This story begins with a New Years resolution to respect the limitations of my health and not to push too hard this year - you know, when I am sick don’t work.

…well it was about 10 p.m. the evening before my 7 am shoot when a simple cough turned into a 102 degree temperature and my body became sore with aching all over.  I started going over in my mind how I  could work my way though it and be fine so that I would not disappoint my client.

At about 2:30 am I start having difficulty breathing and had the start puffing on my inhalers.  I finally decided that I should take some medicine to help bring down the fever and to try to get a little rest. Still feeling pretty badly, I made the hard decision to text my client at 3 am (well it was too early to call) and to let her know that I would not be able to make it our shoot and that it would have to be rescheduled.

I set my alarm to get up at 6 am to call and confirm that she got my message - but I slept through the alarm.  At about 10:30 am I heard pounding on my front door which startled me so much that I feel out of bed. Who in the world could be knocking on my door so hard - I dragged myself to the door with drool running down my face and my hair sticking strait up…it was my clients.  Shoot! They hadn’t gotten my messages and had driven down from Palm Spings.  After waiting almost an hour for me, they went and had breakfast and then decided to come to my home to see if everything was OK.
I felt so bad, I asked for a few minuets to get myself together and they agreed to do their shoot in the lot behind my house.  It was so bight by then, we went underground in the drainage tunnels for a few and had tons of fun.  They really rocked out the 80’s look.

…goodness, I could not even get through one month without breaking my resolution.

Are you sure…me?  I thought.  I was a bit nervous when Shirly called and asked me to do her next set of head shots and become her go to girl for her photos.

I’m an old pro she told me - I’ll make it quick and painless.

Well, she did her job and made me look like the old pro in the process - I hope her agent will approve.

I think that I have lost count on how many times I have photographed the Anderson girls and now little Brady.  They always make me feel happy - I love sitting back and watching grow. Can’t wait to see what we will do next month at out next photo session.

First I would like to start off with a big THANK YOU!  I was really touched by all the goods that I was able to collect for Haiti last week. Everyday I was filled to over flowing with the out pour of support that everyone gave.  It was also a wonderful opportunity to meet some of my local blog readers for the first time and see how many extraordinary readers are out there.

I continue to be heartbroken as I watch the news daily and try to comprehend the devastation that has left so many helpless but not hopeless.  I still feel as though I can do a bit more and help give more hope to the littlest survivors of the recent earthquake.

I decided joined forces with Photographers for Haiti and try to raise money that will be directed to aiding Haiti’s Orphans.  I will be doing 30 minute mini children photo sessions on Sunday January 31st and 100% of the sitting fees and 50% of all orders will be donated to Danita’s Children/Hope For Haiti Children Center.  Here is your opportunity to provide hope for the youngest victims and here are the details:

-  $75 session fee for a 30 min children session -  100% will be donated

-  Sessions will be held on Sunday January 31st

-  Event will take place in Redlands, CA

-  A gallery of 8 to 10 images will be sent to you to view days after your session

-   Each session will include a 5×7 of your choice

My goal will be to raise over $2,000 though this event so please share this info with someone you know - each person can and will make a difference.  Please call 951.367.7549 or email me at patrice@beautifullifeimages to book a session now.

…so if you have been wanting to help and make a difference in some small way, here’s your chance.  Together, we can all help to rebuild the lives of Haiti’s children and give them hope - thanks!

I am not sure that many of you are aware of my Haitian heritage: My father was born and raised in Haiti and his mother loved her country so much that she never left. She passed away a few years ago.  I remember my summer visits to Haiti when I was younger and the wonderful times that I had in the beautiful counrtyside. Despite the overwhelming and devastating poverty that the people faced daily, they were kind, friendly, hard working, strong, spirited and amazing.

Due to the recent tragedies in Haiti, I have a group of friends who have been granted permission to go to Haiti to aide the suffering.  We are asking for donations of clothing, small toys and candies (a candy will put a smile on any child’s face), powder formula/milk. I would appreciate your donations by the end of the week.  If you are local and would like to contribute, please feel free to contact me. You may drop off items at my Redlands office: 1706 Plum Lane #129, Redlands or at my home: 13351 Nottingham Ave, Moreno Valley.  If you have any questions, please call me at (951) 367-7549.

For all those in the Medical field who would love to help first hand, American Airlines have generously stated that they will provide free fights to you. Thank you so much for your consideration and continued prayers.

And to my people, my long lost relatives and brothers and sister in Christ my heart goes out to you and I leave you this simple prayer…”Do Not Be Afraid”:

You shall cross the barren desert,
but you shall not die of thirst.
You shall wander far in safety,
though you do not know the way.

You shall speak your words in foreign lands,
and all will understand,
You shall see the face of God and live.

Be not afraid,
I go before you always,
Come follow Me,
and I shall give you rest.

If you pass through raging waters
in the sea, you shall not drown.
If you walk amidst the burning flames,
you shall not be harmed.

If you stand before the pow’r of hell
and death is at your side,
know that I am with you, through it all

Be not afraid,
I go before you always,
Come follow Me,
and I shall give you rest.

Blessed are your poor,
for the Kingdom shall be theirs.
Blest are you that weep and mourn,
for one day you shall laugh.

And if wicked men insult and hate you, all because of Me,
blessed, blessed are you!

Be not afraid,
I go before you always,
Come follow Me,
and I shall give you rest.