THE CHEATS FILES: INSIDE WPA BAKERY! [CHURCH HILL, RVA]
If you know me then you know where I stand on dessert in RVA. Garnett’s Cafe is hands down my favorite spot. So you could imagine my excitement when I learned that the wonderful owner of Garnett’s Cafe, Kendra and the baker responsible for my favorite desserts, David were opening WPA Bakery in Church Hill. I made my first stop by WPA Bakery yesterday around 7:45 AM and the place was already buzzing.
WPA owner Kendra behind the counter. She’s such a dope lady.
WPA, located at 2707 East Marshall Street in Church Hill, is still getting their full menu of cakes and pies up but as I sat for coffee and a few pastries you could already tell that the spirit of the place was in full swing.
The spirit of WPA is already in full swing.
I think the best part of my visit was not only seeing Kendra in action but also being able to chat with her during breaks. I met her briefly in the past during a RVANews.com happy hour where I also met her very cool husband John who post for Fan of the Fan. But chatting with Kendra and learning a little about her journey from waitress to owner of 3 restaurants (Garnett’s Cafe, Ipanema Cafe, and The Roosevelt) and a bakery is truly inspiring. Also, she has great stories. I mean if you work in the restaurant biz as long as she has you kind of become a natural storyteller, even if you don’t know it. Even learning about her recent wedding was a great story.
David is the man responsible for my favorite desserts in RVA.
Update: This lovely lady is Shola! Note: In the epic fail category of this post. I asked the wonderful lady her name and even wrote it down and who lost the notes…this guy. Please send me your name and I will post it. #EpicfailCheats
After what seems to have been years of debate and planning, most of it controversial and rooted in racial history and city politics, it appears that Church Hill is finding a balance and harmony that is rooted in pride for its community. Places like WPA Bakery and The Roosevelt and people like Kendra, who is really working to support Church Hill as community, is making a huge impact. I hope you will check out WPA Bakery soon. It’s well worth the trip.
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY: CHURCH HILL, RVA
I’m trying some new stuff with Black and White and HDR techniques. I love how these photos turned out.
James Dangle (Just Plain Sounds) One Time I Knew (Nov. 15)
On November 15, James Dangle will be releasing his first Just Plain Sounds project; One Time I Knew. This unique collection of music is a must have — from the lyrical content to the vast production — this album is truly on a different groove than most of the music coming out of RVA right now. This is also the first short video of its kind from The Cheats Movement, shot in historic Church Hill. This is James Dangle X Just Plain Sounds: With a Cheats Movement Vibe — Stay Focused – We R-VA!
Sunday Inspirational Photo: Dreaming Big in RVA!
I watched the NFL Hall of Fame ceremony last night. And of course, all of the inductees were very proud, appreciative, and humble. All but one inductee said that they never dreamed of being in the Hall of Fame. The one person who did say he had that dream was Deion Sanders. For the record, “Prime Time” is one of my favorite athletes/personalities of all time. But long story short, his speech was about dreaming big. Deion always dreamed big and expected greatness. Not enough people dream big or expect greatness today – because of fear or the hard realities of life. Deion’s quote was, “If your dream isn’t bigger than yourself, there is something wrong with your dream.” I believe that everyone has God given talent to do amazing things and life is about finding the right opportunity to make it happen. Keep pushing and plotting out new dreams. Find that opportunity and expect to be great! Happy Sunday – Stay Focused!
Saturday Morning Popular Post: Good Morning Richmond
Good Morning Richmond was the first picture posted using my new Canon Rebel T2I. I can honestly say this camera has changed the quality of my blog. This week has been the most viewed week of the Cheats Movement since its launch in January and major strides are being made on the photo book and collaborations with other Richmond artist. Thank you for checking the site. Stay Focused.
Graffiti in the Sky [Church Hill, RVA]
Second photo from my new camera. I used the 55-200 lens. Photo shot in Church Hill.
Good Morning Richmond – It’s a New Day!
I’m in a great mood this morning. Most of my friends know that every photo that’s been on the Cheats Movement Blog to date has been shot with my Nikon (Point and Shoot) digital. Needless to say, as the blog has grown and my projects have gotten more ambitious, the point and shoot needed to be upgraded. Yesterday, I purchased my first DSLR; a Cannon T2I and got two lenses; the standard 18-55 and the 55-200 Zoom. I took the camera out this morning for the first time. Check it!
Wall Art: Church Hill, RVA
I took this in Church Hill after visiting Alamo BBQ. I really love Church Hill - just a cool place to be around.
Popular Re-Post: The Man in Church Hill That Sees Everything!
Classic Church Hill. Shot with Nikon Digital; edited in Adobe Lightroom
RVA Photo: Horseshoe Swag! [Gillies Creek Park]
First I have to credit Becca Johnson for the title...Becca, B. King, and I were playing disc golf at Gillies Creek a few weeks back and just saw a massive horseshoe game. It goes down every afternoon at Gillies Creek. I took this yesterday. My goal for the summer is to get some of this on film.
Graffiti in the Woods! [Great Shiplock Park, RVA]
The trains at Great Shiplock have tons of art on them. It's impossible to capture it all but I shot a lot last week. Check it out.
Baby Ducks Marching… [Richmond, VA]
My first live nature shot at Great Ship Lock, RVA.
Question: Who has the Best Barbecue in Richmond? Answer…
Answer: Ronnie's Wings and Barbecue. This is not a debate - Ronnie's is Ridiculous. Buzz and Ned's is solid and Alamo's pull pork is really good - But Ronnie's brisket delivers the goods -- every time. Don't take my word for it -- Check it out.
Richmond Braves Legend: Connecticut’s New Home
I know it's been over a year now but Connecticut will forever be the Indian at the Diamond. I'm so glad that the statue has stayed in the city even though the Braves have moved on. Don't get me wrong, I love Nutzy - but it's not the same as Connecticut and the Diamond Duck.
A Church Hill Night View of RVA [Richmond, VA]
Church Hill has some of the best views of the City. I took this on a very cold winter night.
A Church Hill Sky – Presented by Lucky Strike
Church Hill has some of the best views in the city and if you catch it on a good day -- it's magic.
The Cheats Movement
