“Consider Alternate Route”

Morning Commute

One morning on my way into town a yellow Mustang convertible pulled in front of me in heavy traffic.  As we slowed to a crawl I saw the driver’s blonde hair blowing in the wind and she brushed it back as it flew around her sunglasses.  From what I could see as she passed me she looked to be in her late forties, attractive, and confident.  I don’t know why I think she was confident, except a car like that seems to give that impression.

I had plenty of time to stare at that car, and I began to imagine what it would be like to drive it for a while, to exchange it for my not-so-cool mini-van just for one day.

And then the sign ahead of us came into view.  I took out my camera and got this shot.  “Consider Alt Route” flashed in turns with the rest of the message of a closure ahead.  I thought, yes, I would like to consider an alternate route.  And I want to be driving THAT car.

What route would I take?  I would challenge the speed limits I’m sure, because why drive a fun car if you can’t enjoy how it performs on the highway?  I think I would head for the least crowded place I know.  Some place where there are few cars, plenty of trees, trails, a lake, and some fresh air.

I would spend the day exploring, listening to birds and the wind and water flapping against the lake shore.   If I got tired of walking and taking pictures, I would find the nearest small town and look for a farm stand.  If they had  blackberries I would buy a pint and eat them right there.  I would take deep breaths, walk slowly, sit on a bench and resist the urge to check the email on my cell phone.   I would try to be “in the moment” as the wellness gurus suggest.

It occurred to me that the woman in the yellow Mustang might be wishing for an alternate route too.  While I was imagining what it was like to be her, she might be imagining her own “alternate route.”

We tend to think other peoples lives are more interesting than ours.  But sometimes an alternate route is nothing more than a detour.  A longer way to the same place.

The traffic thinned and the blonde in the yellow Mustang pulled into the next lane and sped away.   It wasn’t clear why the traffic had been backed up, but now that we were moving again my mind also moved on.   My thoughts shifted to the agenda for the day, and before I knew it I was at my destination.   Stepping out of the van, I decided that I will plan that time at the lake anyway.  Maybe not this weekend, but before the leaves fall again and drain the color from the landscape.   I think it can be healthy to take an alternate route every now and then.

Pittsburgh alfresco issue 2: Say “Farewell” to Summer and the City

 

Fall is here, summer is fading, but let’s take one quick look back before the leaves have fallen and the chill has taken hold!   Pittsburgh alfresco “(Say Farewell to) Summer and the City” is now available online.

Contributing photographers Vincent Sims, Ryan Wenner, and Beverly Kirby Mitchell, join creative director and editor Lucinda Wiebe for a quick review of  the sights of summer in and around the City of Pittsburgh.   Karen Gainey shares the story of how she became devoted to educating folks about fishing in the region, and Leila Khalil offers a poem that conjures up her childhood and the sense of community she found among diverse cultures of farmers bringing their fresh foods to The Strip District.

Pittsburgh Al Fresco: Summer in the City Issue Now Accepting Submissions

Start taking your summer fun pictures now for submission to Pittsburgh Al Fresco E-Zine’s August 2010 issue.    Amateurs only!  Anything outdoors in Pittsburgh that shows how much fun it is to live in the ‘burgh is welcome.  But your stories are just as important!  Remember, you can’t show pictures of people that are recognizeable without their written permission, especially kids.  But if it’s your own family and they give you permission, that’s all you need.

Inquire at www.weebeedesigns.com on the contact page.  Guidelines are there on the Pittsburgh Al Fresco page.

Looking forward to seeing your work!

Amateur Photographers and Writers Call for Submissions

 

Amateur photographers and writers local to Pittsburgh and those whose hearts are still in da ‘burgh are welcome to submit their work for publication in future issues of pittsburgh alfresco magazine.   Go to the mag’s page on this blog for more details.  Autumn issue is now online.  Winter issue is scheduled for January 1, 2010 with a tentative deadline of December 15 for submissions.