LEOPARD (Patreon)

Hi. 

I apologize for my brief absence; if you haven't seen the progress of my week elsewhere, let me just say, it has been an emotional whirlwind. I've not been able to work in a week now because my laptop of almost a decade finally had to be replaced. Directly after this, I got the news that my grandmother had passed away. Needless to say, it's been a lot.

Figuring out the laptop situation was agonizing. All of a sudden, she just didn't work anymore. My best friend from high school works in IT now at the college we both attended. He worked tirelessly with me trying to fix her, but alas, it was no good. He is pretty sure he can at least turn her into a Linux system for basic web surfing as a "better-than-nothing" back up, but her days of editing are over. She served me well, so I thank and appreciate her for that. I used that laptop all through college on both my endless academic work as well as my work behind and in front of the camera. I took that baby all over the country, and as much as I am sad to lay her to rest, I can't say I'm sad about dorking around on my brand new baby. Which brings me to my second point... bless good mothers, ya'll. You may be surprised to hear (sarcasm) that I am a poor, starving artist, and I was having an absolute freak out trying to figure out how I was going to work and essentially live life without a laptop. So many people offered to help and some even offered to give me their old devices, but.... my mom, my incredible, kind, selfless mother, took out a new credit card and told me to pick a device. I really do not know where I'd be without family. I feel truly blessed and thankful.

As for the other news, well... it didn't come as a surprise, but that didn't stop the tears or the pain. I've cried so much the past 7 days. My granny was one hell of a woman, and my heart aches knowing I can't hear her thick Appalachian accent, silly similes, or warm laughter anymore. She took a piece of my heart with her. I'll be traveling out of state soon for the funeral. I'm going to try and catch up on as much work as I can, but ya know how it is... thanks for being here.

Here's a throwback to my first time modeling for another photographer in my home studio. Actually, make that first and only time thus far, I think (she is still such a big work in progress, ugh). Shout-out to Mr. Kitty for making a debut in these photos. I really need more pictures with my babies.

LEMPhotography
at Lilli Studios (eh? idea for a studio name?)
Gainesville, Georgia 2023