SAY THANKS!!!

Go to this site and XEROX will send a "Thank You" to the troops. You can't pick who it goes to but you will make a difference in their hearts.

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html

Last But Not Least

My last session of the year - what a great note to end on.
A beautiful family and a blast to shoot, they know how to have fun and have no trouble making fun happen.
Being the first family shoot outside, I was honored to have been selected for the job. I love this family - the kids are amazing. The parents are incredible and so kind and just plain good hearted people.

Jill & Family

This was a special session for me. The family is in crisis but you couldn't tell from these photos. These kids are simply amazing. Jill is incredibly strong in mind and body.
As some of you know, I do sessions with my charity NAOCP and I work with VITAS closely.
If you are in the giving mood this year - please donate to Hospice care. These people volunteer their time to those in need. At a time most critical to the family as well as the patient. If you want more information about VITAS or what Hospice is, please visit VITAS. They are 501c3 and a wonderful cause. This also happens to be the people who took care of my Dad who passed away in 2000 from brain cancer. I can't tell you how much that meant to myself and my siblings, let alone my father who hated hospitals and had the ability to be in the comfort of his home at his passing.

Congrats to Jennifer & Michael!!!

These newly weds are on the road to happiness. I love documenting a day like this - having been blessed with B & G's that are so in love that the wedding is about "getting married" and not trying to have a celebrity wedding. You can only adore how much Michael was worried about his soon to be bride (who wasn't outwardly freaking out by any means). The way he looks at her is just so sweet.

Jennifer is just as into her new husband - I love how much they just touch one another....a simple hand on the arm, holding hands, etc. Just sweet.

National Philanthropy Day

Today’s National Philanthropy Day, so give others something to be thankful for this weekend.

SHOP
7th on Sale
What: One hundred percent of proceeds from this massive designer sale go to providing housing and services for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Why: It’s seventh heaven.
Where: Online at www.7thonsale.ebay.com.

GIVE
DonorsChoose.org
What: Find a public school classroom in your area with a project close to your heart and help them get the funding they need to complete it.
Why: You’re pro-choice.
Where: Online at www.donorschoose.org.

SEND
Let’s Say Thanks
What: Give soldiers overseas some holiday cheer by sending them a card of appreciation.
Why: It goes without saying.
Where: Online at www.letssaythanks.com.

BUY
Park Avenue PotluckWhat: A portion of the proceeds from the cookbook (with recipes and tips from members of The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) go to patient care, research, and education programs.Why: Share the wealth.Where: Online at amazon.com.

DONATE
Beautiful LengthsWhat: Donate your long locks to help make wigs for cancer patients undergoing chemo.Why: That’s the long and short of it.Where: Online at beautifullengths.com.

Be THANKFUL...
Meeting someone who will not be here for next Thanksgiving, really puts life into perspective for me. When I think I've had a bad day, I can't complain because I know it's not bad at all compared to others.


Lastly, RELAX...
With Holiday Travel coming up I wanted to relate this story of discovery:
After realizing my daughter had starting talking to cars on the road who were in "her" way, I realized she was mimicking me. It's not pretty to be called out that way. I am a very offensive driver - offending everyone who dares hold me up.
On the way to a shoot yesterday, I left an hour before the time I needed to be there - it should take about 35-40 minutes to get to my destination and I hate to feel rushed. YET, on the way there, I was driving a good 10 miles over the speed limit at times. Why? I left with plenty of time and traffic couldn't be better. How odd that I still felt the need to rush even with my time cushion there. On the return home I did the speed limit and drove on the right side. It was great and I was in a fabulous mood when I got home. Now THAT's a magic pill!
So, I say to you all - take a deep breath and relax. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and don't take it out on others when you don't give yourself the needed time. Our cities are growing (mine grew 42% in 4 years!) so traffic won't be the same as it was 10 years ago. Don't take offense to those who aren't as smart or in the "psychic friends network" that don't yield to your will.
Remember too, the world still revolves around an axis (not us).

We meet at last...

The C family successfully bid on a family session with her twin mom's group earlier this year. I was so thrilled to meet her and this gorgeous family.

Italian Style

A wonderful family session at a private farm down the street. We got to trample ant hills and cow dung to get some of these shots but it all paid off!

Think You're A Cowboy Fan?

This client is the BIGGEST fan I have met! I think these girls are the most photographed girls around. S & C are the first set of twins I've gotten to photograph and I am so blessed to have them as clients. They are so much fun!

Gothic for the Holiday

The N's are also clients from last year. I love photographing their family - everyone has a great sense of humor! The mother came armed with ideas - my favorite is the American Gothic one. I just love the looks! :)

A few from their session...

Back for more...

My clients had their (now) annual Holiday Session last week. We decided to split the session for studio and in the park. This you can do for an extra fee if you are interested.

I had a great time - little R is SOOOOOOO cute in her Halloween costume! I love doing sessions with really fun clothes on kids.