Today is a national awareness day to promote awareness and initiate change of the hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)”, the r-word.

Something that has been pressing in my heart since Lana was born.  After speaking with countless doctors and therapists, I quickly learned that a word that is used throughout society to describe someone that is acting dumb or goofy was now tied to my beautiful daughter.  I must say, it hurt.  At first, it hurt that the doctors would dare describe my daughters condition as such, but after much thought and research I wanted to reclaim the word for it’s intended definition.  I wanted all of my friends and family to stop the misuse of the r-word.  I posted blog posts, sent emails, had many conversations informing people of how hurtful the word was when used in inappropriate careless ways.  I also designed and created t-shirts to hand out and sell.  I’ve been spreading the word for over three years now, but today I’m happy to see the cause is nationalized.

Soeren Palumbo has made a huge impact in creating awareness since his brilliant speech that he delivered to a gymnasium full of his high school peers and faculty and received a standing ovation.

The use of the r-word is offensive and hurtful, even when it is inadvertently used.  It is hurtful to the millions with mental retardation as well as their loved ones.

I find it interesting that insulting somebody by using such words as “Alzheimer… Cancer… AIDS… etc” carelessly would not be taken as a joke nor lightly yet, using another disease such as retardation as an insult is common among society.

It is NEVER appropriate to use the words “retard” or “retarded” in a careless or an insulting way.

I encourage you all to be more conscious of the words that you use and hope that you will take a pledge to stop saying the R-word on www.r-word.org.

It’s impossible for me to blog about one of my kids without also blogging about the other.  So, today, I would like to post a few things about my maturing boy.
It has been said, that from the age of 6, your personality will pretty much be the same for the rest of your life.  Nate is nearing 6 and his individuality, vitality, creativity, intelligence, courteousness, kindness and cuteness all attribute to his uniqueness.  He is blossoming into a very respectable, cool, caring, funky, fun young boy.

The other day, Nate ran to my office from upstairs with a serious look on his face, and then cracked a smile while saying, “I haven’t wore this shirt and pants in a really long time.  I like them.”  His blue v-necked sweater vest and dark blue pinstriped slacks complemented each other very well.  He stood there staring at me with a slight lean and one hand his pocket.  I couldn’t help but tell him that he looked handsome and that he was stylin’.  I whistled at him and told him that his look was picture perfect.  He started to laugh and I busted out my camera.  Then he took off to complete the “look”, his hair. Check out his slicked down hair with a “super-man” curl, as he says.  Here are the results of my cool little man and our unexpected mini-photoshoot:

I can’t wait to see what other personality traits he will develop and own.  He’s growing up so fast…:’(

Last week, Nate started to play Guitar Hero, World Tour.  On his first day playing, he scored a 94% on the Guitar…Lana was assisting on the “off-line” Drum set.  He is also starting to try his vocal skillz out with his fist full of steal (well…more of a plastic MIC)!  My lil Rocker(s)!

“Don’t waste your time with nonsense, there’s plenty of it,
and go and find what makes you happy while you can, since time slips away very quickly.”

We are here to be happy!

I woke up this morning with an urge to embrace the day for a girls day out…just me and Lana.  I wanted to share with her some of my favorite childhood pastimes.  At first, I didn’t know how or what exactly we’d be doing but I knew, just as any other photographer mom would want to, I wanted to document our time together.  After a morning of pampering, we headed out to a wooded area near our home.  Yes, at times, I am a Tomboy.  Plus, I wanted my little princess to be surrounded by nature.  We spent nearly an hour walking through trails and photographing moments along the way.  We had a great time, but I wanted something more for her.  I could have taken Lana for a few of her favorite foods, donuts and ice cream, but that still would not be enough.  So, we set off for the unknown.  I drove down a winding road that stretched throughout several neighborhoods when suddenly we met our days destiny!  I slowed down admiring two beautiful horses that trotted along an open pasture that was smack-dab in the middle of these subdivisions.  I wanted to go to the house sooo bad, but I had no reason other than my inner child screaming to GO.  Just as I was about to pass the entrance, I saw my excuse.  A garage sale!  YES!  We drove up the long dirt road while admiring the horses from a distance, as well as, the stables in the back.  I instantly admitted that I wasn’t there for the garage sale but to inquire about riding lessons.  That’s when I meet a beautiful woman that graciously offered Lana a ride.  She had no idea how much she had touched me with her generosity and kindness, or that this would be the experience to make day so meaningful.  Instinctively, I wanted to jump on “Cotton” (the horse of choice) with Lana, but I knew that would have been pushing it;)  In my childhood tending to and caring for my horses was such an amazing experience that I gained much strength from.  I’m hopeful that Lana will be able to enjoy this as well.

I’m so glad that Lana had such an incredible experience on this day that is so special to me and my family.  This is our 3rd World Down syndrome (Ds) Awareness Day!  We have been so blessed to be apart of this amazing adventure with Lana.  We will celebrate her 4th birthday next month and from the day we were told of her diagnosis it has been nothing but a learning and growing opportunity.  By catering to her needs we have made several lifestyle changes that has enriched our lives and enabled us live a much more satisfying and conscious lifestyle.  She has indirectly brought us to our own inner peace and acceptance.  We have embraced her uniqueness and similarities, and continue to fall deeper in love with the person she is and is becoming.  Lana is a treasure that is unexplainable and undeniable.

Fifty years ago, Professor Jerome Lejeune discovered the copied chromosome determined to cause Down Syndrome. This day commemorated on March 21, 2009, on World Down Syndrome Day. Though the syndrome itself is named after 19th century British doctor John Langdon Down, Lejeune’s discovery is considered the most essential piece in the medical understanding of Down Syndrome.

Down Syndrome organizations around the world this year will pay tribute to the pioneering work of Professor Lejeune and celebrate the tremendous advances in the care and social welfare of people with Down Syndrome over the past fifty years.

“Professor Lejeune provided inspiration to parents and professionals who met him, and drew strength and hope from his optimism and his simple and profound dedication to humanity. The Lejeune Institute in Paris continues to sponsor research in this area” said Mrs. Penny Robertson, President of Down Syndrome International. “But while there is much to be proud of in western countries in the services provided for people and families with Down syndrome, there is still an enormous amount of work to be done in many countries” including our own.  More to follow on March 31st.

Yesterday I had the privilege of photographing one of the most remarkable and determined boys that I have ever met.  His name is Landon, I met him and his family through the “Littlest Heroes Project” (for details see below).  The tremendous strength that he possessed was not only inspiring but humbling.  After following his story on his website and learning of his 30 – 40 seizures a day, Pervasive Development Disorder (a form of autism), his brain surgeries, as well as, Hypothalamic Hamartoma I was anxious to finally meet him and to capture his strength and will.  As his family says “the will to seize the difference”.  Landon has had a  challenging life in his 3 years, but with that “he” shines through and keeps persevering along side his incredible family.  The love and determination that they all have is truly inspiring.

To be honest, with this being my first shoot with the “Littlest Heroes Project” I wasn’t sure how I would react with my first little hero to photograph.  I wasn’t sure how he and his family would react.  After a few minutes of introduction and tapping into their personalities I felt even more inspired and moved to capture Landon’s true essence.  My heart was so into this shoot, because going through my personal experiences with my daughter Lana, who has Down syndrome, I knew that even with the diagnosis’ Landon is not defined by that alone.  Landon is Landon who happens to be fighting a hard battle bravely.  So it was my mission to capture “Landon”.

At the completion of our time together I felt even prouder to be a part of their lives for a couple of hours.  Landon was a delight to be around and the love and compassion that his family has for him is beautiful.  I will forever hold him and his family in my heart and prayers.

I would like to quickly share a story that his father told me about Landon’s resilience and strength.   Landon saw two 10 pound weights on the floor.  He walked up to them, squatted in-between both dumbbells and tightly wrapped his fingers around the bars.  He lifted them with all the strength that he had and walked from one side of the room to the other.  During that time, he might have struggled and he could have given up but he didn’t.  He made it by himself with no help to the other side.  Even though he is only 3 years old, he has the courage and might of a champion.  That is why he is not only an inspiration to others but one of my heroes.

Please keep this family in your prayers as Landon faces yet another surgery on April 1st.

If you are not familiar with the Littlest Heroes Project, it is a non-profit based organization made up of professional photographers nationwide who provide free photo sessions to our nations Littlest Heroes…children that have had extraordinary challenges.  They are often misunderstood because of the illnesses which they have to war against day after day, but we photographers have the privileged of  documenting their true stories.  It’s something that is near and dear to my heart.  I had been seeking a program like this for nearly a year, when after hours and hours…and hours of research, I finally felt this program was what I was looking for.  I’m honored to capture and share the beauty and essence that these little heroes possess.

Andre and I were posed a question yesterday that made me think  a while before I could answer.  “When and what was the last crazy thing we did?”  We were both slightly puzzled, but then answered, “We started two businesses within a year, not even two years ago”.  
 
Honestly, this question caused me to think beyond a simple answer.  While it is not serving in the Air Force, traveling throughout Italy, living it up from one crazy adventure to the next, this has become our crazy life.   (Wow, those four years in Europe seems like a lifetime ago.)
 
My life now can be defined by essential times with my wonderful husband, my two amazing kids that are only in school three hours a day, Piano Lessons, Martial Arts, Therapy, etc., add to that the businesses. My life is GOOD, better than good…my life is extraordinary!  I feel blessed that I get to do what I am truly passionate about and get paid doing it.  
 
It’s been an amazing two years filled with so much excitement, education, soul searching, self-doubt, self-reward, unexpected opportunities, growth, and LOVE.  
 
A few weeks ago, I came across this video that “struck-n-stuck” that I can’t seem to shake.  This is a “MUST SEE” for all photographers.  I think being a photographer or not, we can all relate.
 
This is from Zack Arias:

 
Watching this brilliant video helped me realize that I am not alone in self-doubt, being overwhelmed, affected by seasons, etc.  There’s something reassuring about knowing this.  Maybe the fact is that it’s normal to feel like you’re not doing enough and/or think thoughts of being mediocre.  

While creating FickleZeal, I had to reinvent myself even though I thought I knew where I wanted to take the business and who exactly I was.  I constantly compared myself to other artists, and on my dark days, smothered my creativity with self-doubt and negativity.  
 
Maybe because I am such a perfectionist, I felt as though I needed everything to make me great when all along I had it all within myself…well…plus the camera, lenses, printers, MAC (yay!), etc…you know what I mean;-)  
 
I’ve been overwhelmed by setting WAY too many goals of which some were unachievable. All this I’ve tried to stop and I feel great about doing so.   I’ve been able to explore and use what I’ve learned to incorporate into FickleZeal, how I want it to be, and what I want it to stand for.  I’m changing the way things look and feel (check out the new blog and logo) and am excited about some new WONDERFUL eco-friendly products that we’ll be adding to our already established eco-conscious business.  
 
I’m excited to share what I am passionate about verses what the norm is in the photography industry.  
 
I’m thankful, that in the past few weeks, I’ve booked a lot of shoots and weddings for the year which hopefully is a good sign that this economy is not going to affect us too badly…another item on my “overwhelmed” list.
 
I’m EXCITED and ready for this winter to end!  I’m a spring gal!!! Needless to say, I can’t wait for the spring to arrive and STAY (crazy Texas weather).
 
Happy Spring Break! I will continue hoping for Happy Spring Weather, Sunshine, and Growth!

My blog has been standing still while my life has been flying by. I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve been able to post anything. But I’m making myself slow down and release this sneak peek.. ha, it’s bit more than a sneak for Tyler and his loved ones, as well as, a surpise for MOM.

His sweet girlfriend, Sarah came along for the photoshoot.

And this one’s for you Linda!!! Suprise!

The guys came together for a quick photoshoot to suprise Mom. It was great to meet them all and hang out with them at the fire station.

Also, did you notice my new logo? I’m so excited about changing things up around here for my new branding. I’ve had the pleasure or working with Tiffany of On the Spot Studio. She’s fabulous! Fast, easy to communicate with, flexible, PATIENT (which I need with my fickleness). She’s just all that and a mountain dew! If your in need of a new logo or know some that is, I HIGHLY recommend her. Go on over and check out her logo gallery, http://www.onthespotstudio.com/ . And while your there stop by and share some birthday love with her on her blog http://blog.onthespotstudio.com/ !

Hopefully, I’ll be back soon to blog more, but for now I’m off to take care of my sick son. Poor baby!