Spring Storm Saturday

Today has been a super stormy and interesting weather filled day here in the Hat!  I was hoping to get down to the river to take some new photos, as the thunder, lightning and then hail started to fall.  Hopefully tomorrow will be a brighter day! So instead, I've consumed copious amounts of fresh hot coffee, baked, edited, read a book, done some cleaning around the house & even put in some writing time as well.  The other day I picked up some beautiful new spring flowers and I had to take a few photos to share with all of you! Hopefully these spring flowers will help brighten up your day, along with this one of Patti's newest addition, Tutti Fruity Tinkle Toes.  Have a wonderful evening everyone and keep safe!

Rheumatic Disease Awareness - Summer Project # 6

I have had a rare invisible chronic auto immune disease since I was 9 years old called Mixed Connective Tissue Disease.  So this project is something esp. near and dear to my heart.  There is no known cause or cure and there are over 100 different rheumatic diseases out there.  They strike anyone of any age, creed or gender at any time.  It strikes more people than Diabetes, Cancer & Heart Disease - and yet people care and know less about it than any of those big 3 illnesses.  I would like to help put a change to that, help raise awareness & help bring hope to those of us suffering from it and help us to FIGHT for a CURE! Now I do this every day with everyone I meet online and in person as it is, however this summer, I'd like to step things up a notch or three with YOUR help!

So what are my special summer projects in relation to Rheumatic Disease Awareness?


1) I would like to do another compilation of photos of those of all ages, races, and genders suffering from chronic auto immune diseases - remember Rheumatic Disease is an Umbrella Term for over 100 different Auto Immune Diseases!!! So this applies to a LOT of people!  If you have one - please contact me!  I would like to compile these photos into a LARGE book titled "The Real Faces of Rheumatic Diseases"  to help raise awareness.  A Photo is worth a thousand words - so hopefully it will help get our message across to so many out there!  Again this is not a paid model shoot - but you will get to keep copies of any photos I take of you in exchange.  


2) I would also like to do a second photo project, again I am asking for those in the rheumatic disease community to pose for.  It will be titled "The Rheumatic Disease Journal:  A Day in the Life" to showcase some of the things that WE struggle with everyday that most people don't understand, like Stairs, using a can opener, taking a bazillion pills a day etc.  


3) the topper on this cake for sure!  I want to, for Sept. 01 is the tentative date on this, as September is Arthritis Awareness Month IN CANADA.   I would like to do a large event in the park, I would again offer to do $10.00 digital portraits, I would like to have some people speak about their experiences with rheumatic disease and why this is so important - esp. the YOUNG PEOPLE!  There is a lot of great ideas I'm sure for what great things we could do including having the Arthritis Society and maybe even a few pharmacists and doctors or rheumatologists out and hopefully we can even get some local business owners, athletic stars, politicians and more out to speak & to pose for the shots in both books! So if you know anyone who is willing to take part in any of these three things, or are willing to yourself, or have many more great ideas please give me a shout and let me know and lets get some MAJOR AWARENESS GOING ON THIS SUMMER!!!!  

Animal Rescue - Summer Project # 5

 Animal Rescue Project

As many of you have probably guessed by the fact that I am a Pet Photographer, I have a huge heart & passion for animals of all shapes & sizes and it breaks my heart to see them hurt!  In fact, I have 2 rescued cats, Lisa-Lee & Poly-Ana who are the light of my life.  One came from the local SPCA and the other came from S.H.A.R.E.S in Edmonton. As well, I share every fundraiser & cause on my own page on a regular basis.  Animal Abuse takes many forms not just here at home but world wide.  I would like to help as much as I can, which is why my goal is to become part of heARTs Speak (artists helping rescue animals) and offer all local animal rescue groups the same deal.  Free photographs of their animals to get them new homes found as quickly as possible.  I will photograph almost any animal that needs a new home.  


So how does this relate to my summer causes project #5?  Easy!  


1) I would like to do a photo shoot with as many local rescue groups as possible to get as many photos put together of animals in need!  Be they canine, feline or equine etc. I would like to use these photos again to compile into a photo book and / or a calendar that would be sold to raise money for local animal rescue groups.  In this book I would also LOVE to be able to (and heck I might even have to make it 2 books possibly depending on the response I get) also add in Happy Tails!  So if you have rescued an animal from a local rescue group - please let me know! I would love to hear your Tail and also take a few photos to add to the compilation for the book as well! So if you have a rescued animal or work with/for an animal rescue group who would like to participate in this - please contact me!!!


2)  I would also like to put together a fundraiser to help local animal rescue groups! I do not know all the details however I am open to ideas, and to anyone willing to help out in any way, shape or form! I am ideally thinking an event in one of our amazing parks, so that we can have several local animal rescue groups come out and show some pets that need adoption, and maybe even get out the local Agility Club and Service Animals to do some demonstrations as well for everyone!  Id also like to have some large donation bins out for items that could be collected for local rescue groups such as: Blankets, Beds, Toys, Food & Treats - as well as money!  I would like to offer up at the same time - digital Paw-traits for a $10.00 donation to the cause as well at the same time!  


Animals love us unconditionally for who we truly are at heart! Their only goal is to be loved in return.  Sadly many never see this side of us "hoomans"  and only see the worst of our own species.  I would love to be able to do as much as I can this summer to help out as many animals big and small as possible! So please contact me if you are interested in taking part!

My own inspiring rescues!  Miss Poly-Ana rescued by the SPCA Medicine Hat!

Miss Lisa-Lee rescued by S.H.A.R.E.S in Edmonton

CNIB & Service Animals - Summer Project # 4

CNIB  & Service Animals

My cousin, Hy, has been blind most of his life.  He has also changed laws for those with vision impairments and service dogs as well in the US, something that has inspired many Canadians here who work with Service Animals to try to get incorporated into Canadian Laws as well.  I also know many really fantastic Service (and SURF-ice) animals that do so much in their community - above & beyond caring for and tending to their "Hoomans".  Every day we also have many service dogs to thank for our safety!  Service Animals also help out with things like Search & Rescue,  are K-9 Officers, Military Personal and more!!!  So I would like to do something to help them out this summer as well for all that they do to help those with vision impairments and other disabilities as well!  You can check out some of these amazing Service & SURF-ice dogs on my Causes I Support Links on my blog!  To name a few of these amazing pups:  Kona, Ricochet & Stacey Mae are some of my facebook FUR-einds who are constantly inspiring me! I encourage you to check out their pages as well! 


To help with these I would like to do a photo project taking various photographs of service dogs, in training and at work, and their "hoomans"  they watch over, as well as those who have vision impairments.  This compilation, I am hoping to put into another book & possibly also calendar with as many funds raised going to the CNIB & local service animal charities as possible.  (As before I say as much as possible due to the fact there will be some cost in publication & distribution - I will not personally be seeing a dime of this money it is all for charity).  Anyone who is willing to pose for these shots be you a service animal group or someone with a vision impairment, please contact me on my fan page and let me know.  It is not a paid model shoot -but you will get copies of all photos that you are in.  


I would also like to do a fundraiser as well, again I am not clear on all the details yet it is still an idea, and I am open to all suggestions and help in accomplishing it as well!  I am thinking of doing an event in the park where we can have some service animals present and show their skills, have the CNIB out to share their information and maybe even a few speakers & Donation bins out as well to raise money for this great cause!  Anyone who's interested or knows someone who would be interested in taking part in this event please be sure to contact me!  I am thinking maybe end of July or early August doing this event but I am open to ideas!

Anti Bullying, Suicide Prevention & It Gets Better - Summer Project #3

It Gets Better Campaign 
Although the It Gets Better Campaign is aimed mostly at LGTB teens, it also speaks out to many about bullying in general as well.  I was bullied as a child in school and recently, my friend Tracey's 14 year old daughter in the UK was bullied so badly, that she tried to commit suicide.  Thankfully, Tracey's daughter lived, but it brought this issue back into my heart again.  I had also always loved the song MEAN by Taylor Swift against bullying as well.  The day after I heard the news about my friends daughter, I heard it again and instead of singing it with glee like I had been since it came out; I was speechless and tears streamed down my face.  I even contacted Kix Brooks to dedicate the song to Tracey's daughter.  I decided then and there, I wanted to be able to do something to help get the word out to teens that bullying is NOT okay and there is always hope, It Does Get Better!  I also have many friends & family members who are part of the Pride community here and around the world.  I know many of them have had to deal with bullying & prejudice from family, friends, co-workers etc. and would like to also show my support for them as well. On top of that, I had a good friend in High School who also committed suicide and succeeded.  It ripped through our friends like a knife and I know none of us has ever completely healed from it.  Even though we do not know to this day why he chose that path, it is something still near and dear to me and something I hope to prevent ANYONE ELSE from EVER EVER Having to go through again!

This is a project that I will be working on with my friend and fellow photographer Kelly, from La Crosse Photography.  It is a cause near and dear to both of us and something we feel strongly about spreading the message for.  


We will be taking photos throughout the summer with the words - IT GETS BETTER as well as other anti-bullying & suicide prevention photographs that will be taken and compiled and put into a book and possibly also a calendar - with as much of the proceeds going to the IT GETS BETTER anti bullying & suicide prevention campaign as possible (I only say that because it will cost to get these published and out to the public - we will not be keeping any of the proceeds for ourselves - it will go to the cost of publication & distribution and to the charity itself ONLY).  Please watch both our sites over the summer as we will be needing models for this.  As it is a fundraiser - it will not be a paid model shoot - all models would have to be willing to work for free knowing its going to a great cause - and would of course also receive copies of the photos they are in as well.  I would especially like to get a few teens & adults too that have been bullied or have known someone lost to suicide - together for these shoots (weather you are a GLBT person or not - no matter why you have been bullied or gotten to that point, we would like to have you participate)!  As well, I would like to encourage any local celebrities etc in town (athletes, politicians, media personnel, emergency personnel, musicians, business owners, teachers etc.) that would like to also pose for this & to help spread this message of HOPE -  please contact Kelly or myself on our fan pages and let us know!  Please help us tell the young people here in Medicine Hat, Canada and around the World that It Will Get Better and that suicide is not the answer.  There are people who care and love them and they have something amazing to contribute to our society!  


If possible, I would also like to try to put together a fundraiser for this as well to raise awareness in a big way as well, although I have no solid ideas for this just yet.  If anyone has any ideas for such an event, would like to help put on this event and would like to help with ideas or putting one together - please contact myself or Kelly on our fan pages!


I cannot wait to get started on this very large and very special project!!!!! If you are interested in helping out in any way please feel free to contact either Kelly or myself! And if you are a teen who's being bullied for ANY reason or even if you're not being bullied but are depressed and thinking of suicide even - please remember WE CARE, WE ARE HERE and WE LOVE YOU!!! THERE IS HOPE! THERE IS HELP! Please remember suicide is NOT the answer!!!  You have so much to give to this world still!!! Please stick around and show it to us!!! IT DOES AND IT WILL GET BETTER!!!

Remember Alex Brown Foundation & Oprah's No Phone Zone - Summer Project #2

A brief bit about the Remember Alex Brown Foundation & Oprah's No Phone Zone
Alex Browns family was featured on Extreme Home Makeover after she died due to distracted driving - driving while texting and not wearing her seatbelt.  Her family has made it their mission to go and let people know the dangers of driving distracted! It is something you hear about all the time these days and something I would like to encourage people learning about and taking Alex's or Oprah's Pledge! Please check out her story HERE also you can check out the RAB Foundation on Facebook HERE


Although I do not nor have I even driven a motor vehicle; this is a topic near and dear to my heart. It is so senseless to see happen time and time again.  Weather its from Texting while driving or using your cell phone, or any other form of distraction - distracted driving has become an epidemic in North America and around the world.  I hate to see this happen because people are unaware of this topic!  Even the popular Mythbusters did an episode on Driving Intoxicated compared to Driving Distracted - now don't go thinking they said either of these were okay by any  means.  In fact both are dangerous enough the tests were done within specific guidelines with police officers present as well as professional drivers and on a very closed course and made a point of saying NEITHER is okay to do period.  The concept however was to see how dangerous distracted driving is in comparison to something people already clearly KNOW is dangerous to do while operating a motor vehicle - being Intoxicated.  The conclusion was unanimous.  Distracted driving (in their case they used a cell phone)  was as bad as and actually caused more driving failures (hitting cones etc) than driving while intoxicating did.  Now keep in mind too, they were just at the legal limit not totally bamboozed fall on your rump drunk.  But either way, it made the point clear.  Driving Distracted is extremely dangerous & very deadly.  And if thats just not enough proof for you NOT to do this, in the episode of Extreme Home Makeover - they used two NASCAR drivers - some of the best around lets face it - and had them drive the course while texting....these PROS could not even do it without wiping out numerous times (and believe me this fact surprised even them that it happened)....so if THEY cannot do this there is no way ANYONE (especially YOU) can seriously accomplish this without crashing!  PERIOD. DON'T DO IT!  


It is now enough of a problem & considered SO dangerous in Canada alone: BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Yukon, PEI, New Brunswick all have anti-distracted driving laws.  The penalties are severe and are not just "texting" but using any electronic device and include distractions like: putting on makeup etc.  IT IS NOT SAFE TO DO THESE THINGS WHILE DRIVING!!! PERIOD.  I hope many more provinces take up this very important law!


In honor of Alex and the thousands of those who have needlessly been killed in accidents caused by this - I am wanting to show my full support of this movement.  So, given I'm a photographer there are only so many things I can do, but I am open, as always to many more ideas and suggestions for things you all would be willing to help support in order to get this message across to those here in our area!


I will be doing two small things.  
1) On every shoot I go on over the summer, I will have with me, copies of both Oprah's No Phone Zone Pledge & the Alex Brown Foundations No Texting Pledge.  I am going to encourage anyone who hasn't taken these - to do so, and share the facts & Alex's tragic story.  I will even give copies to those who have teenagers just getting their licences as well.  And as soon as I'm able to do so, I will also be ordering some of the R.A.B's thumb bands to hand out on shoots as well, to constantly remind us when we use our phones, to not do this while driving!  If you sign on site - I will include 1 FREE digital storyboard in your package for you!
2) For anyone who comes to a shoot with the sheets in hand (or if you've done them online simply print them out so I can see them - its also a good way to remind yourself of your promises too) of their commitment to the RAB No Texting While Driving Pledge or the No Phone Zone Pledge - I will offer you a special print package.  It will contain 1 - 8x10, 2 - 5x7's and one sheet of wallets - FREE!  All you have to do is sign the pledge BEFORE THE SHOOT AT HOME and show me you have done so on your own accord - to get this package!  Remember if you sign at the shoot you are not eligible for this package.


I encourage all families especially those with teenagers learning to drive to watch Alex's story or any of those shared in the No Phone Zone area as well - with your teens.  Take the pledge together as a family!  Remember its not just YOU it could kill, think of the others you could injure, kill, or for your families and theirs too! When you drive distracted or intoxicated you take other peoples lives in your hands and can ruin all of them in literally a heartbeat.  Think of them if you will not or cannot think about yourself.  Driving is a big RESPONSIBILITY it IS NOT A RIGHT! Please keep safe! You are all precious and have so much to give in this life! Don't ruin it or waste it doing something so petty, so meaningless that it would kill you or those you love or even a complete stranger!  Please keep safe and take care of each other!

Slave Lake Fires & Summer Project #1

This past week has been a tragic one for us in Alberta and I wanted to take some time on here to acknowledge this tragedy and also all the heroes that have come out of it as well.  Many hours north of us, is a small town called Slave Lake.  Its a town of around 7,000 people.  Last week over 30-40% of this small town was consumed in the blink of an eye by an out of control wild fire.  People went from on alert to a mass mandatory evacuation in a matter of a few hours....and then watched in horror as the fire consumed their homes, businesses & major infrastructures.  This was hard for many of us stuck on the sidelines so far away to watch in horror as well worried for friends, loved ones and complete strangers alike.  For those who don't for some bizarre reason know what I'm talking about....here is the video about what happened in Slave Lake.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5m6OErRXpA

I watched the videos glued to them and all the information coming in, with tears streaming down my face for these poor families and town folk. I also watched, with pride as from coast to coast, despite the fact that so many of us are strapped with these tough economic times, that almost every area had a drop off for items for those in Slave Lake, transportation companies transported items free of charge, radio stations took up donations, all this of course on top of monetary donations coming in for Red Cross & Salvation Army.  Little kids made lemonade stands and donated their hard earned $14.00 to Slave Lake Victims!  It was extremely moving!  I know many have also written to Ty Pennington & The Extreme Home Makeover Team in hopes that they can also help raise hope for those in Slave Lake.

Being so far south of Slave Lake, I felt fairly helpless. I did however, find one way to help! Actually, I found 2!  One is the Slave Lake Photo Shoot Project & the other is the Shoot For Slave Lake Project.

1) Slave Lake Photo Shoot Project is a large group of local photographers donating their time and efforts to help those in Slave Lake recover some of their memories.  Although we cannot replace all of their photographs of their family & loved ones, we can give them new ones to start again with.  If you are a local photographer who would like to participate in this project or know someone who would - please be sure to check them out! If you are a Slave Lake Evacuee or know one - please have them check out the very long list of photographers province wide that have donated their time to help!  Please note that if you are or know an evacuee who's in Medicine Hat, please give them my information - I am on this list to help those who would like to rebuild their family memories!!!

2) The Shoot For Slave Lake Project is another fantastic project taking place NATION WIDE & INTERNATIONALLY! Please check out the list of photographers participating near you HERE.  What photographers are offering is simple.  Make a donation to a charity helping Slave Lake (ie Red Cross, Salvation Army) and show your receipt to get a free shoot etc.  Every studio has their own offer up so be sure to check them out and what they are offering in exchange for YOUR help!


So heres the scoop for my studio:  If you show ME a receipt of $50.00 or more to Red Cross OR Salvation Army FOR SLAVE LAKE specifically - I will offer you a free mini shoot! A mini shoot is 20-30 minutes long & gives you a disk of 10-15 of the top photos from the shoot on disk with full print rights!  An amazing deal for such a small donation to a great cause!!!  

Please remember while you are on either or both of these pages - to check these wonderfully generous photographers out and support them while they try to help those in Slave Lake!

And while you're at it and if you haven't already - be sure to go to the Red Cross or Salvation Army and donate today to help these people rebuild their community, homes and lives!

News Photo Courtesy of CTV Edmonton

Generosity & Kindness To Others.....Pass It On!

Lately I've been doing a lot of thinking and a lot of planning for this summer.  In between shoots (which I hope  you all plan on booking a lot of shoots and keeping me busy this summer lol) and other fun summertime things (like Canada Day, Independance Day and of course my own favorite - My BIRTHDAY lol)  I have a lot of things I want to accomplish for others!

One of the greatest things I think about being a photographer, for myself anyhow, I cannot speak for all photographers, is being able to give back to the community and help others in so many ways!  I was always raised to give back as much as I can, whenever I can and it is something I feel very passionately about!  In fact if you've been to my Facebook fan page lately, you probably already realize this with the amount of wonderful fundraisers & causes I pass on to all my great fans to help support!  When the Tsunami and devastation hit Japan, my friend and fellow photographer Kelly, as well as over 35 other artisans stepped up and helped put on a first of its kind fundraiser here in Medicine Hat, and raised approximately $1000.00 for Red Cross. A few weeks later, I saw a note from the lady in charge of the Ronald McDonald House Silent Auction, and donated another photo package to help raise money there as well.

Recently however, there have been so many more great causes that have been brought to the forefront for me and I'll be getting into each in more depth in their own posts - so don't worry if this one only goes over the briefest of details, more are to come you can be sure! And I am, of course, always open to many more ideas as well!  Let me know! I love to help!

So this summer I have quite a few big and small projects and here they are:  Again - remember I will be posting about each individually so do not panic! More info will be being posted on each event! And I am also open to other great ideas to add to these causes as well as open to helping other great causes you suggest!

1)  Slave Lake Fires:
This small town of 7,000 people was ravaged by an out of control forest fire that destroyed over 30-40% of this small town - including homes, businesses & infrastructure. 
 A) Shoot For Slave Lake
 B) Slave Lake Photo Project

2)  Remember Alex Brown Foundation & Oprah's No Phone Zone Challenge
Alex Browns family was featured on Extreme Home Makeover after she died due to distracted driving - driving while texting and not wearing her seatbelt.  Her family has made it their mission to go and let people know the dangers of driving distracted! It is something you hear about all the time these days and something I would like to encourage people learning about and taking Alex's or Oprah's Pledge! Please check out her story HERE also you can check out the RAB Foundation on Facebook HERE

3)  It Gets Better Campaign 
Although the It Gets Better Campaign is aimed mostly at LGTB teens, it also speaks out to many about bullying in general as well.  I was bullied as a child in school and recently, my friend Tracey's 14 year old daughter in the UK was bullied so badly, that she tried to commit suicide.  Thankfully, Tracey's daughter lived, but it brought this issue back into my heart again.  I had also always loved the song MEAN by Taylor Swift against bullying as well.  The day after I heard the news about my friends daughter, I heard it again and instead of singing it with glee like I had been since it came out; I was speechless and tears streamed down my face.  I even contacted Kix Brooks to dedicate the song to Tracey's daughter.  I decided then and there, I wanted to be able to do something to help get the word out to teens that bullying is NOT okay and there is always hope, It Does Get Better!  

- This will be a collaborative photo project with my friend Kelly from La Crosse Photography as it is something near and dear to both of our hearts.

4)  CNIB  & Service Animals
My cousin, Hy, has been blind most of his life.  He has also changed laws for those with vision impairments and service dogs as well.  I also know many really fantastic Service (and SURF-ice) animals that do so much in their community - above & beyond caring for and tending to their "Hoomans" .  So I would like to do something to help them out this summer as well for all that they do to help those with vision impairments and other disabilities as well!  
- I will be doing a photo project that I hope to put into a book format and/or calendar with proceeds going towards CNIB & other Service Animal Foundations in Canada.

5)  Animal Rescue Project
As many of you have probably guessed by the fact that I am a Pet Photographer, I have a huge heart & passion for animals of all shapes & sizes and it breaks my heart to see them hurt!  In fact, I have 2 rescued cats, Lisa-Lee & Poly-Ana who are the light of my life.  One came from the local SPCA and the other came from S.H.A.R.E.S in Edmonton.  
- I do already have listed on my website & Facebook fan page that if you are a local animal rescue group and would like some great photos to help get these wonderful fur-babies into their new homes, please contact me I do offer free sessions & cds with full print rights to Animal Rescue Groups!!!
- I would also like to on top of that do a Rescue Animal Photo Project this would have shots of many rescued animals that would eventually be put into a photo book and/or calendar with proceeds going to local rescue groups!
- I would also like to do a fundraiser over the summer (I'm thinking around August?)

6)  Last but not least - The Faces Of Rheumatic Disease - Auto Immune Disease Awareness!
I have had a rare invisible chronic auto immune disease since I was 9 years old.  This is something esp. near and dear to my heart.  There is no known cause or cure and there are over 100 different rheumatic diseases out there.  They strike anyone of any age, creed or gender at any time.  It strikes more people than Diabetes, Cancer & Heart Disease - and yet people care and know less about it than any of those big 3 illnesses.  I would like to help put a change to that, help raise awareness & help bring hope to those of us suffering from it and help us to FIGHT for a CURE!


- I am doing a photo project "The faces of rheumatic disease" again will be a book with proceeds going to Arthritis Society
- Another book photo project is the "Rheumatic Disease Photo Journal" again with proceeds going to Arthritis  Society
- Fundraiser in the Park (September) for Arthritis Awareness Month in Canada!

So thats a few of my projects for the summer! If you have more ideas be sure to contact me! I am always willing to help out any way I am able to and I am always open to new ideas! Check out my upcoming posts for more in depth details about each of these projects and what you can do to help!

Wishing you all a beautiful day and be sure to keep watch for my upcoming June & Fathers Day Specials & Contests too!!!

Welcome To My Blogger Page

Welcome to my new blogger page everyone!  I hope you all enjoy it! Here I will try to keep you all up to date on coming Events, Contests, Giveaways, Fundraisers, Projects and some sneak peeks at some of my favorite photographs and more! So be sure to keep your eyes peeled in the future for a lot more new and funtastic things to arrive!  Wishing you all a beautiful evening!