Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Come Home Soon II
Again, with tears in my eyes, I present to you, a Deployment StoryBook session. I am so blessed to have been able to capture such precious moments, I hope you all see what I see in this sweet family. I know that our lives will move forward and yours will pause for the next year. Our prayers are with you, and your family until your safe return. God Bless.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
SPC Tyra's Storybook Session
Normally I don't load actual "sessions" to the blog. I try to keep this for funny stories and projects...however, this is too precious NOT to share! Donald Tyra is a police officer here in my hometown and being in public safety you bond with people pretty easily, Donald is no exception. I went from calling him the "asshole night patrolman" to respecting him as an officer, and friend, in a very short time. We won't discuss him pulling me over at 4:00 am last April, but we will just say he makes a TERRIBLE first impression!
When he received orders that he would be deploying to Afghanistan, he asked that I take some shots of he and his son Harper to surprise his family...we totally did. This was one of those sessions that made me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. These images are precious in so many ways and the Tyra family has allowed me to share this video with the rest of the world. Click the link below. Enjoy!
Regardless of your position on the war, political views, religious beliefs, or if you are a parent or not, this should touch your heart. These images are a reflection of unconditional love.....
When he received orders that he would be deploying to Afghanistan, he asked that I take some shots of he and his son Harper to surprise his family...we totally did. This was one of those sessions that made me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. These images are precious in so many ways and the Tyra family has allowed me to share this video with the rest of the world. Click the link below. Enjoy!
Regardless of your position on the war, political views, religious beliefs, or if you are a parent or not, this should touch your heart. These images are a reflection of unconditional love.....
Donald,
On behalf of everyone who knows and loves you, we all wish you well and pray for your safety. You're in our thoughts and hearts until you return.
Monday, February 21, 2011
30 Day Challenge In A 5 Minute Read
There's a "30 Day Photo" challenge going around Facebook where people are uploading a photo a day with an explanation regarding each photo. Cute idea, except my A.D.D will not allow a project to go on that long...seriously, I am THAT bad. I love the idea and decided I would Jamie-ize it by not using photos but words. I will be picking ONLY the ones I want (benefit of being the blog owner/writer) and I will try to keep this simple, however, we all know I am a woman of many words.
Ten Facts:
1. I am tall and I've always wanted to know what it is like to be petite.
2. When I was little I wanted to grow up and be in a marching band. I couldn't even play that stupid recorder in Middle School.
3. I am acloset Twilight fan.
4. I don't usually think before I speak. (That's how I have gotten so good at B.S.ing)
5. I eat Mexican 3-4 times a week.
6. I have a very tender heart.
7. I sweat like a man.
8. I am a true romantic. There is nothing hotter than a creative man. (Not the lame overdone crap)
9. I would swear to you that I am a man trapped in a woman's body 21 days a month.
10. I have a love/hate relationship with surprises. If you are going to attempt to surprise me, don't give any hints just hit me with it because the suspense for me isn't worth the agony.
Habit I wish I didn't have...
Over-thinking-every-thing. I am not sure if it's a habit or a mental illness. Jury is still out on that one.
Favorite memory:
Here is where I should say "the birth of my child", no that hurt like hell and was the most tragic day in history. Or I could use "the day I married my husband", no that was a stressful day that ended in too many Miller Lights and an exhaustion coma. I guess one of my favorite memories was the Christmas I opened a HUGE box that had a rock taped to the bottom of it with a note from my parents that read: "It's a bike!" You had to get up pretty early in the morning to pull one over on me, especially when it comes to surprises. (See # 10)
Person who makes you laugh:
Shane. Hands down, without a doubt. Shane. No matter what we are doing or where we are at, he makes me laugh. He is one of the few people on the planet, besides my poor husband, that really, "gets me" and still loves me anyway. He can just look at me and send me into a snot throwing, belly rolling, eyes watering, seizure laugh.
Someone I couldn't live my life without:
My daughter. I had her at 17 and we've pretty much raised each other, or she has raised me rather. She saved me. (That's another blog post)
Someone who inspires me:
Maya Angelou, you should all Google her and read her works. Really though, I get inspired all the time by people everywhere. I am easily moved by acts of kindness and human interactions that show kindness and love for others. There is a 96 year old woman in my home town that still plants and cares for her own garden, to me, that's pretty inspiring.
Something I want to do before I die:
Leave my print. I want people to remember I was here.
Biggest Insecurity:
Not being enough.
Something I am afraid of:
Not taking risks. Letting "myself" get in the way of me.
Something that always makes me smile:
Text messages from my Dad. He still forwards those cheesy chain messages or sends a random fact about his day that always makes me smile. For the first year he had a cell phone he didn't know how to space soallhistextmessageslookedlikethisandihadtoreallyworkatreadingthem. He's that coolest dude ever!
Someone I miss:
My Nana. Perfect example of grace, class, kindness and devotion to her family without getting lost and forgetting who she is. She loved herself, and proved that when you love "you", you love everyone around you even better.
Final Thought:
There are LOTS of things that make people who they are. These are just some silly, some serious, things that make being me different from being like everyone else. We are all different. We are all alike. As long as we all remember BOTH of those things about one another, it will make this experience called life a little easier.
1. I am tall and I've always wanted to know what it is like to be petite.
2. When I was little I wanted to grow up and be in a marching band. I couldn't even play that stupid recorder in Middle School.
3. I am a
4. I don't usually think before I speak. (That's how I have gotten so good at B.S.ing)
5. I eat Mexican 3-4 times a week.
6. I have a very tender heart.
7. I sweat like a man.
8. I am a true romantic. There is nothing hotter than a creative man. (Not the lame overdone crap)
9. I would swear to you that I am a man trapped in a woman's body 21 days a month.
10. I have a love/hate relationship with surprises. If you are going to attempt to surprise me, don't give any hints just hit me with it because the suspense for me isn't worth the agony.
Habit I wish I didn't have...
Over-thinking-every-thing. I am not sure if it's a habit or a mental illness. Jury is still out on that one.
Favorite memory:
Here is where I should say "the birth of my child", no that hurt like hell and was the most tragic day in history. Or I could use "the day I married my husband", no that was a stressful day that ended in too many Miller Lights and an exhaustion coma. I guess one of my favorite memories was the Christmas I opened a HUGE box that had a rock taped to the bottom of it with a note from my parents that read: "It's a bike!" You had to get up pretty early in the morning to pull one over on me, especially when it comes to surprises. (See # 10)
Person who makes you laugh:
Shane. Hands down, without a doubt. Shane. No matter what we are doing or where we are at, he makes me laugh. He is one of the few people on the planet, besides my poor husband, that really, "gets me" and still loves me anyway. He can just look at me and send me into a snot throwing, belly rolling, eyes watering, seizure laugh.
Someone I couldn't live my life without:
My daughter. I had her at 17 and we've pretty much raised each other, or she has raised me rather. She saved me. (That's another blog post)
Someone who inspires me:
Maya Angelou, you should all Google her and read her works. Really though, I get inspired all the time by people everywhere. I am easily moved by acts of kindness and human interactions that show kindness and love for others. There is a 96 year old woman in my home town that still plants and cares for her own garden, to me, that's pretty inspiring.
Something I want to do before I die:
Leave my print. I want people to remember I was here.
Biggest Insecurity:
Not being enough.
Something I am afraid of:
Not taking risks. Letting "myself" get in the way of me.
Something that always makes me smile:
Text messages from my Dad. He still forwards those cheesy chain messages or sends a random fact about his day that always makes me smile. For the first year he had a cell phone he didn't know how to space soallhistextmessageslookedlikethisandihadtoreallyworkatreadingthem. He's that coolest dude ever!
Someone I miss:
My Nana. Perfect example of grace, class, kindness and devotion to her family without getting lost and forgetting who she is. She loved herself, and proved that when you love "you", you love everyone around you even better.
Final Thought:
There are LOTS of things that make people who they are. These are just some silly, some serious, things that make being me different from being like everyone else. We are all different. We are all alike. As long as we all remember BOTH of those things about one another, it will make this experience called life a little easier.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
"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 my smile lines are laughter scars that mean I have lived a life of laughter.
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.
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.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
"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.
.
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.
.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
"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
Melanie Bell Chisam
- Mary Beth Sanders
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)