OFF THE BEAT

Northwest Folklife festival, Seattle, Wash.

They’re everywhere. Blooming like crazy. It’s awesome.

This thistle blossoms near a footbridge just off River Des Peres Drive in St. Louis. But where’s Eeyore? Probably searching for his tail.

Sheraton Hotel, 14th Street, St. Louis, Mo.

I lost the game by two points after missing my chance of going out because I failed to add an “e” to form the word “pie.” Stupid. Must have had that hooka smoke on the brain.

The fort in Jaisalmer is the city’s main attraction. People still live and work inside, which is pretty cool but also contributes to the gradual destruction of the 12th century-fort. Over the years, the fort’s infrastructure has eroded. It’s still beautiful…day and night…inside and out.

As if beckoning me to take its picture, this equine fellow (or dame?) kept poking its head from its stable in a village about 20 or so miles outside of Jaisalmer, India. So I did.

Early Thursday morning (like 12:30 a.m.!), my singing group, Vocal Edge (St. Louis’ premier men’s vocal band) finished recording its first demo CD at Patrick Crecelius’ studio. Six tracks later, our voices are pretty hoarse. Above, some of the guys rehearse some rough spots a few minutes before stepping up to the microphones.

There’s that old saying that you should let sleeping dogs lie. But this pair of boxers at Gringo Jones in St. Louis couldn’t care less about the dozens of people milling about the store around them. They’re accustomed to the constant din of chatter inside the store and frequent interruptions from customers who want to pet them. They don’t seem to mind being awakened…as long as you rub their bellies. Good dogs.