See Gina Blog

Citygarden – “Kindly Gepetto” by Tom Otterness, originally uploaded by Nikon66.

You should definitely check out this photographer’s work. His photos of the Citygarden in downtown St. Louis are just incredible. His shots are absolutely inspiring!

cirque final RGB letter size, originally uploaded by midnitesunltd.

A naughty and stimulating event entitled “Cirque du Erotica 2” took place at the Casaloma ballroom on Iowa at Cherokee Street this past Saturday evening. The event featured the Furious Vixen band (including the stunning Teya), “The Red Hot Dancers” (a gorgeous burlesque troupe), pole dancers and fire spinners, and a belly dancer too. Intense sensuality and incredible talent coursed through the space.

The crowd was a wide range of ages and lifestyles, all enraptured with the decadence. The Casaloma was filled with people. Some dressed in costumes, some in street clothes, and some in clubbing outfits. One friend of mine dressed as a candy girl (instead of a cigarette girl), one acquaintance dressed as a ringleader, and one dressed as a strong man.

Unfortunately cameras were strictly prohibited. Perhaps another of the Cirque du Erotica 2 events I will have that Canon Rebel I’ve had my eye on and will shoot the event as a part of it. I have already told this year’s stage manager that I would like to volunteer next year for it.

If you have the chance to attend next year, do. Leave the kids at home (and your purse and camera) and come out for a great time!

Commuter AC Economy 449, originally uploaded by Badia Harrison (will on / off).

Today commuters across St. Louis experienced the Metro – St. Louis cuts. When the proposed sales tax increase did not pass in November, the decision was made to cut much of the bus service west and south of the Interstate 270 corridor across St. Louis County. This cut means about 2,300 out of 9,000 bus stops have been taken out of service, along with lay-offs of nearly 600 Metro employees, including bus drivers and mechanics.

The cuts resulted in longer commutes, more waiting and walking, and some confusion for workers today. My commute now requires me to be out the door fifteen minutes earlier (keep in mind I am not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination) and a bus and a train for what would be an 11-minute drive, when it once took only one bus. Today, because I missed the bus by a minute, the commute required an additional six-block or so walk as well (to the Metrolink station).

Metro has been the source of frustration for many in the past several years, known as one of the less impressive public transportation systems of the major metropolitan regions. This can only result in more aggravation toward Metro and less riders as people grow frustrated enough to endure gas and parking costs instead of long and arduous commutes. For some, like me, who are without vehicles for whatever reason, we will continue to endure with utter exasperation.

Let us hope that soon we commuters get familiar with our awkward bus routes, additional exercise, and increased wait and ride times. All I can say is thank goodness this is not happening in colder temperatures!

Vino., originally uploaded by gina.banina.

I spent today out and about in St. Louis enjoying the incredibly beautiful day. First brunch at Merriweather’s, a restaurant inside of the Missouri History Museum. Then shooting photos around Forest Park. Then wine at Duff’s on the patio. I cannot imagine a more perfect way to spend a Sunday in St. Louis.

I have been enjoying the warm weather that has hit St. Louis and am very much looking forward to the 71 degrees we are expecting tomorrow and the 76 degree high expected Tuesday. I love capri and flip flop weather!

Ignore the long toes. Hehe.

Top 7 of St. Louis

1. B.B.’s Jazz, Blues & Soups – Incredible blues musicians have come from all parts to play here.  Some musicians have included Billy Peek Band, Henry Townsend, Magic Slim, and Marquise Knox.  B.B.’s has a great selection of beers for those beer lovers out there and delicious food too – the sweet potato fries are a big hit.
2. City Garden – This is the newest feature of St. Louis city and I absolutely love it.  Located downtown, numerous sculptures are found throughout; twisting paths snake around the trees and sculptures; water features add a whimsical touch, and a flat screen displays unique imagery.
3. City Museum – Exceptionally unique and artistic, the City Museum is an experience no other city can offer.  This year the City Museum opened its rooftop theme park.  Several multiple floor slides, recycled items adorn the walls and floors, and a quaint bar called the Cabin Inn is attached and is in fact the relocated cabin of Daniel Boone’s son.
4. Fabulous Fox Theatre – The theatre is a gorgeous, remarkable space and a fantastic venue.  Some outstanding Broadway shows come to this theatre.  Well-known comedians and musicians perform here.
5. Missouri Botanical Gardens – This is a very picturesque setting and is often a peaceful place for reading, thinking, or writing.  Several times a year festivals are held that offer incredible culture and variety to patrons.  Also held here is the Whitaker Music Festival, with local favorites performing here for free concerts every Wednesday throughout the summer months.
6. The Sheldon – This is a perfect, very intimate setting for a great concert.  The modest size allows for up-close viewing of the musicians and a greater acoustic sound throughout.  Musicians including Cowboy Junkies, Herbie Hancock, Suzanne Vega, Wynton Marsalis, and a slew of others have performed in the space.
7. Tivoli Theater – A beautiful, historic theater space, the Tivoli shows interesting and provocative independent films.  What’s more, every November the St. Louis International Film Festival screens some of its films here.

Come out tonight if you can and support Amy (on the left in pic with moi).  She is being featured with several other lovely artists in a fab art show “As Above, So Below” (2101 Locust, St. Louis City) from 7 – 10 p.m.  Free entry, free food, and free Schlafly beer.  You may even see me there if you’re lucky! (*wink*)

Evidently Aztecs believed this bird’s beak was created from rainbows.  Toucans were considered messengers of the gods. I saw this beautiful bird at the St. Louis Zoo this Summer.

The blog “The Inspired Room” is doing a contest of fall porch photographs and so I give you these two that I shot this month in the Central West End:

I came upon a great independent publication edited and published here in St. Louis, called 52^nd City. It includes photography, poetry, and short stories and the images and writing are outstanding. I own two issues, one titled Foreign Exchange, entirely centered on travel and one titled Sexy, entirely centered on sexuality.

I look forward to purchasing other issues in the future at the incredible printing press Firecracker Press (the printer of 52^nd City and a great independent printer located at 2838 Cherokee Street in my old neighborhood). For those outside of St. Louis who would like to read this great publication, you can purchase issues or subscribe here.  Perhaps one day I will even submit work to this awesome publication!