January 2026 Digital Photo Journal

WE SPEAK IN COLORS DIGITAL JOURNAL

Explorations of Culture, Mind, & Spirit

By Andy Armstrong / January 2026 Edition / Detroit, MI, USA

Can’t believe we’re on the other side of it.

Looking back to the start of the holidays feels like another lifetime.

I spent New Year’s here in Detroit, but was back in my hometown in Pennsylvania for a week over Christmas. 

En route, I made a pit-stop in Pittsburgh (it’s only slightly out of the way). I left Detroit early on the Saturday before Christmas and was pulling into the city by 8:30.

The plan was to grab a few things to take home, pick up a couple gifts, and explore some neighborhoods. 

These quick Pittsburgh ventures often begin in the Strip District. I like to get rooted with a loop around the markets, shops, and warehouses on Penn and Smallman. 

Since I have to get to the Monroeville Turnpike exit to head home, I like to end in Regent Square. From there, you can hop right on the Parkway.

That sets up a perfect cruise from the Strip District through Polish Hill, Bloomfield, Oakland, Shadyside, into Squirrel Hill, and finally to Regent Square.

A classic Pittsburgh jaunt.

There are endless other parts of the city I love to spend time in. The North Side, Point Breeze, and Highland Park, to name a few. But when time is finite, gotta keep it direct. 

I landed in Pittsburgh an hour after sunrise, that perfect window when the light is just right.

I parked up near the 31st Street Bridge, out of the mess and close to Pane e Pronto. Any excuse to stop at a bakery. 
After parking, I walked across the bridge in the frigid air to enjoy the morning light and view. One of Pittsburgh’s many great lookouts. 
Here’s a photo from the excursion:

That’s it.

Now into January we go, the heart of winter. Can’t resist it.

Hope you have a good start to 2026,

-Andy