Field Trip: New Market Battlefield

Posted on June 11, 2013 by bsome under Kids, Spring

Blake is in the 5th grade and this particular field trip was pretty special to him. Not only was it his second-to-last field trip as an elementary school student *gulp* but he is particularly fond of the Civil War. As in, he absolutely knows way more than me about the battles that happened in this area. And I’ve lived here my whole life. My smart little smartypants. I took the day off work to join Blake and his classmates at the New Market Battlefield for a little history lesson.

The two 5th grade classes:

The tour guide explained the symbolism in the stained glass window installation:

Dressing the part of Union and Confederate soldiers:

During the reenactment video Blake didn’t take well to the bloody soldier scene. And by ‘didn’t take well’ I mean he keeled over right beside me and slammed his head on the seat in front of us. Pretty sure that’s the closest I’ve come to a heart attack. The paramedics were called just to be safe and after a few questions they diagnosed him with a weak stomach. Check out the two photos below: 1) pale serious Blake with a paramedic and his teacher in the background and 2) full color Blake, happy and feeding. *shew!*

After lunch we toured the grounds including the Bushong House and the Field of Lost Shoes which was particularly eerie. As the tour ended, dark clouds rolled in followed by a refreshing rain. It was a great day with Blake and his classmates. 🙂

The Field of Lost Shoes

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.

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…

RVA: Mrs. Sarah

Posted on June 4, 2013 by bsome under Art, Food, Richmond, Spring, Wedding

I was more than eager to attend this wedding as a guest. Don’t get me wrong, I love photographing weddings, but having been deprived of guest-status for…a while, I truly appreciated every sip, bite, and free moment of this day. On our way out of town, Ben and I stopped at the Harrisonburg Farmer’s Market for a small bite and a hot coffee. I can never resist those ding dang O’cakes. Lordhavemercy. Then we hightailed it out of the ‘burg to RVA. A little sprucing up in the hotel and we were ready to witness some matrimony. Sarah and Jason created a website for wedding guests that listed some of their recommendations and favorite spots to frequent in Richmond. With a little time to spare we decided to honor the time they took to create such a list and visit one of Jason’s favorite Richmond restaurants: Joe’s Inn. There was no time for the feeding frenzy of which I’m always ready to partake…but we managed to toast the couple with a pair of Guinness and be on our way. ohmyguinness. Just a few short blocks passed under our tootsies and we arrived at the Virginia Center of Architecture where I caught up with some familiar faces. I watched the camera man bounce around doing squats and yoga and core strengthening that I’m convinced only photographers know how to do. I nestled into my chair and enjoyed the chatter. Let’s just be honest here, I’m not sure what I’d do with my hands in most of life’s situations if not for my camera…so of course I had moments where my Canon found it’s way to my face and boomtown: snap happy. The ceremony was light and sweet and Sarah made all the funny faces that I love. I was particularly excited about the reception at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts(!) so I wasted no time in heading that way after the kissy kiss. Plus Joe’s Inn left me with a full bladder. I have a thing for bathrooms and got immediately sidetracked in there. Come to think of it, after looking at my last few sets of photos I’ve discovered I also have a thing for elevators. And freshly made beds. And food…but that’s nothing new. Congrats to Sarah and Jason on their beautiful Richmond wedding!

More Richmond photos HERE!

Spicy Peanut Brittle O’cake. drool

iphone panoramas are so fun!

direction check…Joe’s Inn

Don’t worry, I asked permission before taking this creeper shot.

Ben took the shot above.

FCLIMG_4882

Here’s something I don’t normally see on my camera…pictures of ME:

I couldn’t get enough of the Chihuly garden.

Check out the AWESOME shots by their photographers: http://www.stevenandlilyphotography.com/sarah-and-jason-wedding/

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!*.

Hands

Posted on April 28, 2013 by bsome under People, Spring, Uncategorized

When I was little, I remember noticing the veins in my Nanny’s hands. I remember knowing how hard she worked with those hands. How gentle she loved. How strong and tender and experienced they were. I noticed the same thing about my mom as she washed dishes one evening and the sun shined on mountains of veins. It’s a beautiful thing, turning all the gears in your life. I like my veiny hands.
Hands

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.