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
is that really how tattoos work?
“Between the lines” tattoos make me think about my attempt at being a Real Artist™ by doing a paint-by-number set. I believe that experience broke my brain, because even now I don’t understand how painting works if you don’t have outlines and numbers and go all the way through painting one color before moving on to the next and the next. The idea of a blank canvas where you can paint ANYTHING YOU WANT makes me need to lie down.
Route 66
Buckhorn, Missouri
photographed 1.28.2023
tin ceiling
Winter got to Joplin the very same day that I did, so my photos were made on very short walks. One of these walks (a walkette?) I happened to see what I am sure started its life as a car repair garage. Currently it is a restaurant supply place and kudos to the current people for keeping those old tin ceilings. That’s a nice bit of history and nostalgia.
Route 66
Joplin, Missouri
photographed 1.29.2023
celebrating years
I love how the Munger Moss Motel is proud of being on Route 66, but also sort of shy about announcing just how many years they’ve been there. I mean, I get it: I’m of a “certain age” myself and would prefer to have to say that big ol’ number out loud.
So, same, Munger Moss Motel, same.
Route 66
Lebanon, Missouri
photographed 1.28.2023
