The glory days are over for this Lotus flower. Everyone is always taking pictures of the beautiful blooms (myself included) but I also find myself drawn to those who have long since lost their luster. There is still beauty in the decay though.

I was able to start the new year off right this morning exploring an abandoned church in north St. Louis with some good friends. I am an atheist but I get what religion means to a lot of people, and all of the symbolism involved. The area we were in a rough one, hit hard over the years by all the numerous factors that make St. Louis what it is. Yet in all of the decay and poverty there are still glimmers of hope for a better future.
On the latest outing with Photoflood STL we visited the Greater Ville neighborhood in St. Louis. This shot with Waffles is at the Chuck Berry house. The man lived here for quite a few years but much like the rest of the neighborhood it is in sad shape. There is so much potential in this area of the city but white flight and a lack of imagination and money will leave the area in disrepair.