Tilda Tuesday: The Grands
We have very special guests staying with us this week and Matilda especially couldn’t be more excited. Her grandpa (my dad) and gammy (dad’s lovely wife) have made the trip out from Georgia for a visit. Tilly has fresh laps to cover in her orange and white fur. She turned and looked at me with crossed eyes after I took this shot. I’d say she’s in heaven. And so am I. 🙂
Happy Tilda Tuesday my friends!
“This shark, swallow you whole” -Quint
We surprised Dad last week for his birthday on Martha’s Vineyard. Also known as Amity Island, it is where the movie jaws was filmed 30 something years ago.
And Patrick spotted Jaws right here on the island!
Joey’s footprints.
A wet seagull feather sparkled on the sand.
Gayhead Lighthouse.
An osprey nest is housed up high and we watched as one circled in and joined it’s mate and young ones.
Joey enjoyed tossing sand into the ocean at sunset.
A few folks were fishing off the jetty.
Seagulls were everywhere. If you brought a picnic to the beach, you had to make sure you didn’t leave any food unattended or else you’d go hungry. These little thieves are fast and sneaky!
Sunsets were few and far between. The skies were overcast most evenings but we lucked out with this one.
We also enjoyed walking through craft markets and galleries in the many villages on the island.
There was an abundance of wildflowers. The wet and humid summer has done them well.
The ferry ride to the mainland on the last day was foggy, overcast, and dreary.
But the sun peeked through at times giving a calm and peaceful view.
It was so awesome surprising Dad like this. We all had a great week and he said this was the best birthday present ever. So glad we made it out there this year. Thank you Debbie for making it happen!
Menemsha Sunsets with Joey
Joey and I sat and enjoyed the Menemsha sunset yesterday evening.
Today is my Dad’s 70th birthday. His lovely wife flew us out to surprise him and boy he was surprised! We are enjoying our time together here on Martha’s Vineyard and wishing we could take the beautiful rain back home.
It Felt Like a Dream, Honey
But it wasn’t all in my head. It really happened.
The lights came up and there stood the Apollon Musagete Quartet that consisted of 2 violins, a viola, and my favorite, the cello. Then the spotlight hit the side of the stage and she appeared in an emerald green frock with hair as red as a Wyoming sunset. A week ago yesterday, after 2 years of (im)patiently waiting since the last tour, I was finally at my ninth Tori Amos concert with my best friend sitting right beside me.
She opened with Shattering Sea, the first song off the new album, performing it flawlessly. She pounded on the Bosendorfer as the quartet played with just as much power, it sent chills all over my adrenalin rushed body. Her voice was smooth and her mastery over the piano while singing is astounding.
She covered Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide and Joni Mitchell’s River. Even though we didn’t make it to a meet and greet before the show to make requests, Terri and I always like to say “oh she played this for you and that for me”. Highlights for Terri were River, Maybe California, Crucify, Cruel, and Precious Things. For me, Here in My Head, Fearlessness, Star Whisperer, Silent All These Years, Honey, and Siren were top on my list. And I’d like to think she payed A Sorta Fairytale for my mom. When mom would get home from grocery shopping, she’d call me up and tell me she heard that Tori song on Kroger radio. “How cool is that sweetheart?!”, she’d say.
The quartet would occasionally go off stage and she’d perform alone at the piano. Beulah Land solo was a southern favorite for sure.
We cheered louder when she’d flash us a smile which happened often. She seemed so excited to be touring in the states and was on TOP of each and every song.
She told us in a funny little improv about the “old woman”. Her Bosendorfer is about 80 years old and almost didn’t make it on this tour. Other pianos that she tried just didn’t have what it takes in the low end. But low and behold, she showed up in Atlanta just for us.
The rest of the setlist included Suede, Nautical Twilight, Girl Disappearing, Your Ghost, Hey Jupiter, Spark, Leather and Big Wheel. The quartet played one of their own compositions, A Multitude of Shades.
In all, we were graced with 25 songs for a night we will never forget. Not a bad way to end my month long stay in Georgia. I was pooped the next day traveling through airports to get back to the western sky, but it was all worth it.
So, thanks for letting me share this experience with you.
Tori Amos means a lot to me (as she does for so many fans out there) and has since I was an adolescent. Her songs of angst, heartbreak, love and loss have inspired me as a person and artist for many years. When I lost my mother to cancer in 2006, her album “The Beekeeper” was on repeat in my CD player and iPod. When I met her in 2007, I was able to tell her how much she has meant to me in all these years, especially through the pain of losing my Queen Bee. You can see that story on my website.
Terri and I were unable to get a press pass to this show for our concert blog the Concert Sutra so I shot these from our seats in the balcony. I did get a press pass for the 2009 concert at Chastain Park and I hope you will enjoy those images on my website as well.
It’s windy outside today but I hope to take a walk later and bring some Wyoming beauty to you in the next couple of days.
Looking for Fishies
After staring at our reflection, my nephew and I looked for fish as we tossed leaves into the pond.
I love silly Joey time. I’m so very thankful for this time I’ve had with my family. ♥
Basketballs, Bonfires… and Bears!
It was great to come back and join the current team of photogs at Mercer University for the Homecoming 2011 Weekend. They have been a client of mine for a long time now and always welcome me back with open arms when I make a visit to Macon.
To get the ball rolling, the first event we covered was the groundbreaking ceremony of Mercer’s new football and lacrosse complex.
Next up was the Veterans Recognition Ceremony where Mercer honored veterans past and present.
I took a walk over to the university arena where the women’s basketball team was playing against Auburn University. It was a great turnout and I learned later that night that we set a record for women’s game attendance!
The students never cease to crack me up (or make me feel old) during skit competitions.
This year they had to perform skits from the 90’s, when most of them were born!!
Of course Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky jokes were prevalent, and that booty shaking Sir Mix-a-Lot song blared through the speakers a few times. But my favorites you might ask? The SNL skits, oh yeah. Wayne’s World was probably the best. But runner up to that was Arianna and Craig, the Spartan Cheerleaders. These kids were hilarious! They did a great job and I was cracking up the whole time!
The pep rally kicked off after the skits with a bonfire and fireworks. It was a beautiful night for both.
The next morning was the 5k run and pancake breakfast. It was early and cold and we had some dedicated and impressive participants. I was glad I was only shooting and happy to sip on some coffee and eat pancakes when they were done.
After breakfast, we took a tour of the campus with the class of 1961. They were there for their 50th Class Reunion.
It’s game time.
The Mercer Bears against the Emory Eagles.
The Homecoming King and Queen were announced at half time.
And when I asked for a group shot of the Homecoming Court, they growled at me. Be the Bear!
Where I live now, I’ve seen both bears and eagles with my own eyes and through the lens. And although I can’t comment on whether or not the statement in the poster above is true in the wilderness, it certainly was true in the arena that afternoon. Go Bears!
A Southern Wedding Story
I’m staying in Georgia for the month and my plate has been full! With loving on my nephews and shooting for some of my long time clients, I haven’t had much time to spend with you. Please forgive my absence.
As soon as we arrived we were immediately immersed in wedding festivities for my baby cousin. My father and I photographed the wedding while my best bud Terri shot video. Patrick was a huge help with carrying most of my equipment and even shooting a few during the ceremony.
We started out shooting the dress and accessories while the girls were getting ready.
And once they were all dolled up,
her matron of honor walked her to her first look session with her soon to husband.
In case you don’t know, the first look is a quiet moment before the ceremony when the groom gets to see his bride in the dress for the first time. It’s nice for them to have this time to talk and maybe brush off tummy twitters and ease the nerves. It also helps to get many of the group pictures done before guests arrive. So that after the ceremony we grab the last of the group shots and the bride and groom can enjoy their time with family and guests at the reception.
This was such a romantic setting for their first look. Dad captured the twirl and I think this shot says it all. Just look at the sparkles on the water, and the sparkling bride!
We had fun with our group shots. Sillyness!
Her father walked her down a path of rose petals to her beloved. The ceremony was full of happy tears and laughter.
Bliss…
A friend of mine said “Nice shots, sweet but you just HAD to put cows in it ;-)”.
Yep. I miss the ranch, can you tell?.
Then the party began.
Good times.
Great dancing.
Love was in the air.
They matted an image from their engagement session we had back in May for folks to sign their best wishes to the happy couple.
And they exited amidst a glow of sparklers held by those close to them.
We were so honored to be a part of their special day. Thank you to Delta and Matt for being a delight to photograph. We wish you all the best. xoxo
Back to My Roots
Last week, Patrick and I made a trip back to my roots to see family. We left the ranch with snow covering the ground and arrived to a warmer climate where they are still enjoying fall.
I, along with Dad and my best friend Terri and cowboy Patrick, photographed my baby cousins wedding and it was such a beautiful and happy occasion. She’s all grown up but I still see her as my little 12 year old cuz! My, how time flies.
And I’m most excited about meeting my brand new 3 week old nephew. He’s so sweet and snugly.
Baby Trent and his big brother Joey are storing a lot of sugar in their cheeks for me to consume while I’m here.
For the next couple of weeks, these blog posts will be reports from Georgia. I have a full schedule with photo shoots, good times with family and friends, and maybe even a concert or two.
Be well y’all!
10 Days in Georgia= Babies, Brides, and Rock & Roll
My recent trip back east was very busy and so much fun.
Aidan and Alena
I met the brand new son of one of my favorite couples in my hometown.
Jubee and The Morning After at Grants Lounge in Macon
Attended a fabulous rehearsal party for another favorite couple and enjoyed the tunes of Macon’s newest and hottest bands, Jubee and The Morning After.
Dad and Joey
Spent quality time with my Dad and nephew.
Patches
Patches never missed a family gathering. She was always in the middle of everything. She would even eat when we ate.
Walden-Weatherford Wedding Extravaganza at the Cox Capital Theatre in Macon
Laughed, cried, and rocked out at the Wedding of the Year. Will and Kate who?
My baby cousin Delta and her fiance Matthew
Photographed a newly engaged couple.
Echo and the Bunnymen lead singer, Ian McCulloch
And ended the adventure in Atlanta photographing a concert with my bestie in the most difficult venue and lighting set up that I have ever been tossed into. More about that on Concert Sutra at a later date.
All in all it was a great trip. The weather was pleasant and the cicadas were loud and creepy. Dad says he can’t believe they’ve got to deal with those insects every 13 years. 😉
I was able to laugh with most but not all of my dear friends. I did not get a chance to visit my friends at Theatre Macon and I send my apologies to them. I WILL spend time there on my next trip back east because I truly miss them.
Today, I’m getting geared up for full day of shooting at the University of Wyoming tomorrow and I’m very much looking forward to it
Happy Friday my friends. Uprooted Magnolia will be back in full Wyoming swing next week. I’ve got brandings to shoot, landscapes to fill my lens, and more Wyo spring air to inhale.
Toodles,
Leah
Checking in from the Southland
Sleepy Sunday Afternoon
I know I’ve been absent from here. I miss you.
But I’m still in the southeast and have been running around non-stop since I arrived. With a bridal party to attend a couple hours after getting off the airplane, a weekend full of wedding events with fabulous friends, stealing sugar from my nephew, quality time with the family, a visit with a 2 week old handsome baby boy and Wii bowling with his 4 year old brother, photo shoots for long time clients, oh the jam packed schedule goes on and on and on, I’ve barely had the time to check in with y’all. The last leg of this trip will be in Atlanta with my bestie for a concert and various projects we are working on.
I have so many images of this week to process and I’ll share a little of that with you here once I settle down in the meadows of home. But before any of that happens, I shall nap like the little ones on the lazy Sunday after my return.
Later Alligator,
Leah
Saturday in Downtown Wheatland
Last Saturday was my day to work at the Gilchrist Gallery and the folks were still here. It was ok because they wanted to see it and walk around downtown Wheatland.
Various sights around the Gilchrist Gallery
But an hour after we were there, the Art Guild came in for their monthly meeting and they offered to watch the gallery so that we could go explore downtown.
We went to the thrift and antique stores and Dad found some great old records. Debbie found plates and I found another fabulous leather purse. Check this out, it’s a convertible!
I just love secondhand treasures.
Full Moon Over the Meadows
The night of the harvest moon was too cloudy for photographs but the evening after was beautiful and clear.
This was the day that my folks arrived. We all stood in our front yard and Dad and I took a lot of pictures.
A couple of bucks were fighting in the meadow while Debbie watched through the binoculars.
This was a great start to their visit and a beautiful introduction to ranch life in Wyoming.
Good Company, Oh I Can’t Deny
Excuse me for borrowing and changing lyrics from a 1970’s rock band but I just couldn’t help it.
Dad and Debbie arrived last Thursday for a visit and they left today. Dad has been here once before. It was back in March and in the snow when he brought me out here to my new home. It was great for them to see how beautiful it can really be here in the “middle of nowhere” in Autumn.
After a couple of days of house cleaning, I was happy I could finally go out to pick flowers for the house. It was the last thing on the “to do” list before they got here. You know how much I love flowers and I wanted it to look nice for the folks. They’ve been on the road and in hotels a lot lately so I wanted to cozy it up as much as possible.
The sunflowers are just about gone but I spotted these pretty white flowers popping up everywhere. Of course a Wyoming centerpiece isn’t complete without a little wheat dried wheat grass.
This heartshaped basket holds a small arrangement to greet them as they entered our home. Then I set up some smaller arrangements for their bedside tables. I also placed a framed picture of my Yellow Finch because they both are bird lovers.
And I chose these vases because they are the color of their Z car.
Yay! Here they come down the hill. This car is a color of blue that I don’t even know you’d find in a Crayola box. And it definitly doesn’t fit in around here.
They successfully crossed the Bridge to Paradise.
We had a great time and the weather was perfect.
They left this morning for their next adventure through Colorado and New Mexico. But while they were here we took peaceful drives through the country and traveled through some real “middle of nowhere”. I’ll fill in the gaps with more photos of their visit. For now, I’m sorting through the shots and reflecting on how great it was to have them here.
Sneaky Cows and Painted Grasshopper
We gathered a few of the neighbors cows the other evening because they sneaked into our pasture when we weren’t looking. All ranchers put up with cattle thinking the grass is greener over the fence. So it’s not unusual to get a call about cattle leaks. We drove the rhinos through our rocky pasture and directed the cows back home.
The sun was setting and it was turning into a beautiful evening. A storm was brewing miles away but never reached us. That gave way for some really nice light topping the hills.
Look at the colors on this little guy. He is Dactylotum bicolor aka painted grasshopper.
Not only do we put up with an abundance of grasshoppers but also hopping around are very happy and very loud locusts.
I remember sitting on the front porch of a Georgia neighbor and his friend visiting from New York said “What is that noise, do you guys here that”? And in unison we all said “What”? He was referring to the songs of the katydids and we were so used to it, we didn’t even hear it anymore. Well my Georgia friends, I hear their songs out here too and it makes me think of y’all.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Introducing ConcertSutra.com
Aimiee Allen at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, GA in 2009.
Martha’s Vineyard: My Nephew
Wonderful few days last week spent with my family on The Vinyud. Joey is 18 months old now, walking, talking jibberish, and is ALL boy.
He would flash his long lashes and baby blues after playing in the only dirt hole at the park .
Show off his teeth while laughing at that big guy we call Patrick.
And would act coyly when asked for a high-five.
Two Fathers Today
me and dad, 1992
Who knew I’d end up being the photographer at his wedding 16 years later.
photographing dad and debbie, 2008
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me and dad, 2008
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My brother became a father in December 2008 to the most beautiful baby in the world. I knew he’d be a good dad because he is a great big brother to me.
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ken and baby Joey, 2008
Joey loves his daddy. He looks just like him too.
ken and baby Joey, 2009
Happy Father’s Day fellas. Miss you and love you. Hope you are having a marvelous day. xoxo
Fast Times at Spring Creek High
We’ve been in Nevada for a few days for the high school graduation of Patrick’s nephew Kaleb. It was a windy yet beautiful drive through Wyoming. Salty, humid and hilly through Utah. Dry desert through Nevada. A 10 hour drive and I loved every minute.
Windmills in Wyoming
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
Train crossing the Flats
Kaleb graduated 3rd in his class. Such a smart and kind young man. I enjoyed meeting him and his friends.
Yay Kaleb!
Congratulations Kaleb and the 2010 Spring Creek High School Graduates!
Our drive home was great until we got back into Wyoming. Storms were brewing all around us.
Sheets of rain were blanketing the meadows and farmlands.
We drove as hard as we could but were not successful at outrunning the storm.
And WAM! Suddenly we were caught in a massive hail storm on highway 34. Have you ever been inside a car when hail is pounding so hard you can’t hear what the person next to you is saying? If you have, you know what I’m talking about. Frightening.
We made it home safely just before it started pouring down at the ranch. We slept so good to the sound of rain I barely remember my head hitting the pillow.
Georgia Spring Beauty
I made it back home yesterday evening. It was a great week of visiting family and friends. I had several shoots while there, thank you to Mercer and Ginger and Avery! Here are some shots of springtime in Georgia.
Happy Butterfly
Last year, I found some old seed packets of my mothers that dated back to the seventies. Miraculously I lucked out with one sunflower.
Miracle Sunflower I
Me and a tiny honey bee just loved this flower. He’s burrowed in the seeds of the flower.
Miracle Sunflower II
This little guy would visit me often. He deserved a good portrait.
Smiling Dragonfly
It rained a good bit here in Wheatland last week. When I drove into the ranch, the meadows were green and the trees were blooming. I’ll have local updates soon. xo
Time Flies
My how the years go by. This young lady has been a beautiful subject of my lens for 4 years now. We did her portraits in a friends yard and by the neighborhood lake earlier this week. We had great weather and little Avery was a trooper. Tears streamed once and only for a short amount of time. Otherwise we played and smiled.
She wanted to pet the ducks but they weren’t having any of that. We looked for fish in the lake instead.
This was her birth announcement portrait. I still cannot believe it’s been 4 years.
See you next year Avery!
Uprooted Magnolia 
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