Nola - Emeril's Place - New Orleans

So I decided to treat myself to one little extravagent New Orleans adventrue. Fine dining at an Emeril hot spot. I chose Nola. In the French Quarter. I was not disappointed. I went in the afternoon on a Saturday. Sat at the dining bar by the kitchen and wood-fired oven. Remember, I am out by myself...so I need the added entertainment and cover :)

When I sat down, I met a couple who just met for a glass of wine and an appetizer. They raved about the crab cake. (which is my standard thing to have when out and about). So, I ordered it. I was not disappointed by either the presentation or yumminess:

So, my meal was awesome.It was fun to watch the lead chef order up and check final plates before they went out. The cook at the the wood-fired oven wasn't too talkative, but still nice. (She cooked my entree') It is a warm place to sit...the only negative for me.

So., chardonnay was excellent, wait staff friendly, attentive and food delish! My crabcake was to die for...and my entree was a fish I had never heard of..drum...which stands for yum when cooked in a  wood fired oven.

Cheers to Nola & Emeril!

PPA - ImagingUSA - New Orleans

So every year the Professional Photographer's of America association has a national conference. I don't go every year. This is my second trip. The beauty of the the conference is that it is kind of whatever you need it to be...research products, vendors, educate yourself, hear amazing & inspiring photogs, get certified, etc.

This year I am in the process of re-launching my business and going full-time. So my adventure/goals for PPA for this year was to rethink my business, research vendors and network...and explore New Orleans.

I wanted to post images sooner...so today I am catching up. 

P.S. I fell back in love with New Orleans and really got to meet some of the the people/artists of NOLA.

Enjoy!

First day in New Orleans. Arrived too early to check in to my hotel, so I went for a walk. Just love the old buildings and signs...

Presenting Art Gecko Graphics

Happy New Year!

To celebrate the new year, I have finally organized, updated and launched my Art Gecko Graphics online art gallery!

Art Gecko Graphics

images of flora, fauna & a bit of funkitude

Here you can find the full line of my images that I present and sell as Fine Art prints and Art Cards in Key West & North Manchester!  Browse and enjoy. Available for framed or canvas wrap wall art or gift cards. Custom orders available.  A work  and passion in progress. 

Enjoy!

Michele Marie

Getting in the Holiday spirit - MARC Plant Store

     For the past 10 years, part of my 'getting in the holiday spirit' has included spending part or most of December in Key West.  This year is no different in some ways and very different in others.  This is my first Christmas without my mother...and my first Christmas as a single mom...So, spending last weekend in Key West was a nice reminder of the things that don't change.

     The annual holiday parade in Key West - I think everyone in KW participated and it was a fabulous event. Visiting and laughing with friends. Amazing decorations. I am in awe every year with the creativity & efficiency of the KW community. Holiday decorations seemingly appear promptly the day after Thanksgiving and disappear appropriately after Sushi drops from the big high-heeled shoe on New Year's Eve...(How do they do that? My decorations have been known to linger until Valentine's day....)

     One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is to visit the MARC Plant Store in Key West. I'm sad that this year I won't have time to buy and set up one of their real Christmas trees. Last year I let my daughter pick the tree. I thought she'd go for the biggest, but she surprised me by selecting one 'just her size'.  

     If you need a little holiday spirit, stop by the MARC Plant Store, smell the pine trees, listen to the music, shop the new, fully stock holiday gift store, check out the hand-decorated holiday wreaths, buy your friend or yourself a poinsettia....and just feel good about giving to an important community organization.

Happy Holidays!  Cheers!

The wreaths:

The store:

  

Family Portrait Month - Warvel Park with the Wagner's

Celebrating Family with the Wagners.

October is Family Portrait Month

This is the 3rd year that I have participated in my association's Family Portrait Month for Operation Smile.  This year we have changed things up a bit....added an event at Manchester College, extended the family booking time period through the end of November and have opened the Halloween Portait Studio early!

This year's set-up features some very friendl little spiders...stop by or call and say 'boo'!  Cheers!

Travel Day

So I travel. A little. I'm a destination photographer. I travel to make pictures of people, places, events.  My main destination is Key West. My home base is in Indiana. I get around to places in between and around. Chicago is a favorite stop.  Last week, I left the Florida Keys at sunrise...kind of like a smile and a wave from an old friend. Bon voyage. See you soon.

Arrived back in Indiana late afternoon in time for a drive in the rain...a welcome home hug. (I know my daughter's hugs are just a short drive away now.)



And, I finally made time and stopped to take a picture of one of my favorite signs...did I mention I love signs...

Now that is a classic, great travel day!  (What's that thing they say, 'it's not the destination, it's the journey that matters most...' something like that.)