Ahhhh – Friends – do I have a treat for you if you love blooms! This year, Laferne and Alex invited me to their home to photograph Alex. I’ve done her pictures since before she was one year old, and it makes me pretty sentimental.  I’ve adored this girl since the moment I met her, and seeing her blossom into the beautiful young lady she is makes me so aware of how quickly time is passing. My goodness, only yesterday she was so excited to find acorns in the fall and politely asked if she could please take some home. Laferne, you and Rex have raised a phenomenal young lady with a heart of gold and a beautiful soul.

Let me tell you, the Rigdon home was a photographer’s dream come true, and it has definitely inspired me to dig some holes and plant more Crepe Myrtles.   Iff all the blooms I encountered are evidence, Laferne doesn’t have just a green thumb; she has a whole green hand.  I could just sit and stare at the reds, pinks, yellows, and my favorite – the purple blooms for hours, and everywhere you look, there was something else in bloom and casting golden light everywhere. It was breathtaking, and at the same time, so relaxing and tranquil. Laferne always tells me I take too many pictures, and this time I just informed her that I was out of control and it would have to be fine.  She just laughed at me and said, “I told you that you would like it.”  She was right.

Alex, you are a gem and a breath of fresh air in this world. I’ve never seen a more pure soul and precious heart. I’ve been witness to so much of your heart and kindness towards others, and I know that you have been a gift from God to all of us who know you. No one is perfect, but in my book, girl -you are pretty close. I hope you have a wonderful 17th year and that it’s the best yet. Love and blessings, -Pat