An Albemarle Autumn...

We've seen many autumns come and go in Charlottesville, and each year are taken aback (given the right weather...the right timing) with the blazing color on the mountains, the vibrant red or gold or bronze of a lone tree, the drying pods and grains in the fields. Yesterday we caught this beautiful farm lane in the rain. While I was busy snapping pictures (and getting wet!), three deer sauntered up in the field you see to the right, curious and alert, but not afraid. See this and other local prints at http://www.mountainglorycreations.com/. And it's not too soon to order your local scene 2010 calendars and holiday greeting cards from our website as well! We're having our third batch of calendars printed this week!

Holiday Greeting Cards Featuring Charlottesville, Albemarle, the University of Virginia!

That time of year is slowly coming our way - the great winter holiday season. If you're interested in sending some beautifully unique holiday cards this year, you may want to check out our colorful local scene holiday cards at www.mountainglorycreations.com under"Other Creations." We can turn any of our online images into a special holiday or Christmas card. What a wonderful way to share the quiet winter beauty of the University of Virginia, the County of Albemarle, or the City of Charlottesville with friends or professional associates. Many clients tell us that they've walked into offices or homes long after the holidays and found their Mountain Glory Creations greeting card pinned to bulletin boards or even framed! Now THAT is making a memory, we'd say!

A Summer Still LIfe...

The art of the still life is alive and well! This recently taken image of a farm's produce display combines the mid-summer color riot of fresh veggies and flowers, highlighted by the early morning sun. (As always, just past sunrise is a 'witching hour' for photographers. It's worth rolling out of bed early and grabbing the cameras!) We've framed and hung this large sized print in our own kitchen - perhaps it would look wonderful in your own kitchen/dining area as well, particularly come next January and February! You can see and order this vibrant print under the "Charlottesville City" tab on our website at http://www.mountainglorycreations.com/.

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/.