I Am a Camera

Last week, Tall Husband and I went to Austin, Texas to attend the opening of the Ligne Roset Boutique, the first of its kind. These photos are from that event and other photos with a posting are on My Ranchburger.


Often, looking through the lens of my camera and through the resultant photographs, I become curious about the people and their lives. Beneath the party chatter, what are their stories? Who in this crowd is approaching a difficult birthday? Who has just learned that they have a terminal illness? Or worse, a loved one does. Who has just learned that they are about to become a parent? Who has lost a loved one? Who has just found the job they dreamed of? Who is having an affair? What do their futures hold? I find myself making up stories for them. Go ahead, have a go at it; make up your own stories.

Unknown at the moment of this shot: Someone in this crowd would later sell me a purse with a bunny on it.

Known: She was on time. He was late.

Known: The man on the left is the owner of Ligne Roset Houston and Ligne Roset Boutique and is multi-lingual.

Can you see the photographer in the background? I would love to see that shot and hear what he heard. Known: the young woman on the left speaks both French and English like a native speaker.

What is she thinking about? Or is she thinking up a story for someone across the room?

Known: This five-year-old's mom let her choose her own shoes for the evening. Great choice; Great Mom!

Known: The man on the right sold an Arts & Crafts bungalow in California four years ago and is still missing that bungalow.

Known: These people asked to have their photograph taken...well the woman did and the men went along.

So...what are your stories?

Evidence of Life

Egg Shell of a Mourning Dove

What is so endearing about finding a small, empty bird egg in the grass? I think the charm lies in knowing that you are holding evidence of a beginning of life in your hand. Such a realization unleashes poignant memories: Memories of your own newborn's tiny nose that looks like yours; the first day you had to send that child out into the world; the first time you held your new grandbaby. Yes, I think that little broken shell reminds us how fragile, exquisite and painful a new beginning can be.