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.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gio really kills me…any time he has a school project, he always chooses the one person we know nothing about.

Well they are studying the colonial period in American History and for his project he choose Joseph Plumb Martin.  Why not Ben Franklin, Paul Revere or countless others that we know something about - his answer, “mom, that would be no fun, I thought the purpose of school was to learn something new”.  I guess he’s right…but do I have to feel like I am in 5th grade too.

Boy, I just got to love that kid.