— — I have always wanted to see a bird’s eye view of Bluefield. Little did I know that wish would come true during a Prerogative Magazine photo shoot. When I scheduled the fashion shoot for the women’s magazine during the month of December, I was worried it would snow. Eric DiNovo and I had already talked about the photography; we knew we couldn’t have fresh flowers and green grass in January, but we wanted a clean street, void of snow and ice. On that particular day, the sky was a stunning shade of blue. Snow, which had fallen earlier in the week, had melted, except for a few patches in the shade. I was grateful for the warmer weather. We would be able to take some pictures outside, even in the middle of winter.



lll

The blue skies and warm weather — I wasn’t even wearing a jacket — changed the game plan. I wanted Eric to take a photo of the models on the steps of the Bluefield Area Arts and Crafts building in downtown Bluefield. One shot caught my attention. Eric managed to capture a perfect slice of blue sky, the city in the background. The model leaned up against the building, perfect smile in place. All I could see was the brilliant blue, cloudless sky. It was a great shot, but I couldn’t help but want more of that incredible blue hue. And the only way was up — on top of the roof. Emily, a  local student from Athens, didn’t seem to mind my request. The three of us climbed the steps to the roof, with Eric leading the way. We made it up the narrow stairs, one at a time. I was the last to climb the steps. When I stepped on the roof, a slight wind ruffled my hair. It was slightly colder. There were still patches of snow on the roof too. Up on the roof, the sky opened up; I knew a stunning photo was just clicks away. Except there was one problem. The door didn’t have a latch to keep it open. I volunteered to hold the door while Eric took photos of Emily near the side of the building. But Eric used his camera strap to keep the door from locking shut. I didn’t question the logic; I was too busy staring at the sky and imaging a first for the magazine — a bird’s eye view of Bluefield.



lll

I have to admit when the door didn’t budge 15 minutes later, I wasn’t surprised. It wouldn’t be the first time I have been locked out of a building, a car, my house or work. Plus, the day had started out rather interesting already. Earlier in the morning, the building’s alarm had went off accidentally. However, standing on a roof, with no way to get back inside the building, was a whole new experience. I felt bad for Emily, who was shivering in a spring outfit. None of us had a cell phone. The best plan of action? Send Eric over the edge. OK, not really. But I did make him walk to the ledge and get someone’s attention on the streets. City employees — they were taking down Christmas wreaths — came to the rescue, laughing all the way. I got my bird’s eye view of Bluefield that day and a good story for fellow co-workers and friends. I haven’t seen the photos yet but I am eager to see the blue skies of Bluefield in the magazine. If they make the pages, it will be the first bird’s eye view of Bluefield in the five-year history of Prerogative.



lll

In the course of those years, we have traveled all across the two Virginias seeking out stories and photos for our women’s magazine. From the Greenbrier to the roof of the Arts and Crafts building, every photo shoot has been an adventure. I wouldn’t expect or want anything different either. This job, whether it is a Prerogative fashion shoot or a day as the Lifestyle editor of the paper, is never boring. I keep dreaming of a day where a fashion shoot will take place on a tropical island or a vacation getaway. But for now, I will settle for the two Virginias. Somehow I believe setting off an alarm and getting locked out on top of a roof in a city other than Bluefield would have a different outcome. I am not sure any other city employees would be as kind as the ones in Bluefield. This job gives me plenty to write about day in and day out, even if it is mildly embarrassing. I am glad I live in an area where friends, family and readers can laugh at my adventures and don’t make too much fun of the mishaps along the way. I owe the happy ending to the city of Bluefield. Thanks for rescuing an editor, a photographer and a model.



Jamie Parsell is the Lifestyle editor for the Daily Telegraph. Contact her at jparsell@bdtonline.com.