Trip #450 Violet Way to Steuben Street, West End, Pittsburgh took place on May 25, 2020, and was published on June 15, 2020.
When tasks we thought would be simple end up becoming complicated, it’s hard not to let the unanticipated delay break our stride. One of my favorite strategies is to remember all of the times when situations turned out to be reasonably straightforward – instead of a first-class headache. Life’s a cycle of back and forth, up and down. Sometimes you’re climbing in elevation, but then you turn a corner and face a descent. Whether this current moment is easier or harder, uphill or down, they only way to reach your destination is to put one foot in front of the other and hold your head high. Embrace your journey for what it is. This is your life, your runway, so strut your stuff and show the world who you are!
Field Notes: The sun was super bright so it washed the image out (even with the camera set to the “darken” setting). This was the site of the West End fashion show last summer which was funded in part by BikePGH and the Office of Public Art. It was great to see all the models and creative outfits walking down this flight!
See the Risograph print of this photo and story in the Mis.Steps Shop.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
Like watching videos? Check out PCTV21’s 100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh YouTube channel. Hosted by author and journalist Rossilynne Culgan, there’s even an episode where she interviews me about City Steps. When you want to start planning warm-weather excursions, this series will do you right.
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs, and railings, as well as trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling.
