This is the most difficult blog post I’ve ever written…. I’ve started it several times in the past week and then just deleted it all!  I have some BIG news and it’s truly “BitterSweet”….

As some of you may, or may not know, my ex had to move to Pennsylvania in August for a new job and that has left me all alone this fall… as a parent…So it has really been tough this fall to juggle everything (kidddos, work, health…) on my own. If that isn’t enough, last October (2008) I began to experience a great pain in my right arm and hand… my forefinger and thumb stay almost completely numb.  This year I had 2 MRI’s and consulted with a neurosurgeon who informed me that I have almost 3 completely ruptured disks in my neck which are pinching a nerve, which is the cause of the pain in my arm/hand and numbness.  Unfortunately, I may not be a suitable candidate for DISK surgery because the disks are also “curved” and may reject any fusions or disk implants…  (so I’m told) …so the doctors say I will need some really extensive (read: $$$ and TIME) physical therapy to try to alleviate the pain and *fix* it (to a point). I have come to the realization that I will need some extra help with the kiddos and to work less than I do now… So… after considering all options… I have decided that I need to relocate (move!) to Texas to be closer to my family and Kevin.   I really wanted to wait until the summer, but after this busy fall (Christmas) season, I realize I can’t continue to ignore the pain and can’t risk possible PERMANENT nerve damage to my right arm (I sorta need it! *smiles*)  Also, my son Andrew (almost 14! ack!) will be starting high school next fall and I’d really like to get him settled and make some friends before high school starts up in the fall.

This decision has been a HUGE struggle and I’m really hurting about this.   I’m excited to be closer to my family and Kevin… but growing up as a “military brat”, I’ve never lived anywhere as long as I’ve lived here (almost 7 years) and really consider this my “home”. My clients are loyal and AMAZING and have truly become friends and *family*!

I am not *officially* closing my Riverview (Tampa) studio at this point… I am planning to fly back for my shoots here in Tampa every so many weeks.  I will be closed during this transition and will reopen for the time(s) I return. (check blog/newsletter/site to find out when that is!) For you Dallas/Fort Worth peeps…. this might make you smile as I have already made arrangements to rent studio space there. I’ll be “biCOASTal”… except I don’t think Dallas has a *coast* (smile…. maybe a lake??)

For my current clients…. this is another reason for the December 15th (today!) cutoff… I am organizing EVERYTHING!  Please let me know asap if you need any orders by December 25th! Christmas!

Sorry to be longwinded…This has been a difficult time. I wish you all an AMAZING holiday season and the BEST for 2010!  Don’t hesitate to email me anyTIME! I’ll be around!! I am grateful for the most wonderful friends, photographer *friends*, clients & family!  Thank you for all the thoughts, prayers and wishes from those who have known the pain I’ve been enduring.  I love you all!

And b/c I should always include a PICTURE… here’s me with my beautiful *babies* (one who now has facial hair… no! not Gabriela! LOL!). From last spring in Anguilla! Paradise!  They are the reason I KNOW I can’t be a good “MOMMY” unless I take care of ME and my HEALTH!

I wanted to let everyone know that I’m out of town working for two weeks but am anxiously gearing up for the upcoming holiday season! I know I’ve received many calls already for scheduling your session for the fall and I can’t wait to see all the returning families & faces, as well as new ones!

I’ve just landed in London, England (can you say JET LAG!!) and will be here assisting a SUPER cool, two part, Nigerian wedding with Kevin.  I don’t normally photograph weddings, but I love to assist…especially on the “Destinations”! That said… even though you get to do a little sight seeing, they are really pretty insense and alot of work, but you really get to know your couple and their friends/guests, which makes it fun and different!

Anyway, I wanted to let you ALL know that if you are emailing or calling, we WILL be returning your call and getting EVERYONE scheduled! No worries! I will return to the studio on the 15th of September and Laura will be in and out of the studio during these days I’m gone returning emails and phone calls. Sorry for all the phone and email tags… Life will get “back to normal” after the crazyness of the summer and will get on track ready for the fall!

I have some cool new ideas and backgrounds that I can’t wait to play with. I may also do another “Beach Week” this year…possibly in October. If you are interested, please send me an email and I will let you know when it’s official and the dates. I can only do ONE beach session per day (at sunset), so I want to try to accomodate all who are interested in this. I like to do it in October or November when the weather cools off a bit! (tho it’s pretty cold here in London and I had to bust out my sweaters… BRRRRR).

In the meantime, check out the Parenting KID COVER SEARCH details… I want to see my adorable clients on every cover!

Be sure to check back for the current news and happenings… I’m hoping to capture some fun and interesting “London/Paris” images to share!

Wow… How behind am I on blogging…. Okay, so 50 lashes with a wet noodle! ha!

I really have some amazing new pictures to share… so just hang in there and bear with me! Lots going on these days…

In the meantime… I’m proud to share a current article which features me (along with two other amazing photographers who have been my friends for years, Jen Hellinga and Kathryn Langsford) in the latest PPA (Professional Photographers of America) magazine. All about “Belly Basics”! Maternity sessions are some of my most fun and it’s always exciting to get to know parents before their new *bundle* arrives! Love it!

Also, I may not have said, but I’ll be speaking at Imaging USA in January in Nashville… (PPA’s BIG event for the year…) Come say hi!

posted this last year…. but thought it needed reposting! HAPPY DADDY DAY!

along with a “road trip song”… http://blip.fm/profile/babyDJ/blip/14308349 (don’t hate me! LOL! it’s funny!)

I wanted to take a moment to wish all the daddies in the world a Happy Father’s Day! Here’s hoping that you all have a wonderful day and are treated like KINGS!

And to my own dad… life hasn’t always been easy… and we haven’t always seen eye to eye….but, I thank you for always encouraging and inspiring me and I know you have always wanted the best for me. I want the best for you too…and I hope you have a wonderful, amazing day. I love you!

(a few blasts from the past *S*)

and one of my favorite “daddy” songs…

10-daddy

Wow… What a blog slacker I’ve been… and I was on a ROLL before! I have SO MANY things to share and beautiful sessions to show, so get ready for the “onslaught!”

I’ll start off with a WPPI wrap up… (yea, it was in February… SO? hee hee)

The annual international convention in Vegas, WPPI (http://www.wppionline.com/) was a huge success and lots of fun! It was also the busiest convention I have EVER attended. I was literally teaching & speaking almost every single day.

Kevin and I started the week with a GREAT group for our 2 day PLUS class, Rings to Rattles. We also did our platform class, Town Hall, Meet the Speaker, and spoke at our labs booth a couple times.

We did have one “date night”, where Kevin went all out and took me to an amazing steak restaurant there in the MGM and then went on to see the HILARIOUS, Wayne Brady. (of course he had to get the FULL experience and we got to meet him afterward! Very cool!)

Here’s a few highlights from the week…. check out my snazzy collage! (you can click it to see the larger version!) Looking forward to next year already!

While attending and speaking at WPPI in Vegas this past February, I was asked if I’d be willing to do some “beta testing” for the new and improved, “Pocket Wizards”. I have always used *Wizards* as transmitters to wirelessly trigger my studio lights (well, except that first year when I was constantly tripping over my sync cord and missing a dozen shots a session…ugh!).

This new version, “Mini & Flex” is much smaller and more compact! In addition, it can also be used to fire remotely, which is great in situations when you can use a tripod and free up your hands (and silly faces, in my case! LOL!).  Check me out on “You Tube” below… (one note of warning… I am a professional! These types of sound effects should be used with EXTREME caution…. don’t say I never warned you! *smiles*)

special thanks to: Julie Klaasmeyer from: DesignRevolution.com for the AMAZING tutu and hair piece!

and Debra from: Denny Manufacturing for providing a background ON THE SPOT!

And a few favorites of baby “B”… she was my model during the two day plus class, in addition to my “behind the scenes!” (more of her to come!)

WPPI has finally arrived…. I leave tomorrow for EIGHT VERY FULL (I mean like CRAZY full!) days of convention in Las Vegas. I’ve been looking forward to it for a year now and can’t believe it’s finally here!!

I have to say, I am the WORST when it comes to procrastinating and packing….WHY OH WHY do I do this to myself…ALWAYS?

Anyway….for all you photographers who are attending… Here’s my rundown….so come SEE ME! I can’t wait to see everyone, including my amazing vendors and sponsors! GOOD TIMES!

2/12 - Plus Class
2/13 - Plus Class
2/16 - Rings to Rattles Platform Class with Kevin- 6:15pm rm #319/320!
2/17 - WHCC Tradeshow Booth - 12:30pm-1:45pm
2/17 - WPPI TownHall Meeting 6:15-8:15 MGM Conference Center, 3rd Floor Ballroom. http://www.wppionline.com/index.taf?_function=townhall
2/18 - WHCC Tradeshow Booth - 12:30pm-1:45pm
2/18 - Meet the Speaker 3pm-5pm

And for all my loyal clients and blogstalkers who wanna know more… check it out: WPPIonline.com

I always come back with lots of new ideas and goodies….and some stories! Wonder if there will be any further *sightings* THIS year?? ha!

So my sweetie got so worried about how often I get LOST (I’m all about my “5 mile RADIUS”!) and Kevin got me a Garmin for Christmas… I have been having a blast with it! I’ve experimented with the different voices…. At first I thought I was gonna go full blown AUSSIE (LOVE that accent! *smiles*)….but then I realized…they say some random things that I can’t understand….so I had to go American!

Right now I have Jack. We are *BUDS*! (for now! LOL! at least I can understand him when he says “Boulevard”! Not sure what’s going up down under?)

Also, I downloaded a whole bunch of “vehicles”… I have a tank, a carrot, a sleigh, a sportscar….I switch it around…but I have to say….I’m a huge fun of the PIZZA! (Let’s not talk about the fact that I’m not my NO CARB diet again…maybe that’s why I’m so Passionate about my slice of pizza? LOL!) But seriously….how cute is this? Who couldn’t enjoy driving around as a SLICE of PEPPERONI PiZZA? It makes me smile!

I hope that everyone had a beautiful holiday season and continues to enjoy the rest of what is left of 2008! I know I’ve been slacking on the blog, but fear not… I have LOTS of surprises to post in the next couple weeks.

One new fun little interactive feature is my new FACEBOOK group. If you are not familiar with facebook…be forewarned…it’s ADDICTIVE!! ha! Since I grew up in many states (military brat), I have lots of friends all over and I’ve found TONS of them on facebook. I’ve also realized that it’s a great and fun way to stay connected with my clients too. If you’d like to join my professional group, you can sign up here:  Alycia Alvarez Photography FACEBOOK group If you aren’t a member, you may need to sign up for facebook…but I’ll be offering some specials and freebies there, so it will be worth your while!

There are several great studio specials that will be going on in January, so stay tuned and check in!  In the meantime, here’s a “2008 in REVIEW”… I always enjoy going back over all my sessions from the past year and remembering all the great moments and memories captured! Thank you to all of my clients who have entrusted me with creating your family art and heirlooms… I look forward to creating more in 2009 and to meeting some new *faces*! I’ve put together a slideshow of my year in review, including a few personal shots here and there…Enjoy!

I am truly honored and proud to be featured as WPPI’s November Member of the Month. WPPI is an international organization with thousands of amazing photographers as members from all over the world. I am thrilled to have been chosen. You can check out the article here: WPPI Member of the Month