Bi-polar-ness, Texas at It's Best!

I sit here, on a bitterly cold, drizzly, cloudy day having just driven home from church with sleet (or "snow" as we frozen-fluff starved Texans like to call it) hitting our windshield.  Yep, we have a cold front.  Funny enough, the other FEW snow times we've had seem to pop up right around Valentine's Day.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE spring here, when we get enough moisture and I think we have this year.  The one thing I'm praying for though... just one pretty snow.  I want snow!  The last time we had a glimmer of it, no sooner did we finish school and grab the camera to go play in the minuscule amount, it turned to rain and dissolved all happiness that day.

It amazes me that just yesterday we had a sunshine wrapped, crisp air kind of day, and today, freezing cold and drizzly.  Texas may be bipolar where her weather is concerned but at least she does it with a "spring" in her step ;)

(P.S.  The Reveal, I'm excited to say, is still coming :)  Just later than I had planned, lol!)

Llano High School: Senior ~ Wesley

When Wesley's mom shared with me that he was in theatre (ya I know, "theater" for we Americans but the other way seems so much more legit, haha) and wanted to continue his education in NY, in hopes of being in television, I had two thoughts...

Yay and DBL YAY!!!!  I loved everything she told me about him :D (yep, Wesley... she even told me about the birthmark... I'M KIDDING!)  I knew that his over 6ft frame would give my short 5ft (plus a tad) frame a challenge but nothing an extremely high heeled boot and a good ladder couldn't help with (insert lots of prayer for stability here too).

He was SOOOOO much fun, right off the bat!  We were cracking up immediately, he's such a hoot, TOTALLY my kind of person :D  Wesley is one of those that I would consider to be a "Jack of all trades".  In a band, sings, plays guitar, drums, acts, golfs... yep, I think I will nickname him Jack.  He's quite the debonair young man (a word he'll never forget... EVER, haha!!!).

We may have the next George Clooney or Jerry Sienfield right here in the Highland Lakes, people.  And to think.... I got to take his senior pictures!  WHOOP WHOOP!!!!!

Wesley, I'm bringing an 8x10 glossy for you to sign :D  It'll be worth big money someday!!!

I LOVED shooting him with his guitar :D 

YAY!  Someone else that loves to laugh!!!

See, Wesley... guys can do pink ;)

Lovin' that music playin' in his head :D

One of my FAVS! 

ANOTHER fav!!!!!  I KNEW this spot would be amazing! (minus one VERY squeely car, haha!)

The minute I heard Wesley was in theatre I KNEW I had to take him to the Uptown!  What a fun vintage feel it has! 

We couldn't have asked for better light :D

This... THIS is my ABSOLUTE FAV of the session!!!!!

I told you I loved shooting him with the guitar, haha!

Hmmmm, "boy next door" or "stud muffin"?  Mom.... you better keep close tabs on him!

ANOTHER FAV!  You were amazing Wesley!!!  What a blast and such an honor to meet you and take your senior pictures!  Don't forget us here in smallsville when you make it big!  :D

The Cozy Life

This morning was a BLESSEDLY cool event!  My boy wanted a fire so badly!  Well, number one issue... gotta do school.  Number two issue.... no fire wood.  Number three issue.... can you say D-R-O-U-G-H-T?   Burn bans stink!  So, we did the next best thing ;)  We had ourselves a "Texas Fire" (pronounced "Tex-us  Fur").

That good 'ole "Texas Fire" (are you pronouncing it properly?!?), a cozy couch, a mug of cocoa, and a fluffy, ADORABLE pup.... THIS goes our top 10 reasons to homeschool  ;)

Today... today was a good day!

Sweetness Abounds

What a beautiful night last night.  We got to enjoy sweet neighbors and sweet sweets (you know you've got my heart at the word "dessert"!).  The 3rd and "last" (insert inside joke here) annual "Coleman BBQ" happened in our neighborhood and it couldn't have been

a better night to enjoy the sweetness!

Marble Falls, TX; "A Sunny Place"

It's not often that I get to photograph inanimate objects.

Especially not ones as grand and glorious as "A Sunny Place."

My beloved friend, Sunny Parker, is in the process of selling her stunningly FAN-TAB-U-LOUS home.  It is a Texas retreat like non-other.  Perfectly suited to anyone from a retired couple looking for the perfect spot to entice their children and grandchildren for frequent visits, the family desiring a quiet country lifestyle, or to the individual seeking investment property.

This is one of those picturesque places that you want EXACTLY the way you see it, even down to the leather couches, rawhide rugs and rustic decor.  And believe it or not, it CAN be available EXACTLY as you see it :D

Give Sunny a call, (830)798-5133, or shoot her an email.  She'll be thrilled to give you any details you need.  This place is a steal!!!

The best of both worlds!  While the home is located in a beautiful country setting it's within 5 minutes of Marble Falls shopping.  The entrance includes an automatic solar powered gate and a cattle guard to prevent pets and livestock from reaching the road.

The home is located on 10 acres of agriculturally exempt property.  The exemption has been approved by the county to be switched to "wildlife" at any time.  Even if you'd prefer not to have livestock you can still have the tax benefit.  The entire 10 acres is surrounded on three sides by a large working ranch, providing exceptional privacy.  The house itself is nestled between mature oak trees and has a large beautiful lawn that has been well cared for.

A tranquil pond has been built and well stocked.  Bass, catfish, perch, and talapia are all thriving.  The 15 foot deep pond is fed automatically by the second well on the property.  A foot bridge has been constructed to an island in the pond that is tree shaded and has rocking chairs placed strategically to enjoy the view of the lighted fountain.

There's even a family of Canadian geese that call the pond "home".

The  majority of the exterior doors are weather resistant fiberglass which give the desired wood grain look, without the upkeep of natural wood.  The doors that include glass panels have built-in blinds in the glass for dust free, damage free light control.

The second story consists of two master suites and a loft/office, complete with eco-friendly cork flooring.

The original master suite has two standard closets, and an en suite bathroom.  Done in natural slate and sporting a huge walk-in shower with 3 shower heads, each fed from its own separate water line.  All water is heated by a tank-less hot water heater powered by propane.

The second master suite was constructed from the original two smaller bedrooms (easily changed back) and has a custom built amazing walk-in closet.

  The bathroom just off the hall from the second master is done in natural slate with a built-in vanity and a two person, extra deep jacuzzi tub.

The second story deck (accessible via both bedrooms and the loft area) wraps the entire length of the back and side of the house.  It provides a beautiful view of both the pool and the pond.  It has a large seating area, picnic table, stereo and television cabinet, and includes an eight person hot tub.

How's that for a view?!?

Back inside on the lower level, you'll find the rustic decor eye catching and delightful.

The house is completely wired for satellite/cable throughout the home and entertaining areas outdoors.
The windows throughout the house are energy efficient double-paned windows and include energy efficient  custom window treatments.

There are 2 automated Solo Pet doggie doors, the best automated pet door money can buy.  They are constructed of unbreakable lexan clear panels, which open and close via magnets worn on your pet's collar, preventing unwanted entry by critters.

The downstairs flooring is a unique stamped concrete designed to resemble wood flooring, all the beauty yet none of the upkeep.  There are custom built cabinets throughout the house, with built-in pull out shelves on all lower cabinets and the entire pantry to maximize usable space.  There are hammered copper sinks throughout the kitchen and baths, with the kitchen sink being an over-sized single section sink, designed for easy washing of large items.  The appliances are 6 years new.  They include a 5 burner smooth top cook top, double ovens, microwave, ice maker, and an over-sized all-refrigerator and all-freezer side by side combination.  The kitchen has a solid surface counter top and beautiful custom rock back splash.

The laundry area has a raised washer and dryer platform with custom drawer space beneath, and deep cabinets designed to hold full sized laundry sorting baskets, keeping all laundry sorting chores hidden from view.  The "powder room" off the laundry area is actually a full bath with shower.

The bunkhouse includes a custom designed bar that seats eight and game area with four built in bunk beds, sleeping eight total.  The game room currently houses a full sized custom built cedar pool table, full sized air hockey table, arcade basketball, electronic darts, and a poker table.

Straight off the bunkhouse, you have easy access to the pool and outdoor entertainment areas.

The custom built pool was constructed with a unique stamped concrete patio surround.  It's features include a rock waterfall, beach front style entrance designed for easy entry and cool sunbathing, a dark pebble finish allows for a quick natural heating from the sun and provides a smooth yet non-slip surface.  In addition to natural heating, the pool also has a system in place, powered by propane, so it can be used year round.  Automatic timers control the vacuum system and waterfall feature.

There are five outbuildings on the property.  Two of those buildings are large workshops that have been completely insulated, wired, and finished out to include air conditioning and lighting.  One of them even has built-in work benches.

The only thing more incredible about this place is being there after the sun goes down!

Another spectacular view of the fountain from the house.

On the 4th of July, they can see the fireworks from Marble Falls, Kingsland AND Blue Lake!  How's that for a celebration to beat ALL celebrations!

I just LOVE the view of that fountain from the rooftop deck!

Now tell me you aren't DYING to relax out here and watch the Texas skies for falling stars!

This home, whether coming or going, or at anytime of the day or night is an incredible sight to see.  Call Sunny today and set up a time to view it.  In fact, you might just want to make an offer ON-THE-SPOT :)  You won't regret it!