The universe has thrown me a curve ball and I had to cancel our trip to Europe due to a health glitch. Meanwhile, the sun and the moon have conspired to present a total solar eclipse in my back-fucking-yard and that is one get-well card you do not ignore. Besides, in a rare moment of brilliance, I’d purchased trip insurance! I didn’t even remember doing it. Anyway, reimbursement has been requested. Thanks, Iceland Air for the reply (in Icelandic). Something about 4-6 weeks. Trips can wait – I was gonna miss the big eclipse. Now … I’m not. (Who plans to be away while the sun and moon are trying to upstage each other almost directly over your rooftop?) Seriously, we’re going to see it here first, USA. I saw a thing that suggested I follow the coverage on CNN. Right.

Back to my summer. It’s been a variety of photo shoots, quirky weddings …

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  Kinda peeved I don’t get to wear the gown.

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  Quirky.

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  Grays Harbor Lighthouse wedding.

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  Grays Harbor Lighthouse wedding.

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  South Bend wedding.

AND, of course, #formalwearworninappropriately  !

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  Michigan Swamp Witch.

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  University of Michigan Research Museum Collections Manager, Mark O’Brien retrieves a specimen.

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  My 87 year old dad at the Boat Bar in Ortonville, MI. He’s a Texas Hold ’em shark.

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  Searching for the perfect campsite, The Great Salt Lake, UT.

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  Hotel Virginian. Us and some guy’s butt. Medicine Bow, WY.

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  Paleantologist Donna Merrill makes a find! Cheyenne, WY.

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  Anything is possible when you’ve got a Leatherman multi-tool. Carhenge. Alliance, NB.

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  Victor, NY. “40 years, 3 months and 2 hours late for the prom.” Victor High School, NY

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  Erika, having quit her job, burns her uniform. Washaway Beach, WA

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  Yard work drudgery.

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  Burning Gown Party with my FAVORITE model, Kelly Owen! “Will I need my boobs for this?”

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  Burning gown party, Washaway.

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  Burning gown party, Washaway.

The reason I’m most often the model in my photos is because I’m usually around when I’m available.

I’ve been wanting to do more burning gown shoots and I think this eclipse is just the hot ticket! (Though I’m awfully busy, searching for the perfect Eclipse Gown.) We went and scoped out a spot today. If you’re interested in joining us hit me up, worthy friend. There will be sparks!  marcy@merrillphoto.com or text me (360)267-1036. I have a certain text message I’ve been trying to get to go lower and lower on my screen so I don’t have to look at it anymore – you’d be doing me a favor. Thanks!

Small monkey wrench in the cogs – weather. Fingers crossed.

Setting up my short list of Eclipse-worthy cameras as well. Jimmy Neutron? Diana? The Nikon D700.

My next post will be about the health issue. No big deal. I’m OKAY!