A Natural Encounter: brooches & handbags

I can't remember when I first fell in love with unique

 brooches and handbags, but it was years ago.

To me, they go together like cookies and cream.

Hold a purse, wear a brooch.

Or even better - pin brooch on purse.

The beaded number above was found in a London shop a decade ago.

The cramped shop was stuffed to the brim with old purses, dresses, shoes

and home goods. The saleswoman told me it's from the 1950's.

I'll buy that. And did.

The base of floral needlepoint is finely stitched,

and would have been enough in its own right

to make me drool. But then, they added that hand-applied bead work!

Louis Vuitton could never get my heart racing like this thing does.

All items seen in this collection are from my own personal stash;

 a reflection of my style on any given day.

And that's the cool thing about accessories, isn't it?

What I especially like about vintage brooches and purses though,

is the story they tell.

Handbags showcased in mall window displays do nothing for me.

They're gorgeous and fun and very designer-y,

but there's something about the

smell of an older purse that says,

"I've been around. Outrageous parties, whispered conversations

with occupants snuggled tightly on velvet settees."

At least that's what springs to mind when I use my ebony

beaded evening purse handed down by my M.I.L.

This fall, I'll be toting around this needlepoint owl handbag quite a bit.

Dark jeans + white blouse + pair

of leather scarlet shoes will tie the look together.

Much as an interior designer may plan a room

based solely on the vibrancy of a cherish, antique rug,

a girl can easily construct an outfit around an attention-getting purse. 

Not only are needlepoint purses so darn kitschy chic,

they just flat out remind me of my grandmother. 

In all the best of ways.

And it's not just an ode to sweet nostalgia.

Toting around a needlepoint

or decoupage purse is like showing off a petite work of art.

Colorful. One-of-a-kind. Creative.

Yet, also a workhorse. How many piece of art can act as such utilitarian

helper-outters: keys, lipstick, I.D., gum... all tucked neatly inside.

DECOUPAGE purses are a real trip.

Handmade of wood, painted, latched and decorated with cut-outs and glue -

purses simply do not get more individualized.

My little red school house purse features a hinged top

that opens wide, plus faux bone handle.

On all four sides, scenes depicting schoolhouse life tickle the viewer pink.

Ladies stop me on the street, wanting to turn it around and examine all the details.

We do it together. Ooh'ing and ahh'ing.

My only regret, is that whoever painstakingly created the purse didn't sign their work.

As much as I love vintage purses, I can make an allowance

for a newly made handbag if its uniqueness over-qualifies it.

My hot pink Harvey's seat belt purse certainly does the trick.

They come in black and grey and plenty of down-to-earth colors, but for me,

it was the idea of utilitarian, masculine seat belts dyed pink which

added the riot factor.

My bohemian rhapsody purse it just that. 

A fanciful melody of fabrics, jean's pockets and ribbon all sewn together.

A purse that's all over the place.

Mish-mash fabulousness.

This thing is my daily go-to, as it holds so much stuff,

and works perfectly with any jeans or t-shirt I may throw on.

Though my husband teased me endlessly about my "bag lady" purse the day I brought

it home from April Johnson's booth at Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega, Georgia,

I've since received no fewer than a million compliments.

In the end, it doesn't matter what anyone says.

All my purses and vintage brooches add a twist and smile to my day.

And like a pair of children, I love them both equally.

All images taken by:

www.kathleenmoorephotography.com

Lake Burton Fun Run 2012

Any idea how hard it is snapping event pictures while actually participating in the thing?
In this case a two mile run.
Course not.
Because why would one do that?
Put themselves out there - in public no less - looking like a big dork with camera in hand, two feet strapped into a pair of beat-down, over-heated Nikes.

Run ahead. Stop. Take picture. Run ahead. Stop. Take picture.

Actually, it was kind of fun.
And of course, an excellent work out.

This summer, the 28th Annual Lake Burton Fun Run once again delivered.
Because... how could it not?
This U.S.A. Track and Field Certified event is known throughout the southeast as one of the most scenic two mile courses. Ever. Tucked into the far northeastern corner of Georgia, it's a unique setting for exercise and fun. Starting at lovely Moccasin Creek State Park and ending at fabulous La Prades Marina, participants wind down Hwy. 197 where bottles of water, snow cones and quite possibly a dip in the lake await.

Both young, and young at heart, are drawn to this family event. Some folks attending for over twenty-five years now. In many cases, three generations of Lake Burton Fun Run fans show up - encased in event t-shirts, running bibs and big smiles.

The run was started back in 1984 by founder Robert Nichols. And come race day, Mr. Nichols is personally on hand for hours. Grinning, greeting, directing and starting off the race from the back of the pace truck, bull horn in hand. Afterwards, he grabs a mic under the La Prades' pavilion; welcoming everyone again and handing out trophies. Proceeds from the annual event go to support the three Lake Burton Volunteer Fire Departments with a special donation to Rabun County Search and Rescue.

Open to all runners, joggers and walkers, a celebratory spirit waifs throughout the event each year.  Pre-race Jazzercise warm ups go down at Moccasin Creek State Park to get things started. Rock music blasted over speakers as arms reached for the sky. Muscles got loose. Resident ducks never know what to think. They just sit and watch. And quack.

Back in '84 - think Wake Me Up Before You Go Go - the race began with a humble 85 participants. But between the draw of the mountains, gorgeous lakeside setting and cool alpine air, appeal has grown. A firm 800 participant limit is now in place. Note to self: sign up early. In 1998 the course became certified by USA Track and Field, taking its clout up a notch. Most runners and walkers come out for a leisurely good time, and a little huffing and puffing.  But if you want to get serious -  official times from the event can be used for qualifying in other sanctioned athletic events.

Two years ago, the run's board of directors decided to become members of the Road Runners Club of America to continue to meet professional standards. The local chapter is named the Lake Burton Road Runners Club. The Lake Burton Fun Run is their sole event, and boy - do they go all out. Not only is Mr. Nichols on hand, but 100 of his closest buddies join in as volunteers. It seems like all of Lake Burton can't wait to help out with this beloved event.

My favorite leg of the race was passing the Wildcat Volunteer Fire Department Station. Fireman standing roadside: clapping, waving, encouraging and thanking. Since race proceed go towards the area's fire departments, their presence is appropriate. But it's great to see the actual fireman out there cheering on the people, who are cheering them. Community coming together, helping and encouraging. All of this taking place, mind you, before anyone's had enough coffee.

Towards the end of the race, the celebratory spirit only grew: snow cones, popcorn and face painting all on hand. Upbeat music bouncing over both air waves and actual waves, as families gathered at La Prades Marina. Local businesses were also on-hand. passing out everything from magnets to sun screen. Come trophy time, this was my personal fav...

A Going Strong Over 90 award?
That's right baby! We're a group of people who chug our calcium and Vitamin D.
Livestrong and live long.
Tons of awards and trophies passed out this year (although not to people named Kathleen). And once again, it's fair to say, the Lake Burton Fun Run proved its worth.

As things wound down, the fire boat which had been on hand in the cove,
strutted it's stuff. Sapphire water jetting high into the air, signaling both a
frothy thank you and good-bye.
Yes, quite a show. Quite a morning

www.lakeburtonfunrun.com

All images seen here taken by...
www.kathleenmoorephotography.com

Wildcat Fire Station Rises From Ashes

As I gear up to trot the annual Lake Burton Fun Run, I find myself thinking not of sweat, heat or lime-flavored Gatorade, but of one of the landmarks along its route: the Wildcat Volunteer Fire Department. And how much the property has changed in just one year. Fourteen months ago, a tornado came ‘round the mountain, plunking itself right smack on top of the station. Twister, plus ensuing fire, equaled complete destruction of the property. Trees, trucks and equipment lay in smoldering ruin too.

Only one of the fire trucks survived. Driven out of the burning building, by who else – a quick-thinking fire fighter. A year later, through much planning and toil, the station has been rebuilt, under the keen direction of Chief Pat Thompson. Offices, kitchen, bunkrooms, rec room – two floors of impressive space. It was the chief’s idea to take the ruined pecan tree out back and create the station’s kitchen cabinets from its wood. They turned out beautifully. Someone call Martha Stewart.

Jokingly, I asked Chief Thompson, “Where do blue prints for fire stations even come from…greathomes.com?”

He answered, slightly embarrassed, “Well, I designed it.” 

So humble. Truth is, not only did he create the floor plan; his own hands did much of the labor. Along with the rest of the volunteer fire fighters. They all worked together building back up what Mother Nature had torn down.

At this spring’s open house, chief Thompson took me aside. He pointed out the one lucky fire truck which made it out alive. And its back melted light, now reduced to droopy white plastic. He could've had it fixed. But chief has left it disfigured on purpose - to remember. Now looking entirely akin to an oversized marshmallow gone wrong, it gave me shivers. 

They should drive the truck to schools on don't-play-with-matches day. Nothing beats a great visual aid.

From the two bunkrooms, freshly painted game room and Viking stove tucked between those hand-made cabinets, there was much to admire at the station’s open house. But my favorite was the people. Each fireman associated with the station seemed on hand for the big day. They wore their uniforms and polished nametags and smiles. It was an honor to meet so many of them.

If you ever find yourself in Rabun County, Georgia, drive past the Wildcat V.F.D. station. Maybe even park out front, admire its million dollar view of Lake Burton. Stunning location. I'm sure the old station thought so too. 

The old station. Gone, but not forgotten. Through the years, it housed much more than red trucks and equipment. Swinging wide its doors welcoming church services, local meetings and educational programming. That was then. I can only imagine all that will take place under this new station's watch and keep. It's off to a beautiful start.

http://www.rabuncountygov.com/firedepartment.html

www.kathleenmoorephotography.com

She's Having a Baby!

For someone as preggers as Nicole, the girl did great during for our session. The woman is 9 months uncomfortable. Ready to have this baby! The park where we met held many photo ops: benches, paths, trees, ponds. She pointed to a 20 foot radius of lawn. "This is my area. I'm not moving anywhere but here. Not one step further than I have to." Alrighty then. I can work with that.

We had a lot of laughs laying mama down on the grass. Hoisting her back up. It was a lovely maternity shoot as husband Steve was enthusiastic about every second. The guy is simply thrilled. I brought along a few props: chair, old suitcase and the blue gerber daisy. But the magic was all theirs. I turned around to change a lens. When I looked back, Nicole sitting with Steve praying at her belly. So relaxed. So them.

Both parents are big fans of the novel "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. One of their favorite quotes:

"Sometimes there's just no way to hold back the river."

That can mean a lot of things. To this couple, it encapsulates how they feel about their relationship and  expected baby boy. Fitting then, they've decided to name the child River. I can't wait to meet him.

And as for Nicole's little radial area, even I was shocked how many fantastic images we snapped within limited space. At parks with families, I usually hoof it all over the place. Breaking a sweat chasing young children over slides and swings. Boundless energy, etc... This was a nice reminder that great things come in small packages. For memorable shots, you don't need much more than a patch of green grass and a couple whose madly in love.

www.kathleenmoorephotography.com