Today I’d like to move on with the regular photo post series with a shot I took in December of 2014 at the Bethlehem Steel Stacks.
It’s becoming a bit of a tradition to meet up with my aunt and uncle from New Jersey there before Christmas to attend Christkindlmarkt. I’m a big fan of the event. I’ve found not only some amazing German craftsmen there, but also other local businesses I’ve come to love such as Annie’s Pooch Pops (my dog adores her Mega Muttkins) and last year’s find, Newkirk Honey (which sells not only local honeys and honeycomb, but some amazing beeswax hand balm; look them up).
The Steel Stacks are a cool place to visit. Picture an abandoned industrial complex sprinkled with newer arts venues, and you have the Steel Stacks. Seriously, if you’re ever in the Bethlehem, PA area, check it out.
When I was leaving Christkindlmarkt, my car was parked next to the ruins of one of the old industrial buildings. I noticed a small flock of birds happened to be perched on this odd little tree growing from the top of the wall. It was unusual, so I snapped a few photos before heading home. The one above was my favorite.
This is another case where the photo isn’t something I’m using for a current story, but I could see it inspiring a short piece at some point. There was something a little bit ominous about that day and that setting that could be fun to latch onto. But it’s the simple reminder I get from this photo that will likely be used — the reminder that we’re temporary little blips in the grand scheme of things, and ultimately nature can take back anything it wants.
I wish I’d taken some shots of the rest of the complex (it’s not too far, so it might be worth a trip back). If you’re looking for setting inspiration with any kind of an industrial slant, I highly recommend checking this place out, even if you only play on Google Images for a while.