New York State of Mind....buzz....buzz

Whitecliff Vineyard's Tasting Room

Autumn on the East Coast is spectacular this year.  I had really forgotten how beautiful it can be.  After living out West for a dozen years where the leaves blew off the trees fairly quickly and ended up landing somewhere in Wyoming, I have been pleasantly reacquainted with the smell of leaves, distant wood fires and something apple-like in the air.  The trees are glowing, and the sunlight is golden in the mornings and late afternoons.  Just  perfectly exhilirating.

Picnic Grove at Robibero Family Vineyards

Yesterday, we spent the day driving around in Ulster County and Orange County in New York's Hudson Valley visiting a few wineries.  Our journey began at Whitecliff Vineyard in Gardiner, NY,  where we tasted (and bought) some excellent reds as well as a good Seyval Blanc, which admittedly has taken me some time and perseverence to learn to like.  Our next stop took us to Robibero Family Vineyards of New Paltz.  Robibero is the newest winery in the Hudson Valley, yet they have many years of wne-making experience.  Their wines are very California-style in their construction, and their tasting room is really pleasant.

on the road in Ulster County, NY all photos by AnnWilkinson Photography c 2010

Harvest, Hazy Autumn, and Desires

This summer was supposed to be relaxing. It wasn't. Things just kept heating up and life got really busy. I admit, I love being busy and I freak out a little when things slow down. Now, it's fall. The air is hazy and changes throughout the day -- crispy in the morning and gradually heating up to a toasty haze in the late afternoon. The crickets are singing a sustained, one-note song. I'm just relishing the last precious days of full-on color.

I acquired a wonderful client who makes incredibly beautiful and intricate off-loon hand-beaded & chainmaille jewelry. Here are a couple of photos of her work.

DJKing Studios

I also spent a few wonderful days in California, photographing a lovely wedding and a vineyard's first pick of their cabernet sauvignon grapes.

AnnWilkinson Photography

Finally, here's a necklace I'm really wanting. My friend, Jennifer Taranto of BellaLuceDesigns on Etsy.com, has a talent for finding the most amazing vintage beads, crystals and chain, and what she puts together is absolutely stunning.

French Kiss from Bellaluce

As I write this blogpost from outside on my deck, there are five young deer prancing around right below me. I don't dare get up to get a closer look; they'll be spooked for sure. They are so lovely.

Happy Indian Summer!