I’ve spent some time in the Philippines.  In fact, at this very moment I’m waiting, waiting, waiting for Three Stone Steps’ popular recycled ornaments and dreidels to arrive from a women’s collective there.  We also carry key chains, headbands, and small purses made from juice packs by a different women’s collective there.

I live in Baltimore.  I love it here.  I always say that if I were going to leave Baltimore, it would be for a big move, to a place like Buenos Aires or Tbilisi.   My reality, though, isn’t the same for everyone.  Life can be hard here.

And, life is also hard for many in the Philippines.

So, with great interest, I watched an excellent POV video called The Learning that glimpsed into the lives of four Filipina teachers both in their homes and with their families, and teaching in Baltimore, after being recruited by the city schools.

I found the film engaging and powerful.  If you have some time, you should sit down and watch while it’s available.  I’ve posted the trailer below to give you a glimpse.  Let me know what you think.

All week long we’ve been hearing about the 10th anniversary of the horrific September 11 attacks.  Not much I can add to the remembrance, except to wish everyone peace.

Today’s Friday Photo is of an artisan who works with old metal oil drums in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti.  Three Stone Steps carries the peace sign in Jean Claudes’ right hand, although it’s currently on back order.  We also carry the dragonflies with butterflies piece in his left, although that’s not yet on the site.    We also carry the love and peace pieces in the background.

Enough of the introduction.  And, without further ado, here’s your Friday Photo:

While there’s something of a debate as to whether Baltimore,  the location of Three Stone Steps’worldwide headquarters, is in the rust belt  (I’m of the firm opinion that it isn’t, but that certainly doesn’t mean that it’s not a post-industrial city), there is no doubt that Buffalo is.

For this Labor Day, I’m sort of happy sort of sad to present you with photos of the magnificent Central Station in Buffalo, from a city that has seen better times.  Here’s hoping that it–along with the city and all cities–will be reinvented into great, and green urban hubs.

Happy Labor Day.