On our drive from Grand Rapids (which I'm now referring to as “G Rap” since I'm way local now) to Lansing yesterday, we drove past beautiful, green landscape. Hills covered with wild flowers, fields of unpicked corn, trees of varying shades of emerald. Then–out of no where–I let out an audible gasp. OH MY GOODNESS…that's a FARM!! I squealed with delight, only to receive askance stares from everyone in the car. Apparently, farms are totally normal in this part of the United States. No, but really, I tried explaining, that farm was red…with white trimming! Hello…RED WITH WHITE TRIMMING!?! I mean, who does that?! It's like I expected Norman Rockwell to peek around the bend at any time and offer me a newspaper and pipe.

It was pretty awesome.

When we pulled into the University Club at Michigan State University, I was incredibly nervous. Like, way more than usual. We prayed before we entered the building and the night went smoothly from there. Everyone–and I mean everyone–was extremely kind and welcoming. I kinda felt the way I might have sharing a Thanksgiving dinner with extended family I was meeting for the first time. It was like we just meshed. And I loved every minute of it.

With many thanks to the fabulous board of MTPPA, I was able to give a new presentation and I was honored sharing with such a wonderful group of photographers. To everyone in attendance last night, thank you. I loved meeting you, I loved seeing this beautiful place you call home, and–most importantly–I loved YOUR FARMS!

JD snapped a couple photos last night…

Over 150 people showed up!