"Bare It All"

As a part time photographer, I see women with make up applied, every hair in it's place, clothes ironed and coordinated and ready to bring their best smile forward. They ask me to get their "good side", "don't make me look fat", "smooth out my wrinkles" and "do something with the bags under my eyes". I'm asked to do LOTS of things to make the photographs of women perfect, and am guilty of editing my own to perfection as well.

Sessions like this make me think about  my Nana, SHE was a woman of TRUE beauty. She was a kind, genuine woman, who wasn't afraid to tell you what she thought about you and follow it up with a hug afterward, sounds familiar huh?  I can't remember what she looked like with or without make up, I can't remember what she smelled like, I don't remember a bad hair day or bags or wrinkles, I remember grace. I remember her soft touch, her soothing voice, her unconditional love and kindness to people she would meet. I can't remember her having "roots" or a "bad side", "love handles" or "muffin top", I remember her telling me she loved me " a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck" and meaning every word. Those are the things I want to be remembered for, not for a great head of hair or flawless skin.

Now, don't get me wrong, I think women feel better when they look nice and there is NOTHING wrong with dressing up, and feeling good, I just think the emphasis on appearance is blown out of proportion. These days our young ladies are so bombarded with the medias "idea" of beauty that we are forgetting the real meaning of being beautiful. We can't expect men to respect us for what's inside if we don't spend as much time on it as we do our outside.  I want my daughter to know that real beauty is inside. Make up can't hide someone who is ugly on the inside and true beauty shines through your soul regardless of your looks.

Those of you who REALLY know me, know that I can never just take things as "face value" and that I am a perpetual "over thinker" and allow my mind to carry things off to places that dream up these ideas. And so, "Bare It All" was born.  I asked my dear friends of Facebook to pose "naked"...well naked faced anyway. I asked each lady to pose for a photo without any make up and to complete the sentence. "I am beautiful because...."

I am beautiful because I know that being tenderhearted shows my strength to love unconditionally.

I am beautiful because I know my smile lines are laughter scars that mean I have lived a life of laughter. 

I am beautiful because God made me to be beautiful.

I am beautiful because my husband reminds me each morning, my daughters laughter reminds me as she connects my freckles and God reminds me in Proverbs 31.

I am beautiful because God made me who I am. 

I am beautiful because I know my flaws. 

I am beautiful because of my God given strength, forgiving nature and ability to love and be true to myself despite my mistakes.

I am beautiful because I am alive, I am a fighter and I am strong. 

I am beautiful because Jesus Christ lives in my heart. 

I am beautiful because I've learned how to have compassion and love despite my heartache.

I am beautiful because God MADE me. 

I am beautiful because I am not afraid to show my strength. 

I am beautiful because I am Bekah, not Barbie.

I am beautiful because I love openly and forgive easily. 

I am beautiful because I always find something to smile about. 

I am beautiful because I can forgive people who greatly disappoint me. 

I am beautiful because my personality is contagious.

I am beautiful because my age shows I have earned my place on this earth and I've learned that true beauty doesn't fade with age.

I am beautiful because I know that true beauty doesn't come from hair products or make up but from the reflection of God in my heart.

Final Thought: 

As usual, after spending time with a bunch of awesome ladies, my cup has ran over with emotion.  I have laughed, cried, laughed and cried some more. I have ladies from age 4 to age 67 "Baring It All" to show other women true beauty is all on the inside! I hope everyone reading this really gets this message. If you have a teenage daughter, I urge you to send them this link. We are women, we are strong, we are beautiful and together we can rebuild the meaning of true beauty.

"To Whom It May or May Not Concern"

So this thing says my last blog post was sometime around Thanksgiving but it feels like 6 months. I have had several inquiries on "when I am going to post another blog", "why haven't you posted anything", " the blog isn't current" blah, blah, blah. There are two truths to the reason I haven't blogged in a while and, against my better judgement, I am going to take the classy route instead of the white trash route in explaining my feelings.

1) I have been super busy (and blessed) with doing lots of part time photography.
2) I was a little discouraged by some things people were saying. Granted, I am a smart ass, say what's on her mind kind of girl, and you wouldn't think things would get to me.  Most things don't, HOWEVER, questioning my value as a person and reason behind my actions of the heart DO! I am setting the record straight RIGHT NOW...I am in NO way trying to be something I am not.What I do for people is what I want to do for people. Putting things on Facebook is a public challenge for others to step up and do for others as well.  I still burp like a trucker, fart like a man, cuss like a sailor, and ask for forgiveness for it all daily. I am a human being like everyone else that makes mistakes, says things she shouldn't and probably hurts peoples feelings doing it, but no one is perfect, certainly not me.

Final Thought:
My Daddy says " I can't look at your ass and read your mind" Daddy is right, I can't fix it if you're telling everyone but me...If people would spend as much time building people up as they did trying to knock them down, the world would be a much better place.  



.

"Thankful"

Since Thanksgiving was right around the corner, I wanted to do something nice for someone to show them I was thankful for them. Then I thought a little deeper...I wanted to see who other people were thankful for and do something nice for someone that I maybe didn't even know. I asked my peeps on Facebook to email me a woman they are thankful for and why. I would then choose one and they would get a free photo session from me and an 8x10 print of there choice. The most common answers were, mothers, sisters, and daughters...but as always ONE email hit me. It wasn't a family member but a woman from someones past that left an impression on her and the hearts of her children....here is that email...

Jamie, 

I want to nominate Ms. Gail. I am most thankful for having an awesome child care giver for all those years. I never had to worry about if she would be there because, she always was. My children cried harder when it was time to leave than when I dropped them off. She taught them the basics of life...love. Love for God, your fiends and each other. She has touched so many little (and parents) lives over the years. We miss her very much. I think of her often and I am very blessed to have had her touch in my babies lives. She is a beautiful woman through and through. She gives of herself to her family, others families, and her church family. That town is blessed to have her taking care of some very precious citizens. 

Allison 

 Ms. Gail has been a child care giver in this town as long as I can remember. She has cared for many, many children who have grown up and still appreciate the influence that she has had on their lives. Being touched by Allison's e-mail, I contacted a few people that I knew Ms. Gail had cared for through out the years.  I asked if any of them wanted to send her a note of appreciation and...every....single....one of them was honored to take part in thanking one of our hometown angels. Here are just of few thank you's from the hearts of lives she has touched.

I want to thank you for putting up with me when I was at my worst (not that much has changed). I'm sure I was a handful back in the day. But I just want to thank you for everything. 

Austin Cooper

Just recently I had my first child Jiles. He has changed my life in every way. People can definitely tell that I am a first time mother. I have been very protective and sad to leave Jiles and return to work. I was fortunate enough to get Jiles into Mrs. Gails. Even though I did not want to leave him, I knew that he was in wonderful hands. Mrs. Gail has so much experience and is such a kind person. She is the best. I feel very blessed to have him in such great hands. So many parents have to send their children to people they don't know. Now when I drop Jiles off and Mrs. Gail says good morning Jiles smiles. He loves it. Mrs. Gail even gets pictures of him and all the fun he is having and posts them on Facebook. This makes my day because I get to see all the fun he is having. I cannot thank Gail enough for all of her patience and kind care she gives my handsome little man. I appreciate everything she does and admire her for begin such a wonderful hard working caregiver. She is amazing and my hats off to her. I don't know what Id do without her. 

Stephanie Swindell Monroe 

I LOVED going to Mrs. Gails after school! She was always a wonderful Christian influence in our lives. Every day when I got off the bus, I knew she would be waiting for me with a big smile and a hug. Even when I did things I wasn't supposed to, like get on the wrong bus and get off late or stick a key in the light socket and get quite a jolt, she was always there to tell me things were going to be alright. Even today, when I think of Mrs Gail, I think of how much better of a person I am because of her. Thank you Gail for making all of your and Gods children better people! My life has been enriched by you being a part of it. Thank you for helping mold me into the adult I am today. Love you!
Melanie Bell Chisam

Thanks to Gail for making us feel like we were part of the family. She was a very important and influential person in my life at a time when I truly needed someone like her. Thanks Gail!
- Mary Beth Sanders 

I caused that woman so much hell - I don't even know what to say..... - but thank you.... ;)
Mike Cooper

We love you more than any letter, blog or story can express. Please accept our warm smiles and our daily prayers thanking God for you to show our appreciation because if we tried to tell you with words I'm afraid you'll retire early.
The Smith Family
Michael B, Brooke, Marvin and Westin







I dedicate this "Final Thought" to you Ms. Gail: 

Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for being more than you have to be for the children whose lives you mold and hearts you touch. Thank you for the lessons on love that you show to these little people whose parents trust you with everyday...you are a great asset to this community and to the people in it. Thanksgiving isn't just about turkey, and family and the fellowship it brings, but its also about being thankful for each other. Thankful for the people who enrich our lives and teach us things about ourselves. You are a true life teacher, and for that we are all.....thankful.

"SCARS" Part II

If you haven't read "SCARS", my previous post, then this won't make NEARLY as much sense.

http://whygodmademefunny.blogspot.com/2010/10/scars.html 

After viewing "The Scar Project", I got inspired. "Inspired" is really not a big enough descriptive word, I had a FIRE lit in me. After viewing the women showcased in "The Scar Project", my mind started going over so many things that leave scars on the hearts of women. Outside scars are only a portion of what makes us who we are. Scars that we carry on the inside are never asked about. They aren't visible to prompt someone to ask "hey, what happened?" Women of all ages carry scars, stories, burdens, pain, sorrow, recovery, healing, and triumph that no one ever sees.

http://www.thescarproject.org/home.html

That all changes today...at least here...and at least for these few ladies that were chosen to take part in my wacky idea. THESE women inspire me. THESE women make me want to shout from the rooftop, NO matter what you've been through, NO matter what pain you are going through, someone, somewhere can share it with you. We all have scars, and we all have a story. None of these women are asking for pity. They are women who have overcame and want to share their courage in hopes that this may touch someones life. I believe that when you tell your story and show you scar, that you are letting a little of the pain go. These images are to inspire you and to help you embrace the scars that make you....You.

To be fair, I am going to start with me... 

At 9 months old, my father left with me and took me away from a drug addicted mother. I have not seen her since. I would have had a sister 13 months younger than me but she died due to complications from my mothers drug addiction. At age 17 I became pregnant. After 29 hours of labor and an emergency c-section, I gave birth to the one and only child I would ever be able to have.

In 1976, at age 5, Angela was in a car accident and watched her mother and 4 year old sister die. She was sent to live with her grandparents. Her father remarried and had two sons. In 1998 Angela's brother was also killed in a car crash. She is now helping her father who has terminal cancer.

In 2008 Amy was 38 weeks pregnant and having constant contraction so she went to the emergency department. They told her everything was fine and sent her home. A doctors visit later that week confirmed that the pregnancy was right on point.  The following Saturday Amy, in full blown labor, again went to the emergency department. The doctor informed her they were unable to detect a heart beat. William was born and went to heaven that same day. 

Along with  a tattered childhood, Shelly gave birth to her daughter at age 15. Dropped out of high school to care for her daughter, she was uneducated and potentially headed down a path of destruction. 10 years later Shelly has married, gotten her GED and is enrolled in college courses. 

For three years Ashley and her husband tried to get pregnant. They spent time, money and heart for their dreams of parenthood. After a heartbreaking miscarriage she has decided to stop fertility methods. Ashley is now trying to adopt a child from Russia. 

Misti's life has been filled with heartbreak and loss. Primarily raised by her grandparents, Misti held her grandfather as he passed away from lung cancer. She says his death has impacted her more than anything in her life.

Jennifer has several battle scars from the same enemy...cancer. Her mother, grandmother, father, 3 great uncles, an uncle and an aunt have all fought cancer. All three great uncles, an aunt and an uncle lost their battle. Jennifer is now a vital part of the Relay For Life.

  

In January 2009, Trisha found out she had cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and began a fight where she ultimately became triumphant. After a year long battle including, chemotherapy, radiation, fatigue, hair loss and emotional strain, in February of 2010 she was told she was cancer free. 

 In 2002 Trina's brother died from cancer. A month later her daughter was born after an emergency c-section. Losing her brother and knowing he never got to meet her daughter are two of the hardest things that forever changed her life.

Eva suffered abuse from her alcoholic father starting at the age of three. The abuse was so severe at times, she actually hid under the bed in an attempt to avoid it. As an adult she confronted her father and has made peace with both the abuse and her abuser. He passed away in 2001.

August 1, 2007 Michele lost a child during pregnancy. January 18, 2008 tragedy struck again, and again she miscarried. The pain of losing her unborn children and the "what-if's" of their little lives has left an empty place in her heart. Michele has 4 children, 2 in heaven and 2 God has chosen for her to raise. Someday, she says, they will all be together.

In 2004 Jana was diagnosed with breast cancer. Even after 6 rounds of chemotherapy, 37 radiation treatments, and losing her hair Jana never lost her faith, or support from family and friends. Jana is cancer free.

In April of 2008 Sarah was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon cancer. Her son was 20 months, her daughter 5 weeks old when, then 28 year old Sarah, got the news. After a colon resection, liver resection, abdominal surgery and rounds and rounds of chemotherapy she has beat odds that were given to her two years ago. She is still battling cancer today.

It wasn't until Sara was an adult with children of her own,  that she decided she wanted to meet her biological father. She had been raised well by her stepfather but wanted to give the man she had never met a chance at finding a place in her heart. She now has a relationship with her biological father and Sara is certain God knew what he was doing.

Kristi struggled with a meth addiction from the age of 17 to 33. She has been homeless, jobless and hopeless. Her children were taken away from her twice with the understanding that the third time would be permanent. Kristi has been clean for a year.

Sandy was diagnosed with Stage III ovarian cancer in 1997 at the age of 47. She began chemotherapy and the fight of her life. She has been in remission since 1998.

When Kelly was 2 days old her father died from colon cancer. In 2003 her mother died of lung cancer and her mother in law from a brain tumor in 2004. She is a vital part in the "Sarah C-Fight White" fund raising and a main part of Sarah's daily cancer battle. In September her brother was diagnosed with colon cancer. 

 Nikki's scars started at an early age, with the absence of both parents. Then a life changing pregnancy, almost losing her premature son and later almost losing her daughter, Nikki's life was a roller coaster of continuous hurt. She contributes the healing of wounds to the strength of her children and the woman they have made her into.

Though only a small child when Whitney's sister Emily passed away, there has always been a sense of loss in her heart. Now that she has a  daughter of her own, she understands, even more, the pain felt by her parents. There is now a scar, were she suffered a wound so young by the loss of a sister she would never get to know. 

Melissa, like so many women, have multiple scars from a life of tragic events. She's been degraded, abused, and made to feel like she wasn't "worth" the love of others. The pain of never feeling good enough and learning to trust again has been hard, but through the relationship with her husband Larry, her wounds are finally beginning to heal. 

Patty suffered sexual abuse as a child from someone she was taught to trust. This has effected her relationships, caused problems with self esteem and intensified her already introverted personality. It wasn't until being a part of the SCARS segments of this blog that Pat made peace, forgave and is turning her wounds into a healing. 

Faye was diagnosed with Stage 1, Grade 3, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma on March 9th, 2009. She fought the cancer with chemotherapy and radiation but most importantly with her will to live, strong faith, and the support of her family and friends. Though the cancer caused fatigue, hair loss, emotional and physical exhaustion, she won her battle, Faye is cancer free.

Tara began her journey through meth addiction as a young woman. In an attempt to straighten out her life she joined the USAF at age 19. She was taken advantage of my a fellow airman and out of shame, discharged for medical reasons. Again she turned to drugs. Tara feels that God has kept her safe as she walked the "belly of hell" through her addiction because she would eventually use her past as a teaching tool for young drug abusers. Tara has been clean for ten years.

Final Thought:

I have been working on this post off and on for almost a year now. Once again, when I try to do something nice for someone else, it blesses me ten fold. I cant even begin to express my admiration for the women who have bared there hearts and souls to others in hopes that their story may impact them in a positive way. If you will notice all these women have been photographed in front of brick. This is 

symbolic to the walls that we women create when we have been hurt. These women, these wonderful strong women, are standing in FRONT of their walls so that their story, and their pain may bring you a little peace.

The Pre-During & Post Eviction of Jo & Angela

The last time I blogged, it was the night before the big SURGERY. I honestly was scared out of my mind and had decided to pour my guts out to you people in hopes it would ease my worries, and it did. I felt better after all the comments of encouragement and well wishing, but here is the REST of the story, and the next day.

(If this is the first time you have read this blog, "Jo & Angela" are referring to the names of my uterine tumors....because everyone names their tumors right?)

I finished my blog and then went off to my bed with my trusty iPhone in hand to "tweet" the night away. I let my fellow "Tweeps" comfort me by talking about how much their lives suck...they totally rock at that! I  decide to call it a night so I take the TWO pills prescribed by Dr. Blah Blah at bedtime. The prescription read: Take two pills, with food, at bedtime. No problem, I took the two pills with some crackers and milk and drifted off to sleep.

Apparently I was resting well, because the next thing I remember was my mind waking me up saying "HEY, WAKE UP, YOU ARE SHITTING ON YOURSELF!!!!!!!" My mind was right. I race to the bathroom, clenching my cheeks and attempting to form a thought as I had been jolted into consciousness by my bowels. I sit down and I am seriously thinking I could die at this point. I pooped like I have NEVER pooped before in my life. I am talking sweat popping, leg shaking, toilet water splashing, poop. I pray..."Dear God, I am supposed to have surgery in *looks at clock* 3 hours, please don't let me die here on this pot."

I manage to stop crapping long enough to get my iPhone and pill bottle and I go back to the pot and do what any iPhone user would do, I google that shit and see if I am one of those rare side effect people that need to seek medical attention immediately. Unfortunately, no. The medication given to me to "soften my cervix" is also a medication for CHRONIC and SEVERE constipation. I poop, and poop, and poop. Then I poop some more. About an hours worth of colon cleansing and I am finally able to lay down and go back to sleep for a few hours.

 RX: Cytotec

 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000886

Morning arrives again, and I get ready for the big day. Ok, so it was a same day surgery, but it was BIG to me. I get to the hospital and I am taken back to the pre-op area when I kindly ask Dr. Blah Blah's nurse if she realizes that they prescribed me a "SHIT MY GUTS OUT UNTIL I THOUGHT MY RECTUM WOULD EXPLODE" pill. She was familiar with the side effects...of course, this is the humor, the irony, the Jamie-Esq of life. Ehhhhhhhhh

I.V. is started, medication given, time for a photo op...

of an I.V. pole? Sorry I was wonky....

Apparently I actually HAVE the surgery but honestly I don't have any idea, according to the bill, that is a definite! I wake up with a nurse on each side of me, I want a Diet Mountain Dew and I want it now. I have one waiting for me once I am cleared from recovery. Dr. Blah Blah had told my husband everything went wonderfully, and that everything "looked" fine. The tumors were sent off to pathology and I would have a follow up appt in two weeks.

 Left:  "Endometrial masses" in question.

Right: Mass free, post DNC. 

Recovery for me was pretty easy. My doctor said I could have up to two weeks off, I took off 3 days. My A.D.D and O.C.D would NOT allow me to sit in the bed ONE MORE DAY! Day time T.V. still sucks and I have 400-ish channels. Here is what being home during the work week has taught me...

1) Rachel Ray stopped cooking and has a "talk show", stop it Rachel, just stop it.

2) Barbara Walters is STILL alive.

3) Apparently Bob Barker has been eaten by Drew Carey as he is now the host of  "The Price Is Right".

I had minimal pain, just some cramping and very light bleeding ( I know you men don't care, but it's MY blog and I'll type what I want). Everything went pretty smoothly and I got lots of "surgery presents" and treats brought to me by family and friends. Well, friends...my Dad brought wine, he loves me the most, clearly.

Fast forward two more weeks and yesterday I go to the FINAL check up. I do what any nervous woman does, Tweet, and take pictures of myself.

Look! My halo...

I really thought I was doing pretty good hiding the fact that I was REALLY, REALLY tired of people looking at my vagina. I even told the front desk lady that, though she was charming and wonderful, I really hoped I wouldn't be seeing them again after this appointment. 

I'm lead back by the nurse and as she walks me into the room I stop her. "Oh, I am in the wrong room?" I explain. *Puzzled look by the nurse* I point at the gown laying on the exam table. "I am just here for a follow up." I say confidently. "Dr. Blah Blah does a pelvic on all her post-ops so I'll need you to undress from the waist down."she says smiling. "WHY is it that I NEVER know what is going to happen to me here? You would think you people could give a little heads up? Do you know what a trans-vag ultrasound is?" I was a little irritated and she started to interrupt me, she failed. "What if I had decided NOT to wash my ass today? I DID wash my ass today, but what if today I just hadn't had time...." She laughed, (SHE wasn't doing the exam) and apologized. Once again I get naked, and once again Dr. Blah Blah works her magic on mah lady parts. This time though she tells me everything came back NEGATIVE!!!! NO CANCER!!!! They were a couple of polyps, and I didn't have to come back until my pap next year. Thank God! I could have done cart wheels, well, as soon as I put my drawers back on. It's finally O-V-E-R!

Final Thought: 

Sometimes I guess God gives us little reminders of how precious life can really be. This experience has done several things for me. 

1) Reminded me how strong of a woman I am. 

2) Reminded me HOW many people really love me. 

3) How many people really don't care one way or the other about me. 

4) There are good people in this world and 99% of them live in my home town. 

I have a very small family, but a HUGE friend-family that has taken care of me mentally, emotionally and physically through this ordeal. I hope that in some way, someday I can thank each and every one of you in a special and personal way, because without you all "Cancer Scare 2010" could have been so much worse. Now, let's all pray I NEVER, EVER, EVER have to talk about my vagina or it's contents EVER again! 

XOXO

Xanax & Xylophone

Ok, I can't mislead you all, there is no Xylophone mentioned in this post, but I couldn't think of a catchy name...actually my brain is completely fried from today's Dr.'s visits. That's right, plural. I had to see my gyno and the anesthesiologist today. The gyno for my prescriptions and discussion of risks and procedure, and the other dude to explain all the risks of anesthesiology. Let's start with the beginning of my day shall we...


I head to the doctors office this morning feeling pretty good about getting this over with. It's about a 50 minute drive so I listen to the radio like I always do, well sorta. This time, as I listen to the songs coming out of the radio my mind starts changing the lyrics to fit my current condition. I'll explain...


"Big Ol' Jet Had a Tumor"

"Love the Way You Lie (in my uterus)"

"Sex On Fire" (I left that one, but the meaning would be literal)

and finally....

"Ridin' Solo" which is what my uterus will be doing tomorrow about 1100 am once the tumors are removed.


Surprisingly, nothing exciting happens in the waiting room and I am directed to my room quickly. I am seated and shortly Dr. Blah Blah comes in smiling and ready to take on my OCD...she knows it's coming...I can tell.
I get straight to the point..."

"Here are my lists of do's and dont's"

1) Do not let anyone unnecessarily see my vagina. 

2) Please put me out and put my legs in the stirrups yourself, I have done it enough. 

3) Clean all of that crap out so I can miss a period, k?

4) Don't nick my bowel.

5) Any extra maintenance you want to do to "spruce up" the place, is always welcome. 

6) I've watched enough Grey's Anatomy to know that you people talk about random shit in the O.R., take notes, and leave them for me upon my waking.  

*This is a screen shot of my "Notes App". I <3 my iPhone.* 

That went well I thought....the women CLEARLY needs to charge more for my appointments.

Instead of going into great detail about the way I have been feeling today, I decided just to include photos.

Exhibit A) 

Me being scared shitless. 

Exhibit B) 

The face I made when they put in the "trans-vag-ultrasound" wand.

Exhibit C)

 How I will feel when this is ALL over!

Tomorrow is the big day, I will be having a DNC, and a resection of 2 endometrial masses. That basically means they are going to clean out my uterus with a squeegee and remove a couple of tumor-mass things that we have NO idea what the hell they are...not thrilled, but I have no choice. Originally we were told that I would be able to have the hysterectomy the same time if they came back cancer. That is not the case now. If it comes back cancerous I will have to schedule with an oncologist. She says the post op risks are less and recovery is better when done by a cancer doctor. So, tomorrow I drive 50 miles, have my "giney" all cleaned out and get this show on the road. Either I'll be fine, or I'll still be fine...just with less lady parts. Thanks to everyone who has been concerned, I am thankful for each and every one of you. I have great friends and family. Those of you on my text list tomorrow...expect pictures! ;)


Love and Hugs to you all!
XOXO

"The Big Picture"

This is a quick look at Alexis, the teenage girl whose response to "Tell me why you, love you" stood out among almost 50 emails....


I spent the day with Alexis, including hair, make up, photo shoot and finally dinner. She is an absolute joy to be around. She is a Sophomore in high school yet has the soul of a grown woman. Here are a few photos from our "You Love You" shoot, including a few reasons why Alexis says she is happy just being....her.

I have an amazing ability to listen to people and make them feel comfortable to talk to me.

 

I like my hair color, my big brown eyes (that 
 sometimes for no reason change to hazel)

 I love that I am cautious where my heart is concerned. It takes me a long time to "love" someone or to make good friends but when I do it is unconditional and forever.

 

I love my obsessive need to always be on time.

My long legs.

I love my passion to help others. 

Final Thought:  Alexis is only 15 years old and has the wisdom of a 70 year old. She isn't going to let people, or the world tell her she can't be herself. Women everywhere live their lives letting things they can't change, or erase make them feel less than what they are really worth. Our scars are our story, and our story can only be written by you. Step outside of you and look at your "Big Picture". 

*Special thanks to Alexis and her mother for allowing her to be a part of my madness, as excited and proud as you all were, this warmed my soul as well.*