Luna Restaurant: Private Wine Cellar Tour

When my friend Rachelle and I lunched at the fabulous Luna Restaurant in Spokane, WA back in October, we were invited by the staff to take a private tour of their wine cellar. It was completely unexpected, but we delighted in the opportunity to see the work going on underneath the lovely decor of the dining room.

This is Dave, our knowledgeable guide, underlining the many varieties of wine that Luna serves.



The photo below is from a wall covered in corks depicting a wine bottle.
If I remember correctly, it was the handiwork of a manager with far too much time on their hands....and a shot of the beautiful Luna Restaurant. If you're wondering why it looks empty, it's because all the lunch diners have already left.
Love this whimsical display! It's the kind of thing my brain dreams of at night yet rarely designs in real life.

I love the decor. I'd love to own a home outfitted in Luna style.

Sweet Funkylicious

I love it when I happen upon a completely funky home interior. While this may not be the funkiest of funkies, I have to give it kudos for that sweet collection of real paintings hung all over the wall. Definitely the focal point. Who knew I would happen upon such a treasure of a room? All I wanted to find was the bathroom and yet I found so much more...

A walk in Nine Mile Falls

Brody the Golden Retriever, Nine Mile Falls, WA

Jeremy Camp: The Response Video

Ha! I posted a video a few days ago where we recorded singer Jeremy Camp wishing our friends a Happy Thanksgiving. Turns out those same friends went to his concert two days after we recorded the video and they got Jeremy to record a video for us. That's awesome. Too funny.


Jeremy Camp from Donald Hughes on Vimeo.

Portfolio Trip: Walking in Walla Walla

An impromtu portrait before we ventured out into beautiful Walla Walla, WA.


It was the perfect time of year (October) to be walking around Walla Walla. The leaves were in full color and the sun was bright. I felt like I was walking around the set of Anne of Green Gables. A completely gorgeous fall day.

Tyler

My nephew Tyler. If ever there was a good kid, this would be one of them. Well-behaved, intelligent and sweet as can be. He's got a good heart.

Jeremy Camp

Singer Jeremy Camp and I at DFW Airport

On our flight into DFW for Thanksgiving, Jeremy Camp and his band were on our plane sitting all over coach with the rest of us common folk. Jon stepped out of the airplane toilet closet only to come face to face with a very familiar looking man waiting for the next vacant bathroom. Taken aback, Jon stopped and stared the stranger down thinking, "Is that?..." before going back to his seat.

Meanwhile, I'm in the bathroom opposite with no idea that there's a SUPER STAR right there. As I'm headed back to our seats, there's Jon standing up next to his seat, looking down the aisle toward me. I get closer and he goes, "I think Jeremy Camp is on our plane."

"Nuh Uh. Where?!!" We're in the second row of coach and I start peering down at all the seats behind us, both of us still standing while tons of people stare back at us.

"I ran into him coming out of the bathroom," Jon said. "You'll see him. He's got the big muscles and everything. --There he is!"

We banter back and forth, all the while speaking in hushed tones, as this trendy looking guy comes down the aisle from the back of the plane.

"No it isn't!" I say, scrutinizing the guy's face.

"That's him, " Jon says.

"No it isn't." I maintain. His hair is darker than I remember and he's wearing glasses. Two things he didn't have the last time we saw him in concert. "That's not him," I say.

"Yes it is. That's him." Jon's totally confident now. Nodding his head.

"No it's not," I continue to say, but then the guy gets closer, "--OH! Maybe it IS him!" Suddenly, I'm sure of it, too. WHOA, I think to myself, THAT'S JEREMY CAMP!

As soon as the plane lands, we hurriedly get off and wait for him like a bunch of stalkers.

I must say. Jeremy Camp is so nice and genuine. He was about to get on his phone when we accosted him, but he stopped and took the time to talk and tell all about why he was in town and what he was up to for the next few days. Truly such a kind individual.

He and his band create music that is worshipful and from the heart. Jon and I were greatly impressed with his depth of character, but listening to his lyrics and his life story told us that already. It's a great thing, though, when you actually meet the person behind the music and find out that the genuine & kind person on stage and the person in real life are one and the same. Awesome.

The video below was Jon's idea. We have friends who are super-fans of Jeremy Camp, so we had him record a Thanksgiving message for them. Wasn't that sweet of Jon? What a thoughtful guy. I do wish I was in the video though...just for selfish reasons. But I'm happy I got a photo with him.

UPDATE: See the video response our friends got Jeremy to record for us after attending his concert 2 nights after we recorded the video above for them.

Porfolio Trip: "Daddy & Me"

The following photos were taken during a trip to eastern Washington to visit some friends:

The little munchkin on the swing.

No, that is not a wig. Yes, that is her real hair.

I love how their legs are following the same line.Tickles & Giggles

Little munchkin hand.

Portfolio Trip: "Mommy & Me"

My wonderful friend and accomplished artist, Rachelle Tiner, took me to this beautiful Japanese Garden back in October when the leaves were in full color. It was absolutely stunning. And the garden was free! I couldn't believe it. Such a nice garden and they let any 'ole person saunter in. Unbelievable.
Of course, with such a pretty place around us, I had to snap some pics:

Rachelle is such a natural in front of the camera. I just love photographing her!

Evangeline's a beautiful little baby girl. But, geez, look at her mother. I guess it's no surprise!

Look at these delicious boots Rachelle was sporting. Had to get a photo of those.

Evangeline's little boots were adorable, too!

Heidi + Ukulele

Love ukuleles. They're such happy instruments.