Well my bags are packed (prom dress included)  and I am getting ready to head out the door for the next few days.  Yup, I’m heading out to Vegas baby for the biggest photography convention of the year - WPPI. Can’t wait to be inspired, refreshed and stuffed with new ideas.

Needless to say, I will be out of the office until Friday the 12th.  I will still try to respond to emails, text and urgent messages via my trusty little iPhone as much as possible.  Feel free to follow me on Facebook to keep up with what’s going on in Vegas.  I’ll try to make sure that what happens in Vegas does not sat in Vegas this time around ; )

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.

A few months ago…ok maybe 6 months and 5 days ago I did a little session for my sister and her BFFs  from High School.  I had been feeling so badly about not being able to process the photos at that time due to my busy schedule so I thought that now would be a fitting time.

Much love little sis…I hope that in these thirty-something years happiness will find you blessed beyond belief.

Ok..I’ll take a deep breath and try to compose myself while I write this post.  Those of us who are parents, we know and understand that deep and unbendable love that we have for our children - and if we could we would put them in a bubble and protect them from the harshness of life.

It is so hard to watch them grow up and know that you can’t protect them from all the negative things that they will encounter during their journey to adulthood.  You know,  all the hurt feelings, nasty words, the feelings of being  pushed aside or left behind, and all the bumps and bruises.  Well right now, my heart is absolutely breaking for my baby as he learns these lessons I would just rather skip over.  I held him tight last night and I silently cried as he laid in my arms experiencing an overwhelming amount of emotional pain.  I know that I can’t FIX everything and the man he is destined to be, and that his character will not be the sum total of these years - but the journey there sometimes just sucks.

I work hard to teach him to be kind and considerate to treat others the way he would want to be treated and to know when no one else is watching, God is.  I want my son to grow up to be a man of his word and to understand that the choices he makes everyday is helping to shape his character.  Looks, money, friends and worldly goods translates to nothing if he manages to loose himself along the way.  I know that we can’t watch every step that kids make or fight away all the bad things but I pray that he remembers what he sees and hears here at home.  For now, I think there are some who don’t remember that their actions and words really hurt others and choose to make themselves feel good while putting others down - I hate that my son now has to deal with those negative feelings.  I am not foolish enough to believe that these things will never happen… but everyday from the same person is just way too much.

He’ll be ok, we will make sure of it.  For now, we will continue to remind him everyday that God loves him, we love him and his worth is not determined by those who do not wish him well.

As I was putting together my latest slideshow this morning, I really listen to the words of this song and it really hit home - this is the message I want him to understand.

I am so honored and blessed to be able to take part in this program again this year. Last year I had such a hard time choosing, that I ended up with two winners.  The first was a young mother of 3 who had experienced domestic abuse and the second, was a mother dying of breast cancer (who sad to say, lost her battle one month after our shoot).  Why do I so this, because it feels good to lend a helping hand.  I know that just a few years ago while battling cancer, my family made it through by the kindness of family, friends and many, many strangers - so I guess I am paying it forward.  I decided this year to post this on my blog instead of just emailing it out to all those on my contact list, because I wanted to reach as many people as possible.

So…if you know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

Trust me, you know someone. I guarantee it!

Well, I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography — $1100 worth, to be exact. Whether it’s  prints for Grandma, a slideshow to watch over and over, or a disc of images so they can continue to share the love, it’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a free sitting along with a $150 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in Southern California. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : patrice@beautifullifeimages.com.

Deadline to submit entery is December 22nd and the winner will be announced on Christmas morning — get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

Love,

Patrice

p.s.  Please feel free to pass this link on to others or if you know someone out of state, please go to this website http://www.givingisawesome.com/ to find a participating photographer - thanks a bunch.