Cassandra and Matthew

I did an impromptu photo shoot today for Cassandra and Matthew in Jerome, Arizona.  Lots of good backdrops at the Surgeons's House Bed & Breakfast!

Haven

When I was a teenager I thought Jerome, Arizona at night looked like someone had taken a handful of diamonds and thrown them up on Mingus Mountain. Many years later, Jerome is still my go-to place, and I'm lucky enough to spend time here several times a year. It's a place of magic and twinkling stars, of sunrises that illuminate the little town, and, for me, contentment.

August weather in Arizona is usually on the hot side, but this year it's much cooler. Jerome is about an hour and a half north of Phoenix, at an elevation of 5,000 feet, and today the weather was absolutely perfect.  Breezy, no need for an air conditioner, amazing. I always stay at my favorite bed and breakfast, The Surgeons House, and I always get this room if it's available.

I brought my good friend Susan along this time, and she's staying just down the hallway in the cutest room ever.

Andrea, the owner, has a yard where you could sit for days.  It has a beautiful view of the Verde Valley, but the yard itself is a green oasis, even when you feel you're sitting on top of the world.

Here's Susan checking it out.

And here's Andrea, explaining something new she's added to the patio. She's absolutely passionate about providing the very best accommodations to all who stay here, and she's become a dear friend of mine.

Susan and I walked down for a bite of dinner. As we finished, twilight settled in, and soon it was dark. See you all tomorrow.

Home Sweet Home

Jeanie, Allison and Mac have a new home in Fort Worth. You walk in the front door and it's the most comfortable place ever. They know how to fix a place up, that's for sure! I'm now realizing there are tons of rooms I didn't even photograph, but I'll go back for more soon. In the meantime, take a peek at these, and I think you'll agree with me: home sweet home never looked so good!

Arangetram

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of photographing Abi's veena arangetram. A veena is a large Indian string instrument, and an arangetram is a type of recital. I met Abi earlier this year when I shot the photographs for her program. Abi is quite the talented young woman. In tenth grade now, she started learning the veena as a six-year-old.  Her most recent instructor, the Guru Poornima Rao, lives in Austin. For the last six years, Abi's family has made the trek from Dallas to Austin (about 200 miles) every other week, so that she could continue with her lessons. In addition, Abi has taken piano lessons since age four, and plays the flute in her school band.

The arangetram was held at the Courtyard Theater in Plano, Texas. Upon entering the foyer, a teenage girl was just finishing up the beautiful welcome symbol, made from fresh flowers.

 As guests arrived, the women were given sprigs of fresh jasmine to pin in their hair.

A reception was held prior to the recital, and I loved the amazing swirl of colors, soft voices, and the scent of jasmine all around me.

Prior to the start of the program, I photographed the family on stage.

Abi also posed with her guru, the two gentlemen who would accompany her during her performance, and the program's commentator.

When the program commenced, we were in for a treat!  Over two hours of Indian music, nothing like I'd ever heard before. Abi's poise and calmness were incredible; I don't think she was even nervous. What an incredible evening!