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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

A Bunny in the Desert

posted in Landscapes & Travel, Personal

It happens every year.  I don’t know why I act surprised.  I’ll bet there are 2.5 million blog posts on the same subject as mine this week alone, here in the valley.  It’s something you cannot stop…will it away…pray it away.  It’s just part of living in the desert.  This desert anyway.

Well, I am not dreading tornado season.  Or worrying about a major earthquake rumbling my way.  I never feel the frost or the bleakness of a smog inversion.  Nor do I fear the rainy season.

But this time of year, DANGNABIT, I feel vulnerable.  I am a tender soul with a pale, fleshy  exterior and the HOT AIR visiting too long this summer is going to be asked to leave much sooner than he is willing to go.

I am a sweet little bunny in the desert and I am always shocked at how horrid the summers are right here at home. My home…my Arizona home.

posted in Landscapes & Travel, PersonalTags: , ,

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Erin - May 15, 2012 - 2:42 pm

Something I DO NOT miss about AZ…ugh

Monday, May 14, 2012

Mother’s Day Tea Party: New Mexico

posted in Food, People

I fell in love with Tea Parties the first time I followed Alice down that rabbit hole.  The little crumpets and tasties, cucumber sandwiches and sweet cakes, white lace and china.  Nothing says I am a female like an old-fashioned Tea Party with the girls.  What good fortune I had to be invited to one last week in New Mexico.

Hilary, my daughter, the up and coming caketeer and blogger and her sister-in-law, Erin Williams of Eedee Design Studios, which specializes in logo,  business identity and web design, created just such an event for their mother’s just before Mother’s day.  I know I am a little late getting this blog in before Mother’s Day but I had a little trouble with my save button…I forgot to push it.  Erin creates graphic designs available for many occasions and holidays.

Anyway, Hilary and Erin are two of the talented bloggers of Strawberry MommyCakes, Erin being the creator.  Strawberry Mommycakes is a group of women blogging about motherhood, families, fashion, cooking, cleaning, crafting and pretty much anything domestic.  The day of the party we sat down to a beautiful lunch party with a flair.  I think our favorite taste was of the Coconut Lemon Curd Cupcakes.  They truly were so delicious, the Mad Hatter himself requested a recipe.  Check it out and the rest of the blog.

Thanks girls for a delightful afternoon.

Love, MOM

posted in Food, PeopleTags: , , , , ,

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Hilary - May 14, 2012 - 7:37 am

Thanks MOM! These pictures are adorable! I just wished I had gotten better dressed for the occasion. Next time. Thank you for coming to visit. I enjoyed every second!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Rohner Family: Gilbert, AZ

posted in Families, Landscapes & Travel

When it’s time to round up the family for “FAMILY PICTURES,” it’s usually the men, (boys included,) that balk the most.  That may be the general rule, but there are always a few rule breakers.  In that regard, I give you the Rohner boys.  They were  gentlemen, cooperative and happy…not to mention…handsome Little Men.

Needless to say, it was a pleasure photographing them in their very own backyard.  Justin Rohner, a.k.a., “Dad,” is very proud of that yard, and he should be.  Most of the vegetation grown there is EDIBLE.  In fact he owns iAgriscape, a company that, to put it simply, teaches and informs the benefit of growing a beautiful landscape with food your family can eat and enjoy.  Justin puts it this way…AGRISCAPE…meaning a landscape that creatively and elegantly integrates elements of productive agriculture either by means of growing produce (edible fruits, vegetables, and herbs) or or other useful plants to reduce useless consumption, landfill waste, and water usage.  Check out his blog for the latest times and dates for classes.

Thank you to Justin and beautiful wife, Britney for allowing me to photograph your darling family.

~janet

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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Christopher: Campo Verde High School Senior, Gilbert, AZ

posted in Seniors

Campo Verde High School opened it’s doors for the first time in 2009 and graduates it’s first class this year, 2012.  Christopher is one of it’s graduates.  I thought he needed a unique place for his Senior Photo Session, something that would put a stamp on this special occasion.  So after a quick shoot in a cluster of trees by a green field, (campo verde is green field in Spanish…see how I tied in that field behind that gnarly, cool tree stump below?,) we headed over to the San Tan Mountains, Gilbert, and up the Goldmine Trail.

It’s not a guys favorite thing to do…have his picture taken for an “occasion.”  But a celebration is a celebration.  And Christopher is a good sport, a good kid and easy to work with.  A special thanks to Christopher for pulling and carrying my heavy camera bag on the hike up and down.  And Shelly, too!

During his high school years he played football and is currently a member of the volleyball team.

He loves football–the Patriots because of Tom Brady, of course.

Loves playing volleyball.

After graduating on the 23rd Christopher is planning on going on a mission for his church.

Thanks Christopher!

~janet

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Johnnie: Mesquite High School Senior, Gilbert, AZ

posted in Seniors

There is nothing I like better than a DESTINATION PHOTO SESSION.  Even if that destination is in Superior, AZ.  I have lived in AZ for over 30 years and made several trips PAST Superior.  I have stopped at a couple of places on the highway part of town but I had never gone INTO town…until last week.  What a treasure trove we found of textures and colors and designs.  The perfect backdrop to a sweet Senior Photo Session with Johnnie.

Johnnie was such a good sport and willing to move with alacrity from one idea my head popped out to another…not always an easy move.  There were so many places in Superior to shoot, I am surprised I don’t see it more often in photography location shoots.  We had a great time…I had a great time, which is always a must on any photo session that I am on.  It was reminiscent of the Senior Session we had with her sister, Megan, (check that blog post out HERE), a couple of years ago in Globe, AZ.  Another great place to shoot.

Johnnie is graduating from Mesquite High School in Gilbert on May 23rd.

She is headed up to BYU in the fall.

Her favorite book is “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”

Favorite movie…any Jane Austen movie, (me, too!)

Thanks for the fun time, Ry!!

~janet

posted in SeniorsTags: , , , , , , , ,

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Sandra Jarvis - April 28, 2012 - 11:43 am

Beautiful pics of a beautiful girl! Love them!

Amie Snow - April 25, 2012 - 4:08 am

Jan- these are so beautiful! I just love them and you sooooo much! Thank you for the wonderful day!!! xoxo

M o r e   i n f o