Waiting While Someone Parallel Parks on Pearl Street
On the way home from school this late afternoon, crossed the Bloomfield Bridge, down Howley Street past the Shur Save and turned to the right instead left. Too much traffic by the new Children’s Hospital. On Pearl Street the car ahead of me was stopped. It took a long time for the parallel parker to get into the space. Thought the row of houses on the right had some good repetition and rhythm.
Winter in the city.
Jigsaw Rooftops
In Lawrenceville. As I walked over the 40th Street Bridge I looked up and saw all these houses packed so closely together.. There was no air between the rooftops. Reminded me of a difficult jigsaw puzzle.
Lawrenceville. Looking up from the 40th Street Bridge.
Winter River from 40th Street Bridge
And the birds flew up into the shot. I was wishing I had taken my new fingerless gloves from Christmas. Just left the Millvale Post Office (no line!) to mail Joanne’s Christmas box I’d been driving around for three weeks. And the cards that each needed an additional 5 cent stamp. As I came back over the Allegheny I saw the light stream down onto the city. Pulled into the Bus Stop indentation at the end of the bridge, put the flashers on and walked to the center. Fortunately the light was still there. Could have used a filter, too, but it was a stunning late afternoon in winter. Could feel the bridge vibrate as I stood out on the walkway.
All I needed was a barge to come up or down the river. Not today.
Unexpected Mail
Home after being away for ten days. Steve bought a pizza for us. Found a pile of mail in the front hall; catalogs, bulk mail, a Bed Bath & Beyond coupon, a notice of a tangelos and grapefruit delivery, a bank statement and the water bill. A few Christmas cards and the Barbie scrubs I ordered for Christmas from Etsy. A nice card with a Starbucks giftcard from Cj. AND a “Mug Rug” with a Norfolk VA postmark from Colleen, a long time friend of Joanne in Omaha. Joanne insists that Colleen and I have met but we haven’t– yet! Colleen stitched a quilted “mug rug” and sent it to me with a lovely card. (Depending on when you are reading this, I am writing on the 9th Day of Christmas so it is 9 Ladies Dancing, 10 Lords-a-Leaping, Mary.) I love the numbers on the fabric. There were instructions for a cup of tea and room for two cookies on the side but I didn’t want to cover up the fabric for the photo. What a happy surprise to find a handmade gift in the sea of fliers and junkmail! And how fortunate Steve had some cookies to supply for the shot. What a great way to end the vacation. And Deb B I like the quote on your handmade card.
“How we choose to think,
Determines what we will see,
And so it is that we,
Create our reality.”
(a quote but no attribution, maybe someone will help find the source)
It is a happy 2011 already. Thanks friends.
*If you want to see the Blog Year in Review 2010 and the Top Posts- click here for late post 1/2/2011
Thank goodness Steve had some cookies a patient brought him. Delicious with Good Earth tea. (after the photo)
Michael Photographs Through Glass at the Ice Skating Rink
Michael got a camera for Christmas from his other grandmother (F.F. Marlene), and was eager to try it out. He was having fun at the Chiller rink on Friday . Matthew skated up to the glass and smiled at Michael. Michael captured Uncle Matty’s image. He was so excited when he pressed the arrow and saw it on the screen.
Go Steelers!
Lost Sole
Late afternoon winter light.
When I find these things I know there’s a story behind the scene. The light seemed perfect, causing the edges to reflect the setting sun. Anna, 7, said, “I wonder whose shoe is that.”
*Taking the wordpress challenge to postaday2011.*
Inflatables to the nth Power + Reflections on the Car = ?
A math problem with no answer. It could take years to calculate. At Thanksgiving we saw a yard with 31 inflatables but they were all deflated in the daylight, it just isn’t the same effect. Joan B found this house for me, too.
And I spoke to the owner and she said her husband had been ill and they had really scaled down this year (2008). Pre-blog I realize I have been at this for a time now. Shot on the Northside.
What can the electricity bill be this month?
How Many Snowmen in this Collection?
When we got to the party Friday night I saw this display of snowmen in the front entrance hall. Later, I asked if I could photograph it and blog it and was given permission but I was told that the edict is, “No more snowmen!”
But the grouping is sweet. Turns out Tim never had a collection. And so the snowman collection began. But then it had to stop!
Not sure which one was the first snowman in the collection.
L. wrote and said she collects Creches. When is a collection complete?
Rooftop Deck View of City from the Southside
The holiday lights down below give the clue as to the time of year. Two gatherings Friday night. Live music at both. Extraordinary piano playing. Walked up to the third floor and out the door onto the roof. Propped the camera up on the deck railing and shot without the cable release. The lights felt magical. A beautiful cold winter night.
Rooftops fascinate me. A terrific vantage point.
East Liberty Winter Sunset
Had just left the bookstore and was walking to my car. I could see the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland from the parking lot on the roof. Smoke rising, silhouettes, a stunning sky. This is my 444th post today.
Another artist's palette, this time in the sky.
Snowstorm Softens Skyline Edges
Coming back from training in the West End I pulled into the Cigna lot and took a couple of chilly shots. Although a color photo it appears to be black and white. Looked for lights in the city but the snow blocked the view. You can see the snowflakes against the river background. The railroad tracks, partially covered, made for nice lines. The best thing about being asked to drive across the city in the snow (when it feels like you shouldn’t get on any road!) is that you get to see a view you wouldn’t have seen if you hadn’t made the trip. You might remember the blogpost - same vantage point- without the snow.
Where the rivers meet
Santa Claus Collection on the Mantel by Candlelight
Steve hauled the boxes down from the third floor. I got to unearth the Santas, most of them gifts to me from friends. The Nutcracker one from Germany. And the Deborah McLaren (click to see last year’s display by Steve) painting behind. The house started to feel festive! The candles bright. We even put up the tree.
The stockings are hung. At least all the little sock and shoe-like ornaments.
Christmas Camels in the City
He looked straight at me. I don’t think he wanted me to take his picture. I heard a deep camel growl. The streetlight behind outlined his head shape just so. There was an ox and a donkey, I’d say they were “lowing”. An angel passed out candy canes. I went inside and the sanctuary was filled with the sound of Go Tell it on the Mountain. Christmas has come to the city, right on Penn Circle North, across from Home Depot! There was a second camel who seemed less agitated by the whole scene. People were crossing the street and taking pictures with their cell phones.
Joy in Winter
Spread the Christmas tablecloth and place the matching plate next to the mug of steaming hot tea. Take two Split-Second cookies out of a tin. The ones I baked for knitting. A bite of shortbread cookie with raspberry jam. Try the fig one. Nibble slowly, make them last. Sip the almost scalding tea. Savor the combination. Open the book you’re reading for book club. (Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner-1972 Pulitzer Prize- I’d never heard of it until Tess picked it). Listen to the furnace kick on. Wrap a shawl around you. Sip more tea. Read until you doze. Think of the cookies still in the tin. Repeat tomorrow.
It wouldn't feel the same if you did this in July.
Making Spirits Bright
Almost a gingerbread house, sparkling in the snow. Good thing there is a fence to keep in the reindeer!
Snow Enhances Lights
Left school so late that it was dark. Drove a circuitous route home to check out the lights in Morningside. The house I have photographed the past two years didn’t have a single light. Thinking about the possible reasons for no lights this year but maybe they just moved. This house up the street looked lovely in the snow with the greens and ribbons on the white fence.
Looks more like New England than Pittsburgh to me.
Keeping the Darkness at Bay
No one seems worried about the electric bills! The days are growing shorter and the light displays increasing.
East Liberty off Negley Avenue.
Between the Neon Beer Signs on Carson Street
South Side. There is a house sandwiched between storefronts and bars on Carson. Here is how it looked Friday night. In this view you can’t see the Jockey lawn ornament by the life-size Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Making the season bright!
“You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out”
We watched A Christmas Story (1983) over Thanksgiving.
Friday night I walked by this window on Carson St after listening to Don Hollowood and the King Cobras at Excuses. Saw the display and thought anyone who has seen this holiday movie would enjoy the picture. Found out it was shot in Cleveland. When I was in high school I used to listen to Jean Shepherd on the radio. I never knew anyone whose tongue stuck on a frozen flagpole.
Ralphie in the pink bunny suit sits under the fishnet leg lamp, Red Ryder on the right.
First Snow
As I left school, I saw the snow on the tree. When I walked across the street I saw the Scarecrow people and the ever-blooming flowers in the hanging pot! Happy December
I didn't get the Blessed Mother in the shot, but she was there!
Trees Before Leaves
J drove me to this little park in Aspinwall, overlooking the Highland Park Bridge. No dogs allowed so she waited in the car. Shooting into the sun, the timing was off, so blocked the sun with a trunk. Plan to shoot the bridge from this vantage point a different day.
Sunlight shines through the tree branches, impending Spring.
Front Porch Still-Life at Dusk
Old seltzer bottles, a birdcage, the texture of the wicker, some stained glass at dusk. J’s front porch with the sun sinking behind. Condensation inside the old glass, the metal tops. Artists usually arrange inanimate objects to create a still-life to paint or draw. This was already there, waiting. But then it is an artist’s house.
Setting sun through old turquoise and plain glass seltzer bottles
Eager Dog Trumps Rushing Creek
Went to the Dog Park in Fox Chapel with my friend and her two dogs. After school staff meeting so it was getting late. The Spring forward a good thing now. We went to see the swollen creek cutting a new path through the woods. Lots of downed trees. I think about what photo to post and have an idea. But it’s like a chef going to market with a plan and getting there, finding different ingredients available, changing the entire menu. The sound of the water was peaceful and the light through the trees lovely but watching Tigger so eager to cross the road to get to the Dog Park reminded me of a small child racing to the last swing on the playground, walking upright on two legs, so human.
So excited to get to the dog park, he starts walking across road on his hind legs at a fast pace.
3 Swollen Rivers & Pittsburgh Skyline
Late Friday(3-12-10) afternoon view from the West End. Gun metal, pewter, slotted spoon, ash, mouse fur, battleship, silverware, smoke, charcoal, aluminum, elephant skin, tankard, chrome bumper, suit flannel, grandma,opossum hide,chain-link,coal car,low clouds,skyline,Pittsburgh –all shades gray.
Snow melts and the rivers begin to rise
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