P52 - Week 17 - Soft & Sultry

I found this lovely flower on a trip to Vermillionville Historic Village that was part of the orchestra's spring trip to Louisiana.


When I look at this shot, I wish images could convey aromas! Just imagine the soft, wet air you would expect from rural Louisiana and inhale the almost musky, floral fragrance of this little beauty! It rained on us later in the day, so just imagine the heavy humid air that goes with it. It really was a feast for the senses (especially when you factor in the amazing Cajun lunch spread that came with it!).

P52 - Week 9 - a Texas tradition

Spring has come early to Texas. In fact, except for one weekend in January, I think we skipped winter all together this year. But regardless of what that means for the many hot months to come, an early spring means early BLUE BONNETS!


Personally, I just love seeing the roadsides draped in this particular shade of royal blue. It's my favorite color!

I'm told, however, that this obsession with blue bonnets is definitely a "Texas thing." My better half is not a native Texan and he shakes his head as I swoon over the blooms each spring. He plays along when I drag the family out for pictures amidst my favorite flower and never makes a fuss about me wanting to stop the car each time I see a good-sized patch along the roadside.

I can't help it. It's a Texas thing and I'm a Texas gal!

p.s. this snap was actually taken on March 2nd, which happens to be the anniversary of when Texas declared independence from Mexico. Happy Birthday Texas!

P52 - Week 8 - In Memoriam

This is not the image I really intended to share for this week. Signs of spring are popping up everywhere and that always makes for fun photos. Wonder Boy got to kick off his soccer season this week as well. And goodness knows, that is probably my #1 subject through the spring and again in the fall. But this snap of my dad at a memorial service for my great uncle is one I just could not pass up sharing.

Technically speaking, this is not even a very strong image. But I truly do not care. When I look at this photo, so many thoughts come to mind and I just don't want to lose that by filing this photo away in mass storage.

You see, today my family said its final good-byes to my great uncle. He and my dad were particularly close. My oldest brother is named after this uncle. And in turn, his granddaughter is named after my dad. I guess you can tell we were a tight bunch.

My dad read the obituary at the service and barely got through it. He's not an emotional man, so this struck me more than I would have guessed. My dad has always been this larger-than-life character. But in recent years, especially over the past few months, it has come home to me just how mortal he really is. It's not something on which I like to dwell, but it IS part of who he is today, and as such it is something with which I will have to come to grips.

In this shot, my dad is resting on the headstone of his grandfather's grave. And oddly enough, at least at this moment, he actually resembles my great grandfather.

Despite all of the sobering facts of a funeral, this day was actually a really good day for me. I got to spend time with family that I love, some of which I had not seen since we were small children. I got to laugh about the things we did and said growing up in this rather boisterous group. I got to spend a few precious moments with those that helped to shape me into the person I am today. And I got a reminder to hold onto the things that are truly important in this world.

So I share this image in remembrance of my Great Uncle. He is sorely missed. But I hope he knows that he lives on in our hearts and in our shared memories.

Rest in peace Uncle.

P52 - Week 7 - Baby Bulldogge

Oh my ... where to start this week?

We got the chance for a return visit with Wonder Mutt's breeder and her latest crop of adorable bully pups. And while we got to play with all 13 of them, we focused our camera on just the 3 that still need to find their fur-ever home.

This sweet little lady you see right here is one of the trio that still needs a place to call home:


And I would be fooling myself and misleading all of you if I didn't admit that I really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really want for US to be her family!

She's the runt of her litter and there is just something about her that resonates with me. It doesn't help at all that during her photo time that she decided the best thing to do would be to curl up right next to me and take a nap - sweet, tiny snores and all!

Wonder Dad has made it clear that we are a 2-dog family and as such we are currently at our limit.

But maybe this sweet little face would change his mind?

Senior Season

Today is the first day of spring and you can just feel it in the air!

The signs of spring are everywhere - from the regal blue blooms of our beloved state flower to the open windows and gentle breezes of the first warm days of the calendar year. And I, for one, am ready to wave good-bye to freezing temperatures and bulky sweaters.

Yet another sign of spring is the building anticipation of graduation come May and June!


If you are a senior ready for your walk across that stage, or even if you are a junior thinking ahead to your time next fall and spring, take a minute to browse our Senior Gallery.

I hope you will consider us for your graduation photo and announcement needs!