Mother's Day

What's not to love about a mom?  Here's a fine assortment!  Happy Mother's Day to you all!

Family

My ex-husband, Tom, came from such a good family. My precious in-laws have long since passed away, but his sister, Cindy, lives with her family in Houston. Even though I guess we really aren't related anymore, we'll always still be family. Her daughter, Sarah, bears such a strong resemblance to her grandmother, Mary Lou Eathorne Mahler. It's sad that she doesn't remember much about her. I know that if Mary Lou were still around, they'd be best buddies. My daughter and Sarah are first cousins, and they, too, are amazingly similar in mannerisms, things they like, and sometimes just in the way they look.I love seeing all these family resemblances.

This weekend, Cindy and Sarah drove up to visit me.  We looked at old photographs, told stories, and talked about the Mahler and Eathorne families. Cindy remembered things that I didn't, and I remembered things that she didn't. We learned a lot from each other.We finished up the weekend with a photo shoot at the Dallas Arboretum. It was a chilly but beautiful spring morning, and as my camera started to click, I swear I could feel Mary Lou watching us....she would've been so proud of her daughter and granddaughter, who at age twenty-one has turned into a spirited, intelligent, good-hearted young woman.

The Dogs of First Monday

I drove out to Canton today for First Monday, the largest flea market in the country.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect, and lots of people brought their dogs along.  Here are some of my new friends.

The Pasture at Willows Ranch

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to drive up to Broken Bow, Oklahoma.  It's a beautiful three-hour trip from Dallas, with gorgeous green countryside to accompany you along the way.  Years ago, I met Fred and Peggy Hunt at their shop, Willows at Home, in Canton, Texas.  They are good people, and I always stopped by to visit with them whenever I planned a Canton trip.  Recently, Fred emailed me some photographs of their latest endeavor.  You know, creative people just can't be put down...there's got to always be something on the horizon for them!   Well, this one is incredible!  The Pasture at Willows Ranch is a wedding venue like no other, and it's just opened for business.

From the minute you drive through the gates of the Willows  Ranch, you'll see that Fred and Peggy have created a very special haven.  Their house is decorated in their style, and with their own pieces.

There are many outbuildings on the property, among them a giant shop where Fred creates his masterpieces, a separate guest house, the new wedding barn, separate quarters for the bride to get ready in, and a building for catering preparation.  I hope to be photographing weddings here in the future, as their is SO much potential.  Props?  Who needs props when you have this much natural beauty!

The barn itself is a newly built stucture.  When you walk in, you can smell the cedar...and you can just imagine a country wedding reception in full swing! Here are views from both downstairs and upstairs.

Outside, there's a very large patio, too!

The barn is fully air-conditioned and heated, so it can be used for weddings (or any other special events) year-round.  There are plenty of places inside and out for wedding ceremonies to take place.  And if you were a bride, wouldn't you love to have this special place in which to get ready?

The two-bedroom guest quarters are also available for rental.

I can't imagine a more welcoming place for a special event!  If you're interested, head on over to The Pasture at Willows Ranch's facebook page, and give them a "like!"  If you need more information, contact information is also listed there.  Best of luck, Fred and Peggy! I have a feeling you're going to be all booked up quickly as soon as word gets out!