I met Anita back in September during the Labor Day weekend while Kris and I were at San Clemente State Beach camping with friends. We admired her lovely headband and hit it off right away, I asked her to make me one and months later we connected again. She had watched me take photos of my friends and saw how much fun we were having and wanted a piece of the pie, can you blame her? So they booked a photo session to capture their life as it stands now. It was their first session and they were a bit nervous, but it all turned out okay.
We met up at San Clemente Beach this last Sunday afternoon. The weather could not have been more perfect and blue skies were in full view.
As we walked around the camp site they told me their love story and how they met. She was living in Southern California, Peter was living in Boston. She was in NY for a job, flew to DC on a Pan Am plane where Peter was the pilot. They were both standing at the taxi stand waiting for rides to their hotels. Anita saw Peter standing there in his uniform, tall and gorgeous, flight case at his side with a shiny tag, “Captain Pierce”. So she said, “Hey Capt. Pierce, where’s Honeycutt and Houllihan? It’s my birthday, want to buy me a drink?” gotta love that, right? They have been married for over 20 years and have a blessed life together.
Since meeting, they have lived in many places, Boston, NY, LA, Orlando and Kentucky. Five years ago they sold their small horse ranch in Florida and now live and travel in their motorhome. They love the “gypsy” life and plan to continue as long as they can. Their time is spent 6 months out of the year here in California in San Clemente State Beach as volunteer host’s, they’re in charge of the campfire and kids’ programs each summer. The other 6 months they find themselves in Florida, Maine, Oregon and everywhere else in between. This winter they’re going to Tucson Arizona, I’m officially jealous!
Anita has recently been making jewelry out of silver and copper. She’s calling them Gypsy Jewels, Jewels for your Journey and is excited to be in Tucson for the upcoming Gem Show.
Anita loves the beach so much that she even likes the smell of sun tan lotion, they were so relaxed and at peace here. It made my job fairly easy!
Aren’t the headbands just beautiful? All jewelry worn by Anita in these photos are also made by her, she’s talented like that. The hat above is her favorite and she purchased it in New Mexico. She was so giddy to get a photo with her favorite hat and I was happy to oblige.
I love the way Peter looks at her, like he’s falling in love with her all over again. It’s very sweet.
I love this!
Thank you Anita and Peter for allowing me to capture you at one of my favorite beaches and sharing your story with me. Anita, thank you for the lovely headbands and bracelet. I know how much time and effort you spent on them and it means a lot to me. I hope that your next trip to Arizona brings you lot’s of good stuff and great adventure. Peter, your strength and courage humble me, take it easy and best wishes on the rest of your chemo therapy treatment.
If anyone is interested in lovely headbands like the ones pictured, just shoot me an email and I will connect you with Anita.
by Nancy Orozco
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