Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

Halloween morning’s first phone call was from the Beeline Cafe on Highway 87 — better known as the Beeline Highway. Part owner Dan Sexton called to say the waitresses were wearing bee costumes and I might like to come on in and take a few shots.

I said something harried and noncommittal, then went back to other pressing duties. But all the while the bug of the image of those women in bee costumes flew circles in my brain. Finally, I yielded to the image and decided to flit down there and check it out.

The Beeline is always buzzing with activity, but once word spread about the costumed servers, the place had standing room only.

Once inside, I noticed Sexton donning his beekeeper outfit. As she juggled her order, I chatted with Kassie Sexton, who said they’d all jumped at the chance to dress up.

The surprisingly varied costumes all qualified as “cute,” with online outfits, local purchases and handmade items all delighting customers.

I hung out for awhile to eavesdrop. “You look so cute in that,” said one customer. “Are you going to do this every day?”

“Are you doing anything after work? Like going to a costume party, maybe? With me?” suggested another hopeful.

“Are you getting paid extra today?” asked another.

By the time I ambled out of there, my day had changed from so-so to looking good. Back at the office, the phone rang off the hook — like everyone else in Payson wanted their picture snapped as well. It almost looked like it was time for my evil twin to step in for the rest of the day so I could take off and eat my M&M’s in peace. Everybody needs some kind of candy for Halloween.

Busy. Busy day.

In fact, I was as busy as a — well — a photographer on Halloween.