Trip #625 Paradox Way, Beechview took place on August 8, 2021, and was published on August 20, 2021.
Have you ever noticed how the word amateur often carries a self-deprecating or condescending tone? This is because, in our culture, there’s an underlying assumption that if a person were genuinely skilled or knowledgeable, they would become a professional and earn money from their pursuits. But I recently discovered the original, long-ignored meaning of this word, and it amazes me how different it is in sentiment and tone: “A lover of art and, by implication, often a collector.” Wow! What a difference! There are no insinuations of ineptitude or incompetence, no second-class designation, just an embrace of the JOY that doing-that-thing-you-do brings. So for all of us amateurs in the world, let’s relish and revel in all that we love. Collecting experiences through activities that bring happiness and satisfaction is how we truly become rich.
Field Notes: I love it when the perspective of the photo makes you unsure whether you’re looking up or down. In this case, the flight is heading up in the direction of Beechview Avenue. This flight has a few tricky spots but with a bit of caution fully traversable with lots of blooming Rose of Sharon in a variety of colors.
Love city steps? Get yourself the latest issue of Mis.Steps: Our Missed Connections with Pittsburgh’s City Steps! Each copy is unique and features 10 randomly selected “trading cards” of Pittsburgh’s 739 public stairways. Visit the Mis.Steps online store to see all issues and place your order.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
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.
