️
LikeLike
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, for reading my blog. It is appreciated! I like the look and feel of your blog.
LikeLike
I shall be stopping by again very soon, Cheryl! Please come by anytime! You have a wonderful gift! Cher xo
LikeLike
Thanks your Cher! Those words mean a lot to me. 🙂 You have a gift as well, which is making others feel good about themselves. 🙂
LikeLike
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your words too, Cheryl! I absolutely love making others feel good about themselves! For you to recognize that is extremely appreciated! I love showing others what I see about them; you know, like looking at them and saying, “Wow, look at YOU!” I see this and this and this, etc.!
I am following your blog, and cannot wait to read lots more of your special gift of writing!! Yeay, Cheryl! 🙂 Cher xo
LikeLike
Visiting from Holistic Wayfarer’s site, where you liked a post on race featuring me. Thanks.
I just moved from Chicago. I lived in the city from 1998-2001, then in Wheaton from 2001-2012. Loved it. Miss it. I will follow your site to I can stay connected.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
LikeLike
Hello and welcome Elizabeth! Well my dear, I am thrilled that you know this city! It is through these Canadian eyes of mine that I hope I can do your city justice when giving my two cents worth, as it were! Thank you so much for your comments, and for following, “The Chicago Files”. Your comments are always welcome and appreciated. Stay tuned, Elizabeth, I’m going to post lots of great fun from Chicago! With big hugs and appreciation, cher xo
LikeLike
Congratulations! I have nominated you for the Light of the World Award. Please accept my best wishes and nominate your own nominees. Please visit the following page of my blog to get the details. Keep up the good work!
http://talesalongtheway.com/2014/03/26/light-of-the-world-award/
LikeLike
My dear, it is an absolutely honor! Thank you so much! I am humbled and grateful to receive this from you. Bless you and thank you! Big hugs and gratitude, Cher xo
LikeLike
You are most welcome !
LikeLike
Biggest grin ever!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
“It Is What It Is” has been recognized. We are paying it forward!! http://hrexach.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/award-showers-for-it-is-what-it-is/
LikeLike
Oh Horty, thank you so much! I am deeply honored and grateful for this award. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Big hugs with gratitude, Cher xo
LikeLike
Very well deserved, my dearest!!! I’m happy you accepted!!
Hugs …. ❤ …..
LikeLike
I couldn’t be more grateful! Thank you again! YEAY! Hugs, Cher xo
LikeLike
Hugs back!!! ❤
LikeLike
Hello, fellow blogger! A peaceful day to you!
Congrats! You are nominated for the One Lovely Blog and Beautiful Blogger Awards.
You can check http://wp.me/p32YrK-1Km for more details.
Blessings,
belsbror
LikeLike
Oh dear belsbror! Thank you so much! I am deeply honored and humbled by these gestures of your kindness to me. Thank you a million times! Big hugs and blessings, Cher xo
LikeLike
You are most welcome. 🙂
Take care.
LikeLike
“It Is What It Is” has been nominated. Paying it forward.
http://hrexach.wordpress.com/2014/04/10/community-of-bloggerz-award-for-it-is-what-it-is/
LikeLike
Oh Horty! Thank you so much! I am so incredibly grateful! Your kindness is met with much gratitude and appreciation! With biggest hugs and thanks, Cher xo
LikeLike
Hugs back!! Well deserved!!! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you beyond words!!!!! Hugs, Cher xo
LikeLike
I have nominated you for the Community Blogger Award :
http://fozzyfitness.wordpress.com/2014/04/12/the-community-blogger-award/
You do not have to accept this award but accept the nomination as a remark of respect for your work, support and friendship within our community of Blogging.
LikeLike
Awh, bless you! Thank you so much! I really appreciate this award and am honored! Thank you! Hugs, Cher xo
LikeLike
I’ll be curious to read about any differences you might find between US and Canada. My mom’s Canadian so I’ve been to the great country of Canada a few times 🙂 Smarties, mountain dew sans caffeine, kilometers, and stuff about the Queen, I think those were the only differences I noticed. Oh, and the obvious -ou spelling/pronunciation thing. Anyway, looking forward to reading more! Happy Chicago adventures 🙂
LikeLike
Welcome to The Chicago Files! Thank you for coming aboard! Oh yes, you will see many differences in my posts. There was a particular post I wrote a while back I think you might enjoy: http://wp.me/p4doQv-7A I love that your mom is a Canuck! Thank you so much, and I too am looking forward to reading more from you! With big hugs, Cher xo
LikeLike
Thanks 🙂 I attribute my mild-mannered politeness and general helpful nature to my half Canadianness. Expats unite!
LikeLike
I concur! *LOL* Ah yes, clearly your description is one of a Canadian! And that, my dear, is a good thing! 🙂 Expats unite!! 🙂
LikeLike
Now to get a Canadian passport…. 😛
LikeLike
Well you know our two countries have been very kind in allowing us to hold citizenship in both countries! I am getting my American citizenship this year! You simply must get a Canadian passport! 🙂
LikeLike
Indeed! It’d be a good experiment… Do I get treated differently if I flash the Canadian one? Everybody loves Canadians! Americans….um not so much. There may be a few negative stereotypes floating around about Americans….. 😛
LikeLike
Your Canadian passport will shock you in how it is received. I *humbly* say that yes, Canadians are a good bunch and we are appreciative of how the world receives (and perceives) us. Your comments about Americans will make you laugh while reading my posts. I tend to use my Canadian style while writing about my experiences here in the US, but of course, my observations are seen with the maple leaf eyes, and sometimes it isn’t so pleasant. I have written about kindness, and how my friendly disposition is greeted with suspicion here in CHItown on occasion. I am attempting to change that, and show my fellow Chicagoans that it is okay to smile and hold that door open for the next person! *biggest grin*
LikeLike
Very pleased to meet you.
LikeLike
And to you as well! Thank you so much for stopping by! Please come by anytime! Hugs, Cher xo
LikeLike
If you should happen to know any story of the military you would like to share, feel free to add it in on my comments. Have a great day, Angel.
LikeLike
Interestingly enough, I use to live on a Canadian Air Force Base! My grandfather (and two brothers) were in the Canadian military, so it really does have a soft spot in my heart (all Canadian, American, and British Forces). Thank you; I shall most definitely keep that in mind. Please stop by again, and I shall do the same! big hugs, Cher xo
LikeLike
Very interesting! It just so happens that right after V-E Day on Thursday, I have 2 Canadian posts planned.
LikeLike
Well I am following your blog, so I shall happily await those posts!! The air force is clearly in my heart! Cher xo
LikeLike
Hi Cher,
Thank you so much for the like. I am so new at this but really loving it. The Chicago Files… Sounds intriguing, I shall definitely follow, and try to Keep the “Dresden Files” files out my head whenever I do… Just kidding 😃
Kind regards
Wayne
LikeLike
Hi Wayne! Thank you for the follow, and I am now following you as well, kind sir! *LOL* I do believe the only commonality is the Chicago setting! *LOL* Can’t wait for you to read more and I shall do the same!! Big hugs, Cher xo
LikeLike
Thanks for following my blog! I look forward to your future posts as well! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Jess! Your blog is filled with so much awesomeness!!! Cher xo
LikeLike
Thank you so much for following my blog – I’m looking forward to reading more of yours and getting to know “the Windy City” through “the Chicago Files”! 🙂
LikeLike
And right back at you, Joanne! Thank you so much! I look forward to reading more about your adventures!! It is interesting to be a Canadian here in the “Windy City”, I must say! Thank you, Joanne! Cher xo
LikeLike
Much like being an Australian in Canada – so unlike yet not, lol! 🙂
LikeLike
I quite agree, dear Joanne! Yes, rather an interesting and paradoxical situation!! Hugs, Cher xo
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Mr. Limbkins, I beg your pardon, sir! Oliver Twist has asked for more!’
LikeLike
Want to go on tour?
http://hrexach.wordpress.com/2014/06/30/writing-process-blog-tour-on-the-road-again/
LikeLike
I’m in, dear Horty!!! Thank you so much for including me! I am absolutely honored! Cher xo
LikeLike
Way cool … will wait for it! Take your time … hugs!
LikeLike
Thank you, Horty!!! Hugs, Cher xo
LikeLike
“It Is What It Is” has been nominated …. paying it forward!!
http://hrexach.wordpress.com/2014/07/12/reader-appreciation-award-paying-it-forward/
LikeLike
My dear Horty! Thank you, thank you!! I am so happy and grateful! Here’s a big hug of gratitude coming your way! With big hugs, Cher xo
LikeLike
🙂 …. Hugs!!
LikeLike
Thank you for visiting my blog and for liking one of my posts, I greatly appreciate it. You have an amazing site, I’m so glad I had the chance to find you! 🙂
LikeLike
Well thank you too, my dear! I am now following your amazing blog and truly I cannot wait to read more! Thank you!!! Cher xo
LikeLike
Finally, I am passing this along. Thanks for your love and kindness to me!
http://talesalongtheway.com/2014/07/35/love-and-kindness-blogger-award/
LikeLike
Nice blog. Thanks for visiting!
LikeLike
Thank you so much; right back at you! Now following you as well! Looking forward to reading more! Ah, and a grad of our phenomenal School of the Art Institute of Chicago!! Cher xo
LikeLike
She went there for 1 year. It’s quite expensive. Her experience was a very good one.
LikeLike
Oh yes, I figured it was very expensive!!
LikeLike
Glad I stumbled across your blog and I hope to read more about Chicago. Keep them coming 🙂
LikeLike
Well aren’t you are sweetheart! Thank you so much! I am very happy you found The Chicago Files!!! Keep coming back, my dear!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aha, with my daughter and her American husband living in Chicago, this will be a treat for me.
LikeLike
Ah, welcome! I hope you find some interesting posts here! Please stop by anytime! That is a nice little coincidence that your daughter and her American husband live here in Chicago! Cher xo
LikeLike
Sorry, I need to add another note, so that I can hit the email follow button.
LikeLike
Your blog is fascinating! I cannot wait to enjoy it 🙂
LikeLike
Awh, bless! Thank you, Mary! It is very interesting seeing this city from a Canadian perspective! Cher xo
LikeLike
Dear seaangel4444,
My name is Joyce and I work for ExpatFinder.com.
ExpatFinder.com is a free one stop website for people preparing to move or working and living overseas. We provide a myriad of services for expatriates and we have over 2,000 articles to help and support the people moving around the world and we are now creating an interview section to help the expats with real life experiences!
We quite enjoy your blog about living in Chicago, it is very interesting and informative. Would it be possible to interview you to further share some of your tips and feature some of your first hand experience as an Expatand your interview will be published on our Expat Interview section as a guide for our expat readers. The questions are mainly about the day to day lifestyle of an expat. If it would be possible, could you also send some photographs that we can use?
Of course, if you accept, we can add a link to your blog or some of your website.
The questions are enclosed, feel free to respond freely. You can return the doc with your answers if you accept this invitation.
Thanks in advance and do let me know if you prefer other means to conduct this interview and we would be happy to accommodate your terms.
Best regards,
Joyce
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Joyce,
Thank you so much for your wonderful message! It would be my honor and pleasure! Could you please send the questions to my email address: cher72@hotmail.com Thank you, Joyce, and I look forward to the interview! Best regards, Cher 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for dropping by Malcolm’s Corner and liking ‘Against Theory’.
LikeLike
And an equal thank you to you for stopping by The Chicago Files, Malcolm! I shall return to your blog soon!! Cher xo
LikeLike
Love Chicago and adore reading your blog! So glad to have found a fellow Canadian who shares a passion for the Windy City!
LikeLike
Ah, thank you so much! I am so grateful for your comments and lovely words! It’s a wonderful city, isn’t it? Yes, we Canucks are everywhere! 🙂 Cher xo
LikeLike
Thanks for following my photo and travel blog. It’s been awhile since I’ve been to your fair city but I am sure I will enjoy reading your take on what’s happening there these days.
LikeLike
And right back at you! Thank YOU! I am looking forward to reading about your adventures, John! It’s a great city, this CHItown!! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cher! I’ve nominated you as one of my “must read blogs.” To check out the post visit here karamma.wordpress.com/2015/02/21/follow-along/ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your header photo of the train, Cher. It’s a wonderful shot.
LikeLike
Ah, thank you, Hugh! It was a special shot so I’m really grateful for it! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like you were almost on the tracks to take it, but I’m guessing not?
LikeLike
You have a keen eye, Hugh! It was actually at a control tower; I had the photo taken for me; super grateful for such a great angle! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lots of thanks for dropping by my site… I used to go to St. Charles when I was with an accounting firm way back in the 90s and had a chance to visit some places in Chicago. Nice of you to bring back those memories… 🙂
LikeLike
Ah, thank you so much! Well that is very kind of you to say! I absolutely love your site, and look forward to seeing much more! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
So nice to meet you Cher thanks for visiting my blog and now following! I’m looking forward to browsing your blog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Likewise Mary on all accounts!! Thank you so much! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
An award for you. No pressure.
http://fourthgenerationfarmgirl.com/2015/04/13/with-gratitude/
LikeLike
I literally just saw this! Thank you so much!! Huge appreciation! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey! You have very interesting blog and I like it very much! A lot of colorful photos and very clever articles! I’m glad to meet you in my blog too! If you like fashion or music, come! Good luck! And I hope to see you in my blog. -Vlad
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Vlad! Thank you so much! Oh yes, you have an amazing blog! I will be stopping by again soon!! Thank you! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like your blog too)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like your blog, too Vlad!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Cher, I just nominated you for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award. I hope you enjoy it but feel free to participate. Here is the post with more details: https://erikakind.wordpress.com/2015/05/01/can-this-really-be-another-one/
LikeLiked by 1 person
On my goodness! Thank you so much, Erika! Truly I am so incredibly grateful! Thank you!! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, so happy to read that! I am glad you are pleased about the nomination. I am looking forward to reading your facts! Big hugs to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Cher, I just nominated you for the Real Neat award: http://wp.me/p4APKf-1dT The post will be up in about one hour. As you know, don’t feel obliged to participate. 😀
LikeLike
Hi Cher! I’ve nominated you for the Five Photos, Five Stories Challenge if you’re interested. No obligation, of course. Have a nice weekend! 🙂
http://fourthgenerationfarmgirl.com/2015/06/06/an-adventure/
LikeLike
Great to meet you! I grew up in Milwaukee, WI just north of you a bit. Now, I live in Florida. Stop by my blog when you can. ❤
LikeLike
Hi there and welcome to The Chicago Files! Oh did you? I’m certainly you see a ‘slight’ difference in the weather now! *biggest grin*. Thank you so much, and I shall stop by our blog right away! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I meant to say, “I’m certain……” Cher xo
LikeLike
I went to Milwaukee a few years back in July and I honestly thought it was as hot and humid as Pensacola, Florida. The winters here are much more tolerable. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find Chicago extremely humid! Oh yes, I can imagine the winters are much nicer in Pensacola!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting and beautifully laid out blog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well you just made me entire day my dear! Thank you so much for your kind words! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meant it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really appreciate it! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for hitting the “like” button on my ‘Widgets’ post a few moments ago. I meant to post that to the Blogging 101 site, not my Journeys site. Your notification let me know it was misplaced. I removed it and reposted where it belongs. Thanks again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to know I unwillingly was a help, John! *LOL* Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very cool! I’m a Canadian living in Grand Rapids, MI and I have been doing design projects as exploration, like you do writing as such. Actually, I just finished a typographic design poster for Chicago. Check it out: https://www.etsy.com/listing/253780992/chicago-typography-poster?ref=shop_home_feat_3
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Josh and a huge Canadian/American welcome to The Chicago Files!! Well that is really cool indeed! I shall check it out; thank you! Cher xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for visiting and following Snowbird of Paradise. I look forward to reading more of your blog posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And right back at you, my dear fellow Canadian! I am now following your lovely blog and I look forward to reading more of your blog posts too! Thank you and welcome to The Chicago Files! Cher 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person