Blog Archives
awake
This parking structure takes up three-quarters of a block in downtown Saint Louis. There used to be shops and restaurants, and even a police substation, on the street level. All of it is gone now and even though there are FOR LEASE and DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY signs posted, things don’t appear to be hopeful.
There is a strong graffiti presence.
And in the quarter-block that’s not this giant ruin, there’s a surface parking lot with a security guard who will invite you move along when you step into the lot to take photos.
Saint Louis, Missouri
photographed 9.2.2026
shedding the light
Every September since 2002, the Gateway Arch goes dark every night in September. It’s a way to help keep fall-migrating birds from becoming disoriented by bright nighttime lights. The National Park Service estimates that 40% of the U.S.’s migratory waterfowl use the Mississippi River corridor for a migration route.
I was lucky enough that my visit spanned the end of August and the first of September, so I got to see the Arch both ways. Honestly, I sort of like the non-lighted September version better.
Also it was very hot while I was there (feels-like temperature one day was 109°) so it was hard to imagine that anything fall related was very close to happening. I mean, obviously it will because pumpkin spice everything is creeping onto menus which is the most certain way to tell the seasons are changing. I guess.
Gateway Arch
Saint Louis, Missouri
photographed 8.30.2026
especially if you’re looking for a truck
If you want a Chevy pickup, please note that God Answers Prayers.
Lubbock, Texas
photographed 8.28.2026
FURNITURE
It was relatively cool* the other evening so I took advantage and went out to get some photos. I’ve had my eye on this place for a while because…oh, never mind. You know why.
And in case you are wondering, that thing in the parking lot that I thought was a syringe was, in fact, not one. But still, that empty parking lot definitely had an abandoned syringe vibe.
Lubbock, Texas
photographed 8.28.2026
*Relatively cool = <100°
midnight is where the day begins
To add a little bit to the post from Saturday, where I mentioned my naming of images…sometimes I will read the Dictionary of Symbols to find phrases that catch my eyes/ears and that I can relate to a feature in the image. (You might be surprised at how lyrical and emotional the language in that book is.)
I was reading about the symbolism of night during my title search and learned that by ancient Irish folklore each new day begins at night, an idea I’d not ever given the slightest thought to. But I liked it, and liked it enough to use the thought at a title.
And then the next thing that happened was that a weird and magical connection happened when I was naming the photo that’ll post tomorrow. Come on back to see what that’s all about!
Portland, Maine
photographed 3.14.2026
