Clipper Boat on the Ohio River

After a concert in Point State Park, I decided to walk home via the Fort Pitt Bridge. There is a great pedestrian walkway that goes from the Park right to the Duquesne Incline.

While I was walking home, a clipper boat came down the river and a train was coming in the distance. I took the opportunity to snap this photo of the great Ohio River - one of the less photographed views in Pittsburgh, but one of my favorites!

French Quarter Cottage

One of my favorite things to do when I am in New Orleans is to get up early (generally, I am slightly exhausted) and wander around the French Quarter. I walk different street and get to enjoy the amazing architecture of the quarter. I have shot many photos of New Orleans over the years.

I love the weather look of some of these cottages.  The thing that amazes me is that behind these shutters is generally a different world. Lush and amazing apartments are hidden by these time tested wooden cottage shutters.

There were a couple of cottages that I shot that day, but I loved this one best. Ironcially, the color photo isn't that different, but I think the black and white really makes the patina show in this picture.

Budweiser Lawn Jockey

Sometimes the people in Pittsburgh can be a little bit ridiculous. Or course, you could always see times where things are teetering between brilliant and ludicrous. When I saw this lawn jockey in the South Side, I wasn't sure which one it was. Just to be safe, I ventured into the wreck of a yard and got a close up photo.
I am not sure if this is ridiculous because the lawn jockey is holding a beer can, or if it is brilliant because they turned a half-wrecked lawn jockey into a piece of art. 
I guess art is in the eye of the beholder, and it will be up to you to decide.  Today, I am leaning more toward art!

Waffle House Condiments

It is pretty standard for a diner to have condiments on the table. You have the basic salt and paper, sugar and ketchup. The rest of the time, it is a total crap shoot the other stuff they will put on the table. Sometimes you might see malt vinegar, sometimes you might have mustard.  The occasional joint might have hot sauce.

At the Waffle House, they don't like to mess around. They put it all on the table. If you don't see it there, it probably doesn't exist or needs refridgerated.
I have nothing bad to say about the Waffle House because breakfast there with your honey is nothing but yummy goodness, and should always be followed up with a nap.

Owl Bet You Love It!

I have noticed a trend over the past few years  . . . Owls. They are popping up more and more places in the fashion world. Heck, I even seems to see more garden ornaments with owls. Do you think I am crazy?  I am not the only one who is talking about how owls are making a resurgence in fashion and pop culture (and the Chicago Trib as well).

When I was walking home from work in the South Side yesterday, I noticed the local coffee shop has caught onto the owl crazy. I thought it was a great sign. Cheezy marketing at its best, but the picture was so kitschy and cute, it made me want to stop in. (I was trying to beat a wicked storm, so it had to wait).
Owls  . .  who who will be spotted next?

Getting Into Art at The Mattress Factory

I went to an art opening at the Mattress Factory over the weekend. It featured works from many different artist. This artist didn't put anything into the room, but took things away, such as pieces of ceiling and walls. In this picture, he cut out part of the plaster board (most likely installed for the event). People were really getting "into" it - both literally and figuratively.
It was interesting to watch a succession of people react to someone going in there, and deciding to try it out for themselves.

Balloons on the Wire

On Friday, I attended the opening of Gestures: Intimate Friction at the Mattress Factory. It is an exhibit that features a series of artists with pieces installed throughout the annex location of the Mattress Factory. 

When we first arrived at the opening, a large group of people was doing a release of red balloons. I am assuming it was related to the piece that allowed patrons to write their wishes on balloons. As we made our way upstairs, I looked out of the window and realized some of the balloons had been tangled on the wire.  Stranded dreams, I suppose.