Wendy and Dustin - Wedding Photography 2010

Wendy was the friend who let me borrow her shirt in 7th grade when I had nothing to wear (which was practically every other day). Wendy was the friend who would go into the bathroom with me to make sure my face looked okay before I passed my crush in the hallway (for whom we had a code name). Wendy was the friend I'd run to when I'd 'run' away (for about an hour until my mom called her house)...I don't think I would have made it through those awkward adolescent years without her.

She was a great friend.

...One that I've thought a lot about over the years since we lost touch. So one can imagine how thrilled I was when Facebook turned up my long lost and great friend...we were in contact again. Life was good.

THEN! Wendy got engaged to the genuine and endearing man that she loves, Dustin. I was even more thrilled when Wendy wanted to hire me to shoot their wedding next year. There is nothing more gratifying than being entrusted with the task of telling the love story of people that I love.

And even though I just met Dustin, there were lovely feelings right away. He wasn't too excited about our engagement session, but every time I told him to look at Wendy, his face just lit up. I could see the love in his eyes as he looked at her, and I knew their beautiful tale would be easy to tell.

Wendy and Dustin, I had so much fun with you in La Jolla. I look so forward to your wedding next year...thank you for honoring me with such a job in your story...

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY - How it should. For Good.

There seems to be a time and a place for everything. But when is my time? Where is my place?

I feel like I'm on the verge of something big. I feel like I'm on the brink of something super.

Yet I still come up short. Yet I still feel the struggle.

I have the vision. I have the drive. I feel like I know where I'm going, but how the hell am I supposed to make it thrive?

My whole world is about to change. My whole life is going to be slapped in the face. Hard.

2010 will be hard. 2010 will bring change unlike any I've known before. And fast.

Is it to be good? Yes. I'll MAKE it so.

Is it to be positive? Yes. I wouldn't see it any other way.

But I'm still short. I'm still caught in the struggle.

But I know the Hand that moves me, that moves all that Is to be, Is for Good. And I trust It. Like an empty glove with the task of tending to the broken glass...I know not how it is to be done, but I trust it will be done. How it should. For good.

Merry Christmas

It's been a long day. Full of wrapping and errands and a match* and a sore throat and appointments and giving and sharing and going and doing and church and family and dinner and desert and washing dishes and staying up entirely too late cleaning with two of the greatest people in the world.

With all the hustle and bustle of this hectic season, and even the hustle and bustle of every day life, it's easy to forget the story...it's easy to lose sight of how to really give...

I know I forget. Daily. So when I read these words they struck me with more than remembrance but with motivation too. Whether or not you believe in Jesus Christ, I hope you believe in a Higher Power...I hope you believe in Good, and I hope you can find the Good in these words...

"Upon arriving at Bethlehem, the Magi came before the Holy Child and His Mother and knelt down to worship the Savior; they opened their treasures and offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh...

We, too, become 'wise' by offering three gifts...

We offer Him as gold - the purity of our heart and our intentions to avoid every evil thought and weakness; instead of frankincense we offer Him a soul that burns with love for God and all humanity; instead of myrrh we present Him with a lifestyle that is worthy...a lifestyle that is replete with His love and our acceptance of this gift through our deeds, prayers and repentance.

As we celebrate the Birth of...Jesus Christ, my prayer is that we look deeply into our lives and flee all the bad habits that may be distracting us from a life in Christ...and that we begin a new journey that will bring us to life eternal."

- GERASIMOS - Metropolitan of San Francisco

May the most beautiful gifts you give and receive this year, be gifts of Love...Merry Christmas...

DONATIONS - St. Paul's Mission Committee - MEDICAL MISSION TO TANZANIA - January 2010

Wow! I got so many responses to my post yesterday, about our mission team's needs for medical supplies for our upcoming trip to Africa...it's extremely heartwarming. THANK YOU.

So we've set up a paypal account where people can send donations (as most people don't have access to medical supplies, like me!). You can send 1 dollar, 5 or 50...whatever! Anything and everything is GREATLY appreciated.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Medical Supplies Needed - Medical Mission to Tanzania - Triage and Documentary Photography

I’m sitting in the conference room at church. The medical mission team members are gathering their things, packing up leftovers, chatting about how to pack medication between clothing and which clothing is best and where to get scrubs and what else we should remember to bring…

I’m overwhelmed yet grounded. I’m anxious yet filled with peace. I’m totally unprepared, yet never been more ready.

I’m going to Africa.

It’s so small of me to think of MYSELF right now. That I am going to Africa. I should be thinking about them. About all the people I will meet, and help and share with…about all the people who need medical aid that we will service.

I will continue to think of them and Him. For He has made me able to help them.

And you can help too. We need supplies. If you have access or know anyone who might have access to one or two or six of these items, please contact me. Donations are graciously accepted, but we’ll buy what we need too.

Thank you.

Stethoscope

Oto-opthalmoscope

Blood pressure cuffs

Flashlight/pen light

Black ink pens (sharpies)

Scrubs

Mask (n-95)

Gloves

Tape measures (cm)

Hand sanitizer/wipes/bandaids

Antibiotic ointment

PEP Medications (need two packs)

Pill counters

Zip lock bags

Pill trays

Spatulas

Pharm bags

Eyeglasses

Oral rehydration salts

Anti worm meds

Anti diarrhea meds

Cough cold meds

Asthma meds

Eye infection meds

DERM meds (anti fungal creams)

Dip sticks

And God bless.

Pershing Portraits - Orange Photographer

Two weeks ago Kelly and I went up to L.A. to meet Steve at Pershing Square in downtown for some environmental portraits. It's a really cool area, and the bold colors of the walls worked well for Steve and I to bring out his true colors.

Now, when I say 'environmental portraits,' it should be clarified that THAT IS what I do. Environmental, lifestyle, natural, REAL portraits...I work to illuminate my subjects and who they are. I work to bring out the true colors of each one of my portrait clients. Without walls.

The bright walls in Pershing Square were standing tall as began shooting, but Steve slowly let his walls come down and looked in my camera with his whole self...opening up, one smile, one laugh, one click at a time.

I'm really pleased with the images we created together.

working worker

I am a photographer, editor, marketing director, office administrator, copy writer, financial officer, organization coordinator, head of sales, personal assistant, artist, idealist, realist, dreamist, etc, etc...

So many hats. So little time.

Today was a long day in the office. Tomorrow will be a long day out on location.

I took this self portrait several months ago...but this is how I feel...

Email Marketing and Photography!

I did a shoot today for Brandi Sky Brady, an awesome massage therapist that has changed my life. For the better.

:)

She hired me to not only do some photography for her new email marketing campaign, but to also set up the campaign itself! Now, while I am happy to share that I do a bit of design and a bit of copy writing and a bit of marketing (beyond photography) for some of my clients, I must say that it is simple and neat in every way shape and form. If you are looking for internet marketing, or perhaps some small business consulting, I can turn you on to two women who are highly skilled and driven to get you more clients!

At any rate, on my simple and neat scale, Brandi has been thrilled with the copy, layout and photography that I've done to start her off on her email marketing foot. Check out the images below and some information in the previous post and contact her if you're interested in learning more and feeling better!

Brandi Sky Brady - Mobile Massage Therapist

Therapeutic Massage involves hands-on manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, tension, discomfort, muscle spasm and stress. The objective is to promote health, wellness and reduce pain and stiffness. This type of manual therapy helps to improve functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recuperates/recovers from an injury and/or illness.

Therapeutic Massage is available for $1/minute.


Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a holistic therapy that invigorates the lymphatic system and the immune system by sweeping out harmful toxins. Using light rhythmic massage to increase and enhance circulation and stimulate lymphatic flow, lymphatic drainage massage concentrates on specific lymph nodes under the jaw line. It can be helpful in addressing a wide range of conditions such as reducing fatigue, menstrual cramps, cellulite and water retention, sinusitis and hay fever allergies and sinus infections. Lymphatic drainage therapy removes congestive material from around the facial area, allowing the healing systems of the body to work better.

The lymphatic system is a complex network of ducts and vessels that transfer white blood cells and antibodies to your organs and tissues. These cells and antibodies arm your immune system and help your body combat infections. However, unlike the circulatory system, which uses the heart to pump blood to vital organs and tissues, the lymph system must rely on hundreds of muscular units, your body movements, and water intake to move the lymph through the vessels. Stress, fatigue, inactivity, cold temperatures, infection, chemical or food additives, even one's age and heredity can greatly reduce the normal lymph movement making it easier for infections and illness to enter the body.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage is available for $1/minute.


Ear Candling or coning, is a safe, simple, non-invasive natural relaxing cleansing method that addresses mild illnesses that involve the respiratory system, the sinuses and the ears. By using long hollow “candles” which are actually pieces of fabric that have been dipped into wax they extract earwax and other debris from the ear canal. The proponents of this method say that Ear Candling improves mental clarity and balances fluids that may cause headaches. Other benefits can be:

• Improved sense of smell
• Relief of “swimmer’s” ear
• Reduced ear pain
• Improved sense of taste
• Balanced emotional state
• Reduced ringing in ears
• Relief of dizziness
• Reduced pain of a tear in the eardrum
• Improved color perception
• Equalized pressure in the ear
• Reduced stress and tension
• Clearer thinking
• Improved lymphatic fluid flow

Ear Candling is available for $40/session or $20/session if included with a massage.


Brandi is available for travel throughout Orange County. Locations further than 25 miles require a travel fee of $25.

Contact Brandi Sky Brady - 951.315.8861 - therapyandhealth@yahoo.com

an email string worth sharing...

Hey "Friend,"

Thank you so much for the kind words...and for the drive! Your journey and your change of focus is inspiring. And I look forward to hearing more about it.

I didn’t respond to this yesterday because I wanted more time to write to you. I feel like I could share more with you, as we didn’t get too much time last week. So.

I don’t know. I’m no genius. I’m no saint. I just know that when I feel hurt, or sad, or dispirited or dejected...it sucks. And I don’t want to feel that way. And I do believe in the power of positive thinking...I believe in it so much that I know it can take away pain or sickness or even cancer. I believe this. I’ve seen it. And so, I choose to think positively. It’s a conscious choice, and sometimes it’s a very hard one to make and continue to focus on...but as hard as it may be at times, it’s even harder to be depressed and down and negative. Right?

I think you’ve had a lot of shit happen. I don’t know your whole story. But most stories have sad dumps and dives...if they didn’t, the good wouldn’t be so good. It’s easy to let it drag you down...it’s easy to walk around in a cloud...but it’s SO MUCH better to be clear and concise on what you want and be positive throughout it all.

Honestly...this year’s been tough for me. Really tough. But would you have ever known it? If I say life is hard, then it is. If I say life is beautiful, then it is! I walk around talking about how great it is, and it manifests itself and my life is good.

And it IS good. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, family and friends that I can lean on and laugh with and love, and a dog who thinks I’m the most important and precious thing in the world. Life is good.

Focus on the positive, and the sharper the positive will be. Look for the light, and the light will reveal all the beauty in the world.

Call me idealistic, call me a dreamer...it’s just the way I choose see it. And it looks great.

Babbling-life-lover, signing out,
Jackie



On 12/10/09 7:40 AM, "Friend" wrote:

You rule! Great writing (as always) Since we talked about it last week, a positive outlook especially in the face of adversity has become my priority. I want to seek out my inspiration, open my life and career to love, greatness and possibilities. For now seeing your enthusiasm, skill and hard work is inspiring.


From: Lovato Images
Date: Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:59:07 -0500
To: "Friend"
Subject: *inspiration, self-giving and learning about your light*


I N S P I R A T I O N
sunrise at 10,000 feet above the clouds on Mt. Haleakala, Maui, HI

'What inspires you,' she said, and she posed it not so much as a question, but more of an instruction to go find it... And while I'm still a drinker, a joker and a soul searcher, I've come to find more inspiration in positive thinking than in anything else. I can do it. I will. I did and I'm off to do more. So this month I urge you to do more. I urge you to go find your inspiration and to share it. Go get it and give it. The holidays are upon us but more importantly, the end of the year is near. Take a moment to be still, reflect and become aware of what it is that inspires you. Is it dance? Music? Travel? Being around people? Being alone? Go find out.


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Introducing Author Robin Benway

I started writing this post about why I enjoy shooting family portraits...and it quickly turned into a sappy love story with sunshine and sea breeze, feathers and fluff that I figured didn't really do justice to how great the Schultz and Benway family really are anyway, so I just highlighted it all and deleted it and before I finish the longest run-on sentence in the world, figured I should announce my decision to do a post about the amazing, talented, hilarious, beautiful, amazing and wonderful ROBIN BENWAY (yes, I did put amazing in there twice on purpose).

Robin Benway was a young lover of life just like myself one day, doin' the daily grind, listening to music to escape, positive about most things despite of it all, until one day she realized, she wasn't happy doin' the daily grind anymore. So she called her brother, called her mother, and quit life as she knew it. She was going to finally start writing and become the author she was destined to be.

She was listening to a song about a boy who's heart was broken by a girl and wa wa wa...and wondered...I wonder what her side of the story would say...and she snapped her fingers and Audrey, Wait! was written, published and loved by many.

It took a little more than that, obviously, and Robin has done a lot and grown a lot and become a lot since the first page of Audrey was written...but I gotta say, this woman is amazing (third reference, yep). She's smart, witty, warm, generous and sharp in a way that impresses me every time I talk to her. And it comes out in her writing!

I loved, learned, laughed out loud and literally read this book at a few stop lights because it was so engaging and so good. So read Audrey, Wait! and then next year, look for THE EXTRAORDINARY SECRETS OF APRIL, MAY & JUNE in August!

Oh, AND, enjoy some awesomeness from Robin and her family from our shoot last weekend in Laguna...