Hope to see you all a bit later today - don’t forget to tell a friend.

When:   February 25, 2010

Time:   5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Kissui - 5 East Citrus Ave., Redlands, CA 92373

If you are looking for something just a little different, Matilda Jane is about the most adorable cloths you will ever find (infant, children, teen and adult sizes will be available). You are all invited - please stop by and say hello and please don’t forget to bring a friend or two!

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 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.

Ok…I’m trying to put on my “Jolly & Bright” hat right now and think about the upcoming holiday season which will be here before I know it.  For the last two months it seems as though one week I have engery to spare and then the other I am completely drained fighting colds and struggling with asthma…but needless to say, I finally have my 2009 Holiday cards completed - YEAH!

Our Press Printed cards will come in two different finishes - the supper yummy Pearl” paper or the elegant and sophicated “Art Water Color” paper.  And because options are good, I have single sided, double sided and folded designs.  Check out this link to view the rest of the collection and for all you photogs, these templates are all available for sale - just drop me a line.