morning treat

Another vacant building whose outsides tell tale of what was, not too long ago. The faded words say 'morning treat' and I picture a store front selling bread, a bakery, the owner lived just across the road. He or she awaking every morning early, walking the thirty or so paces to the store that sat on the same property. Opening up shop, watching the hunters come in before sunrise for donuts or honey buns or biscuits. Maybe you see something else. That's fine, as long as it tells a story, yours or mine.

hidden

Hidden away from what could be called the main highway, at a junction right before you cross the Amite River and leave Livingston Parish there is a convenience store, an antique store, and a drive through liquor shop. Beyond these things, if you pull over onto the dirt shoulder, park, and walk about fifteen paces, is this scene: an abandoned house boat just off of a pier that I wasn't sure could even hold me up as I walked out onto it's rotted, wooden planks to get this shot. The scene, both peaceful and haunting, is one of the many I set out to capture along my "Livingston, Louisiana" journey. The magic being found in the fact that a 'sportman's paradise' is literally a dirt shoulder away from the street one drives on to reach the convenience stores and liquor shops of the Parish.

the house (cont'd)

Straws have always been a big deal in the house. In the same exact way that Diet Coke has always been a big deal in the house. They sort of go hand in hand. My mom's classic drink goes like this: straw, crushed ice, Diet Coke in a glass. Make sure though that you put the straw in the glass first, then add the crushed ice, then pour the Coke. If not done in this exact order the ice all fuses together into one huge clump of abstract ice sculpture and the straw will not be able to chisel through the ice making the Coke undrinkable by straw. It's a very scientific process, but when executed with precision, makes for a very refreshing drink.

roadside monument

On the border of the Amite River is an antique shop of sorts, not a shop really but an old wooden building with all sorts of stuff in the yard. I met the owner as I was taking this shot. Good man, told him I'd get him a copy of the final book once done. Hey, it's the least I can do for letting me capture gems like this pic below. I love this place.

the house (cont'd)

The house contains all sorts of ornamental light fixtures, chandeliers, candle whozits, and hanging kabobbles. They say that God is in the details. Well, the same can be said of good design... It's all about the little things. This light hangs above the dining room table, which is just a heartbeat away from the livingroom, which is what you see behind this lovely ornament.

the house

So. Long story short. My parents just built and moved into the house of their dreams. My Mom: chief architect, engineer, and designer, as well as interior design consultant has brought to life what one only thought existed in movies and magazines. These picture perfect homes that aren't really lived in, but used as a backdrop for the drama that unfolds for that two hour time span, or the two page spread of photos that help sell a home, a design, and a magazine. But, it is true, houses like this are real, and are lived in by real people (without children might I add). Anyway, enough of my relentless-making-light-of... On to those picture perfect pictures. The first one up? A portrait of yours truly, age five? or so. This hangs above the door to the master bedroom, looking at once like a cameo necklace, being both an old fashioned portrait, but set in a shabby chic, country home. It strikes a certain balance.

headin' back home

Today we're heading back to Louisiana. I've got a bridal shoot and a couple of grandparents that just can't wait to pinch my kid's cheeks and then buy them whatever in the world they want. My ongoing, seemingly life long project of photographing the parish and people I grew up in and around is still out there somewhere, coming together slowly, so today I leave you with this, a quickie I shot on my last trip home (just to get in you the mood for the sepia soaked shots that await my return). Have a great weekend everyone! More to come...

what the devil?!

Went out to watch some roller derby Saturday night. The Dallas Derby Devils to be exact. Got a lot of good shots. These are a few favs. Um...the musical mohawk guy I approached beforehand just to get a shot of his do. Yeah, then learned about an hour later that he was the punk rock entertainment for the night. How awesome is that? Never mind the bollocks!

museum

A couple more shots taken at the children's museum. I should probably look it up and give you the actual name of the museum... Okay, it's actually the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, it is located off of Montgomery Street you know, in the arts district, and it's really cool. If you've got kids you should really take them there, and if you don't, then go and enjoy yourself. Pretty cool stuff. I'm sure I'm not really selling it to you but hopefully the photos are interesting enough, right?

the fourth

So, below are a few shots taken during our outings for the fourth of July. We took the kids to the children's arts and science museum, out for a bite to eat, then to the bank of the Trinity river to watch the fireworks. It was a great day! I really hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend.
Cropped the way I have it, it looks like tree tv, but it's the second story view from inside the museum overlooking their brightly colored courtyard. I thought it surreal. Taken at twilight on the banks of Trinity River.