The St. Louis Arch And Choosing Happiness
Over the last three months, I have had many conversations. With friends. And strangers. They have told me stories. Many side splitting, tears rolling down my face, laugh so hard I need to pee stories. And just as many heart wrenchingly terrible. Stories of the past. And on-going nightmares lived every day.
![](https://photographyinatlanta.com/photography_blog/images/content/0c343-saint_louis_arch-1.jpg)
Tales that were shared in kitchens, living rooms, classrooms or public parks; where wire taps were sure to not be found. Stories that made me so thankful I only walk in my own shoes.
I took a moment to lie down on my back and kick up a leg to appreciate the sunrise under the arch. |
The stories aren’t mine to tell. But they have been incredible reminders to me about how I react to my own struggles and/or health issues. That in spite of tremendous loss or unbearable non-stop daily pain and disease, smiles are chosen. Grace is practiced. These people and their perseverance amazed me.
![](https://photographyinatlanta.com/photography_blog/images/content/3b354-saint_louis_arch-3.jpg)
These people have inspired me. To live my life more fully. To focus on the the good. And they have reminded me there are so many wonderful stories that I can tell. And look forward to telling in the coming year. They have re-instilled my faith in humanity. That there is more good, than not. I love that.
![](https://photographyinatlanta.com/photography_blog/images/content/6f6de-saint_louis_arch-4.jpg)
They have reminded me that things are not always what they seem. Like these Arch photographs, something can look much different depending on where you stand.
![](https://photographyinatlanta.com/photography_blog/images/content/ab856-saint_louis_arch-5.jpg)
This is the first time I have ever walked a full circle around the Arch to photograph every angle. From every corner. Near. And far. It is a massive beast.
![](https://photographyinatlanta.com/photography_blog/images/content/bd9d3-saint_louis_arch-6.jpg)
Enjoy the rest of the photographs from my sunrise walk around the St. Louis Gateway Arch from yesterday morning.
![](https://photographyinatlanta.com/photography_blog/images/content/1309e-saint_louis_arch-7.jpg)
this priest had his nose in a book and didn’t look up as he passed me. his lips were moving the whole time. soundlessly. |
![](https://photographyinatlanta.com/photography_blog/images/content/2a9d6-saint_louis_arch-9.jpg)
![](https://photographyinatlanta.com/photography_blog/images/content/545ec-saint_louis_arch-10.jpg)
![](https://photographyinatlanta.com/photography_blog/images/content/b6867-saint_louis_arch-11.jpg)
![](https://photographyinatlanta.com/photography_blog/images/content/49b76-saint_louis_arch-12.jpg)
![](https://photographyinatlanta.com/photography_blog/images/content/27657-saint_louis_arch-13.jpg)
![](https://photographyinatlanta.com/photography_blog/images/content/27ef2-saint_louis_arch-14.jpg)
And lastly, I startled a couple of mallards out of the bushes. They waddled ahead of me for awhile. Nervously, watching me over their shoulders. I might have ran after them before making this photograph. In my defense, they never stopped to let me pet them. I kinda think they deserved a little chase.
![](https://photographyinatlanta.com/photography_blog/images/content/d0308-saint_louis_arch_mallard_ducks_take_flight-1.jpg)