Tonight Jamie and I checked out the new Wise Acre restaurant, which was a total disappointment. I was super excited to try the new spot as all of the food is grown at a nearby farm, and it's served up super fresh. It's just too bad that none of it tasted better than mediocre. And on top of that, it was absolutely freezing in the restaurant, there was a super long wait and it was pricey. So I probably won't be heading back.But after (the disappointing) dinner, we drove up to Pat's Tap to grab a drink and play some Skee Ball. And get this! The game is free! Since we were already full, we didn't eat there, but the dinners that were coming out of that kitchen looked fantastic. Wish we would have just eaten there instead.
I bet you're getting tired of all the nature shots. But it's my favorite season! And I love this grass! Look at that beautiful fluffy stuff up top and how it catches the light... and today was super windy, so it was moving so beautifully... Plus? I have four concerts to shoot in the next eight days, so we should all pause and enjoy the quiet nature, right? RIGHT?*As I am writing this post, I'm arguing with myself about going out tonight to shoot a new local band called Poliça. They sound amazing on the radio, but... I'm sleepy (and lame, apparently). And, um, as I previously mentioned, there's a big week ahead... So instead of rock'n'roll, you get more nature. Sorry 'bout that.
Today was another day of working at home (I sure could get used to this). Then this afternoon I met up with my friend Amy over at Republic for happy hour and to talk about working at the U. Fascinating stuff, I tell you. It was sooo lovely out -- perfect for sipping on some wine outdoors before heading home and digging into Operation Organize-the-house-before-mother-in-law-arrives.I took this photo of an older parking meter over near Repbulic because Minneapolis is slowly changing the way its paid street parking works. There are now numbered spots, and on each block you pay a machine for how much time you want for your number. Some people are thrilled with this because you can pay with credit cards (which I admit, can be nice).I however, like the coin meters better (another sign that I am becoming Old). And the only reason I can give you is that moment of pure joy that you get when you pull up to a spot and find the meter still has money on it. See? These new meters? They have weights in the street, and when you pull away, the cash is cleared. So that magical moment of free parking is stripped away! I hate that! I always felt those free spots were a perfect example of good Karma coming your way.Also? See these meters take dollar coins? Who in the WORLD carries those? Puh-lease.
This week has been excellent so far. The perfect amount of work and the perfect amount of play. Today I had an unexpected and delicious lunch date with Mere (hellooooo thai curry!) and then made my way over to Centennial Lakes to scout out some locations for an upcoming shoot. Isn't the color on that tree lovely? I hope it lasts a little while...
Look at that color! Oh, how I love fall. Seriously, the weather has been fantastic, and the color and cloud cover around here is amazing. Today I just stayed home working all day, then took the dogs for a walk and took in some fall. Yeah, I'm a happy lady this time of year.* Special thanks to the neighbors that let me traipse all over their lawn to get the best angle on the gorgeous trees.
Today was mellllowww. I was completely wiped out after yesterday's festivities, and I pretty much tried to stay away from the computer and my camera for the day (well, except for this blog post, obviously). There was some dusting, some sweeping, some grocery shopping. I mean, the party just doesn't stop around these parts, eh? But I needed the break, for sure. And the dogs loved having me around for random games of tug-of-war, long belly rubs and a few scraps of chicken. See? I made someone's day.
Cat's outta the bag on what I was scouting last week, eh? Today I got to shoot Nate and Maria's wedding over at Minnehaha Falls, and it was absolutely gorgeous. We could not have asked for better weather or better light.Also? This wedding was a blast to shoot because right before Maria walked down the aisle, I turned to get some shots of the crowd, and I had like 10 friends out there! And I had no idea they even knew Nate and Maria (although in retrospect, it makes total sense). So that was a super fun surprise.Then I came home all happy and tired and was taking Memphis downstairs to feed her and she started to barf. You know... that sound that dogs make? And I could not get her to move off of the carpet (one of the very few carpeted spots in the house). And as the barf started to come out, my body just involuntarily reached forward and CAUGHT THE VOMIT IN MY HAND. So gross. Just... ick. Seriously, I guess that is parental love. Or maybe an extreme hatred of cleaning the carpet stairs...If you want to see a few more of the photos from today (a very few), 
Tonight was Peter Wolf Crier's CD release party. I always enjoy seeing these guys live -- but tonight, I gotta admit, I was pretty beat. This week has worn me out, and I have a big wedding tomorrow, so I came home earlier than usual to edit some photos and watch some trashy TV (Btw, did y'all know that the cheerleader's father from Heroe's is on Vampire Diaries now? And did you have any idea how much I love bad scifi?).But I have to admit, ending the evening with a golden retriever asleep in my lap while watching the CW is a pretty solid way to chill out. Also, if you want to see the rest of the photos, they are up