Starting out, the only thing I knew I wanted to photograph was the world’s largest Amoco sign (on the corner of Clayton and McCausland) and the Anheuser-Bush neon eagle sign (off Interstate 64). As for the rest, I figured I would explore in the Explorer till I saw something to shoot.

On both nights thoughts bombarded my brain. They were jumbled, distracting, and filled with the kind of questions that keep sleep at bay. I needed to be creative. I needed to let thoughts unravel, to voice complaint, to pray, cry, yell, laugh, argue, and to be reminded that my hope is not simply fantasy. My need to process was overwhelming. My need for beauty was desperate. And my need to create was all consuming.

On the first night I left the house at 11:30 PM and headed for the Amoco sign; just me, a Nalgene of southern ice tea, a loud radio, a camera, and my thoughts. I returned home at 3:30 AM. The next night I was out from 10:30 to 2:00. As I took picture after picture, I began to notice a theme. They were all centered around remembering. It made me happy to remember the place where I first hung out with three of the people with whom in some way I would like to spend the rest of my life and where we had helped celebrate an engagement. It made me happy to see the Art Museum where the lamp post that my mom swung on as child still stands, to see the Arch, Busch Stadium, two coffee shops where wonderful conversations have taken place, and so much more.

As I drove around, listening to mixed CDs from friends and taking photographs of significant places, I found that the murkiness began to fade. It did not nescerally become clear, but it rarely does for finite beings. I found calm as I remembered how relationships have been sustained in spite our sinful, wandering selves. I found that the One who has claimed me, the One for whom I was mourning, has not left us, even though it feels that way sometimes.

Many of the pictures turned out well from this intense, though good, time. I have posted some of them above, as well as some taken during the day between the excursions, which of course ended up centering around the same theme.

Wow, You make this city light up all magical like. I like the photo with the Art Museum in the back-ground and the water, with the spraying fountains, in front. One of the City Museum shots is another prize winner I think.

Gracias for sharing...

THESE ARE AMAZING! I was blown away by the really clear "Christ our redeemer" shot and the Fox Theatre one (taken from the car mirror)! You have a great eye. As Laura said, you make St. Louis look magical!

i agree! excellent pictures! they make me miss st. louis already. i think my favorite is the gazebo in forest park by the muny.

Very cool pics. It is amazing what people miss in a city. Way to capture the gritty underbelly of St. Louis, or at least pics that no one thought were possible. Rock On Lloyd!

awwwwww, lloyd! great pics! I miss you. Glad to know you have been out and about though.

You should swing by next time you are on a late night excursion....you know one of us will be up!

Miss you, want to see you, want to hug you!
Wanna come over on sat the 15th?

Love you-
Brooke

Lloyd! Awwww....miss you. Great pics.
Glad to see you were out and about and doing some awesome brain stirring.

Next time you should swing by, you know one of us is bound to be up.

Miss you and want to see you and give you a big ole hug.

Want to come over and hang on Sat the 15th????
U can invite Leslie,

Love you!
Let me know-
and call me back dammit! :)
Brooke

hee hee...guess I posted twice huh?
my idiotic talents!
xoxoxo-
Brooke

Love this; you have some great shots! If you ever want a fellow photographer to go along let me know! I've been wanting to explore St.Louis with my camera. Hope you're well!

Ah-ha! I found ze blog. Also, nice photos. I am impressed Lloyd.