Saturday, April 2, 2016

From Late Winter Blues




les dames d'abord/anita pelayo rivera


to 

blushing spring hope


les dames d'abord anita pelayo rivera


things can transform with 



simple stroke 

of 



When my friend Clara 

who owns 

the local vintage shoppe 

clarabel vintage



agreed 

to 

model for me during my 

spring break

we both knew something special

was about to happen

during 

our photo session.


We started to

pretend

our beautiful city 

of 

Minneapolis 

was a Parisian canvas.


les dames d'abord anita pelayo rivera


A dramatic

monochromatic wardrobe

was what we both

had in mind 

to 

realize our vision 

but as the sun brightened

Clara traded in her


Chanel heels



les dames d'abord anita pelayo rivera



for 

golden slippers.


les dames d'abord anita pelayo rivera



We drove back to my home

to the 

ticking of time
 
then

the magic ensued.


les dames d'abord anita pelayo rivera


Clara entered through a portal 



les dames d'abord anita pelayo rivera


les dames d'abord anita pelayo rivera


came out the other side

changed



les dames d'abord anita pelayo rivera




les dames d'abord anita pelayo rivera


and so did I.


les dames d'abord anita pelayo rivera


the clock struck

DONE



les dames d'abord anita pelayo rivera



Clara went back to work



les dames d'abord anita pelayo rivera


but she's still 

and 

always will be

that 



to me.


les dames d'abord anita pelayo rivera


Thank you Clara for providing the tulle dress, brass crown, flowers and the generous play. This was the best spring break I've ever had.

66 comments:

Pilar Abalorios said...

Beautiful ;)

Karena said...

She is gorgeous, how magical Anita!!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Featuring Artist Scott McBee

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Oh Anita I love Clara's innocence, her natural beauty and her willingness to embark in play for the day. Very sweet captures my friend. Anita I'm busy prepping for friends coming for lunch tomorrow and I will respond in an email tomorrow. I have a Spring menu planned and tomorrow will be in the 40's YIKES!
xoxo,
Vera

It's me said...

Anita !!!...happy spring......mijn lieve vriendin...ik hou van je liefs Ria x ❤️❤️❤️

Sandi said...

These are really fun shots. Love the pink dress!

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Anita!
Your photography is outstanding! And Clara made such a lovely model.. What a magical day you two had together.. Thank you for sharing.
Bisous!

"Create Beauty" said...

What a beautiful and wondrous day of PLAY and PHOTOGRAPHY with a lovely model and gorgeous
accessories!!!! I so love that you and Clara have met and can't wait to see what else is in store....
Your photographs capture the beauty and vision of your heart my dear friend.

~ Violet

Beth at PlantPostings said...

Lovely. You are such a talented and creative photographer, and Clara was a great model. :)

donna baker said...

Gorgeous. A real pleasure. I really miss you posting. My favorite blog.

The BUTT'RY and BOOK'RY said...

étourdissant!!!...stunning!!!
la perfection! So délicat !! Such a Pretty Lady...belle femme!!
Yes transported indeed!! Just beautiful!! XX OO Linnie

designchic said...

So beautiful, Anita. What a fun day you must have had! Happy weekend!

Sandra Sallin said...

Just magical!

Sandra

Debbie Harris said...

Anita, you have beautifully captured your friend with the grace of your camera, stunning! You have such a way with words, and this post was captivating.

It was so good to come for a visit, I've missed your loveliness.

Much Love,
Debbie

Suz said...

What a beautiful post. I get your blog in my e-mail and didn't realize I still could come and comment. I have virtually stopped blogging. Maybe I will be back to it maybe not, but I enjoy seeing your beautiful blog and images on instagram!

Little Miss Titch said...

Beautiful....and magical,xxx Rachel and Speedy

Daniela said...

My dearest Anita,
you've made me live a little, wonderful daydream, something like a marvelous fairy tale such as those I read when I was a little child, fancying of princesses and carriages and wonderful castles ... but, of course, here I'm in a Dreamy Castle, where such kind of magic can happen !

Enjoy your weekend, my lovely lady,
sending blessings of joy to you,
with sincere love, esteem and thankfulness

Dany

Taste of France said...

Just lovely!

Méa Strauß said...

A dreamy fantasy came true - so full of beauty and style. And Clara, well... The name alone... sigh...
Anita, your the masteresse (is there such a word?) of wands - in your case the wand is your camera :)
Hugs from Méa :))

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

What a marvellous Spring Break Play you 2 Gals have had....and to enter a Portal is just so magical.....so is coming out the other side with Golden Slippers.....sigh! Happy Spring Dearest Anita xo

Botanic Bleu said...

Anita,
What a fun way to spend spring break! Your friend Clara looks like you two had so much fun. It is amazing how dresses, shoes, flowers, etc... can transport us from our present working world to a parallel universe.

Judith

La Petite Gallery said...

Wonderful character to her face. What a fun day. Where do you get all these fun items.
Can't wait for my grape hyacinths to bloom. Spring is on it's way. We are getting snow Monday.
yvonne

The Dutchess said...

Beautiful..and very professional photography my dear Sister..stunning !!!

Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...

Those photos are amazing, you did a great job transfomring your model into a modern princess. And I see you used your spring break time very creatively!

Robyn said...

Oh, Anita! I love that you shared this magical experience and I can feel both of your souls bared to the moment. I'm so moved by these photos. I see joy, confidence, whimsy and a shared enthusiasm for all things life. Fantastic work and play, my friend. How lucky you found each other. Lots of love to you, my uber talented friend. xoxo

Mary Hone said...

You did great with your portraits. What a wonderful feel you gave the photos. Well done!

Lin from A {tiny} Cottage In The Woods said...

So fun!!! And how I love her princess gown!
Have a lovely day, Anita!
xo,
Lin

jerilanders said...

Fabulous photos Anita. You really are becoming a professional. Your lovely friend and model did a marvelous job of posing and play, and what beautiful skin she has! That dress, is amazing, I would just like to touch it... maybe try it on and do the waltz.

A Joyful Cottage said...

Just dreamy! I love the transformation from working woman to princess, and then -- like Cinderella's clock striking midnight -- our princess must hurry back to work. The frock draped over her arm a lovely reminder of a dream come true. And, oh that dress! Enchanting, and Clara wears it so beautifully. I love how you captured her with her face turned up into the sunshine, sitting in that glorious setting. Breathtaking. I've pinned it to my "Romantic Dresses" Pinterest board and the shot of her dress and shoes to "Pretty Little Things". Thank you my friend for an inspiring start to my day. Hugs, Nancy

Barbara said...

Dear Anita, your friend looks stunning in every single one of your beautiful photographs. You must have had such fun. xxx

Unknown said...

Simply spectacular, Anita. Each image is breathtaking. Such a lovely model and such a talented photographer to capture the exact essence of beauty. Happy to hear that you have enjoyed your moments of spring break in such a creative (and ethereal) way!
Happy Sunday my dear,
xx

Sarah said...

Anita, your words and images are magical. I can just imagine how much fun you two had with this session. I'm so happy I got to view it. Thanks for a bright spot in my day. Happy Spring, my friend!

Lowcarb team member said...

Oh that was such fun, and your images are all wonderful.
I never quite know what we may see in your posts - but they are always wonderful.

All the best Jan

Cynthia said...

It's all so beautiful, Anita, and your model is a perfect Princess! Thank you for this bit of fantasy. . .

Madelief said...

Beautiful photo's of your friend Anita! She looks absolutely beautiful in both her modern and tule dress. Wish I had a friend like yours, who would not mind being photographed.

Happy week!

Madelief x

helen tilston said...

Dearest Anita,

This is a fabulous shoot. Your model, the clothing, style and weather all co-operated. Congratulations.
Helenx

Sylvia said...

Dearest Anita, this is fantastic! I am so happy for you and your beautiful friend for creating such a stylish, joyous and full of love photo session. You must be elated with the results, indeed! Clara has beautiful dark hair and features and I adore this first portrait of her with the sunglasses - great exposure, great pose, great contrast, love the reflection in the glasses. Keep shooting, lovely friend! Soon I will write you an email, explaining what I do with the size of my photos. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on my blog. They are a gift to me (can I keep saying that over and over?) Happy April!

Jeanie said...

These are simply fabulous, Anita. I am awestruck by everything -- your model, the clothes, the setting, the magic. Perfect in every single way.

vicki archer said...

This is such fun Anita... such wonderful, wonderful images of Clara.... Love absolutely everything about this shoot... :) xv

Sandy at You May Be Wandering said...

This is wonderful, Anita!!! It is SUCH a pleasure to see your beautiful photographs along with your poetic words! Clara is an ideal muse! Happy Spring!! xoxo

CiciBianca said...

As always - Ever lovely...

Art and Sand said...

I saw your posts on IG and I love this post. Clara made a beautiful model and I look forward to more beautiful things from the two of you.

Troebadoer said...

Chère Anita,

Les cabrioles de la vie
nous coupent souvent le souffle
nous laissent troublé et muet
“The Unbearable Lightness of Being”, tu sais.
Une chance qu’il existent des valeurs sûres
comme la beauté éternelle par exemple
comme tu nous le montre dans ton blog.
Une création magnifique…

https://youtu.be/JmnYqKl1LzE


On a morning walk,
I tread on a violet:
spring is in the air...

Tammie Lee said...

an enchanting photo shoot
each image i am delighted to see
you two must have had so much fun
absolutely lovely strand of images

La Contessa said...

WELL, THAT WAS FUN..............and to have the COMMENT Section BACK even BETTER!!!!!!!!
LOVED THIS..........I think you should do this EVERY SEASON!
BEAUTIFUL MODEL and BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS............and the VERBIAGE was the BEST!
XO

Karen said...

Anita,
This could become a fairy tale with a few more verses! How lovely your friend is and how beautifully you capture the magic.
xo,
Karen

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Cher ami Troebadoer! C'est toujours un grand plaisir et un délicat moment de vous lire chez moi. Votre poèsie et choix de musique m'enlevent l'âme. Spring IS in the air....

therelishedroost said...

I may have to paint that image of your lovely friend on the settee looking up tot eh sky!What a beautiful post my friend!

Down by the sea said...

That feels like a fairy tale so beautiful! Sarah x

Pura Vida said...

Wow just wow

Stephanie said...

My lovely Anita, what an enchanting post. I was taken away into another world with your beautiful words and whimsical photos. Thank you for taking us on a delightful journey.

Your dear friend is simply beautiful and the perfect model {{smiles}} Love and hugs to you!

Jade said...

Oh Anita, your pictures take my breath away.........so much beauty..........how I love, love, love your style! I´m so happy that you take your own pictures now.......your style is magical!!! And what a beautiful friend you have........the pictures are so wonderful.....Paris pure! I enjoy this so much and I thank you with all my heart! And so happy to meet you at Instagram! Have a lovely springtime,

love & hugs Jade

Red Rose Alley said...

Anita, how did I miss this? Oh my, you have taken some beautiful pictures of your friend, Clara. I love the blush colored dress and the little jewel on her hair. Is that a small crown hehehe? I actually think the first picture of her was so pretty. Oh, I haven't quite mastered the art of taking pictures of people yet, but this is something I hope to get better at.

It's funny that you mentioned Aretha Franklin with the song Spanish Harlem because that is the one that Jess sent me to listen to. I love that version too, but I always remember listening to the other version I posted. I told her that I thought the one by Aretha was probably best for her wedding. :)

Have a beautiful week, and your photos of Clara are exceptional! You made her look like a lovely princess.

love, ~Sheri

Marcia said...

The instagram view was dreamy, but the post is enchanting. I feel as if I'm stepping through the same portal as Clara. So beautiful, every detail, especially that smile.
Do tell me more about your crowns some day, my friend. Stunning.
Thank you for visiting with us in the garden. :)
xoxo

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Bonjour!
Please do drop in again when you can.. I have added a photo of my roses. They are BURSTING with blooms. Thought you might enjoy.
Bisous!

^.^ said...

Every time I attempt to respond to your blog ... the comment box just disappears, my friend ... anyway ... wishing you a very good w/e ... Love, cat.

janice15 said...

Lovely princess with love Janice

Linda said...

Beautiful photos; enchanting post!

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

What a beautiful and playful post dear friend. Clara is simply gorgeous! I'm so happy you are blogging again. There's nothing nicer than time spent with dear friends. :) Hugs!

Christie Jones Ray said...

You sprinkle magic over everything and everyone...and we are transformed. Breathtaking photos, as always, my talented creative dearest friend ...

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Well Anita, your photos are breath taking. I love your poetry as well. Total refinement. Such a delight to see photos of your lovely friend Clara. You spread your magic everywhere. Hope your week is going well. xo

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

My Dearest One,
I have no earthly idea how this post slipped past by me-I check my inbox for your lovely posts as well as my blogroll.
Well, the good thing is that I am here now and I am totally embracing the artistic breathtaking beauty that you have shared of this beautiful princess. Such a glorious and delightful post through the portal of friendship, your writing, and stunning photography!
I am so delighted that you are playing, embracing, enjoying, creating having fun and sharing it with us!
xo
Jemma

Palomasea said...

Beautiful and brilliant. Like you... :) Honored that you are sharing your glorious art and vision...
Parisian dreams have never looked so splendid....and I'm glad you included the movement shot... ;)
Love you, dear one...

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

I've seen you commenting on blogs I visit so I finally came over to see your blog. You are an amazing and creative photographer! I look forward to seeing more of your creativity!

Rosemary-Thyme said...

Wow Anita, I did not realize you were blogging again. Your photography skills are amazing. I can say they are professional quality.

Such an incredible eye for beauty and details. Clara was the perfect model.

So proud of you sweet friend.

Janet
rosemary-thyme.blogspot.com

Lincuden Cottage Life said...

Beautiful blog!!! ;) Gorgeous photos! Stopping by via Jemma's blog to say hello!

Różana Pracownia Wandy said...

Jestem zachwycona blogiem - jest taki kobiecy i bardzo romantyczny i pięknie, naturalnie się w nim prezentujesz - pozdrawiam serdecznie