A lot of my favorite urban spaces are the ones that feel secret, an unexpected world behind a wall, a door, or a gate in the middle of a contrasting urban atmosphere. So it was a special treat to read at artist/architect Frank Schlagger's studio/residence near the Hill in St. Louis. The place began life as movie theater, but it has had lots of lives. I met some fabulous, smart, hip people--really good readers and potential friends for the future. Lana Pepper, my new buddy, is the Empress of the Arts in St. Louis and has been so kind and supportive. She put together an evening for the St. Louis University Library Associates that became more and more beautiful as the sun set and the lights went on around the pool. Thank you all, lovely people. Also, Lana took me on a tour of her own loft Saturday--one of my favorite living spaces ever and then showed me parts of the city that I didn't know. XO LP, Frank and all your wonderful friends.