Month: February 2014

The Blooms are Coming!

Colorful blooms abound in Nacogdoches as springtime awakens after a cold winter.

Winter is a confusing season here in Nacogdoches. It seems like half the time we are covering our plants with sheets and wrapping our pipes to keep it all from freezing. Then, the other half of the time we are wearing shorts and drinking ice tea as we rake our lawns. I compare it to the “He loves me, he loves me not” ritual of little girls as they pull individual petals off of a daisy. “Today it’s freezing, tomorrow it’s hot. Today is 20 degrees, tomorrow is not.” Last night brought some pretty chilly air, but it will be back up into the 70’s before you know it.

No matter the sporadic weather patterns, spring always seems to arrive in East Texas, bursting with a brilliant kaleidoscope of color. Already the trees are budding and blooming, flowers along the roadside are pushing up, and the azaleas will be close behind. Nacogdoches in springtime is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, color-rich places in the country. This will be our first spring as the Garden Capital of Texas, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. We are so blessed to be right in the middle of such abundant beauty. I will be taking many an opportunity to enjoy the SFA Arboretum and Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, as well as enjoying my own personal azaleas. It just instantly puts me in a better mood.

So hang in there! I’m certain we have some more whacky weather ahead of us, but just close your eyes and remember that the blooms are coming. And what a wonderful sight it will be to open your eyes when they have come.

Tags azaleas, blooms, color, flowers, garden, Nacogdoches, spring

Blog Graduating Seniors

Custom Graduation Invitations

Post author By Greg Patterson
Post date February 20, 2014
No Comments on Custom Graduation Invitations

Custom graduation invitations from G. Patterson Studio in Nacogdoches.

Right now, I am happily engaged in creating unique graduation invitations for our 2014 high school and college seniors. Some are from senior sessions we did back in the summer or fall, and some are from sessions we just photographed. Each invitation is made to order, from the selection of poses… to any particular verbiage… right down to the color scheme. These are not your run of the mill type invites. They are the right combination of bright and professional, vibrant and elegant. No two look the same. I enjoy designing these cards because it is as challenging as it is beautiful. My task is to incorporate our client’s desires into an overall layout that works aesthetically and pragmatically. It gets really interesting though when Mom and Dad do not see eye to eye with Senior. But I have yet to hear any complaints after the final product is in their hands.

Recently I’ve run into several parents who have asked me if our studio is booked up with senior portrait sessions this spring. I tell them that March is looking a little crazy, but it always does. My advice to them is call as early as you can so that we will have the most availability and flexibility. And if you are wanting those rockin’ awesome invitations that we are famous for, then call even earlier. That graduation day clock is winding down. The last thing I want is to turn someone away simply because we ran out of time. So give the studio a call if you want senior portraits and products that will make sure you stand out from the crowd.

Tags announcements, beatufiul, custom, customized, g. patterson studio, graduation, greg, invitations, Nacogdoches, patterson, photos, Portraits, senior, studio 122, unique

Blog Pets Rambling

Our Furry Friend

Greg and Cindy Patterson with Joe Buddy on Valentine's Day.

Thanks to all who participated in “Puppy Love” and helped us support our local Humane Society. We would hope that every furry friend has it as good as Joe Buddy this Valentine’s Day. He has helped contribute to the happiness around the Patterson household since 2006 when we “rescued” him.

We wish all of our studio friends lots of love,
Greg, Cindy and Joe Buddy.

Tags greg patterson, humane society, Nacogdoches, pets, photos, valentine's day

Blog Rambling

“Some people are worth melting for”

Post author By Greg Patterson
Post date February 12, 2014
No Comments on “Some people are worth melting for”

Image of Olaf from the Disney movie Frozen.

If you haven’t seen the movie Frozen, you are missing out. It’s one for the whole family to enjoy, especially for those families like my own that are full of little princesses. My girls have not stopped singing the songs or acting out the scenes since the day we got home from the movies. Yes, it drives me crazy, and yes I find myself singing those songs in my head as I brush my teeth… but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My girls are my life, and if it brings them joy, I will endure the never-ending off-pitch tunes because I love them. (but I digress)

In the movie, there is a magical snowman by the name of Olaf. He is my favorite character by far. As pure as the snow he is made of, Olaf makes you laugh and even cry. There is one scene where he stands beside a fireplace talking to his friend Anna. Even though his face starts drooping and his eyes and nose almost fall off, he makes the profound and instantly famous statement, “Some people are worth melting for.” As I sit here just two days away from Valentine’s Day, wrapped up in my scarf due to the frigid temperatures outside, his words are ringing in my mind. We all have special people in our lives that we would do just about anything for. I have my girls, my wife, my friends, and you have a list of people yourself. When we share our lives with others, we form bonds of love that almost nothing can break. We give our time and energy. We buy gifts, and we make gestures all to demonstrate how we feel.

Valentine’s Day is almost here. I know, some cynics say it is a gimmick created by the greeting card industry to boost sales. But no matter the reason, we now have this special day out of the year where we are reminded to make some gesture of love for those we hold dear. What are you planning on doing for your loved ones? Make sure you show them how much you care. Make some magnanimous gesture. Make sure they know that they are worth melting for.
(and if you are still searching for ideas… I know a photography studio with some great gift ideas. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. 🙂

Have a happy Valentine’s Day!

-Daryl

Tags family, frozen, gifts, greg patterson, love, Nacogdoches, relationships, valentine's day

Blog Children Events Family Pets

Puppy Love Portraits

Family of four loving their dog Abby. Photo by Greg Patterson.

Each year, the studio hosts a promotional event in support of the Humane Society. Although the details of the event have changed from time to time, the goal is ultimately the same. We want to be a part of helping those pets that are in need while offering others an opportunity to join this effort. So, as a photography studio, what better opportunity is there than capturing special moments of your family with your beloved pet? These photos will capture the love your family has for your pet and will remain in your hearts for years to come. I know personally the lasting joy of having family photos created that included my dog Abby. My precious Abby left us all too soon, but we remember the great times we shared with her. In fact, the photo of all of us sits on a shelf right in front of me at work. A simple glance of this image brings a flood of happy memories and instantly improves my day.