Hanging Around

Ah well it is Sunday morning now, just before nine, and I have to say I can't recall having a more pleasant weekend in recent months. I am still here in Dallas visiting with Rachel Anne, and am just overwhelmed at her sweetness and hospitality.

We got a lot of good work done yesterday; we started first thing in the morning and worked on the book pretty much solid right up until I had to get ready for my photo session. I think we accomplished more than expected, and while there is still some work to do I think our progress was great! It is just amazing to see the book take shape; to see the wonderful reader submitted images match up with each line in the text - flipping through the pages brought us all smiles and laughter and many, many "awwww" moments! I am looking forward to seeing the finished product and having it all come together so perfectly is such a blessing.

I am also so thrilled to have met Rachel's daughter Meghan. She is a beautiful girl and such a sweet person. Her kindness radiates from her like a light, and it was so nice to see what a close bond she has with her mom. I hope that my kids grow up to be so loving and sweet.

My session yesterday was a blast! Rachel volunteered to be my loverly assistant! We met the family (the mom is one of my oldest and dearest friends) at an amazing hotel/resort in Grapevine. The property was so huge that there were more than enough areas to use for photographs. The kiddos did fantastic - only at the very end did complaints of the heat start, and really it was all my fault for taking them down into a little terrace area that had no breeze. I am so proud of them for hanging in the way they did. I can't wait to see what I captured!! On our way out, we weaved through the enormous atrium area, marvelling at the thousands of people that were there from around the world. The resort was hosting some sort of "world" convention - bringing out folks in all sorts of native costumes and clothing. It was quite the site to behold. We walked past one area that appeared to be hosting a smaller banquet, full of what looked like regular American business folk. It reminded me of the parties I used to plan when I worked for the country club. At the entrance to that banquet area, I noticed in passing a sign welcoming the group - and recognized it as the same company that my aunt owns and operates in Louisiana. A quick call to my mom (Happy Birthday mom!) confirmed that my aunt was indeed in Dallas, so I leaned over the big stone railings and located her at a table down below. I think she was a bit shocked when I walked up and asked if I could crash her party! It is such a small world!

Rachel and I left the hotel and went for a delicious dinner at a local Mexican food restaurant, and spent an enjoyable evening talking and talking and talking! I think we could probably spend a week together and not run out of things to discuss! On the way home we were detoured by a closed down road and had even more time to talk.

We made it home very late but it was so much fun. I have loved my time here and am sad to see it end. When I get home I will upload some photos to share.

Until,
D :)