Ian's Photo session with Colette

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I just haven't spent much time in the doll room this Spring, so these are actually from February. I made a post and then lost it twice and got disgusted. I'm not always patient, LOL.

Here, Ian is doing a shoot for publicity photos or an album cover for Colette/Callie, a Joliet girl who spent many years in France being a vocal sensation, but came home after $$$ and boyfriend problems. Ian only knows this from gossip in the neighborhood.d  And from when he took the stills for the PBS special in March.

If you are interested in her story thus far, just search Colette or Jazz Baby and you can see lots of posts on her.

Ian: Callie, how about you just sit here on the chair, face me and think about your favorite place. 

Callie: (Smiles slightly) Well, I spent a great deal of time in Paris.

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Ian: Just tilt you head a bit to the left. There that's good. Nice smile, lips closed and you are dreaming about Paris.

Callie: Hmmmm, humming a French tune under her breath.

Ian moves around the room, snapping away.

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Ian: Hold still...the shadows are working now!

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Callie continues to hum-m-m-m, staring out into space. 

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Ian: Just relax, lean forward....PERFECT! Where are you now?

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Callie:( She snaps up) I need to stretch.(leans foward)

Ian: Fine, stretch everything and take a break. (He walks around and adjusts the lights.)

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Ian: There that's good. Now, tell me about Paris. 

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Ian backs away for full body shots.

Colette: Oh, Paris est magnifique. La ville a un pouls qu'on ne peut pas décrire. Pardon, Paris is like no other, Magnificent. The city has a pulse one can't describe.

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Ian: You loved it then? Or were you in love, there?

Colette: Yes, oui, oui, Oui. Very much. (She smiles.)

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Ian: Do you want to go back? 

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Callie/Colette: If it hadn't been for Covid, I would have returned long ago. But, now maybe someday. My career seems to be here now.

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Ian changes the colors on the lights: Let's try this!

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Ian: The shadow play here is very interesting...let's take a few more. Just think of your most fabulous night in Paris performing!

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Colette: I sang in this little 'club de musique'. A restaurant during the day and early evening, but only for live music performances at night. 

Gerard had a little threesome band and we always had a full audience. Soon, we were the toast of Paris nightlife.

Ian: Hold that pose. Sounds wonderful. Gerard, why do I know that name? 

Colette: Well, he's Gerry my producer. He produced the Billie Holliday PBS Special we did in March when you did the stills. You know he is difficult, but very good at what he does. 

Ian: At everything?  Hold that!

Callie: (biting her lip, fingers tensing and then opening)

CLICK

Ian: I'm loving this shot...hold a bit longer! Click, click, click. That's a wrap.

I think I have all I need, except I think I need to go to Paris now.

Colette: Perhaps we may all go when I do my next  album of Paris songs. You could be my Apprêter, and make my life more arranged and document the whole trip. Perhaps make me more suitable for the public.

Ian: Suitable? Such an interesting word.

Colette: (shrugs) I really don't fit in anywhere it seems. (standing up). Joliet and Paris both seem a long distance away from here, from me now.

Ian: Well, Joliet was named after a French man. 

Callie: True, perhaps that's the mystique. Thank you, Ian. Let me know when you think you have something for the album cover and CD covers. We want to release this soon.

Ian: I sure will, I'll do some editing and send something over tonight or tomorrow. I might have to add something of Paris to it maybe on the right...but then I think it is already there in your eyes.

Colette: Merci à toi mon ami. (She smiles) And, thank you for an afternoon trip back to Paris. 

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Alone in the studio Ian worked on the photos...and played with the contrasts bringing up the shadows in the background. It's clear to him, Colette is two very interesting people.

Ian: And me, an Apprêter, that's one way of saying it. (he continues working and playing with the images...if he uses her closeups, he loses her shadows.) 

Ian: I guess I will leave the choice up to Colette. Maybe she will see, what I see.

(More to come)

Simple Background Set

Chair: Mattel from lunch set, covered in black contact paper:

Colette/Callie: Mattel Jazz Baby- jewelry hers.

Sweater: unknown seller China

Leggings: Mattel Model Muse

Floor: Contact paper

Background: Bent silver poster board

Lighting: Two small LED spot lights. One diffused with a piece of white foam core, one from the side.

Edits from Mac photo program, enhancing/reducing light, contrasts, colors, black and white, sepia, and color balance changes. Flaws and sharp lines are intentional in the composition.

Story: Total figments of my imagination and my doll world.

Thanks for looking, any comments or questions, I'll be happy to answer.

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Doll Story: Ella, Callie, and Company.

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We last left the GrandView residents' party with Emilie and Ella having some terse words. 

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Emilie: I am going to 'move my butte', as you so often command, Meez Ella, to 3A with Henri. And, zen you may vait on Meez Colette.

Ella: (Hmmmph!) It's about time,....you go for it girl! Callie will just have to learn to manage her own affairs. 'Bout time too, she's going to be thirty-somethun'.

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Henri: Emilie and I didn't want to cause trouble.

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Callie(Colette) 2A: That's enough, Mama.  

Gerard (on the left):(whispers) Callie, I can move in with you now.

(So, dear friends, how do you think this will

go? It's a week later at the StoneWall gardens, and let's see what Ella is up to now.)

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Ella: The sun is divine here. I signed the contracts this morning, and won't Callie be surprised to find out I bought Emilie's share of the Condo, dear sweet niece.

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Opal: I hope you didn't buy it, just so I could stay with you?

Ella: Don't be silly, it's a good investment and a fair price. I'd do anything to keep Gerry from moving in with Callie again. 

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Opal: I didn't realize they were still together.

Ella: He thinks they are...just making sure Callie doesn't agree with him.

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Opal: Well, as soon as I find a job, I'll find somewhere else to stay, Auntie El.

Ella: Nonsense Sweetie. You are welcome to stay with us for as long as you like.

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Callie: Mama, you phoned me to meet you here...it's so hot here!

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Ella: Nonsense, girl it's a lovely day. Remember my sister's youngest, Opal.

Opal:(mumbles) Hi, cuz.

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Callie: I sure do, she wrecked my first car! And, drew magic markers on my prom dress. 

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Opal: Oh, cousin Callie, I was just a little kid. I'm sorry, I'd never do that now. I thought I was making a rainbow Princess dress for you.

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Callie: And, the CAR?

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Callie: And, you are not staying in my home. Not ever!

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Ella: But, she is staying in my home. I signed the papers this morning. Emilie sold me her part of the condo.

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Callie: Mama, where did you get the money for that? You've been living off me for seven months? Never mind! I bet I don't want to know.

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Opal: Please don't fight because of me. I'll only stay for a little while, I have two interviews set up for this week. Good jobs, Callie. I promise I will pay you back.

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Callie: This isn't all your fault, Opal.  I just have to get used to the idea.

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Opal: Oh, thank you cuz! I knew you would be so kind, you were always my favorite cousin and you have lived in Paris, you have to tell me all about it!

Callie: (pulling away) Oh, pillow talk will be sooo much fun. (grimace)

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Opal:(That was easy...and Paris isn't such a big deal!) I need to unpack and iron my suit for my interview. I'll see you later at home in 2A.

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Ella: I thought Emilie would have told you. I hadn't realized she owned more than half of YOUR condo. I made a great deal, I only paid what she paid. So, I think I'll take the big bedroom and you girls can share the smaller one! 

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Callie:You have to be joking, Mother?

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Ella: I never joke about closet space or square footage.

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Callie: But, Gerard was going to move in as soon as our album is finished. Mama, how could you!

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Ella: Never, he'll never be in my house. He's no better for you now than when you were fifteen. Tell him to pay you back all that money he owes you for Paris. 

Callie: He's reinvesting it in my career, Mama. It takes a bankroll to do an album, just getting it made. Let alone, promoting it. (soft sobbing)

Ella: Lord's sakes, don't cry, he just isn't worth it. I still have money left from Grammy's house....

Callie: Mama, promise me you won't let Opal know that.

Ella: You think I was born yesterday...?

And there is Always more later....

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GrandView Residents' Gathering Part 1

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The Venue: StoneWalls and the Residents at the GrandView 

 Teresa from Channel 7 Eyewitness News:

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Teresa: Ms. Roberts, we hear there's a new venue available here at the GrandView. This is quite the party, can you tell us about this wonderful space?

Lara: I'm so glad you asked, Teresa. Originally, behind the GrandView was an old stone parking garage. Above was this abandoned stonewalled area that originally held a pool and gardens in the 1920's. After a major remodel---the space has been utilized as an outdoor party venue and garden spot. 

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Though not completely finished, our interior designer, Richelle, tested out the space for her wedding last Saturday. Here are a few photos.

Teresa: Oh, my what a gorgeous space, no one builds them like this anymore. What is this lovely space named?

Lara: StoneWalls at GrandView, or StoneWalls for short.

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Teresa: How can this space be utilized? This 'altar' was unique with the stone stage. I see tonight the stage is being used for something else, music.

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Lara: We had music and dancing for the wedding, too.

Teresa: I see you have a bar and a food table. 

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Lara: We have everything. This is Patrick Carney, who is completing the GrandView lower basement level to a bar/entertainment venue and holds the liquor license for this property. 

Teresa: Patrick, can you tell us a bit about the party services offered here at StoneWalls?

Patrick: We can provide this space for small gatherings, business meetings, community events for a rental fee, and of course free use for the tenants of the GrandView, like tonight. This is a Post Covid Resident Meet and Greet.  

Teresa: This is a great addition to the neighborhood. Will there be any noise restrictions for your neighbors?

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Lara: Yes, of course. Meetings and small social gatherings during the day without alcohol will be  lights out at 9 pm during the week. Like tonight, this is a Meet and Greet of our residents of the Grandview and the music will be done by 9 pm.

Weekend rentals will be by HOA board vote, allowing special occasion events at their discretion with lights out at 12 pm. 

Teresa: That sounds fair and reasonable. What is your maximum capacity?

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Lara: The space can hold fifty, including staff. The physical space is multi-purpose. In order to make the venue very versatile, everything is moveable. 

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This was a challenge, and Trish specializes in easy care plantings and does a wonderful job throughout the GrandView and our other properties. Here's a photo of how we set up for a recent wedding event.

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Lara: Private events can bring in props and use their own ideas to make the space their own.

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Teresa: The lights seem to be just enough to use after dark. I see the pond here, we didn't see in the wedding photos.

Lara: Yes, even the pond is re-moveable. We will utilize it for ambiance for smaller gatherings and part of the everyday decor. We have storage space built behind these middle walls, they just slide to the side, so we can alter the space for almost any gathering.

Teresa: I see you have a full bar here at this end.

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Patrick: Not tonight, Teresa. This is a resident get-together and strictly soft drinks and juices.

Lara: The beverage area is also flexible and on wheels. Eventually Patrick's  kitchen in the bar/restaurant will be able to cater all the food. Our own Sindy's Patisserie will  provide bakery for this venue. 

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Well, you have a party in full swing, right now. 

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Teresa: Thanks so much, Ms. Roberts. You need to get back to your residents.

From 'In Your Neighborhood,' and I am Teresa at Channel 7 Eyewitness News, Chicago.  You heard it here first, StoneWalls at the GrandView. A great venue for small gatherings and parties right here in YOUR neighborhood.

Ian: That's a wrap. I'll get this back to the studio for editing for tonight's news.

Meanwhile the Residents' Party is in full swing.

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After eighteen months of wearing masks, everyone in this building who are vaccinated are sans masks tonight. The conversations are lively.

(Left to Right,  Shelley 5D, Babs 4D, Tai 3D, and Deedee 3D)

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Pinkie: Hi, Lucas. I haven't seen you in the park lately.

Lucas: Great to see, you! I've been doing lots of night gigs now. We just did a wedding here last weekend. So, what do you want to hear?

Pinkie: Ummmmm. You, asking me out...er...for...coffee, or lunch...since you are so busy?

Lucas: It's a deal, how about tomorrow! I'm sure glad I'm playing for  you tonight.

    "Pretty woman, walking down the street. Pretty woman..."

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Allan White 4A(L) meets up with an old college buddy, Dr. Jamal 4C.

Allan: Thanks for the tip on this place, Jamal. I love my new condo. 

Dr. Jamal: Just like the old days, we are right across the hall from each other. 

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New comer, Sheldon 2C in the middle, shares in their conversation.

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Vanessa: Hello, Ladies. I'm interning with Lara the Manager of this building for the summer. Did you have any questions about StoneWalls?

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Can we sunbathe in here during the day?

Vanessa: The doors are always open with your key card to use at your leisure unless, there is a private event.

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Deedee: Great get together, we hardly see anyone except passing through the lobby.

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Isabel 5B: I love the pond, I'm planning on doing my yoga in here, weather permitting.

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Pinkie 5D and Tai 3D 

Pinkie: I love yoga, really early in the morning.

Tai: Me, too. How about 6am tomorrow.

Pinkie: I'm in.

Isabel: Me, too!

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Meanwhile Ms. Roberts (BMR) converses with Mr. Pittman-contractor and Sindy about the last of the Patiserrie kitchen issues. The ventilation system is being upgraded.

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BMR: Thank you Mr. Pittman for all your hard work. I love how you rehabbed this space, what a great idea to utilize sliding walls. And, still keep it original to the building.

Mr. Pittman: Please call me, Russell. Lara has been great to work with. I'm looking forward to your next project. 

BMR: I believe we have a townhouse 3-plex next. Much smaller than this, but it needs some extensive rehab. Ryan has been working on the zoning issues for us. It was miserably chopped up into apartments. When he gets back from his honeymoon, we should be ready to start. Richelle will be working with you again on the design issues. They had a lovely wedding.

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Henri 3A: Colette, has Emilie told you of our news?

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Ella 2A: And, what would that be?

Emilie: I am going to 'move my butte', as you so often command, MEeez Ella, into 3A with Henri. And zen, you can vait on Mees Colette.

Ella: Hmmmph! It's about time,....you go for it girl! Callie will just have to learn to manage her own affairs. 'Bout time too, she's going to be thirty-.somepun.

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Callie(Colette) 2A: That's enough, Mama. 

Gerard: I can move in with you, now!

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Ella: Over my dead 'butte', Gerry. Are ya tired of floppin' in your recording studio?

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Carmel 5C: Oh my, that's some fireworks, just waiting to happen over there!

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Amy and Max 2D can't help but hear the squabbling next to them.

Max: Holy-moly, what's that about.

Amy: Never mind them. This is our song. Let's dance.

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Isabel 3C: Fireworks, is just the half of that group.

Jamal 4C: Who are they? I'm never around that much?

Isabel: Callie Colette is a singer, the boyfriend is some kind of music producer. Mama Ella is an old-school Blues singer from St. Louis or Joliet, not sure. French Emilie was an assistant to Colette. Henri lives just across the hall from me in 3A. He's a sweetie, a real gentleman. Guess that's GrandView's "As the World Turns". 

Jamal:  Oh, my mama watched that when I was a kid....I get it now.

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Henri: Ah...we didn't mean to cause trouble. 

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Emilie: Zee music is very fine. I'll begeen moving tomorrow. We will settle zee ownership issues through my solicitor.

(to be continued)

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