*{Christmas Card Pictures}*

Let me guess, you are starting to wonder how in the world you are going to get those Christmas cards out in time...let alone figure out how to get a family photo for your cards!!!

I have the holiday solution for you! I am running a special on digital images between now and Christmas...you can purchase a single digital file from your session for only $100 (regular price $150). The file can be emailed to you immediately upon payment...so you will *really* look organized this year when your cards make it out on time and you have a gorgeous professional image to compliment it!!

Let me know, and I will get those files out to you ASAP! Not to mention, you have that digital image for your family to archive for years to come!

Happy Holidays!
-m

*{I'm Legal}*

(Queue music...) "Celebrate good times, COME ON!"

I now have my good 'ole CA licenses! So I am officially open for business here in Temecula!!

And in honor of living out of a suitcase for the last three months, the first three people that book a session will be offered 50% off the session fee!

Thanks bunches...and I can't wait to work with you California!! :)

Book soon!

***Updated...all three sessions have been booked! Check again for more specials to come!

*{Sissy}*

FIRST OFF: *{NEW PHONE NUMBER}*
Yes, it is official, I am back to a Cali area code...
my new phone number is:
760-577-4760...effective *now*!

And here is a peek of what I was up to last week. These are a couple of pics from a quick session with my sister to update her business cards. I wish you could see her old ones...this is such an improvement! I personally just prefer a photo that pops like these instead of a boring old studio one!

Anyways, here is my little sis...also known as sissy. Is she not totally HOT!?!



Love ya sis...
m

*{I'm Alive!!!}*

*(Disclaimer...all photos are taken with a point-and-shoot camera in this post...they are not for artistic value in any way...just a behind the scenes glimpse!)

YEA!! I am back at blogging now!!! Thank you for all the emails to make sure I made it to CA safe and sound! Yes, we finally made it to CA. After four LONG days in the car! But my girls did AWESOME! We are currently staying with my parents in Temecula until our house is ready up at Fort Irwin...I have been cyber-stalking the waiting list in hopes that I will wake up one morning and the computer will start playing music and spitting out confetti and telling me *WE* are the next family to get a home!!! More on that later!!

Okay...so where do I begin. *Right* before we had our nice long journey from AL to CA, I had the ultimate trip back to childhood!!! Yes, my mom and I (what a trooper) drove all the way to Atlanta, Georgia to see (drumroll please)....the NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK!!! Oh, let me tell you...it was a blast to the past. First off, it is pretty comical to see an arena full of thirty-something females with their post-baby bodies trying to squeeze back into that vintage NKOTB t-shirt that is a size 10-12...I am talking children sizes people...work with me! Not to mention a few prego bellies in the audience. And yes, there were even some men that deserve gold stars for taking their wives to this concert! Needless to say, I was in heaven. Let's just say, they defined my childhood. I was UTTERLY in love with them...and I was supposed to marry Joey-Joe until my hubby came along...then I had to give Joe the boot! But seriously, when I think back to being a kid, NKOTB are foremost in my memories. And thank God that they aren't dumb. They knew we all wanted to hear the old stuff. So for over TWO hours...there was one hit after another. I can't tell you how many times I turned to my mom and said, "OH MY GOSH...I HAVEN'T HEARD THIS SONG FOR 18 YEARS!!!" It was just fantastic and such a great experience.

Now this is the pathetic part...It was so great and brought back such great memories that I was thinking the whole time my sister should be there. So within 30 minutes of being home, I bought tickets to the San Diego show on November 25th! Yes, I am such a geek! I think my husband's response was, "Let me get this straight, you are going to go to a concert that you just saw...again?!" The great thing is, my hubby is so awesome he could care less and is glad I had this opportunity to see them again since they meant so much to me as a kid.

So here are some images from my mom's point and shoot...and yes, Joey busted out the happy face leather jacket for old times sake!!!




A few days after the concert was Halloween. Now, I am NOT a Halloween person. Honestly, I could care less if it just fell off the calendar and we all forgot about it! But my kiddos are always so eager as to what mommy and daddy are going to dress up as! So...my husband and I dressed up as Darth Vader and Queen Amedala. Yes...a photo to prove it. And my oldest was a perfect version of Minnie and the little one wanted to be Nemo for a second year in a row...more power to her!


Two days later we jumped in the car and made our adventure to CA. Now I only have two pics of this experience, but the first one is of a van I saw in Memphis. I pulled up at a stoplight a block from Graceland and saw this...I just about died laughing! I mean someone out there actually took the time to think this through and went to Home Depot to buy all these letters to put this on his van! SERIOUSLY!! But I do have to say, when I saw this...I locked the car doors! Maybe this was an indication or sign from God!


Then...in the gorgeous state of Texas, I picked up a souvenir. Let's just preface this with the following statement...
"I *puffy heart* Texas"

However, I don't care for the souvenir.


This image made my heart sink...not to mention that it traveled a good foot across my windshield. But thank goodness for good 'ole insurance...it was replaced in no time! And can you get over the fact that the rock was still wedged in there?! CRAZY!

Phew...I think that is about it for now. We are just really happy to be in CA. However, my mouth did drop when I saw where we will be living for the next two years. With no exaggeration, we will be living in Death Valley! I am from CA and don't even claim that area!

But I am eager to get back in the swing of things and start up some sessions. I have been doing all the paperwork for state licencing and business licences. So as soon as I get the green light from Cali, I will be in business! I can't wait to get you all in front of my camera again!

I do have a post I will do soon of some business card shots for my special sister! She is smokin' hot...just wait until you see. But that will be in the next post...
And we will all have to be patient because I am having to blog from the parent's computer...you should see me transfering images all over the place!

Until next time,
Your one and only Michelle :)

*{On the road again...}*

Just a quick note to let you know I will be away from email/internet for a week. We pull out in the morning for sunny CA! A chapter in our life closes here in Alabama and a new one is about to begin!

And, I do have Halloween pictures to post, but you will have to wait! Everything is packed...including the memory cards that they are on, and this computer is going to be shut down and boxed up when I'm done with this post!!

I also have a few pics from the New Kids on the Block concert....IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!! Better than I ever imagined!

I will be in touch next week when we get settled in at our next temporary pad in Temecula, CA!

Until Next Time,
m

*{Dear Lord}*

Oh God, as I bring my subject into focus and prepare to make each portrait, never let me forget that I'm creating treasures for some family, a keepsake for loved ones. Make me sensitive to the qualities and virtues of others, that I may draw out into the light the beautiful radiant belongings of their hearts.

Help me to be an artist, collecting the beauty of every soul, the glow of youth, the gentleness, the laughter or tears of each life that is precious in Thy sight. Deeper than a means of livelihood, give me the perspective to see my photographer's art as a service to others, making life richer and more memorable.

And, dear Lord, between the lights and shadows, the ups and downs and the rolling years, keep me from getting out of focus or off center, so that my life and work may be framed with dignity and colored with contentment ...

AMEN
Author Unknown
This prayer is just so true...
m

*{Pumpkins}*

Yesterday we all had a blast out at Tate Farms. It was honestly the best farm I've ever been to for "pumpkin patch" purposes! The girls had a blast jumping in the hay jump, the cotton jump and swinging on tires hanging from cranes. I wish I could show pics, but I didn't haul my big camera around with me yesterday! But I took these pics when we got home and were carving pumpkins. So here are some pics of my little pumpkins.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday...and GO CHARGERS!!!

*{iMix}*

Here are some old ones (with the exception of a new take on an old song) for you...some fun rock songs from my iPod...even a couple classic Power Ballads!

Enjoy the mix and most importantly...enjoy your weekend! Off to the pumpkin patch...

(Sidenote: #4...makes me want to get up and dance around...and #6, probably my favorite Power Ballad ever!!! Sometimes it makes me wish my name was Amanda...JUST KIDDING MOM!!)

And coming up this week...I am *so* going to the New Kids on the Block concert in Atlanta! Yes, I am driving like 4 hours to see the group that defined my childhood. You know you were all Blockheads too!! I can't wait!!! :)

Okay, now I am really out of here...have a great weekend!

*{W Magazine}*

A must see...I have been *waiting* for this issue to come out with the photos Brad Pitt took of Angelina. And all I have to say is they are *GORGEOUS*. Of course she is a beauty, but Brad Pitt took some *great* shots. He shot it all with old film that is hard to locate now-a-days. Absolutely amazing images...I'm sort of hoping Brad will offer a workshop! Anyone want to go with?! :) Wouldn't that be a sell-out...

And I loved the layout of it...lots of blank white space around the images...very museum-esqe! Anywho...loved it and if you have a chance to peek, check it out! On newstands now!

*{Published}*

I was like a kid in the candy store when this recently showed up in my mailbox! Awhile back I did a fabulous "author photo" shoot in Tacoma for the amazing Michelle Cuthrell, author and person extraordinaire! She wrote a memoir about her experience as a young mom-to-be enduring the heartache of a spouse being deployed to Iraq and then his extension overseas. It was a great read and had me laughing out loud in many parts...and it hit home for me so much having endured the same thing.

So I was so excited to see the book (Behind the Blue-Star Banner) in print with the photo that *I*...little old me...took on the back cover for her "About the Author" info! Is it wrong that I don't want to take this out of the packaging?!

So here are a couple of pics of my fun exciting news!

The book...



My image...

*{FOUR}*

Just a cute email I received from a friend...and thought you may enjoy...

4 places that I go over and over:
*the grocery store
*Target
*Barnes and Noble
*gymnastics class for the kiddos

4 people that email me regularly:
*mama
*Cousin Lisa
*clients
*Erin L

4 of my favorite places to eat:
*Spaghetti Factory
*PF Changs
*Dukes in Waikiki
*The Melting Pot (if you have never gone...GO)

4 places I'd rather be right now:
*Hawaii
*Venice
*Starbucks
*Disneyland

4 people I think will reply:
*yea, I'm not even going there!

4 shows I watch:
*Greys Anatomy
*The Unit
*Fox News
*Lipstick Jungle

Have a fantastic Monday...more fun news tomorrow!
m

*{Matilda Jane Clothing}*

This weekend I had a little bit of fun! I ran over to the amazing studio of Heather Bookout and experienced my first Matilda Jane Clothing trunk show! Okay...now I've had the link on my blog for awhile of what cool clothing it is. However, when you see the clothing in person, it is even 10 TIMES BETTER! *Oh my*...their clothing is amazing. I wanted to buy it all up! But I resisted and limited myself to one outfit per kiddo.

However, I am dying to host a trunk show of my own! Maybe in Cali?? I'm telling you...even if you just get one outfit for your kiddo for school pictures or family pictures, you won't be disappointed. Now I am just waiting for my order to arrive! I will definitely have to share some pics of my munchkins rockin' their Matilda Jane when it arrives!

Anyways, go check out the goods on the Matilda Jane site. You are sure to love them!
m

*{My Peep}*

Where do I begin about this session?! This past weekend I had a blast visiting a couple of friends in Tennessee and we had SO MUCH FUN! We all lived in Louisiana together about four years ago, and this visit was well overdue! While up there, I grabbed my best bud Jenny so we could do a quick mini-session of her and her little ones...who are entirely too precious for their own good! Just wait, you'll see!

I just love this girl so much~ Jenny, you are *amazing*. You have a heart like none other. I feel so blessed to have you in my life and look up to you in so many ways. You are an amazing woman, incredible role model, and phenomenal mother. The world is a better place because you are in it.

Okay...enough of the "mushies"...here are some photos you and the kiddos rocked...











{{HUGS}}
m

*{Tag...You're It}*

Okay...I've been tagged by my friend Erin M. So here we go... :)

The rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. List six random things about yourself.
3. Tag six people at the end of the post.

Six random things about me:
1. I *heart* thunderstorms. There is one going on outside right now. And for those that know me, you know I get all giddy and excited about these things. I have missed them so much and haven't had a "good" thunderstorm in 4 years (since we lived in Louisiana). So this is just too much fun. The kiddos are in PJ's and we are having a storm party!

2. I went to private school from K through 7th grade and loved it. A matter of fact, when I think about my childhood I always think about my elementary classmates. I always wonder where they went, what they do, etc. I think they should have elementary class reunions instead of high school...I could care less about high school!

3. I *hate* assembling things or setting things up (electronics, etc.). HATE IT! It kills my husband because I will get something cool, and I have no problem with it sitting in the box for a couple days until I feel in the mood to deal with it...just like my new printer! And Christmas, oh Lord help me! That all falls on the lap of my husband. And when he wasn't here last Christmas, every toy I bought was "no assembly required". No joke! What makes me laugh is I have A LOT of patience, but when it comes to assembling things, I just can't handle it!

4. I'm from Southern California...and I say that in broad terms because we really did live in many places throughout Southern California. I was primarily in San Diego County and then we moved up to Temecula when I was in high school.

5. I wish I was Sydney Bristow. Okay, laugh all you want, but for those of you that watched Alias, or was addicted to the show, know what I am talking about. The whole thought of working for the CIA, going on secret missions, and kicking some butt is exhilarating...but only under one condition...if I was invincible! I have too much to live for and would want to make sure I was back "for the next episode"! LOVED that show...and I miss it so much.

6. I would LOVE to have the experience of living in a loft one day. I just think the thought of having a huge spread out loft with exposed brick and duct work would be awesome! Have you ever seen the movie "Because I Said So" with Diane Keaton and Mandy Moore? Okay, Mandy Moore's house in the movie...A DREAM! LOVE IT!!!

Six Tagged People:
1. Annie
2. J.Lowe
3. Abbie
4. Cheryl
5. Erin L.

Okay...now back to my thunderstorm!
m

*{It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...}*

Okay, well it may not look or feel like Christmas outside yet. But can you all believe it is October already?! OH MY!!! And believe it or not, I have already had clients inquiring about and purchasing images for Christmas cards this year! All I have to say is "high-five" to those of you already working on Christmas cards.

SO...Here is the scoop. You may purchase any single FULL QUALITY JPEG image from your session for only $100. Which is honestly a steal! The price of me printing Christmas cards for you would run much more than that...and the fact that you can go print as many prints/posters/mugs/mouse pads/ornaments/ties, etc that you'd like for Christmas cards and gifts...that alone is empowerment!

So take advantage of it and be ahead of the game this year!

If you are interested, drop me an email and an image is yours to do what you want with for $100...then you can go print those Christmas cards wherever you'd like!

Blessings,
m

*{A *good* laugh}*

Okay...ready for a great laugh!! I am in a bit of a comical mood today. I found a site called Yearbook Yourself. It is absolutely hysterical! You upload a photo and it shows you what you would look like in yearbook photos from different eras...so drumroll please. Here are my yearbook photos from 1952 on!

Michelle circa 1952

Michelle's yearbook photo 1958

Michelle in 1966...age of aquarius!

And I had to show you the one from 1976...my good 'ole birth year. What is absolutely hysterical about this photo is if you go back to my elementary school pictures...I think my 3rd grade picture looks EXACTLY like this, doesn't it mom?! :)

And 1984...can you say, "Aquanet?!"

Go try the site...it is super simple, free, and absolutely hysterical!
Have a great day!
m

*{Slideshow}*

This is exciting...I just dove into the slideshow world! And here is my first one...it is a slideshow for that fabulous Texas wedding.

For former clients, if you'd like for me to create a slideshow of past sessions, please let me know. They are shipped to you on a DVD format. One DVD is $250 and if you order more DVD's thereafter, they are $175 each.

Thanks and enjoy!
m

*{T*E*X*A*S}*

I don't even know where to start with this blog post. This wedding was absolutely spectacular. So much thought went into every aspect of their special day, and when it got down to it, it was all about friends and family celebrating their love. And they went back to their roots on their special day...they tied the knot in the same church as the grooms parents 35 years ago, and the bride and groom portraits were taken on family property that has been in the family for over a century. Every aspect of their special day goes back to who they are as a family and where they have come from. There is nothing like going back home to your family roots...

I felt so honored to photograph Sara and Jason on their special day...*thank you* so much for allowing me to capture the memories.

So here is your sneek peek...Emily, you can stop refreshing your screen...and Sara, calm down...they will always be posted here for you to look at no matter what the time of day or night it is!!!! And trust me, the disc of them all is going to be even better! It was so hard to choose a handful of images for this post!

So this is your tease...you will have to wait for the rest!!! :)

Much love,
m

Flowers: Colonial Florist
Dress: Lea-Ann Belter
Shoes: My Glass Slipper