Azaleas and Historic Homes

Today, I drove down near Athens, Texas to meet friends for a girls day out.  I love visiting my friend, Sue, because she's the only friend I have with zebras on her property.  They seemed to be enjoying grazing in the wildflowers this morning.

Sue, her cousin Julie, and I were headed to Tyler.  Tyler is an east Texas town, known for its flowers...this time of year, azaleas, in particular.  We spent a good part of the day going on a historic homes tour.  Some of the homes had gorgeous old southern charm, some were more modern.  It was a warm, humid day, and the entire historic area was in bloom.  The featured homes were easily identified by the "belles" who acted as hostesses out front.

The first house we saw had a sweet guard dog by the front door. Here are a few snaps from inside.

The neighborhood was charming, and we enjoyed walking around outside as much as we did touring the homes.

The Designer Showcase home was a real gem.  Owned by Judith Gunthrie, it was an amazing combination of designs that all fit together perfectly.  Take a look at what I mean.

One of the things I love most about being a photographer is that I meet all sorts of interesting people.  This is Roger of Roger Craig Design.  He explained that the theme of the Designer Showcase Home is an artist's retreat, and that the owner is a single professional woman with a wide array of interests...including travel.  I began to wonder if he'd somehow been reading my diary. Anyway, I am hopeful that perhaps Roger might stop by one day, and offer some assistance, because I sure did like what he'd done to this house.

As we closed the door behind us, and strolled back down the street, we were extra jealous after seeing the OTHER house that Ms. Gunthrie owns.   Heavy sigh.

More houses awaited us, so off we went.  Each one seemed to have all kinds of different things that managed to go together so well...an eclectic blend.  I am SO not blessed with the eye to do things like that.

We finally left as they were starting to shut down the tour...it was late by the time I drove back to Dallas.  I am now very much aware that my housekeeper put my flannel Christmas sheets on my bed last week, and that all of my houseplants need watering.  Oh, and that my walk-in closet looks like someone set up shop for a Salvation Army outpost, and that I have camera equipment scattered in a number of rooms.  I think I'd better get to work.  Thanks for joining me on our tour today!

Savannah

I spent this morning out in Quinlan, Texas, photographing the beautiful Savannah-Marie.  Savannah graduates from high school this year, and she and her mother, Chantal, wanted a photo shoot that was fun and unique.  Savannah's horse, Beau, is boarded in Quinlan, so we decided to shoot around the ranch.  It was so much fun!  By the way, Savannah's vintage gown was actually worn by the 1957 Wichita Falls, Texas High School homecoming queen.  A beautiful champagne color, it fit Savannah perfectly. Here are a few of my favorite shots.  Oh, and I should add that Savannah's younger sister, Presleigh, was a perfect assistant!

Thanks for a fantastic morning, ladies! 



Girls Gone Junkin'

The five women who make up Girls Gone Junkin' (my fav-o-rite shop at Canton, Texas' First Monday), had show space at Petticoats on the Prairie in Waxahachie today.  Their booth was amazing, as always.

Since the girls couldn't all get away at once, we used the vintage trailers on display for some great backdrops, and I worked with whomever was available.  What fun!!!

Thanks, ladies!  Y'all are amazing!