Jeri #31

Jeri...still as sweet as ever. She was one of the four Pass-A-Grill girls...last, but not least! Judging by her flawless complexion, she's not a fan of the sun, but she humored me by posing right square in it!  

Jeri has a calm presence. Couple that with a jolly chuckle and you've got one happy girl! Look at those blue eyes sparkle! Thank you Jeri for meeting me at that "cute" beach and being a part of my project. 

Connie #30

The excitement that Connie brought to the shoot was contagious. She was friendly, out-going and really, really fun to get to know. Even though she was the third to be photographed in Pass-A-Grille, she remained patient and cheerful as she waited over an hour for her turn.

When it was her turn, I discovered that she was comfortable in front of the camera and was willing to try lots of poses that we suggested. In fact, she "messaged" me afterwards and asked that I not show some of the fun poses that Jenni encouraged! I still have them just in case she changes her mind! 

During our time together I learned that she was one of the "new kids" to our class. That had to be hard to come to a new high school as a junior, knowing no one. She told me about trying out for majorette in her junior year and making it, to her surprise (her words, not mine!). She said that was a good thing and a bad thing, but that's a long story. 

I wish we could have had more time to talk, but it was Jeri's turn. Thanks for taking part in this project, Connie. Maybe at the next reunion we can catch up. I hope so. 

Judy #29

Judy was one of the first classmates living in Florida to contact me. We spoke on the phone several times getting to know each other. She was quite helpful in connecting me with other classmates with whom she thought would want to participate. 

The reason that I describe her as jubilant is because at the time of the shoot, she had just completed a MAJOR medical procedure. She is one strong woman to go what she went through and still be willing to come to the shoot. 

I enjoyed meeting Judy and getting to know her better. Her positive attitude, sweet personality, and beautiful smile were reflected in this image. Judy, thank you for coming to the shoot and being part of the project. Stay well!

Jenni #28

When I was planning this Florida trip, I needed to find a beach on the gulf coast that would be convenient for four of our classmates. I googled "cute beaches near St. Petersburg" and this one came up, Pass-A-Grille. I had never heard of it, but I notified all four friends and set a date and time for the shoot. Had I know that I would have to cross that bridge from hell, also know as the Sunshine Skyview Bridge, I can guarantee that I never would have gone there. Never. (There are lots of videos about it on YouTube, but this one is short. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWIp5dIycBc&feature=endscreen.)

As luck would have it, I didn't have a heart attack and my legs stopped shaking enough to enable me to walk around and find a suitable location. After the equipment was unloaded, I perched myself on a park bench and waited. 

The first to arrive who was driving a snazzy convertible with the top down, of course, and wearing a fedora, was Jenni Cunningham. 

Jenni is a hoot! Happy, confident, caring and generous are just a few words that describe her. Bottom line...she is a good person. Thanks, Jenni for being part of this group and making the shoot so much fun. 

Ray #27

Penny and I met Ray at his home in Estero Beach right after he played a round or two of golf. What a good sport! I know, you know, and the American people know that posing for my project was probably the LAST THING that he wanted to do, but he did. 

This image was taken in the back of his condominium just when the sun was starting to set...a perfect time of day. 

Guys are so easy to shoot...like Ray, they follow directions EXACTLY as directed. I have a theory about that. Do you think they will do anything to speed the process along so they can get away from the camera? Hummm. To me, his session took what seemed like two seconds...to Ray, it was probably an hour! I was able to capture the sun setting behind him, but that will be in the book and it will be beautiful. 

So, there's Ray. Reliable, because he did what he said he was going to do when I was just starting this and that was to be a part of my project. Responsible, because he just is. He has a blog, read it...www.raynasser.blogspot.com. Radiant, because he posed right after playing golf all afternoon. He had a little sun on his face and happiness was reflected in his eyes...he must have had a good score!

We ended the session with a glass or two of wine with Candy, his wife, and two friends who were visiting from Virginia. Thanks, Ray for taking the time to be a part of this. 

Penny #26

Here is Penny Gail Ginger, my friend of many, many years. We lived in the same neighborhood as children, went to Simms Elementary, but lost contact when I moved and went to Miller and then Cammack.  Four years after my move, we were back together, hitting the halls of HHS! The memories we share of those years are priceless. After graduating from high school, we both went to Marshall and spent the summers working in Myrtle Beach.("May I take your order?"...if you know what I mean.) Well, one thing led to another and the next thing I knew, Penny, Barbara, Mary and I landed in Atlanta to seek fame and fortune. Needless to say, that didn't happen, but there are lots of stories to tell, but that would take hours or days or even months. Really. 

After thirty or so years, Penny moved from Atlanta to Fort Myers. Judging from this image, Florida seems to be working out for her. I shot this image in Ray Nasser's backyard in Estero Beach. 

I should have known that she was going to wear purple...it's her favorite color. It all started when she pledged Tri Sigma in college, but she'll deny that. I must admit that the color looks great on her. Her eyes are bright, her cheeks are blushed and her lips are pink! Great smile, Penny! You are lookin' good! 

Linda #25

Now I know that we don't carry around our Webster's everywhere we go, so I'll help you out with this one. Lambent means beaming, luminous and radiant. There you are and there is Linda Lilly Kelly.  

After hanging around Palm Beach with Sandy, I hopped in the car and headed south to Boynton Beach to "shoot" Linda. She gave me great directions and before I knew it I was in her neighborhood knocking on her door. 

Her home has lots of trees and flowers that make it easy to take great shots. Of course, her colorful sweater that matched her beautiful blue eyes, and her pink lipstick added a lot of "pop" to this colorful shot. 

Although we only had a short time, I loved seeing and talking with her. She is such a sweet person who I appreciate being a part of my project.