The Way I See It Through My Lens

May the 4th Be With You Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 05:08:00 +0000

My Godson and his beautiful bride were married on May the 4th. Yes. It's a Star Wars thing. Cassidy and Whitten were quick to let us all know "it's not a themed wedding". The fact that the bride was representing her favorite story, Harry Potter, and the groom rep'd his fave, Star Wars, didn't make it a themed wedding at all... nor did the Yoda-spoken "Save the date, you must." cards. I can go on, but you get the idea. So it was not a themed wedding, just subtle hints of the things these two are passionate about. I don't think I need to tell you how fun it was to photograph the wedding!

I mean, for starters, the bride's color was my favorite! BLUE!!!

Her grandma was the coolest lady there!

...and my handsome Godson, Cassidy was her groom.

They were married in a fairytale venue in Virginia. Greenock Manor dates back to before the civil war, and provided a perfect backdrop for all the moments everyone was capturing! The ladies dressed in private rooms, the wedding party stayed on site in the guest rooms. Lighting was beautiful in the rooms, making it easy for make-up artist Cory Gressett to make each girl a princess, and the bride a queen! Chanel, the owner, was as charming and helpful as anyone could ask for! Such lovely people, such a lovely experience!

Dad and bride had their moment upstairs, outside the rooms of this beautiful historical manor.

Did I mention the bride loves the Harry Potter story? She & her bridesmaids carrie wands! The fresh flowers were brilliantly built onto the tip of the wands, and each girl carried the wand that chose her.

Cassidy's groomsmen all wore Star Wars socks, but there will be more on that later... to honor her son's choice, The groom's mom wore a dress based on one of General Leia's dresses.

The ceremony was outside, under the trees. and simply beautiful.

I think maybe Chewbacca came in disguise?

These two ladies casting floral spells on each other are sisters of the groom... and they are each employed by branches of our military. They REALLY ARE fighting warriors!

I love the sentimental touch of having a memorial table to include those family and friends who have passed away.

...did I mention the Star Wars socks?

The details everywhere at this wedding were stunning.

The groom and his "Gamer Guys"

The bride and the "Gamer Girls"

There is something so inspiring about weddings... hope for the future of love!

I stole the wedding couple away for a quick retreat and time alone with the camera.

Did I say every detail was perfect?

Just when you thought it could not get any more beautiful, the evening revealed her true colors!

...and so did Cassidy & Whitten.

Did I mention the groom's party had Star Wars socks? They had cigars too. I think Han would approve, but the wookie... not so sure...

Let Me Introduce You...

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce you to...

Stetson Walker!

If you have not heard the voice on this amazing young man, prepare to be wowed! He's not even 25 yet, and he has a classic country voice that rivals the greats! It's no wonder, either, ...born with a name like Stetson Walker, with his music pedigree, and intelligence that has you hearing him referencing fractals, and divergent thinking in casual conversation, one can't help but be impressed with him. As if that's not enough, I can NOT say enough how humble he is, and what a TRUE gentleman!

When I got a call from Larry Telford, of the band Point Blank, and he started talking about this new young talent he and David Dickinson were producing, I trusted his judgement. These men have been in the business for years, and have extensive experience in the music industry.

I had been photographing Larry, and the guys of Point Blank fame, for several years, and Larry was calling me to see if I would be available to shoot Stetson's debut album. It was early April, the blue bonnets were out in Texas, and he was asking if I wanted to go shoot a country singer in Austin for a day. ...gee, ...let me thin-OK!

I had not heard the album, I had not heard him sing, and I had not seen any pictures of Stetson when Nick and I arrived in Austin at Iron Wolf Studios for the first leg of the day's shoot. We were so pleasantly surprised, when David offered to play Stetson's soon-to-be hit single "Say Hello To Goodbye". That was the moment we knew this guy has it!

That shoot was a year ago, and Nick and I have been working with Stetson's team ever since. I recently visited with Stetson for the purpose of this blog, and I'll share his comments on the new album, kicking off his career, and what it's like being "different".

With 24 other students graduating H.S. with him, Stetson was the only one to not go to college.

"I was one of those who knew what I wanted to do from birth." Using music to help him pass Physics, he was learning science to help him repair his guitar amps. He was a student who needed to see the relevance in his own world to learn something.

Stetson has been spending lots of time on the road, doing radio interviews, and performing live, and it can be dangerous... I asked him if he's ever felt unsafe on these travels, and he replied as any 9th generation Texan would...

"I have pretty extensive small arms training, worked with law enforcement, I know how to defend myself."

I asked him if his pedigree (a very impressive history can be found on his website) helped him get to this point in his career, and if he felt networking is an important part of the process. He explained that rather than just "networking", it's very important to him to develop a working relationship of equal respect, trust, and friendship. I knew, as soon as he said this, why he, Larry, and David worked so well together, and again I knew we were excited to be part of this team. ...and I must say, those boots Larry has on are rockin'!

Stetson's most enjoyable part of the process was when he made the decision to "step up to the plate".

March 3, nearly a year since Nick & I embarked on this journey with the guys, we are celebrating a successful debut album, and all those who helped to make it happen. We gathered in Austin, at Baker Street Pub, and Stetson played and sang some songs, signed stuff, and made a cold, rainy day warm and joyful!

His album, "Let Me Introduce You" is available on all digital music sites, as well as the option of getting the hard copy, cd through his website, www.stetsonwalker.com. Stetson's album has already been "Album of the Month" in the UK, and has had great success on the Texas radio charts. ...so what makes it such a great collection of country songs?

It has LOVE. When your producers include joyful couples like David and Becca, how can your music not have love?!

It has energy! The single "That's Where the Party Starts" has you caving to the urge to join in the chorus and sing with your hands up high!

It has the simple, clean classic sounds of old country, heart-breaks, loneliness, and new love discovered once again.

This album will have you wanting to get your boots and your dancehall partner, and spend the night where the party is!

But to me, what REALLY makes this album is the last song, a turn from the rest of the album. It takes me back to the true classic country records that always ended with a little something more humble, ...more spiritual, if you will. Stetson's rendition if the gospel song "I Was There" stops me in my tracks. It reminds me that the world is so much more than any one of us, and it moves me.

Needless to say, Nick and I are having fun, taking pictures, making new friends, and living our dream of sharing the joy that is in us all, by supporting the amazing work that is Stetson Walker.

You can follow Stetson on Instagram, Twitter, and his Facebook fan-page, and you can follow me on Instagram and Twitter @Rainbowsnfrogsphotogrpahy for more on Stetson! If you are already a fan, please let us know in the comments here what pulled you in, and what you love about the album!

The Death of Shakespeare's son

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 16:40:00 +0000

He opened the letter... his son was ill, time was short, return home now. The master of words went silent. When we lose a child we find ourselves lost too. We are suddenly not the person we were. On August 11th, 1596, the man known everywhere for his wit, his wisdom, & his insight, found himself speechless. William Shakespeare's son died. Hamnet was 11 yrs old, and a twin. William had only been around him a few times most likely, on vacations home from London where he lived and worked. One might think his lack of words were due to this lack of familiarity, but a few tiny hints in plays he wrote after his son died makes me believe otherwise.

William lived in a time when women were underrated, and a boy was the heir. William had risen in life far above the station of his father, with money and contacts that he would need to leave to a son. He was also a man who mastered the art of expressing deeply interwoven emotions. His characters suffered great loss, enjoyed great success, and mastered great manipulations, but the man who created all those things was silent on the subject of the death of his son.

As a twice bereaved mom, I know first hand that everyone deals with their loss differently. I have seen the most social people dig themselves a hole to crawl into and go silent, and I have seen the most introverted spirits suddenly explode with demands for socialization. I believe William Shakespeare was among the former group. When you spend your life imagining tragedy and loss, you give countless hours to creating the experience that moves everyone who sees it, there must be that moment when art becomes life, and it is nothing like what you imagined. Everything he thought would be, was wrong. I'm amazed he ever picked up another pen.

But he did. He wrote his best work after that loss. His comedies were deeper, with hidden messages that have very serious tones, sarcasm, and an ability to show the world how silly humanity can be. His tragedies were suddenly very real, discovering the powerful ability to reach inward to the character's soul, and simply let the audience eavesdrop on their thoughts.

In the play King John, written just after the death of Hamnet, in 1596, he writes in the character of a grieving mother who speaks the words the author could not: "I am not mad; I would to God I were".

She goes on to say:

"Grief fills the room up of my absent child,

Lies in his bed, walks up and down with me,

Puts on his pretty looks, repeats his words,

Remembers me of all his gracious parts,

Stuffs out his vacant garments with his form." ---(III.4.93–97)

We can not possibly know (yet) the exact dates that he wrote his plays, and we can certainly argue the point that his plays, and his writing skills, were improving all the time. and the death of his son had no impact on that. That said, the idea that the death of his son stimulated a higher level of understanding, therefore deeper characters and story dynamics, can also be made. We literally have nothing in his words as a bereaved father, we only have the words he wrote into fictional characters in fictional situations of child loss. Even those are very few, but all those references written after the loss of his son are consistent with our own knowledge as bereaved parents, while those references written in his plays before the death of his son, like in Romeo and Juliet, are more like what we hear from those who have not faced the reality of child loss.

The loss of his son left him silent... except in his plays. His play, Hamlet, is a perfect example of the words William Shakespeare was missing in his own life:

"There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

---Hamlet

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince:
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"

---Horatio

The irony of this man's life, a life of words and expression, masterfully written with advanced thinking for his time, is also the life of the deepest silent solitude when it comes to his private story. Perhaps, as grieving parents, we might find solace in the example Shakespeare provided as a man who found an outlet for his grief, behind a mask for safety, but always in public. He continued to have a very successful life, deeply motivated by the man he had become after the loss of his son.

Not What I Expected

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 14:54:00 +0000

Being a bereaved parent is not what I expected, starting with the fact that I didn't expect to be a bereaved parent. Who does that?! I mean, no one EXPECTS to be faced with burying their child. We, as new parents, are so focused on making sure we provide a strong childhood and upbringing to our new child that we refuse to allow those darker thoughts to enter our minds. We don't even want to take up the offer we all get in the mail to sign up our new babies for Gerber's Life Insurance that pays us if our child dies. WHO DOES THAT?! Yes, it would have been smart for us to do that, wish we had.

Our Rainbow, Cheyenne

Then when we were faced with burying our second child, we found ourselves without that baby life insurance again. Then, when we had our HEALTHY third child, we STIL DID NOT DO IT! This time we knew he was healthy, so we didn't want to risk taunting Death. The point is that as a human race, it is natural for us to be positive and hopeful in our daily lives, more so when parenting our children, so when we find ourselves living what we never expected, we are not prepared.

Our Froggie, Emily.

It's been nearly 20 years since our oldest, Cheyenne, passed. A few less since we lost Emily. We have been living the cliche "Life goes on" journey. Our son is nearly 11 now, healthy and loved, if not a bit spoiled. Yes, we have good days... even GREAT days. I thank God for those days. They are needed to balance those days that will never go away. Those days that hit without warning, unexpectedly. There are lots of things that happen that we don't expect when our children die. How we react to them will determine how our lives unfold after our children die. Below is a list of a few of those unexpected things, and the reactive choices we are faced with. The trick for a grieving parent is to choose wisely so our lives will have opportunities for greatness again.

I didn't expect that the grief process after loosing Emily, our second child to bury, would move faster, or be easier. At times I didn't think it did, but it did. Each day we were faced with the returning pain, and we had to choose to reject it or embrace it. By embracing it, we were in (a bit) more control. We used it to recognize the love we still have for our girls. We used it to recognize our own strength and ability to get through it as experienced bereaved parents. Then we could (still can) face each day knowing we are better for having known and loved our children. We are better and stronger than most other people.

I didn't expect to be faced with the almost celebrity style respect and admiration we often get from others who "can't imagine" what we live with. I don't like it, it makes me very uncomfortable because I'd rather have my girls back. I know they just want to help us see how strong we are, but it's weird.

I didn't expect to ever feel whole again, but I do... usually. I've learned that what Patrick Swayze said in "Ghost" is true... "The love stays with you". The love is them, still here, just in a different form. So I take it and run with it. I remind myself that I am a better person for having been their mom, and that means I AM WHOLE, despite the fact that my heart is not.

I didn't expect... get ready... to hear my husband say the loss of his mom is more difficult than burying his two little girls. WHAT???!!!! Yes, it's true. HOW????? ...the pain of loss is built up of the memories and the relationship shared. They had a VERY SPECIAL and very rare mother son bond, built on 57 years of life together. It's hard to explain, harder to understand, but I think I'm getting it.

Everyone grieves differently, based on the relationship, and how it was left at the time of the death. We can prepare all we want, or ignore all the signs telling us we need to prepare. Either way, death comes to us all. How we choose to live with it will define how our lives unfold. I miss my girls more than words can say. Anyone who has buried their child knows this gut wrenching misery. There was a time when I feared this day, the day I would say that my girls are JUST PART OF MY JOURNEY. The day that I would say my life is MORE than being their mom. I didn't expect I could ever say this. ...but I do now, and it's OK. It has not lessened the love or weakened the memories one bit. The LOVE never dies, so neither do they.

Howdy Scotland!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 16:07:00 +0000

Scotland. Of all the places to vacation, why would anyone choose SCOTLAND?! I mean really, what's there... nothing but big mountains, so many lakes, old buildings, and people who talk without filters.

Wait, I forgot to use adjectives. big BEAUTIFUL mountains, so many AMAZING lakes...

I also forgot some nouns... Castles, Islands, Forests, Modern Cities, Great Performing Arts, and my favorite: People who love the earth, and are not afraid to use strong "adjectives" to say so.

I am Texan. My husband has Texas roots so far back they seem to have grown through the earth and surfaced in Scotland. He HATES traveling, but he found himself drawn to Scotland after watching several shows and films made there. We love the Monty Python series, and Outlander of course.

He once asked me "Is it really that beautiful there?" "Let's go find out!" We have made our first of many trips there, falling in love with the place immediately.

Texas and Scotland are a lot alike. Both fiercely independent states of a larger country that "absorbed" them, both fighting for that lost independence. Both have cultures that respect nature, where ranching and farming are essential to the economic growth, & grand landscapes that take the traveler from mountain to coast stopping in amazing modern cities on the way.

We stayed in a small village pub with rooms to rent, a large all-inclusive hotel, and an inner city apartment. We loved them all, but our son loved the small pub house best. He said it was like staying at the Prancing Pony in Lord of the Rings! I loved my Highlander Coffee!

Our stay took us from Loch Ard to Edinburgh. We rented a car and loved the freedom of the drive! We visited three castles, explored the forests, shopped in the city, and relaxed in pubs. One of my favorite things is where old meets new.

My husband found his football number!

And blue doors. They have blue doors. I knew I'd love this place!

SO, where to next? The Highlands? The east coast full of castles, or the west coast and all those beautiful islands? So much to choose from!!! My husband actually suggested we get a summer home there!

That One Person

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 16:48:00 +0000

Wow. Here I go again, saying the same thing I've said too many times before: It's been over a year since I've written in my blog. Over two this time! I did NOT see that happening! Where did it go?! So now here I sit, finally having time and energy to write. The question is WHAT to write. I mean, why do people even blog (or vlog) in the first place? It feels a bit narcissistic when I'm writing about me, at no one's request, for the world to see. Then I remember that one person who lost a child and needs some support (been there twice), or that one person who just started teaching and really needs some good classroom tips (been doing it for 30 years), or that one person who loves travel stories because travel is not an option, or that one person who loves photography, or scrapbooking, or quilting, or costume design...

photo credit: Wren Weichman

It's all about THAT ONE PERSON who somehow finds their way through a myriad of personally opinionated bloggers and lands on mine because I hit a tender spot in a heart that needs my specific words. For whatever reason.

One person. It can start an avalanche of recovery, revelation, or maybe just a much needed rest from an otherwise chaotic day.

Sometimes I am that one person. Sometimes I just need myself to stop and listen to what I have to say to me. Or maybe I'm just clearing my head. Whatever the reason, I often feel pulled to my blog, like others are pulled to the beach or the mountains. It clears my head and helps me feel a bit more fulfilled. So why have I been ignoring it for TWO YEARS????

Life. It sweeps us up and carries us away while we are still looking back and reaching for that which we might never have, nor should we. It's what happens while we are pursuing what we THINK is our life, but actually, our lives are what happens while we live each day, each moment, each breath.

I am blessed enough that I will be able to retire from teaching and work from home while getting my son through the last 6 years of school. I love my job, it's been amazing, but I love my son more. My job isn't a typical teaching job. I teach high school theatre. I work long hours on my feet building sets, hanging lights, sewing costumes, coaching actors, and producing plays that cost thousands of dollars. I teach teenagers how to have successful lives in whatever they pursue. My body is tired, it needs a more gentle life. Thank God (and her team) for giving me additional skills to supplement my retirement income at such a young age. ...and yes, 54 at retirement is young, I know. Like I said, I have been blessed.

There are so many people out there far better at my skills than I, working as hard or harder, and just as connected, but their lives don't have the blessings that I have had. Maybe, just maybe, something I say in my blog will find its way to THAT ONE PERSON who needs my words. ...and maybe that one person is me. Reminding myself that I am loved. I am strong. I am smart.

So, as I approach the last year working at my theater, and I begin looking ahead to my next stage of life, making plans and rebuilding my efforts as a photographer and private acting coach, I will be getting back to my blog so I can keep myself in check while hopefully giving a little something to that one person who needs it.

Thank you for visiting, reading, and commenting. I hope you return. Spread the word, share the love.

Pieces of the Puzzle: Part 3, A Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 18:18:00 +0000

In August I took my son with me to our nephew's wedding in Oregon. We went to Washington for a few days first, then off to Oregon and a really cool winery to see Wren marry his love, Jenna. Weddings are so beautiful, and the joy in the faces of these two says it all. Gotta love love!

The moms...

The dads...

Me with my travel buddy...

Wren is a special effects creator and this is a re-enactment of a scene from a video he did... great idea to personalize the photo shoot with his groomsmen, who also work with him. Check out their work on You Tube here and here.

The cake...

The bride...

The groom...

The girls...

The vows... Jenna's mom officiated her own daughter's wedding! SO cool!

The kiss...

The joy...

The vineyard...

The goofballs...

The flowers...

The cake? ...or a stolen kiss...

Oops, need a new knife to cut for the guests!

The dance...

...and the PAR-TAY, BAY-BAY!

So as the pieces of the puzzle to my life fall into place, I hold this past summer dear to my heart as I got to travel, create new memories while healing from the old, and spend precious time with the people who mean the most to me. I have no idea how the puzzle will look when it's all done, years from now I hope, but these images will stand out as my best memories of 2014.

None of us ever know what we are going to be faced with, but we do know what makes us happy and who brings us joy. Those are the moments that will hold the puzzle together to create an amazing image of our lives. The more pieces to put in the puzzle just means a bigger image in the end.

Pieces of the Puzzle: Part 2, Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 17:39:00 +0000

After a few weeks at home, I took my son to visit my brother & sis-in-law in Brisbane Australia. This is one beautiful city! I loved the way all the buildings were more like architectural art work. The modern feeling of an upscale life was enhanced with the gorgeous parks, paths, the river and all it offers, and the amazing churches. While it is a newly thriving city, there is an underlying feel for the history and the culture. These people respect nature. They have to, if they don't it will bite them in the butt!

My brother has a great view from their balcony!

Getting in some time with the quad-copter

The cliff across the water has a jogging path along the water, and rock climbing wall to the street level.

My brother, David, and his beautiful wife, Tory.

Pieces of the Puzzle: Part 1, England

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 16:36:00 +0000

The more time passes the more things I do, & the things in the past become more of a piece to a puzzle & less of a major event. SOME things, however, remain major events. Since I don't blog as often ...ok hardly at all anymore, and I want to catch up (even though the few reading this probably already saw these in other network posts) so here are a few of the things I've been doing that are still main events and will be the defining memories of 2014 as the puzzle of life continues to complete itself.

In June we took 9 of my theatre students to England for some theatre work & self discovery of sorts. Man I love that place! I go every time I get a chance, but experiencing it through the eyes of young actors is the best!

A couple of my students got to perform a scene from Taming of the Shrew for the public in Stratford.

At the Globe in London we attended a workshop on acting

In the lobby of The Globe Theater the actors in the company were rehearsing for a show.

...and taking giggle breaks.

My husband & I were so blessed to have such great students willing to hang out with our son.

Years ago, we took our oldest daughter to England a few times. I have some of my best memories in Bath, because of her. She passed away a few months after her last trip there, & I was anxious to return. When we arrived I was suddenly overwhelmed with the pain of her absence and could not face the tour. While one of my students took the role of leader for the tour, my husband took me with our son around the city to create new memories. Instead of remembering the pain of an empty heart that I felt that day, I remember the beautiful day and the great time we shared walking around. Bath Abby was a place I have never had a chance to enter, and my son would have nothing to do with it, but Joseph had finished his role as leader of the tour with his peers, so he went inside with me. It is so beautiful.

Stonehenge.

Poppies. Everywhere.

Street art.

Food that makes me laugh.

Attending another, very exciting & challenging workshop.

Just grabbing a moment with Duc. I love this guy!

Yep. It was actually as good as it looked in the window.

Another Duc moment. hehehe

My boys

One day after we left, Sir Patrick Stewart was here & posted a picture of himself with Yoda. Sometimes my timing really sucks!

Westminster Abby

Windsor Castle

This show was SO GOOD!

Practicing panning with my camera.

Joseph ROCKS!

Lord Lawrence Olivier. My early inspiration.

Actor on a break.

Up next... Australia!

You're HOW old??? Rock On!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 14:36:00 +0000

It seems time is getting away from me faster and faster every day. SO much has happened in the blink of an eye. Since my last blog post I have buried a dear friend & co-worker, Angela Kinman, I have watched as two amazing former students find success in the entertainment business: Lindsey Morgan as Raven in The 100 on the CW, & Desmin Borges as Edgar in You're The Worst on FX, I watched my nephew get married, I took my theatre students to England, I took my son to Australia, and my husband took me to Vegas when I turned 50!!!!

So where do I begin my meditation? What part of this incredible roller coaster of a journey do I focus on first? I am numb. My body is tired all the time, but my mind still wants so much.

Since this is a photography blog, and I'm on my new computer which does not have the photos of most of these memories, I think I'll simply start with what I do have close at hand...

POINT BLANK

I had the honor of photographing TWO Point Blank concerts, one in Houston, then in Austin. These guys still got it, after 40 years of rocking' the world! Among their hits are Mean To Your Queenie & Nicole. Those of you who were growing up in the 70's will remember that pretty much any baby girl born to the name Nicole has these guys to thank! People are shocked when they find out I'm 50, but seriously, the real amazement goes to Rusty Burns and the guys, who can pull out the late night rock-n-roll like they are still in their 20's! John's voice fills the absence of those members of the band who are no longer on Earth as if they are still singing along side him. Larry's keyboard-lovin' fingers bring down the house, Mouse plays the guitar like he's Rusty's twin, and with Kirk on bass & Greg on drums they are an amazing team, creating the foundation of the music and keeping the dance floor packed! Getting to shoot their shows was such a privilege, and I have been invited to continue doing so any time, any where... We are hoping for a summer in Europe in 2015, so if you hear they have a show in your area, be sure to see it! These guys are a blast from the past & age is irrelevant!

Thanks for reading my blog! Leave a comment and be sure to return for the next one (who knows when that will be).

Dance Hall & Saloon, or just a Texas Style Man-Cave?

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 02:07:00 +0000

Nick & I had the honor of being included in the grand opening celebration of the 1836 Dance Hall & Saloon, a great big party room behind a friend's house. Dave Roberts & his beautiful wife Rose welcomed good friends to enjoy a night with TessieLou & the Shotguns Stars who were absolutely wonderful!

Everything in the 1836 has a story. From the Frio river pecan floors to the black walnut bar. The old signs, the collectables, & in case you missed it, the huge Pearl Beer sign on stage.

As is the case with any good Texas Dance Hall, you must have dancing! ...and we did! My absolute favorite couple to watch dance together is Chay & Yvonne Turnbow, they move together with the kind of synchronicity that can only be found in years of love together. Everyone else managed to keep up just fine!

Dave is the author of Patriots of Treason, & he will be delivering more in the future. His passion for Texas, & his knowledge of the history are evident in the decor.

But there is more... there is always more...

Meet Lone Star the longhorn, died of old age...

The "other styles" of wall decor..

look closely at the wallpaper... damask you say???

The stories, the introductions, & the laughs filled the Dance Hall.

and let's not forget the fire pit!

It was a wonderful time with old friends, and many of the Band of Brothers were able to make it out.

On healing after child loss...

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 16:25:00 +0000

Well August has come & gone. The birthday month for both my girls, whom we lost in their first years of life. Usually, at this time of year, I post stuff about them & what it's like living with the pain. I try to be positive, I do all the things that seem to work, etc... but not this time. I don't know why. Maybe I'm just tired of doing all the same things AGAIN, maybe I'm just tired of giving it my energy, or maybe I'm just tired.

But the pain has reared its ugly head more this year. Cheyenne was supposed to celebrate turning 18, going off to college, voting for the first time, & all that comes with being a new adult. Emily was going to be 12. Ahhhh adolescence! No comment there. Given the sheer beauty of this child, I'm sure the boys would have been running away from the point of a shotgun about now. Her porcelain skin, jet black hair, & eyelashes that could sweep a floor would be irresistible to any smart young boy.

As for me, I just put my head in fantasy. I spent hours watching marathon runs of Merlin, took David to the pool, ...well, ok, I dragged him to the pool kicking & screaming something about wanting to stay home & play minecraft all day. As usual, the school year began with a week of teachers' inservice. Day three was Cheyenne's birthday, the first of two in one week. I woke to the alarm, sat up & the fountain of tears came rushing in ...no, they came exploding in! I could not stop. All the way to work, sitting in my office, sitting through meetings. I called my department chair, Cindy, to say I would be late to the meeting, not sure if I could be around anyone. She lovingly said come anyway, we will hold you.

Thank God for Cindy.

I got it out of my system, & by the time we had finished the workday, been to the cemetery to do flowers, & gone to eat, I was way better. The next birthday, for Emily was much easier. I had a classroom full of students who politely sat through the first of what will be many moving stories I share with them to teach them that love never dies. It stays with you for ever. I spent that day not teaching theatre, but teaching faith. That's right, I taught about FAITH in a public school. DEAL WITH IT!

Did you know that Shakespeare lost a son? He understands.

The last several years I thought I was healed enough to start talking to the public, ideas of Ted Talks have been floating through my head, starting a support group at the school for the teenagers who have lost their family members, etc... I was HEALING!

I revisited my old support group with a friend who brought her neighbors, newly bereaved, to the meeting. When it was my turn to talk I lost it. After 14 yrs I found myself a total inconsolable mess. I guess I am not healed yet. What was I thinking? I have been self-medicating my grief with hobbies out the ying-yang, staying so busy that I won't have to feel the pain. I chose (smartly) when to let it out... because I was in control ...yeah, right. Whatever.

As a theatre teacher (long hours all year) & a mom of a 7 yr old boy, I have plenty to keep me busy, but now I know it is time to step back, face the music, & deal with the pain. I'm still not sure how I will do this, but I have to. Never once in all these years, not even when it was happening... and it happened TWICE, did I ever question God's plan. Never once have I said "why". One thing I am proud to say is that I have an unusually strong relationship with the creator of the universe, not influenced by religion, but by my own relationship with God. What I say & do each day is between Him & me, no one else, & I know that my God will hold me through it all just as I held my children through it all: with LOVE, COMPASSION, & SUPPORT. ...even when I'm wrong.

I was recently given a great gift from a student & her mom. It is the memoirs of Barbara Bush, signed with a beautiful note...

She & the former President have also lost a child. Their sweet beauty, Robin, was 3 yrs old, as was Cheyenne. I remember after we lost Cheyenne, our first of the two, as we attended the Astros games, with seats just a couple sections down from the Bush family, I would spend more time watching the First Lady as she kept scores on all the players than I spent watching the game. I would just sit there & think to myself "If she can do all the things she has done, so can I!" God put everyone together on this planet so we could commune, support, and provide as needed for one another. Religion is irrelevant, but FAITH, good, positive, living-in-the-light kind of faith, is essential for success & happiness. My daughters came to this mortal world for their own reasons, their own impact on the universe. And so did I. Just as they would both be leaving the nest at 18, I must let them go, always keeping them in my heart & my soul. In a letter to his mom, President Bush said:
"But she is still with us. We need her, & yet we have her. We can't touch her, & yet we can feel her. We hope she will stay in our house for a long, long time."

Well said, Mr. President!

My girls live on, celebrating their birthdays, and continuing to teach us how to live in the light.

So I will continue, adjusting each moment to make room for more time to face the music. I will spend more time in meditation, and in faith. Love will get me there.

Shakespeare Meme!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 19:32:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me knows that I love the work of William Shakespeare. I love the way he takes words & creates images, emotion, philosophy, and rhythm. But most of all I love performing it & watching others perform it. After all, isn't that what he intended? I found this little actor performing on Pinterest. This is not my meme, but wanted to share anyway.

Recently I found a free app for my phone called ShakeShare. The first time I found it & began reading all the memes created using his work, referencing his work, or just referencing the old bard himself, I laughed for HOURS. Literally!
....wow, "Literally"? I literally laughed about literature? That was a pun that I did not intend.

This is from Pinterest too.

Anyway, you can find the app here. It's really cool the way you can do things to create a more personalized meme for your use. You can also order paraphernalia from some of the memes, like t-shirts & stuff!

So, after hours of enjoyment, I began getting inspired to create my own Shakespeare memes using my own images. This not only gave me an opportunity to use some really beautiful shots from nature that I have collected, but I also got to revisit some old shots that I forgot I have. These memes might just be the beginning of an addiction! After all, I do have so many images to play with! I just needed an excuse pull them out of the old digi files, & blow off the proverbial dust so they can breath again.

My memes are not so funny, but more inspirational in some cases, & in others just fit the image. I admit, I did not spend hours digging through the thousands of verses penned by the old man, but I did make decent use of the quotes that I got from ShakeShare.

Enjoy going through them! Let me know your favorites too!

One more thing: William Shakespeare is a bereaved parent too. He lost his 11 year old son. After his son passed, he wrote what I believe to be his four greatest tragedies. At a time in history when photography did not exist, no pictures to look at, no recording of his sweet son's voice, and only a painting for those rich enough to afford one, the pain and emptiness of living without his son must have been monstrous! I found this meme on Pinterest too. I understand totally.

Bald Eagles. Lots and lots of Bald Eagles!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 16:15:00 +0000

Not much to say, just sharing some images. Enjoy, & leave a comment letting me know what shots are your favorites & why.

Babies stay with their parents a long time, & they don't get their white feathers til around 5 yrs old.

Exploring nature through photography is way more fun with my family. I still want to see the shots David got with his great lens!

Marie, my twin, was our tour guide for the morning. She lives in the area & took us where we needed to be. She let us do the work, & I'm glad I turned to see what she was doing in time to catch this peaceful moment she was having.

"Oh crap. Here comes trouble."

"Hey now, there's enough for everyone."

"...oh. I guess they had something else in mind. They need to get a room."

"Give it up, Mr. Eagle. We have you surrounded." says the starfish.

The babies of the clan. Waiting for their white feathers to come in must be like a teen waiting for his drivers license to arrive.

It's the Little Things...

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 16:23:00 +0000

Choosing where to travel first involves things like budget & timing. I love love love to travel. Somewhere in me is an explorer that gets to get a breath of fresh air from time to time. There are so many places I want to go, but each summer I end up in the same place. Why? Family. How does one choose between the love of family & the desire to explore? I face that choice each year as I plan the summer for my son & me (my husband does not like to travel).

This year the decision was a no brainer. My mom is turning 80 in September. We never give her a party because it's not in the summer when the family can get together. My twin had the bright idea this year to give mom an "Almost 80" party. We celebrated last month, when the family could all get together.

The trick each year as I repeat the same travel destination (thank God I love the place!) is to find ways to work in the explorer's desires with the same family trip. This year I chose to take my son whale watching (see previous post).

Some time after I lost my oldest daughter, our family gathered, everyone's children in tow, etc... & one of my brothers joyfully announced "WOW! What a rare thing to have everyone together at one time!" My heart sank. No, it plummeted to the depths of hell. I quickly said "Not everyone is here." then I had to leave the room for a moment. I did not want to ruin his joy, but the fact was that NOT everyone was there. My daughter was gone & would never be in another family photo, or our arms again. We would NEVER have the whole family together again, & I seemed to be the only one who realized that. In a family of 7, each with their own, one tiny person can be forgotten easily enough. It's the little things.

Time spent with many of my family members, cousins included, is ALWAYS fun & exciting, even in the down times. It's in the little things that we find our joys. This post is to remind us all how to find those little things & celebrate them, because nothing is perfect, nothing is pure, except the love God has for us. That love is shown in the little things & if you look you can see them everywhere.

Here is just some of what I found on this trip....

My new blouse from Cory, he only paid a $1!!!!

My mom's decor, & Wren, my nephew, feeling comfortable enough to grab my camera & shoot pictures. I love his eye. Did I mention he's an FX film & video creator in LA?

He got this shot too: my brother David (D1) with my son David (D2).

New additions to the family. Meet Jenna, Wren's fiancé!

Do I need to explain?

That moment when texture hits lighting over a great model, my twin, Marie.

Wren with my camera again. ...and hammocks with quilts on them. Gotta love it!

Getting to see my nieces & nephews all grown up. For a twice bereaved parent like me, that is really something to celebrate!

Pictures in pictures.

My oldest brother, Steve, bonding with my son.

Color, Contrast, & Perspective!

Cory, former student of mine & now best friend, becoming part of my family. OK, as a teacher this is more than a little thing, but it's the little things that got us where we are.

Flowers. Cheap flowers.

Again with the color, contrast, & perspective. You never know as you walk along a street, thinking you are done with the errand, what little thing will catch your eye!

'nuf said.

Humor, truth, & beauty where you least expect it. Two previous shots of this guy w/out my twin, and she jumped in & he lit up like the sun!

Too many little things to mention. I love this shot! What little things do you see in it that bring you joy?

Fresh salmon, not that stinky stuff shipped to Texas that we say is fresh.

Story time.

More story time.

Lone Star beer, not sold in Washington, but yet there it is ;)

The fact that the only person smiling for me has pink hair. Love it!

Dinner in the orchard. ...and more story time.

Pretty little things.

Comparing notes on their twin spouses?

In the words of Marie, this shot is proof that my husband, Nick, actually made this trip! Little things can represent big things.

Fun labels

Spontaneous moments that grow.

The little things.

Life is never what we imagine...

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 03:46:00 +0000

This year's annual tip with my son to the pacific northwest included a trip to see whales in the wild, their natural habitat. This ain't no Sea World!

I decided to support what David was learning in school & encourage his new passion for whales & sharks. He, like most of us, prefers Orcas, & was so stoked to see them...

We saw two Minke whales. From a long way away. I used my 500 mm lens, scoped out to the fullest, to get these shots. He never saw them. We never saw any more that day.

We froze. We got soaked in the rain.

But he had fun. He had fun with his aunts & one (kinda) uncle. He had fun with the boat ride. He had fun exploring.

I was bummed. I had to settle for details of a boat ride. Light houses, sea lions & puffins.

You gotta admit, puffins are cute, & apparently have dwindled to only 12 couples left in this HUGE area. So we actually saw something even more rare than whales in the wild!

...and oh yeah, this bald eagle.

So I took my son out for another look a few days later. How is it that we could go to a place where it rains about 10 days a year (rain shadow they call it) & we managed to book our boat rides on a rainy day both times??? So, this is how my son passed most of the 4 hr tour on our second attempt.

Then, three hours in, we saw humpbacks! Not Orcas, but cool all the same. At least I thought so. David was less thrilled & continued to sleep... I tried waking him, three times, but no luck. He slept... missed almost all the whales...almost. When he woke, he came up top just in time to catch this, right by the boat, no long lens needed. He didn't need every moment, just the best moment.

At that point it was time to return to shore. Dad picked us up & we three went camping. David had more fun than words or pictures could ever tell. ...and Dad had even more.

Me? I got a wonderful two days away from my world of pain, depression, and continual efforts to stay joyful on a daily basis. I found beauty in the simplest things.

The routines of daily life make us forget what matters. Having another chance to be a mom again, with all the work that comes with it, is a daily blessing, but it is the joy I relish in on these trips.

The occasional visitor, with all the demands of a trained soldier, was quite fun too!

so, while THIS is what I had imagined (not my photo obviously)

THIS is what I got...

...a good trade in my book!

Babies! Babies! Babies!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 17:21:00 +0000

This was the spring for newborns I guess! It's always fun to see what the tiny humans, only in this world a few days, can do to a bunch of adults! If you ever think you have a plan in mind, throw it out the window when you are photographing newborns!

Relish in the surprises they bring!

Meet baby Tatum...

Meet baby Kirby...

Don't worry, we had three people supporting him, then I edited them out of the shots here...

Meet baby Allison...

The definition of Family...

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 16:33:00 +0000

OK, so I keep doing this, letting life pass me by too fast! Now all of the sudden I have nearly 4 months of blogging to do! I've been so busy shooting sessions, closing out the school year, and going on my annual trek to the great pacific northwest.

So, where do I begin to catch up??? I'll just do it randomly. Here are some highlights of a recent shoot with a family. FAMILY can be defined many different ways. While the core, traditional family has its place, the extended family, in this case Elizabeth's brother, can add great depth & value to the core group. Elizabeth's husband has this adorable pre-teen daughter he brought into their family as well. Cory was an amazing help as my assistant of course!

Finding life after loosing a child...

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:36:00 +0000

It's been nearly 2 months since my last blog... wow, that sounds so cliche! February & March are filled with highs and lows. My birthday, our theatre competition, & springtime in Texas are the highs, but the lows are as low as you can get. My daughters passed during these months. Emily in February, & Cheyenne in March. Very dark time for me, especially this year. It's been 10 yrs since we last held little Emily, a major milestone, & as the 14th year passes without Cheyenne we also are faced with the fact that Cheyenne would have been a senior this year. No prom. No Sr. portraits (difficult for a photographer in me). No graduation.

Grieving is necessary. So is choosing when to grieve.

But sometimes you get blind-sided, and this year I got hit hard.

So, to counter attacked the pain, I focused on the highlights of these last weeks and here they are: The Rodeo, & a contest performance with my students... first, the Rodeo!

Nick & I enjoyed the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo with two very good friends, and former theatre students, Andy Dawkins (aka Mikey) & Jeff Chumley. Styx was the guest performance that night, so of course we went in honor of Cheyenne. She used the song Come Sail Away to tell us she was leaving us, and Lady to let me know I was hers. Go here for that story & more shots of another Styx concert we went to.

Next I took my students to the annual UIL One-Act Play contest where we performed scenes from A Midsummer Night's Dream. Shakespeare's work is my passion, and we had a blast! Individual awards were received for their performances and we were the only company in 10 to get a full house standing ovation! YAY!!!!!!!

(Disclaimer: our set had been taken to the contest sight, so these shots are with the rehearsal set, ugly!)

passing time in the dressing room at contest before our show goes up...

...and the AMAZINGLY supportive parents of my students! Apples don't fall far from their trees, & these parents are the reason my students are SO WONDERFUL!

So now I will fill my next few months with more theatrical productions, photo shoots with clients, and fun in the fair weather of springtime with my beautiful little boy. Loosing a child is indescribably tormenting, & that never goes away, but love is real. Love is permanent. The love I have for my girls will never die. I am honored to have been their mom.

Free PS Valentine's Day Template!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 15:54:00 +0000

In celebration of my birthday...

Just a quicky to share this template I made with you. Feel free to take & use! Please share the results with me, I'd love to see how you used it!

Copy or download the image (jpg) If you have problems, I'll have it on my Facebook fan page as well.
Open Photoshop
"Place" it onto your layer as an image
Then add your personal valentines photo(s) and save as a jpg.

It's that simple!

Here you go... ENJOY!

SCRAPBOOKING!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 16:30:00 +0000

Well, I have not shared any scrapbook pages in a while. So here are some layouts I've done. Not much to say, just trying to stir up my mojo for a day of crafting. This is how I escape & refuel for the week.

OK, sometimes I don't check my spelling & I need to re-do it. Like in this one.

And then there are those pages that I photographed with my phone...

I forgot that I already did layouts for my recent snow trip, & I did another set! Where has my brain gone????? So, which set do you prefer? What's your style?

SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 04:24:00 +0000

Well, this Texas lady & her Texas boy had a quick run to Washington in early December. My twin sister (the one in red & white) took us to play in the snow, & we lucked out by arriving to the national forest just minutes after they opened the road for the season. Why does that matter? We were the first to the top (ok, after the employees) and we played and played in perfect snow. It was overcast, a storm blew in, & visibility was low for most of it, but it surely was a winter wonderland! It brought back a few memories of walking to pre-school when we still lived in Wyoming, and assured me that I am glad we moved south. I love visiting, but I wouldn't want to live in it! My son, on the other hand, never wanted to play in the Texas cold, but now that he's been in REAL snow, he can't get enough of cold weather at home! I think we made a mountain man out of him!

Photographing 2012: Do I continue another year?

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 19:56:00 +0000

This blog post is heavy with links to other sites and people. Look for the light grey color in the linked words if you want more info on any subject in this post.

2012 was not a bad year, but it was a slow year as a photographer. Those of you who follow my blog regularly know that I am also a high school theatre teacher. After 25 years in the classroom & on the stage with students I am ready for a change. For the last 5 years I have been running my own photography business as well. I have a goal to get Rainbows'n'frogs functioning as a strong enough source of income that I can leave teaching. It's not that I want to leave teaching so much as the fact that my 6 yr old son is basically growing up without a mom. I miss everything he does in school, & he has no social life because I am not available to be his taxi. Enter GUILT, stage left.

Add to that the fact that 2012 was not forthcoming in photo shoots, in fact I only had a few all year, a BIG drop from the previous few years of high activity. Then there is the proverbial camera crash that I experienced recently while starting a session with a large family. Thank God for 2nd cameras! ...even when they are not as good.

In reviewing my favorite shots of 2012, I can see that most of my work is for my own productions at the high school, including free head-shots for my student actors. That does not put food on my son's plate. I love taking pictures! I love all types of photography! I love each part of the process from booking a client, to the session, & the editing process. I love it more than teaching, if I am going to be honest.

So where does that leave me? I need to rethink my plan. Something has to give. If Rainbows'n'frogs is going to grow I need time to promote it. That is something I have too little of these days. I can't quit teaching until Rainbows'n'frogs is a strong enough income, & I can't make it strong enough unless I quit teaching & give it the time it needs. Anyone else in this boat with me????

This is the part where I ask you to comment here so I can get some feedback on my dilemma. I'd love to hear what you think, and you can post your comments here or on my business Facebook page. While you are there, be sure to click the like button to show your support if you like my work.

Thanks again for your continued support as we all take this journey of life in our own little ways.

Enjoy the year in review!

Senior-directed one-acts...

Meet former student, now actor, Desmin Borges. You might recognize him from the film Mr. Popper's Penquins, among other things. We inducted him into the Wall of Fame at the high school last spring.

Anyone remember our musical car wash? They sang musical numbers while they washed your car!

Meet Dave Clemmons, actor, singer, & Broadway casting director. He came to speak to my students last summer.

Headshots ...just a few of the collection

Jekyll & Hyde, the musical

2012 was the first time I performed in a show at the high school. I did a one woman show called Amelia Lives. That's right, I played Amelia Earhart. I had three weeks from the first day I cracked the book to opening night. Was it perfect? Not even close! Did I inspire my students? I certainly hope so! Was it fun & worth it? You bet your sweet ...uh...face... it was!

The Uninvited

I photographed two actors & photoshopped their images into props for the show.

You can see one hanging on the wall above the fireplace. It's a "painting".

The Crucible

Our anual Broadway Revue: Broadway stars Chuck Wagner & Andrea Rivette spent a week working with my students, then performed live with them. It is always such a great joy to host them!

Just hanging out in my office goofing off.... or working? Yes, that's what we were doing, ...working.

Andrea is coaching a student before the show.

Chuck is welcoming the audience & talking about the importance of supporting the arts in public schools.

I always catch so much trash from Chuck for doing this number from Jesus Christ Superstar, it's seriously difficult, but I love challenging my students, pushing them to the edge, & showing them just how far their talents can take them. ...Is that a female Judas??? Yes! ...and she ROCKED!

Beautiful Andrea, with an angelic voice! Just thinking of her makes me smile, & sometimes even laugh out loud!

And my clients from 2012...

Andrea Rivette was kind enough to let me shoot her, despite her very painful injury she acquired while working with my students the day before!

Meet Tyce, the Audition Consultant. He's an amazing actor, singer, & vocal coach. He's also one of mine :)

Senior sessions

Remember these guys from a recent post? Mark Younger-Smith, & Kirk Johnston at Mark's music studio.

One WONDERFUL thing about my work: I have returning clients! In fact, they make up the bulk of my sessions!

And the debut of my most recent session, you know, the one where my camera decided not to shoot. 2nd cameras are a MUST on any professional equipment list!

...and finally, my personal highlights of 2012

I have always loved other photographers' street shots, but never my own. This is one I did that I actually like.

David meeting his 1st grade teacher.

Yep, that's me, flippin' on a bungie!

A quick trip to Washington to play in the new winter snow with my twin, Marie, & to see my cousin, Will, perform in the world tour production of How To Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular.

This is Marie

As always, I want to give a HUGE shout out to my best friend, Cory, who is such a great help on my photo shoots! I love you Cory!

How To Train Your Dragon, Live Spectacular!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 03:31:00 +0000

I had the luxury of being able to take my son to Seattle to see family for a quick weekend while also catching my cousin, Will Watkins, in the live production of How To Train Your Dragon. I knew the movie well, and I knew this would be an amazing show, but I had no idea just how much. A couple days later I found myself standing in front of my classes all day long describing the show and the amazing scope theatrical history it covers. They had aspects of Greek theatre with the use of arena staging, they had traditional puppet theatre, shadow play theatre, even musical theatre. They had pantomime, and I was quickly reminded of my own neglectful habbits when it comes to teaching mime in the classroom. Ironically, I used it myself recently in a one woman show. I used mime almost entirely. As if that was not enough it was a clear sign of direction theatre is going. More & more I see theatre with the use of modern technology such as projections, remote controlled sets, & intelligent lighting. Don't even get me started with what we can do with a digital sound board! This show had the history of theatre built into the script of How To Train Your Dragon. The use of helium-filled bubbles, upside-down train tracks above the stage, and the lights! Oh my the lights. My son was on the edge of his seat the entire night. I don't think I saw a bad seat in the house either, it was a great view from any seat I could see. Excellent show! Very well done!

Will played Gobber. It was great fun, & we got a tour backstage after the show! I loved the ships on the water of lights, so I was thrilled to see how they were made. The organization needed for such a huge production, that loads in & out in 72 hours each week. is a monster!

This is the classic example of what can happen if your battery is about to loose its charge. I could not get an accurate reading & missed the moment (on camera that is).

Amelia Lives!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Crocker) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 02:59:00 +0000

I had the rare opportunity to perform as Amelia Earhart in a one woman show a couple weekends ago. On the heals of closing Jekyll & Hyde, I jumped into the script with the help pf director Dan Kutsko, & the next 3 weeks was a whirlwind of theatre. The show was in the black box, with about 50 seats, & an abstract set to be used as many different places throughout the flash-back of the kife of the famous aviatrix. The booster club was raising money for their Sr. scholarships. It was great fun, & hard work!

The company...

The show...

It was such a joy to see old faces... alumni from years past came to see the show. What a great time!

...and very special friends!