Pittsburgh Color

My goal lately has been to explore a different place in Pittsburgh every weekend that I'm in town. This Sunday I took a trip over to Allegheny Commons Park, and it turned out to be absolutely stunning. It would actually be more accurate to say I was driving by and decided to get out and walk around because I couldn't resist all the beautiful colors and, okay, trees. I can't remember experiencing a more beautiful fall. With more gorgeous days ahead, I'm preparing myself for 80 degree weather this Thursday, and very appreciative to not be apart of Minnesota's colder days at the moment. Take a look at all these vibrant colors that have taken over Pittsburgh.

West End Exploration

I've been living in Pittsburgh for about two months now, and I'm ashamed to say that the first time I've really explored my own neighborhood was yesterday afternoon. I walked outside around 3 o'clock for the first time all day (I was having a nice, relaxing Sunday) with sweats, a hoodie and my uggs on in preparation for chilly weather, only to be pleasantly surprised with 75 and sunny. Amazing what you discover when you actually leave your house right? Anyway, shorts and flip flops made a reappearance for what may be the last time of the year, and I went for a walk to explore my own backyard. 

The West End neighborhood is where I currently call home, and it's not really like any other place. With a church and a bar on every corner, it reminds me of my home neighborhood, Northeast Minneapolis. What Northeast doesn't have though, is this crazy I'm-in-a-forest-in-the-city feeling that the West End most definitely does. I think it's safe to say I'll be back to explore more, because like I said, most of these pictures were taken, literally, in my own backyard.

    

I Heart Trees

Okay, so basically, I'm obsessed with trees. It's one of the few things I can draw decently, and I love photographing trees of all kinds. This will probably become more evident as time goes on, but I knew I needed to start somewhere. Here's a collage/drawing I made last week as an example for the kids in one of the after school programs I run...surprise surprise...it's a tree.

Philadelphia Veteran's Comfort House

I spent this past weekend in Philadelphia, and on Monday I had the opportunity to do a service project with my fellow AmeriCorps members at the Veterans Comfort House. It was a unique, old building with a lot of character so I was sure to grab a couple snap shots. 

And it Hit Me, Minnesota is Dope

Happy Birthday Elena!

Big happy birthday shoutout to one of my best friends, who is currently adventuring in India and should be backpacking somewhere through the Himalaya's at this point. Welcome to your 20s Elena! This picture was taken while I was visiting her in Colorado last year, hopefully she's enjoying an even more beautiful view at this moment. 

Pittsburgh Views via iPhone

So as I mentioned already, Pittsburgh has some pretty awesome views. Being the sucker for Instragram that I am, I never miss a chance for a photo op. Here are a couple of the cool pics I've captured from my iPhone, all filtered and cropped courtesy of Instagram of course. 

Taken From the West End Overlook 

Taken from Allentown

Taken from an overlook on Mount Washington

Taken from South Side Slopes 

Taken from the top of the Duquense Incline 

South Side Flats taken from the South Side Slopes