I enjoyed documenting the celebration of Texas' 178th independence this past Sunday, March 2, 2014. The celebration took place in the Old University Building located just west of Mound street on the campus of TJR elementary school. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT), mayor Roger Van Horn and others were there to organize, make proclamations and honor our Texas history. Local Boy Scout Troops were invited to participate including Troop 100 which my son Nathan currently holds Star rank and who was honored to hold the American flag during the celebration.

No matter the sporadic weather patterns, spring always seems to arrive in East Texas, bursting with a brilliant kaleidoscope of color.  Already the trees are budding and blooming, flowers along the roadside are pushing up, and the azaleas will be close behind.  Nacogdoches in springtime is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, color-rich places in the country.  This will be our first spring as the Garden Capital of Texas, and I couldn't be more excited about it.  We are so blessed to be right in the middle of such abundant beauty.  I will be taking many an opportunity to enjoy the SFA Arboretum and Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, as well as enjoying my own personal azaleas. It just instantly puts me in a better mood.

Right now, I am happily engaged in creating unique graduation invitations for our 2014 high school and college seniors.  Some are from senior sessions we did back in the summer or fall, and some are from sessions we just photographed.  Each invitation is made to order, from the selection of poses... to any particular verbiage... right down to the color scheme.  These are not your run of the mill type invites.  They are the right combination of bright and professional, vibrant and elegant.  No two look the same.  I enjoy designing these cards because it is as challenging as it is beautiful.  My task is to incorporate our client's desires into an overall layout that works aesthetically and pragmatically.  It gets really interesting though when Mom and Dad do not see eye to eye with Senior.  But I have yet to hear any complaints after the final product is in their hands.