We eat out…A LOT!  It is usually a necessity based on the time we are able to leave the studio.  Unfortunately,each time we eat out we have to make a difficult choice—WHERE TO GO!!!  Take tonight for example, I actually cooked and we ate at home, but the whole evening Edie Grace wanted to eat where DeWayne and I had dinner last night.  Of course she was a day late…but she had made a decision!  Our ideal restaurant would be a Food Court Restaurant. We would probably go there every night so all three of us could be happy.

It makes me think about your portrait choices.  Like restaurants, there are LOTS of choices.  All offering a little different plate of portraits.  After 20 years in this business many styles and many photographers have come and gone.  But we are still here.  I think it may be partly due to the fact that we are much like a Food Court of portraits.  We offer classic portraits that are refined and tailored but in the same session–on the same day—we can also offer fun, relaxed casual portraits.  So it is up to you and your style…Classic or casual.  Let’s plan your next session today!

By: Norma Marshall

Some women deserve a purple heart -

Those who struggle through adversity

One foot in front of the other

Who smile when one would expect tears

Those who find the cup half full

And are thankful

Those whom you can count on….

Can turn to…

Who makes our lives richer!

Women who are survivors -

Remarkable and warm who make the world

A better place just because they’re here.

Did you know…

YOU are one of those women?

This past week a very special friend stopped by with this poem beautifully wrapped for me.  Along with this she included this note handwritten:

“Lori, 

The moment I finished reading this the first person to come to my mind was you.  So I feel like you deserve it in every way.  Please accept it as a token of appreciation for creating such wonderful memories for me and my family that we will cherish forever!”

I was in a session when you stopped by with this.  I only had a few minutes to read this and absorb the beauty and power of this random act of kindness.  I did not properly thank you.  But I know the best way to thank you is here.  You and your wonderful husband end each day reading about my day - here.

You see it has been a long, busy week with the added stress of 110 degree heat, a studio ripped apart with renovations, getting Edie Grace ready for her first day of school, and lending a shoulder to two of you - who had the wind taken from your sails - with horrible news from your doctors.  God knows I need to broaden my shoulders and make more time to listen to you and your needs and to encourage you more.  It had been a stressful week of giving - when you came in and brightened my day. 

This simple little box, so carefully and beautifully wrapped, the hand written note and most of all the TIME you took - a busy working mother of two - to think of me in such a special way.

It would bankrupt a dictionary to thank you properly.  I would like to print your name - so everyone could see - but I know that would embarrass you.  So thank you!  You and your husband work every day to be great parents and to heal the sick.  The things you see in our community - the sacrifices you make - the love you share - WOW!

You are so special and thanks to you - I am going to do what you have done for me to one person this week.  I am also setting a goal to do this two times per month - with a goal of doing this once per week - randomly taking a little time - to recognize and thank someone so special to me.

For the rest of you - accept this challenge to join me in sharing a random act of kindness this week.  I want you to hold me accountable and I will do the same for you.  Write me and tell me your story of how you made someone’s day - and I will share it here - along with my random act.

I can not wait to hear how you made someone’s life better - by doing one simple thing for them - that will let them know how much SOMEONE appreciates them!

Thanks for making my week!

On Friday, we received several calls regarding problems logging onto our blog.  Before we could start really looking into it our webmaster called to let us know that our volume of hits had overloaded the server and they had to upgrade us to a larger server.  He was stunned at how popular our blog has become.  In fact, he is the webmaster for several community blogs and other large organizations - none generate the traffic that ours has.

One of the most interesting facts is how much time you are spending on the blog.  Not only are you visiting - but you’re staying and reading.  You are also sharing it with your family and friends.  Thanks for helping make our blog one of the most popular blogs on the Internet.  We will work hard to continue to keep it interesting and fun for you.

Many of you have taken the time to comment on things you like and items you would like to see on the blog.  Those are very helpful.  Our webmaster is working to add a entire section devoted to my “Healing Art” collection, my story of survivorship and current advocacy projects I am involved with to help win the battle against cancer.  All of these are issues and items you want me to spend more time sharing.

Your support and interest in the blog and “my world” have been overwhelming to me. 

I really appreciate your friendship and support!

Love to you all,

Lori

  Today was Edie Grace’s first day back to school.  She began first grade today and we are happy to report she had a GREAT first day!  Edie Grace told her dad tonight that she was a big girl now because she is “in the grades”…first to be exact.

Last night we attended the orientation and met Edie Grace’s teachers at Pinewood Christian Academy.  We were thrilled to learn that Edie Grace’s teachers were going to be Mrs. Teresa Perkins and Mrs. Lisa Oliver.  Mrs. Perkins and Mrs. Oliver are twin sisters and have been teaching together for years.  For you addicted blogger’s - Mrs. Oliver is a long time client of ours.  Her story touched many of you in the Your Story promotion.  You can click on the link to read the story but to refresh you newbies - she lost one of her sons and her husband within four years in car accidents. 

Isn’t it a very small world?  Edie Grace will learn much this year and will certainly be blessed simply by being in the presence of two incredibly strong, talented Christian women.  I know God has a special blessing in store for all of us with this union.

The pictures included are of Edie Grace at her new desk with all of her new school supplies, modeling her cheerleading outfit at the farm last night for Papa Bob and cousin Sydney and EARLY this morning pictures of our BIG girl heading off to school on the Pinewood School Bus driven by Mrs. Becky Dasher. (A very patient woman!)

Edie Grace, Dad and I are VERY excited about another year of learning in a wonderful Christian environment.  Some of you probably are not aware that Pinewood is DeWayne’s alma mater.  His class was the second class to complete 12 years at the school.  They have come a long way since then.

DeWayne and I have remained very active with Pinewood in hopes that one day - when God blessed us with a child - she would have the opportunity to attend there.

One of the most memorable and special nights of our life was in May of 1999 when then Pinewood Headmaster Dewey Hulsey asked DeWayne to give the commencement address.  Just 15 years earlier - DeWayne had graduated from Pinewood.  It was one of DeWayne’s most memorable and moving speeches.  It was a great honor for him and for me.

Pinewood really has a special place in our heart and lives. 

Edie Grace we are so blessed by you and SO PROUD of you!

Love,

Mom and Dad 

.

By: Jennifer Woodward - Statesboro

We were expecting triplets, and we couldn?t have been more excited. We had wanted children for so long. Unfortunately, it was not an easy pregnancy or delivery. I received several blood transfusions and amniotic fluid reductions in the hospital before the babies were delivered. I was on bed rest for four weeks in the hospital, and then my doctor decided I couldn?t carry the babies any further. I had fluid on my heart and lungs and was having difficulty breathing. At 27 weeks gestation on February 24, 2004, Elana, Grayson, and Emily were born by cesarean section at University Hospital. During the delivery, I lost a lot of blood due to the deep implantation of one of the placentas. I received many units of donated blood during the surgery and more blood and plasma in the Intensive Care Unit after delivery. Everyone was worried that I would not make it out of intensive care to see the babies that we had wanted for so long. After many, many prayers, I finally got off the ventilator and was able to see my children for the first time. They were 1 week old at that point.

At just over two pounds each, Elana, Grayson, and Emily had fights of their own after they were delivered. They each proved up to the challenge. They fought past heart and lung problems, infection, sickness, and surgeries. While fighting these battles, each of them received units of donated blood to keep them going. Four months after they were born, they were all home for the first time. They have had some ups and downs since then, but three years later they are three happy and healthy children. Seeing them in this photo makes it very hard to believe that they were every that small and fragile. What a blessing it will be to look at this portrait in our home and remember how far they have come and how much God has blessed our family. I have also included pictures of them from the NICU at University Hospital right after they were born. You can see from these how truly precious this new photo is to us now.

Lori has graciously allowed the Shepeard Community Blood Center in Augusta, GA, to use this photo in some of their literature. One blood donation can save up to 3 lives. We are living proof of that fact. We are so grateful for all those people who donated blood for us. Without their generosity, we would not be where we are today. Please donate blood regularly; it truly is the gift of life.

During the 15 years I photographed weddings, one of my favorite ways to get to know the bride was her engagement and bridal portraits.  Long after I photographed my last wedding brides still have the opportunity to experience the “Lori Grice” difference as part of their wedding through engagement and bridal sessions.  With the evolution of wedding photography, the bridal portrait has taken on even more significance.   If you are someone you know is engaged make sure they talk with us about this most significant portrait.  No matter who photographs your wedding - I would be honored to create a bridal portrait of you that will be a treasured heirloom in your new home. Enjoy a few of my brides.    

  It seems to be a common thing these days.  “Love” that is.   Bridals and engagements have been in great demand.  This incredible couple live in Macon but love Savannah so much that they have chosen to get married here.  Most of their events are going to be held around Forsyth Park and the Mansion so I selected these locations for their engagement images.  Brandi and Justin are a wonderfully sweet couple with lots and lots of days filled with LOVE in the air!  Enjoy a few images from the session. 

Huge SALE in progress through August 31

Don’t worry if you happen to drive past the studio - it is not a crime scene - but the location of the most incredible sale in our 20 year history! Six years ago we purchased the adjoining building and completely remodeled both buildings.  We added the latest in technology including two theaters.  Lot’s has changed since then and it is time to catch up.  With over 7,000 square feet - that is a lot to update.  We have spent the last year traveling around the country visiting other studios, speaking and mentoring photographers.  I have introduced many of these new ideas, trends and fads into my work everyday for each of you.  So now it is time to freshen up the look of our studio to properly represent these trends.  You are going to love the new look and feel of the studio.

While we are updating you have a great opportunity to SAVE hundreds on reorders, frames and even children clothes!

All portrait samples and frames are 50% off.  If we have a sample portrait of you, your children or your family - you can purchase it off our walls for HALF PRICE!

Re-order any image from wallets to 40×60’s in any finish available, even hand painted oil from a session between 1987 and 2006 and you will get it for HALF PRICE! This is your chance to get that wall portrait you have always wanted from previous sessions.

ANY sample frame on our walls - is your’s for HALF PRICE!

 A selection of studio clothing PRICED TO SELL!  (Sizes from 3 month to adult)

Much…much more….stop by today to SAVE - but hurry this sale ends AUGUST 31. It is our birthday and your getting the gifts!  Another small way to thank you for allowing me to be your families portrait artist over the past 20 years!

I spent Friday and Saturday in Atlanta attending the Women of Faith conference.  It was a small, intimate group of only 16,000 people.  Georgia Southern’s fall enrollment is 17,000.  Pretty amazing to have almost the universities’ entire enrollment in one room!  This was the first time that I attended the event.  They tour throughout the entire country and have speakers and performers such as Beth Moore, Sandi Patty, Denise Jackson (Allen Jackson’s wife), Nicole C. Mullen and many more.  I met a group from Statesboro there.  The photo just shows a part of the Statesboro entourage. 

When Edie Grace asked where I was going I told her that it was sort of like Vacation Bible School for big girls. They didn’t have red Koolaid and home-made play-dough but it was so much more fun inspiring than any Vacation Bible School I ever went to!  Of course I could listen to Sandi Patty sing all day!

One of the speakers, Anita Renefroe, is a comedian.  She gave us insight into why single women, on average, are thinner than married women.  She says that single women come home from work, look into the fridge and go to bed without eating.  Married women, however, come home tired from work, look at who’s in their bed and go to the fridge!  Remember, Anita said it…not me!!!

Each of the speakers shared their personal stories.  Stories like surviving child abuse, losing a child that was only 15 days old, losing a husband to pancreatic cancer and one mom who’s only child was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for murder.  They all give God the glory for surviving their particular challenge.  Denise Jackson’s appearance was a real treat since her book, It’s All About HIM debuts at #1 on the NY Times best seller list this week.  She has been a regular attender of the WOF conferences but this was the first time she had ever spoke at one.  What a privledge that was for Atlanta and us!  They said she had appeared on many national shows this week promoting her book.

  All of you faithful blogger’s know who Martin is and why I am giving him such a special welcome to the world.  If you are new to the blog then a quick refresh - Kara is a very close friend of mine (since grade school) who was Miss Georgia and first runner up to Miss America and is currently an Internal Medicine Doctor at Piedmont in Atlanta.  Like DeWayne and I, Kara and Scott have taken their time bringing Martin to the world. (read previous blog post)

Friday afternoon at 3:28 pm Martin Maddox Shelar arrived.  He was 21 inches; 8lb, 13 oz.

I had the opportunity to photograph Maddox at Northside Hospital in Atlanta on Saturday.  I know this is no surprise to any of you - but he is a VERY handsome baby.  Here are a few of the images from the session at the hospital.  Scott and Kara are very excited about Martin’s arrival.  Here are Scott’s comments via email on Friday: “Kara and baby are doing fine. We are all a little tired, but wide awake with excitement. We can?t stop looking at him!  Thank you, DeWayne, Edie Grace and all of your faithful blog readers for your thoughts, prayers, generosity and guidance over the last several months. Everything all of you said was right. It is the most awesome experience in the world!”

Please comment below to Kara, Scott and Martin.  They would enjoy hearing from all of you EXPERIENCED parents.  They will be checking the blog for your comments.