By Garrison Weaver
AML Guest Co-Ed Columnist
Photos Courtesy of Bernadette Uzcategui

Weaver plans on majoring in economics with a minor in finance.

I met Garrison Weaver a month ago on Twitter. Weaver started following AroundMainLine.com and his profile photo caught my attention—which is saying a lot since we have close to 1,000 local followers with our growing Twitter group. Always in my publisher state of mind, I sent Garrison a personal message thanking him for following AML and asking about his obvious interest in photography-as his profile pictured showcased him with a camera. As it turned out, Garrison is not only a budding photo journalist but an established writer. And, as luck would have it, he was gearing up for his freshman year at one of America’s most prestigious universities (which has been a college of choice for thousands of Main Liners for decades), the great University of Richmond.

Weaver, a graduate of Devon Prep, was the chief editor and photographer for the Prep’s 2009 Yearbook—having processed thousands of photos from the high school’s sporting events and organized the content, layout and production almost singlehandedly himself. One brief phone chat and a subsequent cup of Joe with the 18-year-old Newtown Square native and I knew there was an awesome opportunity to follow the exciting journey and experience of his upcoming freshman year as a Richmond Spider.

Garrison is most excited about his role as a sports photographer for the university newspaper. He has the exciting task of capturing Spiders athletics, most importantly the defending 1-AA Defending National Champs, The Richmond Spiders Football Team.

Weaver plans on majoring in economics with a minor in finance. And, as a paid sports photographer for the university newspaper The Collegian, he will be shooting dozens of games within the Spiders’ athletic department. Most notably on his agenda this fall: November 7th when the Villanova Wildcats come to down for quite a pigskin showdown against the defending I-AA National Champs. Look for Garrison’s reports from campus right here on AML regularly as he ‘Weav-ers a Web’ and takes us along with him for one amazing freshman foray as a Richmond Spider.

Garrison, we are very proud to be your virtual ‘home away from home’ and we will all be rooting for you from our desktops! Go get ‘em…Spider!

Sarah Lockard
AroundMainLine.com Publisher

Early August 2009

So I can safely say that I never thought I would be doing something like this, and by this I mean writing down my experiences leading up to my freshman year in college as well as the events that take place during that time. I was asked by Sarah Lockard of AroundMainLine.com, to contribute to the site as a blogger about my first year the University of Richmond. I have always been a writer of sorts, writing editorial pieces for my high school newspaper and as the editor of the yearbook, but never that was as colloquial or frequent as I might have imagined. In short, I’m what some would call a newbie blogger, but here I go.

To be honest I haven’t really thought about going off to school until this weekend. Yesterday I went to a friend’s house for a party; a bit of a mini send-off for the Devon Prep Class of 2009. I saw people that I haven’t seen since June, but that was normal during high school because I have my group of friends and see who I want to see in the summer. But as I left I found myself saying, “If I don’t see you guys before school starts, good luck at college.” It doesn’t feel any different any other school year; I’m just going away to a new place with new people. Not that I don’t think about missing my family and friends, and of course my wonderful girlfriend (who is going to be a senior at Villa Maria), but I can’t predict the feelings I will have until I actually feel them.

I left last night to go to Avalon for the week, while Lauren (afore mentioned girlfriend) is on her Kairos retreat. I got down to the house that my family rented and elected to sleep in a bedroom on the second floor with two twin beds, the other bed being a resting place for all the junk I thought I might need at the beach. My mom came to me this morning and suggested I take the room opposite the master bedroom with a king size bed, for the sole reason that “[I'll] be sleeping on twins all school year” and I should “enjoy a large bed while [I] can.” Little things like that put the situation in perspective and makes me realize that in two weeks exactly I will move into Marsh Hall and live there until this coming May.

Garrison flanked by his proud parents, John and Caroline Weaver of Newtown Square, and family pet Harley (Davidson).

I’m writing this ‘virgin post’ in the living room of my shore house, watching the Phillies get romped by the Giants (ok fine it’s the top of the 8th and they have not been hitting well with runners in scoring position, but maybe there is something brewing). I envy the people in San Fran because it is 80 and sunny but in Avalon it has been a constant ride of thunderstorms and mixed clouds all day with little end in sight. The times I’ve been in Jersey this summer have all been different intolerable extremes, all of which combining to make coming down here a hit or miss. Early June was cold and rainy for a week and a couple weeks ago it was ridiculous hellish heat. Hopefully, I will have a normal beach day before this final week of freedom is over…before I have to nose-to-the-grindstone my way through my first semester at UR.

I elected to take economics, intensive French, calculus, and a CORE English class my first semester at school. I took French for three years in high school but not every day of college, not to mention twice on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It definitely seems that all the time that slid by during high school French will quickly catch up with me during first semester. Other than that, Econ seems to be fun. It’s something I am interested in, but everyone I have asked has said that it is basically supply and demand on steroids. So the comparison I make, as a baseball player, is going from facing mediocre high school pitching to facing Randy Johnson during his Diamondback days.

Well, it’s time for me to take a walk down to Circle Pizza to wolf down some green pepper and onion slices in an effort to nourish myself after a day of driving to find something fun to do in the rain. More to come.

Garrison

Stay tuned for Garrison’s first report from The Richmond Campus, as he gets acquainted with his new living quarters, his roommate, class schedule and campus life. And, follow him along here on AML regularly this fall as he documents his experiences during an exciting and challenging freshman year at one of America’s most prestigious universities, The University of Richmond. Spider Bites is just getting started!

By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of Krista Peel

Amber Resin and Glass Necklace, $55.
Peel’s pieces are all one-of-a-kind, handcrafted works of art using some of the earth’s most gorgeous gemstones.

Artist Krista Peel is a self-proclaimed “rock fanatic.” Peel grew up surrounded by the picturesque plains of Cheyenne, Wyoming where her childhood days were spent appreciating the undisturbed elements of nature. “It was very serene, and as a child in a rural area I was surrounded by these intricate rocks and stones. There were not the distractions children have today, so I developed a very keen sense of the land around me and nature,” explained Peel.

Fast forward to 2009 and Peel is one of the most successful Philadelphia-based jewelry lines showcased on Etsy.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for designers and artists. That’s quite an accomplishment considering the tens of thousands of designers from the Delaware Valley who showcase their wares on the site. “Etsy allows me to have an audience that I can interact with. It really is a friendly community, a positive environment of artists that all support each other. And, looking around at the company of awesome talent on Etsy is so inspiring for me to keep producing beautiful pieces. Whenever you are in a situation like that (as a designer) there is nowhere to go but up. Etsy has been just great.”
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By AML Publisher
Photography courtesy of April Ziegler Photography

Philadelphia pet photographer, and AML staff member, April Ziegler will be one of the vendors at Fidos Festival 2009. Come by and meet April!

Hundreds of furry friends from near and far will meet, greet and compete on the grounds of the Salem County Fairgrounds in Woodstown, NJ for the 2009 Fidos Festival USA, Friday August 28th through Sunday August 30th. The event, in its second year, is expected to draw over 5,000 attendees as the exclusive summer dog festival held on the east coast. Dozens of vendors will be part of the appeal, some coming from as far as way as California. “It is a great time, packed with dogs and dog lovers-families and friends. Fidos Festival offers an awesome family atmosphere and also a great family vacation. Many of our guests who attended last year camped out on the grounds and enjoyed the entire three day event. There is really nothing else like it for dog lovers in this region of the country,” enthused Jackie Gordon, event specialist for Events Plus, the company behind the festival.

In keeping with this year’s “Tropical Pooch Paradise” theme, canine contests will include Limbo competitions, Beach Comber Costume contests, and Surfer Races, and more. Dog owners can shop for innovative dog products as well as enjoy a variety of foods for humans. Several dog rescues, celebrities, dock diving, agility course, lure racing, fly ball demonstrations, training demonstrations, and presentations by pet experts will round out the fun. Camping options are offered on site.

www.fidosfestivalusa.com

Attendees and their dog can just browse the grounds and take in the animal-friendly atmosphere or participate in a parade, Frisbee contest, beach comber costume event (complete with grass skirts) and more. There is even a contest for top owner and dog look-a-likes! With over thirty years experience in the industry, Events Plus was able to launch Fidos Festival with an impressive 3,000 attendees in 2008, its inaugural year.

Events Plus also secured Fidos Festival in a venue that could accommodate tens of thousands-60 plus acres which are part of the Salem County Fairgrounds. Since camping options are available on site and there is plenty of parking and support, thousands can comfortably enjoy an extended weekend experience. “We have so many great activities as part of the fun that you will definitely never be bored even if you attend all three days—from fashion shows, to experts who offer sessions on nutrition and pet care and more. There are also several rescue groups that are on hand to speak one-on-one with the festival goers. And, last year we were successful in having a handful of dogs adopted as well, which was a great feeling! Fidos Fest is really something else—I can hardly wait for this year’s show,” enthused Gordon

The most anticipated event of Fidos Fest 2009 will be Saturday’s wedding ceremony. The organizers are attempting to break a Guinness World Record—for the largest dog wedding ceremony ever. Those wishing to register their pooch can do so via the event website at: poochpartner.fidosfestivalusa.com

The highlight of the weekend, though, will undoubtedly be Saturday afternoon’s interesting ‘trip down the aisle’ for dozens of dog couples. Fidos Festival 2009 is attempting to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest dog wedding ceremony ever. And, there’s still time to register your four legged bride or groom. And, if your pet hasn’t met the right mate, upload a photo, check out the available pups, and propose. (As Gordon pointed out, dogs suffering ‘commitment issues’ may choose to play the field until they find their match at the festival.) The wedding will take place on Saturday August 29 at 2pm. A complimentary wedding treat and marriage certificate will be offered to all participants.

Fidos Festival 2009

What:

Fido’s Festival USA is proud to present “Tropical Pooch Paradise” and three days of dog-centered, dog-loving fun and activities for dogs and dog lovers. Friendly island themed dog contests, innovative dog products, health & training sessions and demonstrations, awesome entertainment, island craft pavilion, doggie play area with refreshing doggie pools, dock diving, lure racing, agility course, flyball demonstrations, police dog demonstrations, adoptions and rescues, food court, guest appearances, presentations by pet experts, on-site camping and much more! Advance tickets on-line $9 per person for one day, $20 for weekend pass. Tickets at the gate are $12 per person for one day, $25 for weekend pass. Dogs and children 12 and under free. Parking is free.

When:

4 PM – 9 PM Friday, August 28;
10 AM – 5 PM Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30

Website:

www.fidosfestivalusa.com

Where:

The Salem County Fairgrounds
735 Route 40
Woodstown, NJ 08098
(Exit 4 off of I 295)

Who:

David and Elvis, Greatest American Dog reality television show
Dr. Harvey Cohen, a pioneer in holistic and natural nutrition for animals
Andrew Darlow, award winning author and photographer
Fido and Fidette, our festival mascots
Karen Quigley and Elwood, 2007 World’s Ugliest Dog

For advance tickets or more information visit www.fidosfestivalusa.com.

By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of Kristen Hudson-Nichols

“What I love about boudoir is getting to know my clients and translating their personality into the shoot. Women are held to ridiculous standards in today’s society with what is an acceptable body type. And, we deserve to celebrate our selves in our current, beautiful form,” enthused Hudson-Nichols.

The pinup girl is an American classic which brings to mind images of Bridget Bardoe, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, Farrah Fawcett and more. In the early ‘90s, Anna Nicole Smith ignited a renewed interest with her popular (Bardoe inspired) black and white advertisements for Guess Jeans-catapulting Smith to a household name overnight. Today, peruse the magazine stand at any local bookstore or grocery aisle and the celebrities on the cover are commonly captured in what is considered a boudoir photography style—be it Jennifer Aniston wrapped in a bed sheet, Kate Winslet in an English castle in front of a vanity in her nightgown, alluring photos of Kim Kardashian, Scarlett Johannsen, and more. And now American women want the same opportunity to celebrate their gorgeous selves!

In 2009, boudoir photography has started to gain a new level of interest – and respect – amongst us non-celebrities. It’s been heating up on the west coast, particularly in California, over the last few years. And now, thanks to the talents and artistic vision of a local photographer, sassy and sexy women across the Philadelphia region can celebrate their gorgeous selves.
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By AML Publisher
Photos by Marie Labbancz Photography and Jason Varney

O’Brien, 44, can often be found picking up her morning Joe at One Stop Coffee in her Northern Libs neighborhood.

I was having a casual email exchange with new AML friend Donna O’Brien, owner and creative director of Northern Liberties floral boutique Beautiful Blooms, a few weeks ago when O’Brien mentioned she was single. I was surprised…and secretly excited! The 44-year-old blond bombshell is as pretty as she is personable, bubbly as she is brilliant and as kind as she is cool. A few minutes later, I had successfully snagged Donna as the first fabulous female in our new series, Sensational Singles. Two days later, we were chit-chatting away on the phone about O’Brien’s life as a successful businesswoman in one of Philly’s hippest neighborhoods.

With a slew of friends and business connections throughout the city and suburbs, Donna is a social butterfly tackling on Phillies game, her favorite BYO or her gorgeous garden. Her day-to-day duties with Beautiful Blooms has O’Brien designing breathtaking centerpieces for Main Line and Philadelphia clients, weddings and events fresh out of her new Northern Liberties storefront. So, that leaves little time for finding Mr. Right!
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