RVA by day…

Posted on June 6, 2013 by bsome under Casual, Food, Richmond, Spring, Uncategorized

I have this condition where if I have a minute of free time, I want to cram every ounce of fun into it. #cantstopwontstop anyone? The day after Sarah and Jason’s Richmond wedding, I had little on the agenda except to make it home by 5ish. That never happens. I let myself be a feather in the wind and before I knew it, I was sound asleep in my bed with a brain full of new memories. I’ll let the pictures guide you through this cloudy-turned-sunny Sunday but keep in mind…this all happened in a matter of about seven and a half hours.

Enjoying amenities at the Crowne Plaza in Richmond and feeling a little Hockney-esque.
During one of my visits with Sarah, she and I ran a loop from her apartment to Belle Isle. It’s one of my favorite memories with her so I wanted to take Ben here to see this gem in the middle of the city.
FCLIMG_5063 Next stop was Millie’s Diner. If you’ve been there, you’re probably drooling right now. If not, you should really make a point to hit this place up the next time you’re in Richmond. We were greeted by a man that said if we didn’t drink a bloody mary we weren’t welcome to stay. And I believed him. …two please. FCLIMG_5081

Ben got a case of Millie-gut….

food-drunk: /foôd•drəNGk/ adj. 1) so.deliriously.full. And happy.

Little bit of sightseeing…

We were lured by the sounds of music and clatter to the Richmond Farmer’s Market Cinco de Mayo Festival.

After more walking and exploring we hit the road, headed home and allowed ourselves to get sidetracked by Pippin Hill. Good decision.

A quick taste test and home we go…

Copyright © 2013 · Photos by Brandy Somers. All Rights Reserved · friendlycitylens.com & brandysomersphotography.com. This material may not be copied, downloaded, altered, cropped, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting my creative property.

Clementine is the New Black

Posted on May 21, 2013 by bsome under Casual, Harrisonburg City, Kids, Music, Spring, Uncategorized

When I heard Frank Black (Black Francis) of the friggin’ Pixies for cryin’ out loud(!) was coming to Clementine, I thought it was a hoax. Well by God, it was truth. And I was there. And so were my kids. And we didn’t even care he had a side boob. Have a looksie at my creeper session with Mr. Black.

…pictures of people taking pictures…

…way passed bedtime…

The autograph was totally worth the yawns.

Lee & Jodi: Side B

Posted on May 20, 2013 by bsome under Casual, People, Side B, Spring

One Saturday evening last month I drove to Roanoke to do an engagement session for one of my best friends. (click here to see it!) Talk about a fun day. Oh mah gooodness. The shoot was a long one but so friggin’ fun and so the saying goes…time flies. As I sat down to upload and edit all the photos and I knew right away I wanted to not only share the sweet good ones but the funny good ones. I swear I laughed a new wrinkle right into my face that day. Here’s a look at what I really see behind that lens….

Me: Just hang out while I test the light.
Them:

Me: Let’s try a piggyback.
Them:

Me: Jodi, is that another tick?
Them:

Me: Lee put your hand in your pocket. …not your arm.
Them:

Me: Just pretend I’m not here for a sec…
Them:

Me: Ok. Now look right at me and smile normal.
Them:

Me: ….
Them: (is that boob grab?)

Me: As you’re driving away, look back at me.
Them:

Me: Big smile!
Them:

Too hot for this website!

Me: Marrying Jodi is like…winning the lottery!
Them:

A little serenade break…

Me: Silly face.
Them: (same face)

And this is why they are perfect for each other.

We ended the night with dinner and a drink. Lookadem two gorgeous people!

photo by Ben Fraits

photo by Ben Fraits

Remembering Mothers

Posted on May 10, 2013 by bsome under Casual, Kids, Spring, Uncategorized

Last week was “Think Pink Week” at the kids school. On Friday they hosted an outdoor yard party complete with a bouncy house, corn hole tournaments, hot dogs, and sunshine. The kids ran and played and screamed for no apparent reason like kids do. Ear-piercing and heartwarming. They would check in with me to get a drink or ask for money or maybe even give me a sweaty-puppy-dog hug. Ella asked if she could buy a pink balloon from the table where their principal stood. When we walked over, Ella was instructed to write the name(s) of anyone she might know that has battled breast cancer. The response came too easy for her. Age 8. Breast cancer events such as these are especially meaningful to me and my family. At this tender young age, my children have experienced the loss of two very close family members to the disease and a former secretary at their school. It is very real to them…and more terrifying than any monster under the bed. I am so so thankful for my mother, today and everyday but this time of year comes with reminders. Reminders to love and be thankful and enjoy your days and hug a mama for Pete’s sake. Happy Mother’s Day to these wonderful women:

Peggy Caulder Somers (Grandma Peggy)

Debra Lutz Custer (Aunt Debbie)

Secretary Karen Kay Puckett

…and all the survivors and victims close to your heart…

Ella and her pink balloon…inscribed with the names of her Gramma Peggy & Aunt Debbie.

Patio Season

Posted on May 7, 2013 by bsome under Casual, Food, Harrisonburg City, People, Spring

All in the same hour I received two messages: one from Lauren at Clementine asking if I could take some patio shots and one from a ladies group that meets every Wednesday. On this particular Wednesday, the gals were meeting at Clementine to enjoy the warm spring weather on their newly opened outdoor patio. It was a win-win so I joined the girls with camera in tow. They didn’t seem to mind me hiding behind the lens every now and then and joining in on the occasional *cheers!*.

Breakfast For Dinner

Posted on April 27, 2013 by bsome under Casual, Food, People, Spring

I picked the kids up from school and we made a quick stop by the grocery store to grab strawberries, pineapple and Ben. We were heading to Brittany’s house to celebrate Jr’s birthday. Breakfast for dinner. *score* Who doesn’t love breakfast?! Gah. On the way out to their place we noticed some construction near the old train station downtown. The busted out walls exposed some colorful graffiti and since I just-so-happen to have my camera, I couldn’t resist. My kids are well trained models. Then hustle-bustle…off we went. Alex, the dog, went mad when we arrived but was quickly calmed with peanut butter and belly rubs. I feel you Alex. Brittany had an entire buffet prepared complete with oven-baked pancakes, goat cheese grits (!), sausage and egg casserole with sriracha (oh lord), chipped beef cheese dip, homemade cinnamon crumb cake AND MORE. That girl can cook!

I couldn’t decide between color and black and white. So you get both.

Alex and Ella greet guests with a bark.

18 hours at Smith Mountain Lake

Posted on April 16, 2013 by bsome under Casual, People, Spring, Uncategorized

Being fashionably late is kinda Spring’s thing this year. I can’t complain. It really couldn’t have made more of a grand appearance than this passed weekend. Smith Mountain Lake was the spot for the wedding of lovebirds Rahul and Jennifer. The drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway was amazing. Here are a few shots from my fine time with some fine folks.

Oh hay Spring!

What a good looking family.

Happy 7th birthday!

Hey handsome!

Men in suits cleaning up baby vomit.

I’m not really sure what’s happening here.

Todd Paints

Posted on March 23, 2013 by bsome under Art, Casual, People, Uncategorized

I’ve known Todd since middle school. Back when we were both skinny little twerps sitting silently on the school bus, staring out the window watching the cows go by. He’s been a great friend through the years and he’s just a darn good person. One evening I was in day three of self-imposed isolation…not because I’m a total freak, but because I had an insane amount of to-dos on my project list. Todd, probably feeling sorry for me, brought his work-his painting-to my house and set up camp in my kitchen. We both worked, in separate rooms, shouting the occasional obscenity and laughing. It was nice to have another living, breathing, adult in my presence for a bit. Not to mention he’s creative and extremely talented.

Bread with Mommy

Posted on March 19, 2013 by bsome under Casual, Food, People, Uncategorized, Winter

Mommy makes the best bread. I asked her to come over one morning and teach me the ropes of her family envied recipe and technique. Her experienced hands showed that dough who’s boss! We made what we call “Three Generation Rolls” where she rolled a small ball of dough and then my daughter and I did the same. We put all three in one muffin pan and it was very obvious which one of the three my mother man-handled. It was grey and cold outside and warm and delicious inside. Hope your not wearing your new shirt ’cause this post is mouth-watering!

A Day to Celebrate

Posted on March 17, 2013 by bsome under Casual, Fashion, Music, People, Uncategorized, Winter

I woke up to grey skies and a chance of snow. Typical. Last week my son was wearing shorts to school…no big deal. That’s a typical March in Rockingham County for ya. I headed to church then joined some friends for a birthday celebration that just-so-happened to be on St. Patrick’s Day. Perfect. We all met at a local restaurant then headed over to our friend’s place for a delicious potluck. The snow covered the grass and the crockpot aroma filled the house. It’s ok to be jealous.