Saturday, November 29, 2014

#WeAreSTL-kept my mouth shut too long

Here on the Coast of Illinois, I try to keep things non-political. I find that politics really messes with the easy going island vibe I am trying to cultivate. Unfortunately, events on the Coast have taken a nationwide turn and I feel the need to throw my two cents in.
Okay, not exactly my two cents. What I agree or disagree with is really irrelevant.
However, my belief about this town is very very relevant.
What do I believe?
I believe St. Louis is a city rich in history.
Soulard Market. The oldest open air farmers market west of the Mississippi.

One of many barges which have traveled up and down the river for years, supplying our country with grain and coal through both peace and war.

Eades Bridge - the first bridge to span the Mississippi. This is a true statement. However, this is actually the MLK bridge which is just a smidge north of Eades bridge (which I THOUGHT I had a picture of, but apparently...I DO NOT.)


Home of so many authors-Tennessee Williams for one.

I believe St. Louis has some of the best venues for live music.
rooftops in july

picnic tables next to bbq joints in the middle of downtown

open air cafes in the county


eclectic 'cafes' in South City (this also falls under home of many oddities, as this is the artificial leg of piano player James Crutchfield)
buildings so old....well, it used to only have one bathroom whose door barely closed
this would be that door

I believe St. Louis has some of the weirdest....ahem, unique sites to be seen.
flamingos in the snow

yes, that's a full 10 stories

horse drawn carriage in the drive-thru

a 'puking pig'...wait for it...

there it is...

I have no words...

and of course, the world's largest underpants
I believe that St. Louis – is more of a state of mind.
that enormous stainless steel arch? it is a symbol of forward movement
It is a magical place that is the SUM of its many communities; not to be defined by all the negative images displayed over the past few months. I am not a Pollyanna when it comes to real life. Yes, there are major issues with violence here. We have unemployment and homelessness and sports teams that choke in the playoffs. But tell me a place that does not have these issues?
The basic fact is, St. Louis is so much more. 

We have debated and protested long enough. Now we need to pull together, treat one another the way we wish to be treated.Think kindly and act kindly.

We need to pull together as a community. Not draw a line.
The Line. Lines should be for mapping purposes only. They should never be drawn to divide communities or people.
There is an initiative moving through cyberspace named #WeAreSTL. The goal is to return some positive vibes to our hurting community. I was not officially invited, but I am hitching my sailboat to the movement. Because this is not a sinking ship. It's sails are just luffing a wee bit. And together we can trim them in, catch the wind and move forward. 
I AM ST. LOUIS

14 comments:

  1. Thank you for this. I love all of the pictures...and EVERYONE is invited. I understand it to be an open invitation to share the love of St. Louis.

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    1. So happy you enjoyed to pics. I sort of figured it was an open invite, but couldn't find the original post. But doesn't that describe our city? No one is a stranger for long!

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  2. Loved the pictures! Makes me want to visit sometime.

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    1. Come by any time! I always feel a little like a cheerleader for our city. But the fact is - we get overlooked until something bad happens. We have fabulous restaurants, wonderful museums, a delightful zoo and some of the best people you could ever want to meet.

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  3. and please check out the blogs of these ladies who have replied above:
    http://sadieforsythe.com/wp/
    http://jinglejanglejungle.blogspot.com/

    (this is a 'thank-you' link. no compensation was given for these lovely reviews or the subsequent linkage!! )

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  4. I love the heart warming sentiment. Your photos a so fun! Thank you for sharing this with us - My grandma grew up in Ironton, MO - she loved Missouri. St Louis was always the big city for her.

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    1. Thank you Suzanne! You should come by and #findAdventure here!! ;)

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  5. I love with all my heart St. Louis, when we travel we pass through and this year we made special plans to stop at the City Museum!!!! LOVE THAT PLACE, a hamster trail for all Humans!!!!! We also had a teen with us that had never seen the arch!!!! So we did!!!

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    1. I had not been up in the Arch in years. My niece was in town last spring and we took her up. It is just so amazing! Happy you make a special stop in our great city!

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