cRaZy HoT in Tennessee

Good Monday, friends.  We here in Middle Tennessee remain stifled by record-breaking temperatures.  It’s cRaZy HoT, y’all!!!  As I was saying to John the other night, the ONLY good thing about the heat wave we’ve been experiencing is that it has been a dry heat.  I can somewhat take heat. I don’t do humidity very well.

This past Friday the temperature in Nashville reached 109 - the hottest ever recorded.  Some spots north of Nashville, which is where I live, were even hotter I think.

Ren’s senior pictures had been scheduled for that evening and we were asked by our photographer, who is also a dear friend, if we wouldn’t want to reschedule.  All other sessions had.  Knowing how busy our schedule would become in July, I decided to go ahead and have them taken. Of course, had it been humid I would have absolutely had to cancel.  Ren does not do humidity well either.

Luckily, the session turned out great, and except for once, when she was wearing a fairly tight headband and longer dress as part of a Bohemian ensemble, Ren didn’t even break a sweat.  Having said that, we did go prepared, which helped ensure neither she nor her makeup melted.

Here’s what it takes.

1.)  Make sure you have a great photographer who works quickly.
2.)  Use a sweat resistant foundation.  Ren wore Clinique’s new Stay-Matte.  I have to say I was impressed.
3.)  If possible, bring along a personal make-up artist for retouches.  We are lucky to have one in the family.  Thanks, Meg.
4.)  Keep a dry hand towel handy for blotting away moisture around the face and neck.
5.)  Have a personal-sized, battery-operated fan.  This has been a lifesaver for Ren on multiple occasions.
6.)  Pack a cooler with some cold water and a bag or two of ice OR
7.)  Realize the one being photographed will probably need a straw for sipping water - lest we smear some lipstick - so head to the local Sonic.  Be prepared:  3 medium ice waters and one large cup of ice will cost you $2.29.  I was rather shocked.  

I can’t wait to see the rest.

Well, stay cool, my friends.  And please, say a prayer that everyone in need of rain will get some much needed relief soon.