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!

This summer has been a whirlwind for me… Even though I’m always glad for school to be out and have less of a “schedule”, I always seem to be ready for that structure by the end of August!

Per usual, I have tons of adorable updates I need to add. I’m actually working on a website update too, so be on the lookout! As always, you can check the blog for current happenings, in addition to the newsletter, which you can sign up for on the splash page of my site. I have some new specials and announcements coming up, so be sure you’re on the list to be the first to find out!

Speaking of updates, you can also find me on facebook and twitter!

I’m also looking forward to some upcoming speaking engagements. The first one is this Sunday in Orlando at the FPP State convention… come see me @ 7:30!

I’m also excited to announce that I’ll be speaking at ImagingUSA in Nashville in January! Check out the latest PPA mag! (ps My dad was pleased to see that I’m performing “LIVE” LOL! ha!)

You can check the Imaging site for more info:

Here’s hoping you enjoy what’s left of summer break! Be on the lookout for the next newsletter!

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!)

I’m still trying to get back on Eastern time as I adjust from Vegas time…It was so great to visit with some *old* friends and meet tons of new ones! Thank you so much for all the support so many of you photographers and vendors have given me!  I’ve received many emails about my templates and *bundles* for photographers, so I wanted to let everyone know where to find more information about them (I know it was a CRAZE for so many of us in Vegas!) You can see the full list and details here: TOOLS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

All templates and bundles are $99 until March 31, 2009 -except the “Business Bundle” which is $199.  Mention WPPI show special to receive this discounted pricing…and you didn’t even have to attend!

Tons more to post about Vegas and lots of emails to catch up on…. In the meantime…. here’s a shot of our  Rings to Rattles PLUS class! We had an amazing group full of enthusiasm and talent!

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!

Well, it’s a little freaky to see a FULL page ad with my *mug* on it, but very flattering as well…  I was asked to be in the recent Wells Fargo Ads…. pretty cool!

Also, for all you photographers who “blog stalk” I’ll be seeing many of you in just a couple weeks!! Our Rings to Rattles PLUS class is sold out, but be sure to come see us on Monday night from 6:15-8:15… we are SUPER excited!! We were also asked to be a part of the WPPI Town Hall meeting… should be interesting!

We’ll also have a MEET the SPEAKER time on Wednesday…details to follow on that one! Come SEE us!!

P.S. For those who can’t attend, we have announced new Rings to Rattles workshop dates for here in Tampa at my studio….check out the site: www.RingsToRattles.com

Wow! I’m so excited to be a part of a super cool Open House Event this weekend at Look Who’s Kickin’… a 3D/4D ultrasound spa…They offer the most amazing experience of getting a unique *sneak peak* at your new little *bundle*!  They also offer relaxing prenatal massages and even *belly parties* (how cool is that???)

This Saturday, January 10th, come stop by their South Tampa location where they will have lots of other *baby vendors* offering SPECIALS and DOOR PRIZES from 10-2. In addition, you can purchase your VERY own 4D ultrasound for only $50…but only on Saturday from 10am to 2pm.  I’m also having my very own “half price session fee” if you book that day…so come see me!  Even if you baby isn’t in your belly anymore…you can still come by and take advantage of all the DEALS! See you Saturday!

Oh and PS….don’t forget only 8  more days left of my New Years Specials!  View specials HERE.

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

Kevin and I spent two days this week with other photographers from all over the country for our Rings to Rattles seminar. We had such a GREAT group and really had a blast! Thanks to everyone for making is such a success! A special thanks also to our amazing “models”, the Zinn family and Miss Jaymie.

I wanted to share a few of my favorites from the workshop… You can also check out KJ’s blog for some of his great shots of Jaymie.

I’m even more excited about speaking at WPPI.  The PLUS class is already sold out, but we’ll be doing a 2 hour Platform presentation… can’t wait!