As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, my niece, Gracie, turned 13 this year (and no, I still can’t believe she’s a teenager now). For her yearly portrait session, I thought it would be cool to recreate a concept from a session I shot when she was just a year old. Here’s how the little toddler looked exactly 12 years ago:
And here’s the teenager she’s grown into today:
In the Wizarding World, April 1st is known as “Confusing the Muggles Day”. Traditionally, there are a couple of pranks involved in executing successful Muggle confusion, but I think the best place to begin is by getting them drunk. So here are a few cocktails to share with your Muggle friends on the morrow…
First up is Polyjuice Potion, inspired by Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Combine 1.5 ounces gin, 1.5 ounces green juice, 1 ounce green Chartreuse, 1/2 ounce lime, and a splash of Sprite.
Overall, it’s very light, crisp, and refreshing, with a bit of a bitter finish.
Next is The Phoenix Feather, inspired by Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Take 2 ounces of Lillet Blanc, add 1.5 ounces of Campari, 1 ounce of grapefruit juice, and some Sprite to sweeten it up.
I’m not a huge fan of Campari to begin with (it’s just too bitter for my palate), so combining it with grapefruit juice resulted in a drink that was a little too sour for me, but it would cast a perfect spell as a sour sipper.
And finally, Felix Felicis, inspired by Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
This one calls for 1/4 ounce simple syrup, 1/4 ounce lemon juice, and 1.5 ounces ginger beer, topped off with champagne or sparkling wine.
Sweet and spicy, this drink will definitely make you feel lucky!
Once your Muggle has consumed a few of these drinks, they should be well on their way to confusion. Intoxicatus Totalus!
It seems absolutely impossible, but somehow thirteen years have passed since we brought little newborn Gracie home from the hospital. Due to my work schedule at the time, I wasn’t there the night she was born. And thirteen years later, I’m still a little bitter over the fact that I missed the birth of my niece. I should have just called in sick that day, what was I thinking…
Anyway, since we can’t seem to stop her from growing up, we had to have a little celebration to mark this moment in her life. She wanted a Winter Wonderland theme, so that’s what the brand new teenager got.
I know these little guys look like birds, but they’re supposed to be snowmen. Next time I’ll give them a head, midsection, and abdomen. Maybe that will make it more obvious… Whatever they were, they were cute and tasty.
Girl child, it is cool beyond words to be your aunt and I’ve had so much fun teaching, playing with, and corrupting you over the past thirteen years. I will continue to be never more than a text message away as you navigate through your teenage years. They may be rough, but I will always be here for you. Oh, and happy birthday!
While taking a winter’s walk around the farm in South Lyon last weekend, I noticed that the landscape is so different when everything is frozen and covered with snow, it’s like the place is another planet. I imagined how cool it would be to have the TARDIS appear here – there are so many amazing things just waiting for the Doctor to discover! I think it would go something like this…
Look out, Doctor! Here comes a Dalek to EXTERMINATE!
Sometime around Thanksgiving, I decided it was time for an updated family portrait. I thought it would be fun to do one when we all went out to the Christmas tree farm, but my mom suggested the train station in Jackson instead. So on a strangely warm December day, the whole gang got together for a group shot.
From my family to yours – Happy Holidays!
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