Broken Ears, originally uploaded by Matt Niebuhr.

I came across this little Ethiopian cafe shop the other morning. I find it interesting to try and get a read on the neighborhood by the activity and objects found in these little displays – little arrangements and messages – partial dioramas. A hint at a world that might be just behind the glass. Promise, allure, little short stories. Work to be done. Invitations to come in off the street or to go away – move along. These windows are filled with potential – like photographs themselves – pictures framed hung by the sidewalk – already made.