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
Nature Break in the City
It’s important to take a break during the hectic “city life”.
I’m enjoying the occasional nature walk with my nephew around the pond out back.
We stumbled upon this mushroom while feeding the fishies.
And we’ve collected colorful leaves and put them in our pink bucket.
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
Birds
Remember Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds”? Well, if you are in Macon Georgia tonight you can see it on the big screen put on by the College Hill Corridor. But if you are not in Macon, prepare to be terrified by these birds that swarmed Palmer Canyon Road recently.
Introducing ConcertSutra.com
Aimiee Allen at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, GA in 2009.
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
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!
Remembering Mom
A newborn Harriet with her mom, my Mema.
A newborn Leah, with mom and brother
Me and mom goofing off during a family portrait session. This was right after the diagnosis.
Watching the stages of the cancer take the life right out of her, fighting it with all her might, made us angry. Sad. Tired. We wanted her pain to go away. And when she took her last breath, there was relief on her beautiful face. She didn’t have to fight anymore. She was finally free. It’s been 3 1/2 years since she’s been gone but it feels just like yesterday. I feel her with me everyday, and I’ve found peace while spending time in the hills of southeastern Wyoming.
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It’s amazing how life goes on after losing someone so special. Everyday feels like that dream you have when you just can’t run fast enough. You’re moving in slow-motion and you just want to give up. And then someone comes along a year later to perk up your dad and breath new life into him and the family. A kind and loving woman named Debbie. She’s such a blessing.
Debbie and Dad: wedding dance
I hope we all took time on Sunday to reflect on how important our mothers are to us whether they gave us life and whether they entered later in life. We should let them know our appreciation for them more than just on Mother’s Day.
Thank you Debbie.
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Thank you Mom- miss you.
Waiting for Spring
Waiting for Spring:
I stayed in the house today and worked on print orders for clients back on Georgia. The wind was howling but other than that it was warm and sunny . Got me anxious of what to expect for springtime in Wyoming. Georgia starts spring in mid-march usually. I shot this flower the morning of moving day in my backyard. My front and back yards would sprout a meadow of these little floral weeds and I just loved them. I used my macro lens to capture the dew.
I’m excited to get our flower and veggie garden started out here. Hopefully we’re done with the snow.
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