Enlightenment in Mt. Washington

On my stroll home from the Incline the other day, I needed to stop at the grocery store. Instead of taking my normal route down Grandview Avenue, I walked through the back part of my neighborhood on one of the other main street. After I had stopped at the store, I was walking home and noticed this statue.

I have driven past this statue hundreds of time since it is a main street to get through Mt. Washington.  It was interesting that is wonderful statue was perched outside of the Rite Aid.
According to the plaque, the statue by Eugenio Pedon is called enlightenment. Apparently, this 'lady of stone' was rescued from top the entrance of the old post office building on Smithfield Street (1889 - 1966). 
Although the city didn't have the foresight to save the incredible post office building, at least this relic remains for us to enjoy.

Pittsburgh Skyline In Spring

The premature summer weather we have been experiencing is definitely gone. However, it has been replaced with brisk, clear spring weather. On my jaunt to the Mon Incline, I snapped this pic. I love how the sun was flooding over the Mon River and showering the city in the morning.

Although I love summer weather, I still think there is something so exciting about the Spring when everything changes from grey to a million colors.

Green Beans at Trader Jacks

This sunday, I ventured to Trader Jack's Flea Market. Apparently, this flea market has been around for 20 years. It is a funky mix of permanant vendors, people with weekly stands and fruits and vegetable vendors. Like any other farmer's market, there were lots of fresh fruits and vegetables at really affordable prices. I picked up some limes, asparagus and some of these yummy green beans. 

The pile of beans and the additional witty comment definitely caught my eye. Nothing like a flea market.

Washington and Guyasuta Statue

I am lucky enough to have a great view from my apartment. The most obvious thing is the Pittsburgh Skyline. However, there is a great statue outside my window on Grandview Avenue of George Washington and Seneca Tribe leader Guyasuta.

It is a place tourists often come for the overlook, but also to see the statue after dining at local restaurants. The intensity of the statues and their crouched position. It really represents the early history of the area and the importance Pittsburgh had in the foundation of the United States as a young country.

The Han Solo Effect

Let's just say that I am fan of Star Wars. The first one came out when I was pretty little, but like most people who were young at the time, it captured our imagination.  When I was really little, I had a crush on Luke Skywalker  . . . yes it was the scene where he swings himself and Leia to safety 
However, when the Empire Strikes back came out, I was old enough to realized the Han was the loveable rouge.  Yes, he is the guy all women chase and secretly hope will be like the hero we see in the movie. 
The other day, I was in Target and noticed this Han Solo bobble head. It is pretty much the best $5 I ever spent. He is perched on my desk giving me great inspiration every day.
"Uh, we had a slight weapons malfunction, but uh... everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here now, thank you. How are you? "
At any rate, I did a little test of my new cell phone app - no it is not instagram because I have a droid.  I do think it does capture the many moods of my favorite space hero!

Winter Sky on the River

Since the days are longer and the weather is warmer, I have started to go to work on foot. I walk to the Mon Incline and hop a bus into work. As I was walking through the dusky morning,  I noticed how beautiful the city was.

The sky was still winter grey, but the translucent light was casting some interesting shadows on the the city and on the river.

I crossed the street to snap a picture with my phone. The color photo didn't really capture what I wanted, but turning to black and white really brought the bridges to life.