i used to break my back


One thing I realized only recently was that I rearrange my studio furniture a lot. Like a lot a lot. Every week. Gotta keep things fresh, you know? I have regular shoots I do in-studio and I never want it to be a thing where people say 'oh... there's that green chair AGAIN.' So in my weekly schlepping of furniture and bargaining for my patient husband to show me love with his acts of service in heavy lifting, I realized... all this studio furniture weighs a crap ton! I need everything to be on wheels. But that'd be annoying. So my solution? An epic road-trip to the Mecca of all places for lighter weight, unique, but quality furniture: ARIZONA.


Sad but true fact: the median age down there where my Aunt and Uncle live is 75 years old. And that demographic kicks the bucket quite frequently. So there happens to be a ton of estate sales and consignment shops loaded with farm-fresh goodies for people like me. My heart is pitter-pattering even thinking about our next trip. We had such great luck (it was like a giant game of Tetris to load the truck). I'll post pics of my finds in the studio after I do a tiny bit of painting first.


But here are our personal pics if you'd like to see...including a quick stop at the Grand Canyon. We squeaked in right at sunset. And 21 hours in the car with a 6 year old wasn't so bad! Violet did amazing. Having my girlfriend, Deb, along helped of course. She's the best travel companion, like, ever. We never once wanted to kill one another (which a long road trip has a tendency to do sometimes....)

Panoramic view of a barren desert landscape with mountains in the distance.
Row of parked vehicles in a desert parking lot with mountains visible in the distance.
Visitors enjoying sunset views from protected observation area at canyon overlook.
Grassy hillside with a welcome to Utah sign in the background.
Wide desert landscape with rolling hills and cloudy skies.
Desert terrain stretches out under cloudy skies with distant mountains.
Desert landscape with sparse vegetation and cloudy mountain views.
Person exploring a desert landscape with scattered vegetation and hills.
Desert hiking trail winds through arid terrain under partly cloudy skies.
Desert landscape with rolling hills and mountains stretching across the horizon under cloudy skies.
Rose bushes bloom in front of rugged desert mountains under overcast skies.
Delicate white wildflowers growing among desert brush with mountains in the background.
Person wrapped in a cozy gray blanket on an autumn day.
Desert landscape at sunset with silhouetted trees against a fading blue sky.
Ancient stone watchtower silhouetted against a golden sunset in the desert.
Panoramic view of desert cliffs glowing orange at sunset with dark silhouetted trees.
Metal railing along desert viewpoint overlook at sunset with mountains in the distance.
Sweeping panorama of red rock canyon cliffs illuminated by late afternoon sunlight.
Scenic sunset view over rugged mountain landscape with golden light illuminating rocky terrain and desert brush.
Panoramic vista of mountain ranges and canyons bathed in warm evening sunlight.
Dramatic overlook of canyon walls with safety railing silhouetted against sunset sky.
Sweeping view of red rock canyon formations with metal safety barrier at scenic viewpoint.
Stone pillar and safety railing at canyon overlook during golden hour.
Metal guardrail curves along canyon rim with stunning desert landscape views at sunset.
Scenic overlook with protective barriers offering panoramic views of vast canyon landscape.
Visitors gathered at scenic overlook enjoying sunset views of canyon landscape.
Tourists taking photos at canyon viewpoint with safety railing during sunset.
Panoramic view of the Grand Canyon's rocky cliffs and plateaus at sunset with observation deck railings visible.
Sweeping vista of red rock formations and deep canyons at the Grand Canyon during golden hour.
Dark silhouette of mountains against a dusky blue sky with the sun setting on the horizon.
Viewing telescope mounted on observation deck railing overlooking canyon landscape at sunset.
Expansive desert canyon landscape bathed in warm sunset light with layered rock formations.
Rocky outcrop overlooking vast canyon terrain with sun setting behind distant mountains.
Historic stone watchtower structure at Grand Canyon's edge glowing in late afternoon sunlight.
Panoramic view of the Grand Canyon's rugged terrain with winding river visible in the distance.
Visitors gather at Grand Canyon observation point to watch the sunset over the vast canyon.
Dramatic sunset view over Grand Canyon's red rock formations and deep valleys.
People relaxing against stone ruins while wrapped in a patterned blanket during sunset.
Panoramic view of a desert canyon landscape at sunset with layered mountain silhouettes.
Aerial view of the Grand Canyon showing dramatic cliffs and valleys at dusk.
People relaxing on white hotel beds with room service trays.
Room service food trays with meals spread across white hotel bedding.
White hotel beds with scattered room service dishes and trays.
Interior of a busy restaurant with exposed ceiling pipes and hanging orange decorations.
Exterior view of a rustic restaurant storefront with wooden siding.
Display case filled with fresh pastries and baked goods in a bakery.
Chalkboard menu displaying pastries, quiche, and daily specials in white lettering.
Candid living room scene showing a relaxed family gathering on a comfortable couch.
Family members lounging together on a brown leather couch during a casual home gathering.
Person getting their hair styled in a dimly lit room with bathroom fixtures visible.
Modern kitchen interior with dark wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances.
Close-up of personal care and beauty products arranged on a surface.
Outdoor patio shelf decorated with colorful potted plants and hanging greenery.
Decorative planter containing succulents and cacti in a mint green ceramic bowl.
Close-up of lush green plants growing in terra cotta pots on a paved surface.
Tall saguaro cactus standing against a bright blue desert sky.
A scruffy grey mixed-breed dog with white chest markings stands on brick pavers looking at the camera.
A happy pug dog with tongue out stands on brick pavers looking upward.
A party table setting with pink plates, floral centerpiece and framed photo on granite countertop.
Pink party plates with food arranged on polka dot placemat on dark granite counter.
People gathered on an outdoor patio with string lights at dusk.
A driveway scene with a black pickup truck parked beside desert landscaping.
A cozy living room interior with brown sofa and decorative accents.
A warmly lit room interior with comfortable seating and personal decor.
A bright living room scene with comfortable furniture and personal touches.
Family gathering in a bright living room with a small white dog.
People gathered in a bright indoor living room with a red decorative fan on the wall.
A cozy indoor gathering space with natural light streaming through windows.
Panoramic view of a suburban neighborhood street with desert landscaping at sunset.
Scenic sunset panorama over a residential area with silhouetted trees against a purple sky.
Desert-style homes with terracotta roofs and yellow wildflowers in the landscaping.
Red golf carts parked on a paved path in a residential community.
Saguaro cactus silhouettes against a dark blue night sky with a bright moon.
Evening outdoor scene with blue twilight ambiance and patio lighting.
Bright indoor dining area with multiple windows and casual seating arrangements.
Two people embracing in front of lush green shrubs and a beige stucco wall.
Senior couple sharing a tender moment together outdoors with green foliage in the background.
Romantic elderly couple embracing in a garden setting with lush greenery.
Affectionate senior couple in casual attire sharing a sweet moment against green landscaping.
Close-up shot of a senior couple's intimate moment in an outdoor garden setting.
Senior couple in light blue and denim clothing against a garden backdrop.
Elderly man in light blue polo shirt sitting outdoors with greenery in background.
Senior man in casual attire seated outdoors with green foliage behind him.
Senior woman in denim jacket and red patterned dress posing in front of green shrubs.
Senior couple relaxing on patio furniture with small dogs on their laps.
Elderly couple sitting on outdoor patio furniture with their pet pug.
Two people sit together on outdoor patio furniture enjoying a relaxing moment.
A small white dog with a red collar rests on a black and white patterned cushion.
A person in a denim jacket and striped shirt sits in a wicker chair with red cushions.
A person in a denim jacket and glasses sits comfortably in an outdoor chair.
A person holds a small white dog while sitting in a wicker chair with red cushions.
A person cuddles with a fluffy white dog while relaxing in an outdoor chair.
A person in denim shares a joyful moment with a small white dog on a patio.
A person in a denim jacket holds and pets a small white dog with a red collar.
A dark blue wooden frame sits against a shadowy background.
Two people sit together on a curb in front of pink buildings during daytime.
Colorful geometric patterns and murals decorate the exterior walls of urban buildings along a street.
Historic stone archways and windows line the exterior of a rustic building facade.
Tree-lined brick building exterior with outdoor seating and parked cars along a street.
Dark interior of a bar or retail space with neon lighting and hanging decorations.
Drinks and chips served on a black metal patio table outdoors.
Outdoor dining setup with metal tables and chairs on a patio.
Colorful drinks and appetizers served on a black metal patio table.
Mexican street tacos topped with colorful garnishes and sauces on a plate.
Outdoor dining scene at a casual restaurant with metal patio furniture.
Painted western-themed mural featuring cartoon characters on an outdoor wall.
Whimsical illustration sequence showing playful figures with horses and farm animals in a storybook style.