Onward to St. Louis

Today was a rock and roll day...not just because it was action packed...ok, maybe kinda.  We first stopped in Madison, Mo. to visit Chris Akers, affectionally known as the rock and roll barber.  He is a local guy made good. Forget about the current American Idol Missouri hoopla  - this guy is the real deal, he knows how to play the guitar...and banjo...and mandolin...and cut a mean head o hair. He knows his rock and roll, and can talk a streak, without breaking stride in proper coiffature.

Then it was on to Wright City and an old I-70 favorite - "Elvis is Alive Museum"  alas - Bill Beeney has given up espousing the "facts" that Elvis' corner's report was fake in a store front fashion - and has changed the primary business to a  real estate company and Baptist Missionary.  Plywood cut-out Elvis has traded in his microphone and picked up the cross.

Last, but far from least, we stopped off in an area of St. Louis called "The Hill" and home of Teresa Disney, prolific self-taught artist extraordinaire.  I first met Teresa  year ago at Slotin's Folk Fest in "Atlanta, when I was a wee bit fixated on devil imagery in self taught art...and she had wonderful whimsical offerings. A very private but warm artist, Teresa has filled her home with paintings and sculptures, with a lot more than just religious iconography.

Teresa's art is warm and inviting, heartfelt and accessible.  Her life experiences have been less than smooth, but her outlook is full of inspiration, generosity and grace.