Girl, You Lost Your Weave

Sundays in the park with weaves

2011-08-31T18:06:00.000-05:00

I passed this weave when I was running through Grand Center on Sunday, and, sure enough, it was still there Monday morning. Alert Reader and glove fanatic Emilee shot a couple of photographs to share.

Spotted in Strauss Park, at the corner of Grand and Washington.

Hairy park

2011-08-22T00:31:00.001-05:00

Lucas Park (aka Hobo Park) downtown has been a disgustingly hairy mess lately. About two weeks passed between the first time I saw this mess and the night I photographed it.

Drag droppings

2011-08-22T00:19:00.002-05:00

This isn't so much a weave as it is a clump of hair and feathers. But it still applies.

Found outside the Grey Fox Pub at Spring and Potomac.

Escapee weave

2011-08-11T11:02:00.001-05:00

Alert Reader Brendan shares this weave he spotted at the University City recycling center. So majestic.

From the mailbag

2011-08-11T03:01:00.002-05:00

In the coming weeks, I'll be sharing sone of the weaves that are ... ahem ... clogging my inbox. Like this one, spotted months ago in front of Lola, on 14th Street downtown, by Alert Reader and colleague Jackie.

Girl down!

2011-08-11T02:54:00.001-05:00

Alert Reader Molly shares:

"We were driving down Compton Avenue and spotted this. It's an entire wig, bangs and all. It somehow slipped off someone's head, unnoticed, and fell there on the street."

Nordstrom Rack weave

2011-08-11T02:47:00.002-05:00

They don't have discarded weaves at regular Nordstrom. Just Nordstrom Rack.

West County weave

2011-08-07T09:44:00.001-05:00

Big day for weaves at West County Center! (Also, it was Mom's first weave sighting.)

Here, kitty, kitty

2011-07-25T01:43:00.002-05:00

As I was photographing this lovely specimen outside the Civil Courts Building downtown, a guy shouted from a passing car, "Is that my cat?!"

I poked it. It did not meow.

To the window, to the wall

2011-07-19T10:44:00.002-05:00

Here's a weave I ran past on either Locust Street or Washington Avenue. There was so much discarded hair all over town over the weekend that it's all a blur.

Weave on the move

2011-07-17T11:41:00.001-05:00

This one wouldn't sit still while I photographed it at Locust and 18th streets.

A wispy weave

2011-07-08T11:00:00.001-05:00

Found at 15th and Locust streets

Braid in the crack

2011-07-05T01:24:00.001-05:00

At 14th and Locust streets

Another Washington Avenue weave

2011-06-29T15:33:00.001-05:00

As exciting as finding weaves is, it's such an inconvenience when they come along in the middle of my workout. I jogged wistfully past three before finally stopping to shoot this one yesterday at 20th and Washington.

Weave on a crack

2011-06-24T02:31:00.002-05:00

This is the last of the WashAve weaves — for now. Also, the witty-commentary well has run dry.

Party crasher, panty snatcher

2011-06-23T01:46:00.001-05:00

Found in the vicinity of weaves on Washington Avenue. I'm inclined to believe the two are related.

Something in red

2011-06-23T01:42:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it's nice to enhance your wardrobe with a pop of color. But sometimes it isn't.

1901 Washington Avenue

Weaves and hose

2011-06-20T19:51:00.002-05:00

The owner of these lovely lady locks likely left the scene (1901 Washington Avenue) bald.

Tardy for the party

2011-06-19T18:59:00.001-05:00

I didn't realize this parking space was already occupied. Also in the vicinity were several tiny (empty) vodka bottles. Obviously, it was a splendid party.

On the 350 block of Boyle Avenue.

She loves a bargain

2011-06-19T15:48:00.002-05:00

Whoa, has it really been eight months since my last post? Inexcusable. But here's hoping today's weave haul (too many, really, gals) is the jump-start I needed.

I was nearly knee deep in weaves on my jog downtown today. This one is from the 1900 block of Washington Avenue. Much more to come!

A very important message from Shocantelle Brown

2010-10-03T17:24:00.003-05:00

Girl, we're the best blog in St. Louis!

2010-10-03T16:52:00.001-05:00

The Riverfront Times has confirmed what we always knew to be true: Girl, You Lost Your Weave is the Best Blog in St. Louis for 2010!

From the RFT:

Oh, girl. Is there any greater joy than uttering those condescending yet fond words? Thanks to the Girl, You Lost Your Weave blog, we all have an excuse to say them in the course of our daily Internet browsing. This blog is a category unto itself: Unlike most blogs, you won't find political rants, boring descriptions of daily life, photographs of food or tips for green living. What you will find, however, is snapshot after snapshot of nasty-looking polyester hair extensions: chunks of weave on the sidewalk, chunks of weave in the gutter, chunks of weave dangling from barbed wire. It's like a little piece of roadkill, adorning the streets of our fair city. Call it found art, call it schadenfreude, call it whatever you want — we call it the best blog in St. Louis.

To our knowledge, there is no statuette, cash prize or comically large check to accompany this award. (There is, however, a party honoring the winners, at which we likely will be made to pay a cover.) But it's still very cool, and we're grateful for the recognition.

Congratulations also are in order for our colleagues at the Job That Pays Our Bills:

• Best Newspaper Columnist: Evan S. Benn of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

• Best Reporter (Newspaper Division): Elizabethe Holland of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

• Best Arts Reporting: Sarah Bryan Miller of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

• Best Sports Broadcast Personality: Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Blonde locks from Chicago

2010-09-22T07:00:00.006-05:00

Lots of Chicago hair has drifted in here lately. Here's a wispy, blonde pile from Sheila.

North and South and Delmar and Weave

2010-09-21T07:00:00.009-05:00

We've seen a lot of unnatural colors here at GYLYW lately. Here's a weave of a different color, spotted by Alert Reader Matt at Delmar Boulevard and ridiculously named North and South Road.

Scurrying Taco Bell weave

2010-09-20T07:00:00.006-05:00

Alert Reader Karl thought he saw a rat scurrying across the Taco Bell parking lot downtown.

Nope — just some hair.

Thanks, Karl!

The Greatest Thing We've Ever Seen

2010-09-17T07:00:00.006-05:00

Often, photos of weaves are completely without context. But not this one. Nosiree.

Spotted by Alert Reader Jenn, whom I cannot thank enough, on California Avenue.

Distinctive (but not distinguished) rogue weave

2010-09-16T07:00:00.011-05:00

Many weaves look alike, which makes them virtually indistinguishable from one another. But this one is a real gem, submitted by my colleague Carlos. He found it at Watson Road and Landsdowne Avenue.

Blockbuster weave

2010-09-15T07:00:00.013-05:00

Thanks to Alert Readers Lacey and Shelby for providing us with our first Kansas City weave! Spotted at the Westport Blockbuster. (Obvs follow-up: What the heck were you doing at a Blockbuster?)

New to the farmers market: weaves

2010-09-14T07:00:00.005-05:00

"On a tip about ripe melons, she was on her way to the farmers market at Tower Grove Park," says GYLYW friend and Alert Reader Evan of this beautiful specimen.

I wonder if she made it to the melons?

Dead cat or weave?

2010-09-13T07:00:00.006-05:00

"I thought it was a dead cat, until I got a little closer," says Alert Reader Paul of this horrifying weave (wig?) he spotted in the Wentzville Heights subdivision on Plaza Place in Wentzville.

Horrible U-City weave in the sunset

2010-09-10T07:00:00.009-05:00

This weave did its owner a huge favor by jumping ship. And Alert Reader Andrew did us a huge favor by photographing it in University City. Thanks!

ZOMG! An Olivette weave!

2010-09-09T07:00:00.016-05:00

The best part of running this site is definitely the reader mail. Mary Ann writes:

"My daughters spotted this weave in the parking lot outside of Vantage Credit Union in the shopping center at Olive & Price in Olivette. I immediately squealed with delight because I've been a fan of your site for a while now, and I was always wishing I had something to submit. My kids thought I was nuts when I yelled to take a picture of it ... but whatevs, hey, some girl lost her weave, sending a pic of it to you guys is just the right thing to do.

Here are 2 shots of the aforementioned weave... I included the 1 with my daughter just cuz I thought it was funny. She's all, 'ZOMG! A weave!!' ... I do hope you use the picture of the weave by itself. It would make me feel like a minor celebrity :)"

Mary Ann did, indeed, include a totes adorbs pic of her daughter with the weave, but I'm honoring her request not to post it. If I ever need a postergirl for GYLYW, though, I'll give her a call.

Thanks, girls!

Beautiful weave, beautiful pose

2010-09-08T07:00:00.014-05:00

Due to shoddy recordkeeping, I can't tell you who sent this weave or where it's from. But it's totes glamorous and graceful, yes?

Another Windy City weave

2010-09-07T07:00:00.007-05:00

Let's take a moment, as we do from time to time, to visit some discarded weaves from other places. Alert Reader Nathan shares this one he found on Chicago Avenue in Chicago. Thanks, Nathan!

Girl, your train is here

2010-09-06T07:00:00.007-05:00

Now here's a weave with some character! Alert Reader Yaunah found it on the MetroLink platform in the Central West End.

Dead poodle or weave?

2010-09-03T07:00:00.007-05:00

From Alert Reader Jeff, spotted at Tucker Boulevard and Park Avenue:

"At first I was worried about the poodle that got hit by a car. Then I worried about the poor bald sister somewhere."

Proud weave

2010-09-02T07:00:00.007-05:00

Alert Reader Lauren spotted this rogue weave during PrideFest in Tower Grove Park. Thanks, Lauren!

Lunchtime weave

2010-09-01T07:00:00.011-05:00

My colleague Jackie shares this weave she found outside Lola on 14th Street. Thanks, Jackie!

More weaves. More fun.

2010-08-31T07:00:00.007-05:00

I haven't been to Six Flags in a decade. But with all those roller coasters and upside-down rides, there's bound to be some lost hair lying around.

Alert Reader Chad found some.

This weave needs a doctor

2010-08-30T07:00:00.013-05:00

Alert Readers Jenni and Shane write:

My friend Shane sent me this after hearing me talk up the site — he found this particular specimen on the Wash U. med school campus. We love gylyw.com and were so excited to find something to send in. Keep making us laugh with all the forlorn lost hair of St. Louis!

Thanks for sharing, you guys!

Weave not a spider after all

2010-08-27T07:00:00.005-05:00

E-mail from Alert Readers makes me LOL.

Like this one from Joseph: "I found this on Forest Park Parkway outside BJC hospital. ... At first my friend suggested that it was a huge spider. Upon closer examination, the truth became clear. Enjoy."

Van Goghz' weave

2010-08-26T07:00:00.013-05:00

Alert Reader Emilee comes through again: Here's a weave from outside Van Goghz Martini Bar, at Compton and Shenandoah avenues. It's always so convenient for me when the street sign is right there in the photograph.

Girl, your weave is so natural

2010-08-25T07:00:00.007-05:00

Our girl Emilee (of Unrequited Gloves fame) struck weave gold with this one: a completely unnatural shade of purple on Park Avenue in Lafayette Square.

Drive-by weave

2010-08-24T07:00:00.003-05:00

Alert Reader Lottie was super excited to share this North County weave with GYLYW. She and her sister spotted it on Redman Avenue between Old Halls Ferry Road and Highway 367 in North St. Louis County. Holler!

Precious tailed weave creature

2010-08-23T07:00:00.005-05:00

Another adorable find from the Tucker Boulevard Weave Epicenter.

Unidentified lost weave

2010-08-20T07:00:00.005-05:00

In all honesty, I have no idea where I found this thing. But it's safe to say it was downtown someplace. Pretty routine stuff.

Another WashAve weave

2010-08-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Another location that has become quite the hotbed of weave activity is the intersection of Tucker Boulevard and Washington Avenue. Not sure why — that location is a vacant storefront. But it's possible that beweaved gals are tossing bits of their hair from the car window while they sit at the stoplight.

Small but still important

2010-08-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

This sad tangle of weave was dwarfed on the sidewalk under the towering Gateway Arch.

Parking for weaves only

2010-08-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

These weaves caught my eye in the parking lot behind the New Life Evangelistic Center earlier this summer. They're certainly not from Larry Rice's (alleged) hairpiece. Zing!

Rogue weaves and their getaway car

2010-08-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Alert Reader Sean shares these weaves he found in the 5300 block of Wells Avenue in St. Louis. I love the one still on the hood of the car, which raises all sorts of questions.

Bolted-down weave

2010-08-14T12:05:00.000-05:00

Fearing being sent back to her owner, this weave has a firm grip on North Tucker Boulevard.

A bridge to discarded wigs

2010-08-13T20:16:00.000-05:00

Here's proof that, in the right hands, even the weirdest subject can be made into a beautifully composed image. My friend and colleague (and Alert Reader) David shares this lovely head of hair — sans head, of course — he spotted at Commercial and Biddle streets downtown. Which means that the bridge in the background is the Dr. Martin Luther King Bridge.

Thanks, David!

Lack of budget doesn't stop us from advertising

2010-08-13T19:58:00.000-05:00

Lauren, a loyal friend of GYLYW, spotted our ad yesterday (amazing placement!) in Citilites Theatre's program for "Psychopathia Sexualis," playing now at the Kranzberg Arts Center in Grand Center.

If you also saw our ad, please leave a comment below to let us know — especially if you're a first-time visitor!

North County, represent!

2010-08-13T19:45:00.000-05:00

Many sorries for the sporadic nature of my updates lately, but lost weaves don't pay the bills, you know what I'm sayin'? I've got a ton of reader submissions, plus a ton of my own sightings to get posted, so let's begin.

Alert Reader Jamie shared with us photos of three weave sightings she had on a walk from Dellwood, Mo., to her home in Florissant, Mo. I'm not well versed in North County geography, but Google says that's roughly a 1 1/2-hour walk.

Exhibit A: Hereford Avenue and Nancy Place in Florissant, Mo.

Exhibit B: Florissant Road and Interstate 270 in Florissant, Mo.

Exhibit C: Florissant Road and Frost Avenue in Florissant, Mo.

Thanks for sharing, Jamie!

Lost weave a testament to city cleanliness

2010-08-03T10:29:00.002-05:00

I'm excited to announce that the same weave that made its first appearance on this site in February (and a second in April) is still firmly in place at Tucker Boulevard and Gay Street downtown.

Rain, snow, wind, heat — she's been through so much!

Shocantelle for I Beweave Hair Salon

2010-07-18T01:54:00.003-05:00

How I love Laura Bell Bundy. I long for her return to the theater.

Please enjoy her commercial for fictitious I Beweave Hair Salon.

Forest Park weave

2010-07-13T09:56:00.001-05:00

If my records are accurate, this is my first weave sighting in Forest Park. Which means one of two things: I don't go there often enough, or people are keeping a close watch on their weaves there.

Girl, you've got some crap stuck in your weave

2010-07-12T01:04:00.002-05:00

I found this last week on Tucker Boulevard, on the sidewalk in front of an African braiding salon. I have no idea what this yellow stuff is that's stuck to it, though. As I was photographing it — which took forever, thanks to my iPhone 3G running iOS4 — a woman popped her head out the front door.

"Are you taking a picture of the hair?" she asked.

"Yes," I replied. "It's for my website: girlyoulostyourweave.com."

She gave me a weird look, chuckled and went back inside. Maybe she will tell her clients.

Or maybe she will leave more material for me on the sidewalk.

Weave escapes to Canada

2010-06-22T07:00:00.007-05:00

Spotted by Alert Reader Ken at the Peace Bridge border crossing in Buffalo, NY. This hair either drifted onto the barbed wire on its own or got snagged while someone tried to escape to Canada.

Weave outside Chaifetz Arena

2010-06-21T07:00:00.010-05:00

Alert Reader Will shares:

I found these bits of dread weave along Compton outside SLU's Chaifetz Arena. Perhaps some girl realized her weave was uncouth as she approached the arena for commencement.

Another Windy City weave

2010-06-18T07:00:00.008-05:00

Alert Reader Jason sends this weave from the Windy City.

"So glad I found one!" Jason says. So are we!

Delicious food and a horrible weave

2010-06-17T07:00:00.008-05:00

Oooh, girl. You lost your weave outside the Buttery on South Grand.

Spotted by Alert Reader Donnie. Thanks!

Lindell Boulevard weave

2010-06-16T07:00:00.005-05:00

Alert Reader Bryce shares this curly weave he found on Lindell Boulevard near SLU.

Girl, you lost your 'fro

2010-06-15T07:00:00.005-05:00

"Not a weave, but I spotted this fro a couple of Saturdays ago near TGP," writes Alert Reader Adam.

It's definitely not a weave, but we love it anyway! Thanks!

Weave marathon

2010-06-14T07:00:00.008-05:00

Alert Reader Sarah spotted this weave at the Go! St. Louis Marathon downtown a few weeks ago.

City Hall weave

2010-06-11T07:00:00.006-05:00

Spotted by Alert Reader Sarah outside City Hall downtown.

St. Cecilia's wayward weave

2010-06-10T07:00:00.012-05:00

Those Friday fish-fry lines can get pretty hairy. Just ask this weave, spotted by Alert Reader Sarah outside St. Cecilia's Catholic Church on Louisiana Avenue.

Sarah sent photos of a few other weaves elsewhere in the city. We'll see those in the next few days. Thanks, Sarah!

Harry's gets hairy

2010-06-09T07:00:00.023-05:00

A few weekends ago, this gigantic weave was waiting for us outside Harry's Bar & Grill on Southwest Avenue on the Hill.

After lunch — nearly two hours later — the weave had crossed Southwest Avenue, making its way within just a few feet of Harry's front door.

This weave had already demonstrated its quickness and superpowers (flying?), so we approached it cautiously. Here, our friend Aaron inches closer to his car so as not to anger the weave.

Chinese food with a side of weave

2010-06-08T07:00:00.012-05:00

Another messy weave explosion on North Tucker Boulevard — this one in front of Chinese Express.

School, weaves out for summer

2010-06-07T07:00:00.014-05:00

An anonymous Alert Reader shares:

I found it outside the elementary school where I mentor. Some kid picked it up and tore it in half, but you should have seen it before that. It was a big, beautiful, tragic weave.

Another weave on North Tucker Boulevard

2010-06-04T07:00:00.022-05:00

We've come to a horrible realization: When North Tucker Boulevard is closed for demolition and reconstruction, weave hunting could suffer. What will become of all those weaves that presently find their way to Tucker? Will another part of the city emerge as the new Weave Hotspot?

Only time will tell.

Until then, enjoy this run-of-the-mill weave from North Tucker.

Video: how a weave becomes lost

2010-06-03T18:48:00.004-05:00

Now we have a much clearer understanding of how all these weaves end up homeless.

Thanks to @ohmykevin of Overheard in the Newsroom for the tip.

Loop weave, times 3

2010-06-03T07:00:00.016-05:00

We love a good weave photo essay. This one is brought to you by an Alert Reader who shares on condition of anonymity.

In picture 3, you can see an entire wig was ripped off and then a fight ensued, where you can see a trail of weave carnage leading up to the gas station. This is from the Shell station at Skinker-Delmar. It is the result of five ladies — if you want to call them ladies — getting into a fight. Hope you like it.

Yes, we like.

Everybody in the club gettin' weaves

2010-06-02T07:00:00.006-05:00

Spotted downtown by Alert Reader Jonathan

Disgusting things used to clean up BP's disgusting mess

2010-06-01T07:10:00.000-05:00

Photo by Inhabitat

Alert Reader Dustin shares this from Inhabitat:

Matter of Trust, a San Franscisco non-profit devoted to “mimick[ing] how Mother Nature integrates enduring cycles and provides access to necessities in abundance” is asking pet owners and groomers to gather up their tufts of Fido’s fur that would normally be picked off of clothing and throw away to send them in to be made into oil-busting mats.

Also:

In addition to dog and cat hair, thousands of pounds of human hair and pantyhose (other components that are used to make the oil-sucking hairmats and booms) have been sent into the non-profit from all around the world.

Ratty mess on Delmar

2010-06-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

Alert Reader Evan spotted this lovely specimen — "a weave and a rat tail, all in one" — on Delmar just west of 14th Street.

More weave sightings: Weave All About It!

2010-06-01T03:31:00.000-05:00

weaveallaboutit.tumblr.com

When we started this site last year, we thought we were being so clever. Who else would ever think to start a site devoted to photos of misplaced weaves? we thought.

These guys.

Over the weekend, we got an e-mail from the guys at Weave All About It!, a tumblr site that documents weaves found in the Richmond, Va., area. If our math is correct (and it likely is not), our sites began around the same time last year.

I had a similar experience my first semester of college in Richmond. I would see weaves or strands of weave all around the city and so I decided to document my findings. ... I ran into your blog today because I typed in "street weave" on Google just to see what would come up.

So there you have it: Rogue weaves are not unique to St. Louis. Next thing you know, somebody's gonna bust our bubble about toasted ravioli.

BTW, one of our Favorite Submissions Ever came to us from Richmond.

Girl in 'booty shorts' steals a wig

2010-06-01T00:03:00.000-05:00

We're loving this story, from ARLnow.com, about a stolen $17 wig.

It's only $17! We aren't advocating theft, but seriously — not go for something better next time?

Police are looking for a a 6'2" transsexual who ran from a South Arlington beauty store with a pilfered wig, hopped into a car and sped off onto Columbia Pike.

Usman Minayar, manager of the Crystal Beauty store on South Edgewood Street, said the suspect tried to stealthily put the $17 ten inch honey blond wig in a purse while her friend, a local stripper, distracted him.

When Minayar saw what was going on, the suspect made a mad dash for the door. He didn’t try to stop her.

“I was a bit scared… [s]he’s a big guy… [s]he might knock me down, you know.”

The suspect was wearing a black shirt, a bandana and “booty shorts” at the time of the theft, Minayar said.

He said he’s confused by the theft because both the transsexual woman and the stripper, a biological female, have bought items at the store before.

A weave in the night

2010-05-17T07:00:00.003-05:00

On nights like this, I really, really, really wish iPhone had a flash. Spotted at Tucker Boulevard and Convention Plaza.

Weaves or giant eyelashes?

2010-05-14T07:00:00.006-05:00

Foot shown for scale.

Spotted by Alert Reader Seth on Washington Avenue downtown.

Girl, you lost all your hair

2010-05-13T07:00:00.014-05:00

Unless you're a drag queen who's schlepping around a whole mess of wigs, how do you manage to lose a whole head of hair?

Some mysteries will never be solved, I suppose.

Here's a little something from Alert Reader Tyson, spotted for a few days near Shaw Boulevard and Thurman Avenue.

Indy weave

2010-05-12T07:00:00.012-05:00

It's time once again for some love from outside the St. Louis area. Alert Reader Jake shares this sighting from Indianapolis:

This tumble weave was spotted outside the hotel on Monument Circle in Indianapolis, Indiana. We figured somebodies snatch back flew out the window during a bout of adult entertainment.

Dog-walking weave

2010-05-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

My walks to and from work are typically pretty reliable sources for weaves. But when I veer off my usual path, I definitely find new material for this site.

A few weeks ago, an extra-long dog walk produced this, at 17th and Market streets.

Shop 'n Weave

2010-05-10T07:00:00.014-05:00

Losing your weave on the ground is completely understandable. But how on earth does it end up on the shelf alongside E&J brandy at the supermarket? How? I demand to know.

My dear friend Brian (a very Alert Reader) shared this find from Shop 'N Save in Gravois Plaza.

Kidney center patient and weave parking only

2010-05-07T07:00:00.007-05:00

Thanks, Alert Reader Who Wishes to Remain Anonymous!

QT really does have it all

2010-05-06T07:00:00.018-05:00

I've always referred to QuikTrip as the Target of convenience stores. I mean, they really do have everything (including the World's Greatest Hot Dogs), and the shopping experience there is generally more than pleasant.

But weaves really detract from the swank factor. Alert Reader Robb spotted this recently at a QT on South Kingshighway.

St. LouIS ... weaves?

2010-05-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

Please enjoy one of the Best Things Ever from Alert Readers Brad and Doug, who share a recent find from the Interstate 70 overpass downtown:

In and of itself, nothing particularly special — mundane, dark brown. Typical urban detritus and foliage caught in its tendrils, yaddah yaddah.

However, I realized that in context (well, to an art historian), I was looking at Romanticism incarnate: the pathos of the abandoned hair all but at the foot of the Gateway Arch. The contrast of the meek and the grandiose; the ephemeral in the face of the permanent. I was standing before the "Raft of the Medusa" of the lost weave genre, and knew that I could only capture the full significance of Doug's find in a Monet-esque series.

Photo 1 takes us close in, an intimate study of the apparently insignificant weave a la Byron's "Ode to a Blade of Grass."

Then, however, I started to pull back. Photo 2 begins to contextualize my new fake, forlorn follicular friend — the grays of the concrete, the little circles on the pedestrian pad contrasted with the angles of those retarded new bricks in the walkways ... stains, treads, tar, gum all joining the weave in a feeble chorus of abandonment.

Photo 3 introduces depth, the rush of perspective, contrasting colors, our first hint of nature (I'm assuming this isn't real hair), and most importantly, a hint of radiance implying nature's promise of renewal. Excuse me, but is this Eugene DELACROIX's lost weave?!?!?

Finally, in photo 4, the sad, brunette orphan full on in the face of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial — its one leg towering past the upper edge of the picture, a magnolia tree exploding in its April splendor, the shadow of the Hyatt Regency vying for control of the scene with the sunshine, the concrete bollards standing vigil against our anti-hero's intrusion, and the slightest blur taking the background to an ethereal realm that dwarfs the weave utterly.

An "over-read"? Perhaps. Still, I felt compelled to share.

Chameleon weave

2010-05-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Often, rogue weaves cleverly alter themselves to blend in with their surroundings, and it requires a keen eye to spot them. Kudos to Alert Reader Sean for sniffing out this one.

Weave cleanup on aisle 5

2010-05-03T07:00:00.002-05:00

It's always a little disconcerting to find clumps of hair at the supermarket. Alert Reader David shares this find from the Schnucks at Natural Bridge Road and Union Boulevard.

Old weave friends

2010-04-28T10:49:00.001-05:00

This weave at Tucker and Gay Street wins the award for Most Appearances on this Blog. She's still hanging on!

Weave parking only

2010-04-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

As weary as I am of all these horrible barricades on North Tucker Boulevard, I appreciate their usefulness in keeping the rogue weaves contained and safe from traffic. I also appreciate that this weave appears to be enjoying a cigarette.

Scottrade Center weave

2010-04-23T07:00:00.007-05:00

For a venue that seats 19,000 people, we'd be surprised if this was the only weave chilling at Scottrade Center. We've been there; we've seen the bad hair.

Carondelet weave

2010-04-22T07:00:00.010-05:00

Again: This weave is so thirsty. If it looked like this while it was attached to somebody's head, then it's in everybody's best interest that it's not there anymore.

From Alert Reader Emily, spotted in the Carondelet neighborhood.

Thirsty CWE weave

2010-04-21T07:00:00.009-05:00

Alert Reader Emily, the dog walker whose finds we've been enjoying the past few days, spotted this mess in the Central West End. Girl, this weave looks like it hasn't had a drink since Prohibition.

One word: conditioner

2010-04-20T07:00:00.004-05:00

Here's another weave from Alert Reader Emily. This one's from South Grand.

Girl, you lost your weave coupon

2010-04-19T07:00:00.006-05:00

Call now.

Weave from the CWE

2010-04-16T07:00:00.007-05:00

Alert Reader Emily is a dog walker who says she finds rogue weaves all over St. Louis. A couple of weeks ago, she flooded our inbox with a ton of great finds. We'll share some of her haul with you over the next few days. Thanks for sharing, Emily!

This one is from the Central West End.

Rastafarian weave

2010-04-15T07:00:00.015-05:00

When this photo arrived in my e-mail, I laughed and laughed. It's not technically a weave — it's more like a novelty hat with hair. Still a pretty terrific find, no?

Spotted by Alert Reader Marcy at Loughborough Avenue and Morgan Ford Road in St. Louis.

We heart NY weaves

2010-04-14T07:00:00.014-05:00

"If your weave can't make it here, it can't make it anywhere," writes STL expat Gretchen, who spotted this weave at 46th Street between 5th and Madison avenues in New York City. Love it!

A dog and his weave

2010-04-13T07:00:00.013-05:00

"I'm not 100 percent sure, but this appears to be an East Nasty dog-walking weave," my friend (and Alert Reader) Heidi wrote from Nashville, Tenn. I'd say she's 100 percent correct.

Also, this photo features Stewie, one of my favorite dogs.