Give Me Liberty

One of the things I love most about living in Richmond is its remarkable sense of history. Richmond is one of the oldest American cities, having been settled in 1607, long before we formally declared independence from Great Britain.

At the Second Virginia Convention of 1775, in the presence of over 100 of Colonial Virginia's leaders, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee and Peyton Randolph, Patrick Henry passionately defended liberty with his "Liberty or Death" speech. His fiery speech in support of delivering Virginia militia to the Revolutionary War prompted delegates to shout "give me liberty, or give me death!" and swayed the vote. Patrick Henry's timely resolutions passed by a narrow margin and the American Revolution began the following month when shots were fired at Lexington and Concord.

Reenactments are performed on Sundays from May through September at Richmond's historic St. John's Episcopal Church. Professional actors in authentic 1770s attire engage in the debates and arguments of the Second Virginia Convention. Their performance is powerful and moving, and it stirs American patriotism in the most dramatic way. It's humbling to sit in the original location of the convention, in this simple yet awe-inspiring church, in the same pews where the giants of our infant country sat and debated its course.

Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace - but there is no peace. ... Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Patrick Henry, Second Virginia Convention of 1775

As we celebrate our freedom, I'm proud to remember the pioneers who came before us, and those who continue the fight for us today. Happy 4th of July!

Summer . . .

. . . is a state of mind.

Save the Date!

Save the date for Fetch a Cure's unique animal lovers' event! Fetching Art Night is a collaboration of animal-inspired art from local and national artists to benefit canine cancer research. For an evening of fine art, good spirits and saving lives, stop by!

Friday, April 30th
5-10 pm

Glave Kocen Gallery
1620 W. Main St.
Richmond, Virginia 23220

For more information, call 804.525.2193 or send an email to info@fetchacure.com.

Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of India, proudly beaming over her Blue Great Dane, Charlton. He's only 7 months old and he already has bragging rights to some wall space in Glave Kocen Gallery. Although, try not to feel sorry for him, since he really isn't loved very much.

Not one bit.

In the Depth of Winter

In the depth of winter
I finally learned that there was in me
an invincible summer.
Albert Camus

Apple Pie and Cheese

But I, when I undress me
Each night upon my knees
Will ask the Lord to bless me
With apple pie and cheese.
Eugene Field

A few weeks ago, we spent a perfect autumnal Saturday in Charlottesville.  Our first stop: Carter Mountain Orchard.

During the leaf-brimmed, twisty trail to the top, this was our view.  In the front, grapevines; in the back, mountains.  And a crispy blue October sky.

But, as wonderful as it was to be in the in-between, it was nothing compared to reaching the top.  The view from the top is always the best.  {Almost always.} 

But, the orchard offers more than the view.  For instance - gorgeous, crunchy apples.

And, there's a reason it was our first stop of the day.  I'd make the drive back just for the cider. 

First, we scouted the Fuji orchards.

I think this little guy might just have the best seat in the house.  A penthouse view. 

And, here is my view.

That morning, I made a promise to myself: To photograph those I love as often as I can.  More than I do.  Maybe even more than I should, if that's possible. Years from now - or possibly even weeks - your photographs will be worth their weight in gold.  These are the moments you'll want to remember.  

And on the way down, after we had our fill of Fujis, we spotted this little duo.  All their momma wanted was a picture of them at the orchard, but the littler one was giving her such a hard time.  I'm not sure how children learn the power of a withheld smile and what it can do to a momma's spirit - so I offered to give it a try.  Sometimes, a new face behind the camera is all that's needed.  A few seconds and one shot and here is what we came up with.  Aren't they sweet?  I could have tucked them in my apple bag but their momma would have missed them.

And then we found the Pink Ladies.

Can there be a more perfect name for an apple? 

Joel found some twins.  

And this fuzzy one found some sunshine and a little rest.  Heaven on earth for dogs, I'd imagine.

Enjoy all your perfect autumnal days, and even the not-so-perfect ones.  Some of the best apples have a few bruises.

XOXO,
Kaycee

Philosophy

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces,

I would still plant my apple tree.

Martin Luther