Finding Focus Read Online Free PDF Page A

that matches his mother’s, and two large dimples dip into his cheeks. He’s cute, in a ruggedly handsome kind of way. Actually, he looks like the kind of person who would be offended by the word “cute”.
    He immediately scoops Annie up in a hug, covering her small frame with his large one, and she squeals, demanding him to stop. “You’ve gotta watch this one, Dani.” She smirks, nudging Deacon with her elbow. “This one’s canaille. ” She winks, swatting him with the dishtowel in her hand.
    Having no idea what she’s talking about, I quirk an eyebrow in question.
    She laughs. “He’s got mischief oozing out of him.” She reaches up and pinches his cheeks. “Can’t you see it?”
    I laugh with them. “I can.”
    Deacon looks at me with all that mischief his mother spoke of moments before.
    “Dani Reed,” I tell him, offering my hand across the counter.
    “Hello,” he says, dipping his head and taking my hand. “Deacon Landry, ma’am.” His sly smile and syrupy-sweet voice lets me know he’s pouring on the manners to suit his mother, and it makes me laugh. “So, you’re the city-slicker photographer who’s come to take our pictures?”
    “Yes. I’m here to do an article on the plantation and all of you.”
    “Well, this oughta be fun.” He slaps his hands together, and I can’t help but agree.
    “Annie, thank you so much for the delicious breakfast.” I wipe my mouth on a napkin and stand to take my dishes to the sink before she can stop me. “Deacon,” I say, turning to the mammoth beside me, “it was lovely meeting you.”
    “Likewise, Ms. Reed.”
    I shake my head. If his mother weren’t around, I doubt he’d be this formal. From the smile on her face, she knows it, too.
    It’s cute. They’re cute. Their ease and playfulness is contagious and kind of addictive, but I excuse myself and hurry outside, knowing I have a lot of work to do and hanging around with them would not be conducive to that.
    I quickly pull my camera from the car, adjust the settings, and get to work, not wanting to waste these last few moments of precious morning sun. As I make my way around the property, the story begins to unfold in my mind.
    The grand porches set perfectly for slowing down and listening to a friend.
    The open doors.
    Open windows.
    White curtains dancing in the breeze.
    Lush green against stark white.
    Rolling fields that have stood the test of time.
    Tall oak trees whispering quiet strength and confidence.
    Inspiration comes easy. It’s just a matter of portraying what I’m seeing onto the glossy pages of a magazine.
    Occasionally, I find a soft spot to sit, pull my small notepad from my pocket, and jot down specific shot locations and areas I’d like to revisit with different lighting.
    The overhead sun beating down on me lets me know it’s probably noon. A small pond catches my eye and I stroll over, shooting a few midday shots. There isn’t a lot I can accomplish with the sun so harsh, but I make the best of my time.
    A few hours later, I find myself under a welcoming shade tree and sit down to rest my feet. A bead of sweat drips down my face and I wipe it away as I pull a bottle of water and another granola bar out of my backpack. It’ll have to suffice for lunch. Thank goodness Annie insisted I eat some of her delicious croissants and fruit this morning, or I’d be famished.
    Once I finish my snack, I stuff the trash back into my backpack and look up to see the house in the distance. I didn’t realize just how far I’d walked. Not ready to make the trek back just yet, I pull my shoes and socks off, and sink my toes into the coolness of the grass. Leaning back against the tree, I begin looking through the shots on my camera, immediately seeing a few I know are going to be keepers. I can’t wait to get them onto my laptop so I can see them on a bigger screen.
    Placing my camera in my lap, I lean my head back and close my eyes. The breeze cools my hot skin, and I let my mind