Amarillo, Tx has soaring population of refugees from around the world. The city has benefited in a number of ways to the influx. Not the least of which is the food scene. The culinary variety on offer in Amarillo rivals that of other large cities around the state. Texas Highways featured a couple local spots in their November 2023 issue. A pizza dive on the outskirts of town, serving up traditional Albanian kebabs, an ode to the owners, Valbona and Bill Haliti’s Albanian roots. And Zaid Kiflemariam, owner of Marhaba Ertrean, who hand roasts and steeps coffee beans for the most authentic coffee ritual you can find anywhere near the panhandle. The laborious tray of fresh brewed coffee is brought to your table, poured, then incense is lit, to enhance the flavor. It’s a process, a beautiful and delicious ritual. One worth stopping for, if you’re ever in the area.
Happy New Year!
As usual, the new year is the perfect time to roll out all of the beautiful work I had the opportunity to create last year. Commissioned and personal work - everything, it’s all here. I updated more than 1/2 of my site and I’m so excited to show it off, right… about.. NOW!
I’m excited for the coming year and this new beginning making even more thought provoking, emotional and beautiful portraits in 2024. Thanks for having a look.
www.MelanieGrizzel.com
Upcoming Travel:
Amsterdam, Nederlander - January 31-February 8
Cape Cod - March 10-17
London - June 24 - July 1
—-mel
On Assignment: Recent Work for AARP
Ernie Slatinsky, a retired Federal agent with the US government, found his calling, in hospitality. Just before he got his walking papers, his wife Cara suggested they buy a hotel in the middle of Comfort, Tx. Without hesitation the pair dove in head first. Originally he planned to just maintain the property on a not so regular basis. Quick jump forward and he is on property 5-7 days a week, cleaning, making dinner reservations and lending a hand where ever he’s needed. His true passion lies in “Over the Top” hospitality, whatever a guest wants, he’ll find it for them. I like bubbles over a bath bomb and guess what, I had lavender scented bubbles waiting for me in my room. His warm smile says it all. Ernie also starting a picking circle on Friday nights for locals, guests or anyone who brings an instrument.
On Assignment: Recent Work for Goodwill Central Texas
Since 2017, I have been photographing Goodwill Central Texas’ campaign for Halloween. It’s their biggest advertising push for the whole year. Goodwill’s in house production team is one of the best I’ve ever seen. They do all of the casting, usually real people, and they do all of the wardrobe styling and costuming. Goodwill National creates “new” pieces for Halloween but the production team does the bulk of the work sourcing straight from the floor at Goodwill stores. This project has always been a lot of fun and I really love working with such an incredible team in house at Goodwill Central Texas.
Production Assistant: Melanie Blythe Booe
HMU: Tiffany Hampton
1st Assistant and Digital Tech: Marie Ketring
Crazy 80s
Of course we had to capitalize on the Barbie craze!
Cowboy, the ole’ standby.
Finally Goth girl, definitely not Wednesday.. and Dracula 🧛🏻♂️ 🩸
Personal Work - Proof of Concept "852 Memories Made"
"852 Memories Made”
I’ve always loved those AirBnb ads - you know the ones. The still images of warm light and lazy afternoons weaved together to music. They’re so inspiring, they make you you want to go on vacation right this second.
After photographing a vacation rental for an editorial project last year I had an idea, and I just couldn’t shake it.
I realized when you stay in a vacation rental, it becomes your own private haven, a blank canvas where you live an adventure and create lasting memories.
Every time the door swings open, like a shaken etch-a-sketch, the house is reborn, the canvas is cleared and the new guests will create fresh memories in your wake.
“1 House, 4 Adventures, 852 Memories Made”
Jet powered with these ideas about people and vacation rentals Melanie Blythe Booe and I produced this poolside shoot back in March. We wanted to take a regular home share and transform it into everyone's dream vacation (including Barbie it so happens.) Melanie and I, also Melanie, conceptualized four vastly different vacation scenarios and transformed the space to be the ideal blank canvas You can see that the camera remains on in a stationary position throughout the shoot capturing exactly the same viewpoint, the vacations are unique, but the space remains the same.
Click the image below to view the commercial.
Here are a few of my favorite outtakes
Thanks to everyone who came together to make this project wonderful.
Producer: Melanie Blythe Booe @melanieblythebooe
Wardrobe: Anna Lawson Lien @annalawsonlien
Props: Audrey Davis @audi_kd
HMA: Angel E. Hanes-Dickholtz @theangelelizabeth
Photo Assistant: Barbie Bernier @juana.boba + James D
Photography: Melanie Grizzel @melaniegrizzelphoto
And thank you to all of the delightful talent on this project.
Barbie World Pink: @biancaaibarraa @linsey_vh @alexzmovement @thattoriperson
Family in Yellow: Tiffany, Jay and Family
Family in Blue: The Grove Family
Couple in Orange: Hannah & Ryan
On Assignment: Recent Work Texas Highways
This is Comfort. Officially my favorite town in Texas. For this assignment I was handed a list of suggestions: interesting activities, shops and restaurants to check out. There was so much more and this is not a big town. In the end, it’s the people who make this town so special. I’m ready to move.
Comfort is known for their impression collection of antique shops, but if you ask Cara from Studio Comfort, it’s the freethinkers that built this town and it’s the freethinkers who will reimagine it and shepherd into the new era.
For the June issue of Texas Highways.
Since this initial shoot for the magazine, I have been back to shoot three times. once for the cover, next was to photograph a country musician at Hill Country distillery’s tasting room on Front Street, and most recently I was in town to cover a story for AARP. This place is really coming up it’s a charming small town with arteries that reach an international airport in 45 minutes.
That’s why they call it the best of both worlds.
On Assignment: Recent Work for Texas Highways
For the June issue of Texas Highways I photographed a travel story in Comfort, Tx (new for me) and in South Padre Islands (where I haven’t been in years.) Since my initial shoot in Comfort, I have been back 4 times, for this cover and then 2 other photography jobs, I’ve been back so many times, my husband asked me “Are you planning to buy a house there?”
“It’s a Thursday - Sunday town,” says the concierge at the Hotel Giles where I stayed. The rest of the week the town is shut down except locals. On Wednesday nights the towns folk get together for a potluck at one of the local restaurants, since there aren’t any restaurants open! If you’re lucky enough to spend the quiet art of the week local or nonlocal, you’re invited. When you’re here you’e family. When we came back in town for the cover shoot. It was the quiet part of the week and Kathy at “Food for the Soul” opened her door to us, to feed our crew, and then she sat and dined with us. “Food for the Soul” is the kind of place where people pull up and roll down their windows and ask, “What’s the soup of the day?!” Kathy is a dream boat, and I love her! Visit “Food for the Soul” anytime you’re near Comfort, you’ll thank me.
I’ll be back this Friday to photograph ANOTHER story.
Location: @campcomforttx
Art Director @ Texas Highways: Ashley Burch @flashyash
Wardrobe and Prop: Jasmine Deiri @yasmene.farah
Hair and Makeup: Tiffany Hampton @sugarbelleevents24
Photo assistant: Amy Autry @amyautryphoto
Models: Tori Brooke and Avery Lewis @thattoriperson and @averylewis7
During the week that we did this shoot the Wes Anderson style Tiktok was on the upswing. If you’re alive and you have social media, surely you know what I’m talking about. In fact the team got together to create a Wes Anderson film. Have a look. Wes Anderson style BTS. I knew that this outtake was not even in the running, but I love it so much I wanted to share it.
As always, we had a blast!
It's that time of year again; #BigBoyB annual portraits.
Bishop’s Annual portrait.
We started this project back in May of 2020, as a means of entertaining ourselves while we were in quarantine. For giggles we did it the next year and I was blown away at how much my sweet boy had changed, thus the project began and even B doesn’t mind it so much anymore. He’s becoming a man right before my eyes, this year there is a love interest and I swear I can hear his big old heart thumping across the room every time the phone rings ;)
Scroll to watching my not so little guy age in reverse.
Good news. We got Sweet Winslow in on the action. Today this little face is 4, but it won’t be forever and more and more I’m realizing how fast it’s going. Someday (soon) these sweet little(ish) guys are gonna be all grown up. I hope against hope we’re raising them right…
On Assignment: Recent Work for FOUNDtx
Texas tourism: Brownwood, TX
Working with Texas Highways these last few years has really made me fall in love with Texas. There are so many small towns, big cities, state parks, and back roads to explore. History and charm await you, and probably within 50 miles of where you’re sitting right now. If you’re in Texas, of course.
A couple years ago I covered Brownwood, Tx for Texas Highways. It was a feature about small towns of Texas off the beaten track. I fell in love with this up and coming charmer of a small town. Its LOADED with interesting history that its residents and shop keeps are eager to share with you. The community is welcoming and kind, you couldn’t ask for anything more. There is plenty to do for a full weekend stay. And plenty of news hotels and motels and soon to be one more!
Fast forward 2 years; Foundtx, an ad agency in Austin, has dedicated their talents to bringing these small towns to the fore. We connected last summer and in September I got to head back out to explore, again, this adorable town I LOVE so much.
Lucille and Mabel’s thoughtful design, boozy collections, and scrumptious food.
www.visitbrownwood.com/places/lucille-mabel-kitchen-and-libations/
top left: Stone’s Grove is known for their ingenious craft cocktails.
www.visitbrownwood.com/places/stones-grove/
top right: Greetings from Lucille and Mabels
www.visitbrownwood.com/places/lucille-mabel-kitchen-and-libations/
bottom right: Brunch at Shaws Market
www.shawsbrownwood.com/
bottom left: Lucille and Mabel’s bacon mushroom burger. YUM
www.visitbrownwood.com/places/lucille-mabel-kitchen-and-libations/
Intermission Books is the best place in town to take a pause and take it in. The shop is cozy, it has that old book smell (a good one) and it’s an instagrammers dream. Owner Kim Bruton has extensive knowledge about the building’s history. Be sure to ask her about it. You’ll need to pop in before noon, she also owns the Runaway Train Cafe and she works lunch.
www.intermissionbookshop.com/
Stone’s Grove is a great spot to meet the ladies and sip craft cocktails.
www.visitbrownwood.com/places/stones-grove/
On Assignment: Recent Work Texas Highways
Brothers, Michael and Ron Morales, musicians and music producers at Studio M in San Antonio.
Many a musicians recorded within these storied studio walls, including legendary pioneer of Latino Country music, Freddy Fender; best known for his hits “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights,” and “Before the Teardrop Falls.” Fender’s career spans his entire lifetime, from the early days in the 1950s until his 2005 when he stopped preforming to focus on his health. In 2002, Fender once again entered the studio to record his 18th studio album “La Música de Baldemar Huerta.” The album won the trio a Grammy each, a career third for Fender.
Michael and Ron Morales on the other side of the glass at Studio M in San Antonio.
Brothers Michael and Ron Morales in the recording booth at Studio M.
Grammys sit, forgotten, between the two busy recording spaces at Studio M.
On Assignment: Recent work for Imbibe Magazine
Well this is embarrassing. 4 months since my last update? Yowzers!
The good news is, I have something new and fun to share! Imbibe Magazine commissioned me to photograph Kimberly Zash and Sarah Gibson, owners of Sightseers Coffee Roasters for their annual “Imbibe 75” feature. Since I hadn’t been to the location I asked Kimberly to take a few photos and a short video of the space in advance of our shoot. It was easy to see there were no windows and it was a long and narrow warehouse, without a lot of free space. I knew whatever I had planned would have nothing to do with the actual space, need to take up a small footprint and be quick. Sarah has littles at home and she was on pick up duty that day. I went with a “Singing in the Rain” theme. I bought 7 umbrellas, haha Luckily these empowered women were ready, warm and enthusiastic. We had a lot of fun. Maybe not Chris (our on site photo assistant) there was a considerable amount of cleanup between set-ups. And… we did it!
Its already September??!
How about a diversion from our normal programming?
Just got back from Maine yesterday afternoon. I travelled to Kittery, Maine to capture a dear friend’ s wonderful wedding day. Weddings aren’t a mainstay for my business, but for a friend as dear and true, anything is possible. I’ve only ever spent a couple of days in Maine near Bah Haba, at the time I wasn’t sure it was for me. We traveled the a short span of the east coast for our drive up from Boston Logan, first MS, then a sliver of NH, last ME. It was dusk when we traveled that ancient wooded country road to their family’s compound. The sunset on the water was exquisite. How I wish I had taken a few images - ever from the car window. Those vivid memories exist only in my brain. Sometimes, it’s all you need, those scenes are all mine. I guess you’ll just have to head up to Kittery, ME to see what all of the fuss is about ;)
We were staying at one of the homes on the property, with cousins of the groom, they were the loveliest hosts. so caring and helpful, I could have stayed for days. Going to sleep listening to the sounds of the real ocean is my jam. Our accommodations felt exclusive (though, the main Maine house up on the hill is a vacation rental here’s the link ) Property along the coast in the NE and the NW are very seldom bought or sold. On the West coast it’s often true that one’s ancestors put a flag in the ground and claimed the land (sometime around the gold rush.) These ocean front properties are often passed down from generation to generation. Unfortunately my ancestors didn’t have the forethought to push west. They made a pit stop in MI for supplies, stuck it out that first winter and and set up shop.
As you know, the stars and moon shine brighter when you’re away from the city.
And we were gifted a glorious full moon last Friday.
I love these haunting images of guests on the beach lit only by the light of the full moon. As you can see these images are handheld, you can still see the motion of the ocean and the blur of the moving people.
I LOVE Maine!
Where do you love to visit this time of year?
Maine will really start to cool down in the next couple weeks and the leaves will start to change. The dreaminess will compound exponentially!
On Assignment: Recent Work for The Forward Magazine
May 2022 issue of the Forward
The Temple Emanu-El was erected in the late 1950’s in Longview, Tx and it served its community for over 70 years. Due to dwindling membership the Temple is set to close. The Synagogue was once a robust congregation with a thriving Sunday School and Youth community. In the mid 80s when interest in religion began to wane, The Temple lost its full time Rabbi and their Sunday School closed due to lack of attendance. Fast forward 40 years, and only 8 regular congregants remain.
The Sanctuary
Barbara McClelland, Temple member.
The library at Temple Emanu-El piled high with precious memories for cataloging, preserving and inventory.
Dr. Zapata “The Wine Guy”
Mendy and Natalie Rabicoff have been member of the Temple for 30+ years.
Rusty Milstein chairman of the Temple’s building and grounds committee.
A “for sale” sign sits ominously outside Temple Emanu-El in Longview, Tx.
Laura Romine (L) with her her daughter, middle and sister in law, right. Preparing Passover Sedar for the remaining members of the Temple and guests.
Jeff Millstein blows the Shofar to let everyone know that the Sedar is about to begin.
In the Temple’s hayday congregants filled this room, the Sanctuary and many members were left standing for services. Today all of the remaining members and guests, fill these 4 folding tables.
The feast has been cleaned up and the members and guests have all gone home. It’s not long now, before they turn off the lights. For Good.
The 8 remaining members are a hodgepodge of larger than life characters. Rusty Milstein, is chairman of the grounds committee, his grandfather was a founding member and his son, Jeff, attended Sunday School. Dr Zapata owned a vineyard so he’s the unofficially “The Wine Guy.” He brings all of the yummy for special events. Barbara McLelland isn’t even Jewish, she lost her first husband some years ago and was sobbing her way through a Walmart when a friend found her and asked her to join her at Temple. Barbara found the comfort and community she was in need of and has never left. There’s Mendy and Natalie Rabicoff, long time members and Laura Romine the youngest member of the Temple. Laura is Rusty’s right hand woman. With attendance down to just 8 regular worshipers whose average age is about 75, the youngest member Laura is helping Rusty with all of the heavy lifting in preparation for the eventual closing. Together they have been taking inventory and cataloging all of the memories, planning where the Temple’s precious artifacts will be donated and building the Temple’s Legacy. The history within these walls is palpable. Walls that have seen countless weddings, bar and bat mitsvahs, high holidays and weekly Shabbat services are now for sale.
Our shoot was scheduled for Passover weekend - lucky me! Even better, there was a place for me at the table which is a metaphor for this community’s entire existence. There is always a place for you, whoever you are.
On Assignment: Recent work for Texas Highways
May 2022 issue of Texas Highways
I created a series of warm and refreshing images of families enjoying each other on vacation. In the far flung reaches of the Texas Hill Country.
For this first one, two families joined forces and stayed at a VRBO in Albert, Tx down the the street from Albert dance hall. It was a restful two days dancing, hopping, catching, swimming and corn hole. The issue just came out. Both vacations were so lovely and completely different.
How does your family like to vacation?
On Assignment: Recent work for Texas Highways
Bastrop, Tx A portrait of this small Texas town through its people.
City Council member and 5th generation Bastropian Dock Jackson
Hannibal Lokumbe, American jazz trumpeter
Stonehouse - Owner Sonya Cote and Chef Kate Rousset
Lippy, owner of Astro Records
Perry Lowe, Chubby Knuckle Choir
Ryan and Samantha Holiday, owners of The Painted Porch
Lauren, Bastropian student.
On Assignment: Recent work for Texas Highways
For the July 2021 issue of Texas Highways, I had the distinct honor of visiting and documenting two small rural Texas towns. First up, Brownwood, Tx. It was once a booming military town, home of Camp Bowie training camp in the late 40s. The town was built to house 80,000 residents during the height of the Second World War. When the war ended Camp Bowie was decommissioned and the town's population plummeted to 20,000 - where it has remained ever since. The residents and business owners have lovingly preserved the town’s rich history, even while downtown Brownwood is experiencing a resurgence. Long abandoned commercial buildings all over town are being bought, repaired, and finding a fresh new life in the new era of Brownwood.
Intermission Books
Intermission Books was a movie theatre during the Camp Bowie days. When Kim Bruton was restoring the old space, she found greasy people-shaped stains on the wall where servicemen once grabbed a catnap during a reel. She chose to leave them intact as part of the history of the space. When you visit, ask Kim for a tour, she's passionate about her space and her town. On top of the great stories, they also have a wonderfully curated collection of new and used books (it is also an instagrammer's dream)
Teddy's Brewhaus
The Brewery opened its doors in January 2020 within weeks of the pandemic, lockdown and restaurant and bar closures. Quick on his feet owner Jeff Tucker, shifted gears and began making hand sanitizer, which the team has continued to produce ever since the worldwide shortage. When Tucker and his team bought the building, it had been empty since the 50s, when it was an auto parts distributor. When they cracked open the musty doors they found left behind, ledgers, registers and various articles of everyday business life. With an eye on preserving history, they saved the artifacts and placed them in their dining room for everyone to enjoy. The Brewhaus is named for Teddy Roosevelt (the president when the building was built) and Tucker's favorite.
Star of Texas B&B
While in town, I stayed at the Star of Texas B&B. The cottages are secluded and each is equipped with its own hot tub. The rooms are private, and cozy. Owners Don and Deb Morelock carved out a romantic mile long stroll through their nature trail that leads right out "Oak Cottage's" front gate. No stone was left unturned in the creation of this wonderfully romantic getaway, but If that wasn’t enough, they also have an in-house pastry chef!
Underwood's
If you are craving some comfort food - check out Underwoods. It has been family-owned for three generations. Its a comfy greasy spoon operation that offers fresh whipped cream to top off your cobbler table side. And is most iconic location of the many Brownwood stops.
Runaway Train Cafe
At the end of the day, Brownwood is a wonderful family get away, with BBQ, books, and brews for the adults. The kids will surely love the Runaway Train Cafe housed in an authentic retired railway car.
Lehnis Railroad Museum
When you wrap up there, head on over to Lehnis Railroad museum. Tour a decommissioned Santa Fe railroad car and caboose or get mesmerized watching the many mini train sets and villages built and maintained by miniature train enthusiast volunteers from the Brownwood area. The museum also boasts rotating railroad history exhibits and hands on science of motion exhibits. The kids are gonna dig it, but I bet you will too. Sshhh! I won't tell anyone "It's for the kids!"
Spirit of Texas Winery
At the end of a long day of site seeing fun, park it at the Spirit of Texas Winery for a night cap. There is a beautiful spacious patio with lots of comfy seating to stretch out in. Plenty of space for the kids to run or a host of lawn and boardgames to capture their attention, the rest of the night is yours.
Visiting these small towns in Texas is a such thrill for me, I love the history and the charm. I LOVE the people and the community. This job is tailored made for me, I can’t believe I get to travel for work and for fun!
Where will you travel to next?
Bishop: Then and Now
This project started by accident. Three weeks into COVID 19 lockdown, I wanted to create some beautiful lighting and try anything to keep my 11 year old engaged. Online school was in its infancy, and teachers were struggling to just keep the kids sitting at their computers. Especially my spunky kid. So we made this portrait.
I wonder now what he must have been thinking;
“Sweet, no school!”
“I miss my friends”
“When is spring break over?”
“What is happening?”
One year later, This face says it all. This one year looks like five. Quarantine has taken its toll on this 12 year old face. By this time, he’s missed his 5th grade graduation from school. Spent the entire summer stuck in the house with his family and 3 year old brother. He’s missed almost his entire first year of middle school which already an incredibly confusing time in a young person’s life. Not to mention the growth and maturity coming next.
He’ll be back in school this year, with a vaccination and a mask which is frustrating. He doesn’t feel like himself when he’s wearing a mask. When will it ever be normal again?
I wonder what this face will look like next year.
On Assignment: Horizon Bank for Third Rail Creative
Last December, I connected with Third Rail Creative to build a library of seasonal images for Horizon Bank’s website. Horizon Bank is an Austin and central Texas based institution. They wanted to highlight Austin’s small town feel and big city future on every page. Because they plan to use these for the web, the final files needed to be in banner format with room for copy. I’ve worked closely with the art director to put together a list of iconic locations - I made sure to visit the iconic locations, and spent the rest of the time out on foot capturing the day as it unfolded. I value being able to shoot what I see in the moment, it comes naturally. The images reflect that sense of freedom and abandon, a stark contrast to a bank’s typical buttoned-up appearance. After a long year of being locked up it feels so good to have such a long leash.
We’re still looking for iconic landscapes around town. What says Austin, or Central Texas to you?
Leave a comment, or reach out on Instagram to let me know.
This project has been one of my favorites, I’ve really enjoyed the freedom and the creativity it gives me.
Now - Have a look at how Horizon is putting these images to work!
On Assignment: Recent work for Texas Highways.
The world of Texas craft BBQ is an up at dawn, back breaking, exhaustive, and often sweltering pursuit. Starting at the beginning of each week, these pitmasters are sourcing quality meats and other ingredients. Midweek food prep begins with sausage stuffing from scratch. Thursday is for smoking brisket. 1/2 day to smoke and 1/2 day to rest. Friday and Saturday the smokers are filled with pork butt, ribs, turkey, and house-made sausage - all before the sun comes up. The sides are assembled and service begins at 5. Saturday service begins at 10 and the day ends when the food runs out. Sunday is for rest. For most of these guys they also maintain 40 hours a week, not in BBQ. The lifestyle might not be for everyone - but for these passionate craftsmen there is joy in the process and the results
T&D BBQ - Weatherford, Tx. @tndbbq
When I spoke with Dustin and Tyler about the prep and process of good BBQ, I realized the ideal time would be at before dawn, bleary-eyed with coffee pumping through our veins. I knew the ideal time would be at day break, bleary-eyed with coffee pumping through our veins. The guys were gracious and helpful but had a job to do, to get ready for service at 10am. Together we navigated those early hours smoking ribs, turkey and corn, capturing the process all along. My favorite moment was captured in the very last shot of the day when the team handed me a doggy bag to take home, those smiling faces are the faces you can expect to greet you at the window at TND.
*pro tip - keep an eye on their instagram, they announce their one of a kind house-made sausage once a month - last month they made blueberry pancake!!! It’s worth the trip!
Zavala’s Barbecue - Grand Prairie, Tx @zavalasbarbecue
Incase you didn’t hear, in February, Texas experienced a once in a lifetime winter storm. During the storm many homes and buildings experienced catastrophic failures including burst pipes and flooding. Joe Zavala’s beloved barbecue joint had an untreated burst pipe that flooded the restaurant for days. While it wasn’t a total loss, the clean up and rebuild was extensive. I arrived for our shoot the day the movers came to empty it out for clean up to begin. Needless to say they were closed for some time, so we had to get creative with the setup of our shoot. Joe started a gorgeous fire, then he trimmed and prepped a brisket for me. At one point he asked me, “Should I smile?” I said, “Do you feel like smiling?” He said, “YEAH! it’s kinda my thing.” So there you have it, in the depths of a painful loss Joe was upbeat and smiling. It’s amazing what what following your life’s passion can do for you.
Bare Barbecue - Cleburne, Tx @barebarbecue
These two brothers-in-law started serving BBQ to family and friends on the weekends until they realized, they could do something with this. They started working 7 days a week for months and months but with 5 small children between them they later started alternating weekends.
I met these guys before a Friday service. They were in the throes of prep - smoking hamburger patties, and getting a first look at that brisket they worked so hard on for nearly 2 days. Just look at that crust!
*pro tip These guys were completely sold out in a couple hours. When you’re headed to Cleburne, order in advance, it’s your best shot.
Christianity Today - Surrogacy Cover Story - My Body - Not My Baby
There is a real debate going on out there. Are fertility treatments ethical?
I know where I stand, while I carry my second child at 44, "born" in a petri dish. Every time I feel his little kicks, I know I've been blessed.
What do you think?
Then, of course, there are several images from the story that couldn't make the published story. I love them so much anyway - have a look.
Surrogacy builds relationships that most of us will never understand. Jenna Miller (right) mother of three, developed a serious health risk after carrying her first daughter. When she was ready to grow her family she found Jennifer Nelson (left) who carried Ryan and Faith. Jenna and her family of three drove from Waco to Houston and back many times a week to keep up with Jennifer's pregnancy. The time they shared created a bond that can't be broken.
At the center of it all is Gayle Garrett (right) the founder of Surrogate Solutions, a faith based Surrogacy agency in Waco, Tx. Together with Meg Watwood (left) and Melissa O'Hare (center.) The trio have given birth to 7 non-biological children. Many time over they've given families the gift of a life.
You can read the whole story here. https://bit.ly/2uqNp1e