We were busy during the late spring deluge of rain Charlottesville received. One wonderful thing about rain (besides the current lushness and the many shades of green on our mountains) is the way it transforms colors - adding an almost European look to photographs. This image was taken on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall during a recent spate of heavy rain. Note the details of The Nook's iron trellis, the bike, the lights in the windows of the stores and second floor offices, the shining brickwork and vibrant flowers. All were enhanced by the gray skies and rain. This image is available as a print, notecards or half-fold greeting card at our website www.mountainglorycreations.com.

Always watch the Weather Channel...!?

This past week we decided to (literally) climb up the side of a mountain to capture some sweeping images of oh-so-green Charlottesville. At the foot of the mountain, we heard a (not so far away) rumbling of thunder. Laden with cameras, backpacks and water bottles, one of us (who shall remain nameless!) queried "You really think this is a good idea?" "Sure, it's just one of those usual afternoon squalls passing by to the west of us," said the other one of us, who will also remain nameless. Ahem. After we'd trudged one mile UP the mountain, the heavens broke loose and we were caught in pouring rain for the entire time it took to run back DOWN the mountain....frantically stuffing cameras into backpacks, wringing out clothing. Two bedraggled photographers, soaked to the skin, ran one mile in record time (for our ages), we're sure! So note to all nature photographers out there - Weather Channel watching with those 'Locals on the Eights' might make good sense before going up a mountain on an iffy day!

The Scent of Lilac....

The Charlottesville City Market has begun their 2009 season - and last Saturday in her usual round of the market vendors, Jan passed an Earlyville flower vendor's display and caught this beautiful early morning image of several differently colored lilacs and yellow tulips. Funny thing is, the scent of the lilacs drew her to the display before she ever saw the flowers! She followed her nose. The sun had just risen...the flowers were freshly picked...and so many of us seem to harbor fond memories of lilacs. This image is available as notecards or prints at our website http://www.mountainglorycreations.com/.

Many of our customers have asked us to begin a series of Charlottesville T-shirts. After much thought, we have initially chosen our Charlottesville City Market photo montage to grace the front of our initial 'creation' - a crisp, white, pre-shrunk cotton T. The montage is a swirl of vibrant colors representative of the market's seasons - fresh flowers...fresh veggies...orange pumpkins...! Great as a local gift or for your own relaxed wear, sleeping apparel, etc. See more info on the montage or the T-shirt at our website, http://www.mountainglorycreations.com/.

The Seven Days of Valentines....

Plan ahead...a little bit...with our special Seven Days of Valentines series, which can now be found on our website at http://www.mountainglorycreations.com/ under "Other Creations." We provide seven vibrant and beautiful cards with envelopes, each with the caption, "I love you because..." You provide the inside message for each of the seven days prior to February 14th. Send them one per day by post, or hide them in cereal boxes, under pillows, in a lunchbag, etc. A unique treat for anyone who is special to you - from your child to your significant other to your grandad! We'll even include a list of suggested small items to leave with each card as a small token of your caring!

Facebook...we're there!

We just put a page on Facebook! If you have a Facebook account, log in and see us at Mountain Glory Creations.

Mountain Glory Creations Featured on WCAV-TV!

Guess we (and Mountain Glory Creations) had our few minutes of local 'fame' yesterday (January 4) as we were featured in a segment on the local news on WCAV-TV out of Charlottesville, VA. The segment will be on their website for two weeks at http://www.wcav.tv/ if you're interested in seeing our story. Look for "Local Couple Discovers Photography in Hard Times." Their talented and multi-tasking reporter (Liz Palka) was wonderful to work with, and we found her job fascinating as well - its hands on from start to finish - from interviewing to camera work to audio, writing, editing, etc. Her photographic equipment is just a wee bit (!) more intimidating and complicated than ours. Bob and I also know that Hollywood won't be calling us anytime soon:-).