Last night DeWayne and I accepted an invitation to join Senator Hillary Clinton in Atlanta as she made a stop over there for a political event.  She graciously gave me the opportunity to share my passion about cervical cancer and the importance of addressing this issue at a national level.  We have a wonderful opportunity to attack this deadly disease in an incredible way through the HPV vaccine, education and early detection.  Senator Clinton shared with me her passion for all women’s health issues to be brought to the forefront - including the HPV vaccine.

She and her staff really reached out to us. There were thousands of people attending a dinner that she was speaking at.  She met with us and a small group of her friends just prior to speaking to this large group.

Regardless of where you are politically in the presidential campaign - I hope you at least recognize how special this opportunity was for me.  More importantly I hope you are as thrilled as me that the leaders of our country are reaching out to advocates such as us - for all issues affecting women.  It is a remarkable time in history when we could possibly elect a woman or an African American as our President.

I also had an opportunity to visit with several legendary civil rights leaders last night.  Congressman Charles Rangel who authored one of my favorite books “And I haven’t had a bad day since.”  and Congressman John Lewis who is one of the most dynamic speakers you will ever hear.  He lived history working as a close friend and lieutenant of Dr. Martin Luther King in the civil rights movement.  We also visited with Ambassador Andy Young, former Mayor of Atlanta, Congressman and leader of the civil rights movement.

We spent time with so many others who were all very receptive and supportive to our fight against cancer.

DeWayne and I were honored to join Dr. Michael (The Sower) and Audrey Guido and a few of their friends in celebrating his 93rd birthday.  Few people have touched more lives than the Guido’s.  Almost every person in the world has an opportunity to hear the Dr. Guido’s inspirational sixty second messages called “Seeds from the Sower” on radio or TV. 

We have many wonderful stories about how the Guido’s have touched our lives.  One of the most dramatic is how they live their life totally on faith.  Never have I met stronger prayer warriors or more faithful people than the Gudios.  He taught us the three secrets to prayer.

First you have to pray specifically for your need.  Second you must believe that you deserve what you are praying specifically for.  The third is having the faith to believe with all your heart that God is going to grant your need so powerfully that you begin immediately preparing to receive the blessing you are praying for.  One and two are the easy ones it is the third that most of us find difficult. 

The most powerful example of how this impacted us personally was the birth of Edie Grace.  After being married for over eleven years and photographing hundreds of beautiful children - we really began praying for a child.  We had lost faith and almost given up when Dr. Guido asked that we join them for dinner.  I remember this like it was yesterday.  It was Friday, September 1st, 2000.  After we returned from a wonderful dinner - in the living room of his home he prayed specifically that God would give us a child.  Not just a child - but the most incredibly beautiful, bright, compassionate, caring and special child that would impact our lives in indescribable ways.  When he finished his prayer he told us to go prepare for God’s blessings.  Two days later on Sunday, September 3rd (our 12th anniversary) I woke up and was overcome with the feeling that I was pregnant.  Sure enough - it was SO.  Because I was considered such a high risk our doctor instructed us not to tell anyone until after we had cleared the first trimester.  The only people, other than our doctor, that knew this wonderful news was the Guido’s.  Every day throughout the pregnancy we prayed with Dr. Guido that Edie Grace would arrive safely and be healthy.

The morning she was born we called to share the news with him.  He asked if he could christen her in his chapel in Guido Gardens.  A few weeks later - our miracle child was christened.

Every day when we look in her eyes - we see Dr. Guido and God’s love for us and we receive living testimony to the wonderful power of prayer.

Thank you Dr. Guido and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Next Thursday, February 7th the Statesboro Chick-fil-a will be hosting a spirit night fundraiser for Emory’s Cancerquest.org cervical cancer awareness poster project.  CancerQuest in partnership with Emory’s Winship Cancer Center in Atlanta has requested my HPV Cancer posters to be distributed with their educational posters.  A percentage of all purchases with a CancerQuest coupon will go toward funding this wonderful education project.

In addition, we have more requests from area health departments and doctors offices than we can fulfill.  These additional posters will be distributed immediately.  You can contribute directly through the Cancerquest web site and direct your gift to the Lori Grice HPV poster project.

This is a HUGE step forward in helping get out the message of the importance of the HPV vaccine.

We can send copies to your work or school for you to distribute.  Contact us at info@lorigrice.com or 912-764-7472

Thanks in advance of your support for this wonderful project!

Two years ago Brooke and Boyd Green began a father daughter date night to honor the memory of their daughter Bethany.  Bethany was born with a rare birth defect and lived only a few weeks.  The Green’s long term goal is to build a home for troubled girls in our community.  (Similar to Joseph’s Home for Boys)  This event is one of the fundraiser’s they host throughout the year. 

Brooke, Boyd and Bryn and their families have been clients of mine for many years.  Most of you have heard their story.  If you do not know them as Bethany’s parents - you probably know them as owners of Bruster’s Ice Cream in Statesboro.

In addition to raising awareness and funds for a much needed community project - this is a rare and fun opportunity for dads and daughters to create some special memories.

The event will be held Friday, February 29th from 7 to 9 PM at First Baptist Church in Statesboro.  The donation is $40 per per couple (Dad & Daughter) and $10 for each additional daughter.

You can purchase tickets at our studio in Statesboro and Doodlebugs in Statesboro.

Pictured to the left is the poster you will see around town promoting the event.  The poster features portraits from last years event. 

I am one of the few lucky moms that get to attend.  Sure, I will be working, but I will get to take a few peeks at the fun!  This year I will again be donating a free 5×7 to every couple.  (a $35 value)  Portraits will begin at 6:30pm.

This is another great way to get a Lori Grice for a PHENOMINAL price, help a great cause and most importantly HAVE LOTS OF FUN!

See you on the 29th!

your Valentine deserves an incredibly special night!   Cupid’s recommendation (and MINE) is Executive Chef Jason Scarborough’s 2008 specially designed menu at the Blue Moon in Statesboro.  Here is the number to call for reservations:  912-489-1094.  Often I have become your personal concierge - another secret of our difference.  I had several of your spouses call me frantically last year when they learned that the Blue Moon had no more reservations available for Valentines hoping that I could get you in.  Of course, I worked a little magic as usual and got you in.  (I agree you doctors are way to busy taking care of us to plan ahead and I promised not to pick on you too much in the blog)  This year I am making it easy for you to plan early!! I don’t think you will make it to the end to look for the number before you would want to call…so here goes:

Amuse-Bouche

“Boisterous” Seared Sashimi Tuna, Wasabi Aioli, Avocado, Ponzu Vinaigrette

Appetizer Course

Oyster Rockefeller, Parmesan, Crisp Bacon, Tabasco Hollandaise

-OR-

Grilled Shitake Mushroom and Napa Cabbage Spring Rolls, “Crispy Fried”, Gingered Hot Mustard                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Salad Course

Classic Caesar, Herbed Boursin, Garlic Toast points, Shaved Parmesan

Intermezzo

Rose Water and Lime Sorbet

Entree Course

Brown Butter Braised “Market Fresh Fish”, Cajun Crawfish Risotto, Andouille Sausage, Lemon-Fennel-Tomato Broth

-OR-

Pan Roast Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast, Exotic Mushroom and Purple Potato Hash, Ginger Carrot Puree, “Stout” Cherry Reduction

-OR-

Seared Certified Angus Filet, Creamy Yukon Puree, Lemon Grilled Asparagus, Onion Tangles, “Southern” Thyme Demi

Dessert

Sweet Tasting Plate — A Selection of Five Sweet Treats

Seating is at 5, 7, or 9pm and will require a $25.00 per person VIP deposit, which will be applied to the cost of your meal.

$65 per person (beverages, tax and gratuity are not included)

Sous Chef:  Daniel Clark                                          Pastry Chef:  Barry Smallwood

They are back again! 

The Teddy Bear Wash - BYOB (Bring your own Bears!)

AND

Girl’s Tea Party

These are 30 minute express sessions.  The $199 includes the session fee, (1) 8×10, (2) 5×7’s and (8) wallets of ONE pose.  Additional poses may be purchased.  As always, you may order more than the package - we won’t mind at all.

               ——Limited Introductory Offer——-

It will be our “secret” what you wear, but your Valentine will be blown away!  For only $99 you will receive a red moire folio with two poses printed as 5×5 portraits with a little tuck, a little nip and magazine retouching.  You’ll LOVE the results!  There is no better year than THIS year to do something you have always wanted to do!  (we reserve the right to limit to “tasteful” outfits)

Meet me this Friday, January 25th at Strasburg Children in the Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah.  This is a fun annual event we co-host to launch our year of Strasburg portrait opportunities.  It is also a great time to plan your important portraits like your family beach or your five year portrait.  The best part is all current Lori Grice clients will get some SUPER deals on Strasburg clothing.  Yulonda, Stephanie and Regina will enjoy showing you all the new digs for the season. 

These same deals will also be available for new Lori Grice clients. 

This is a perfect excuse to go shopping and save money!!  While you are there, schedule your appointment for our first Strasburg portrait event of ‘08 — live Easter bunnies photographed on location at beautiful Forsyth Park in Savannah.

If you are not currently a Lori Grice client this is a wonderful opportunity to meet me in person and learn about me and my studio in a no obligation environment.

Every person that stops by between 3 and 7 to the event will be registered to win a FREE express session with me.  This is a $199 gift - now isn’t that worth a few minutes of your time?

See you Friday at Strasburg!

Atlanta is their home but Savannah is the venue for their wedding.  This wonderful couple wanted the Lori Grice touch to help spread the word about their wedding.  We photographed their engagement session in Savannah at Forsyth Park and created beautiful images for their Save the Date magnets, myspace wedding page and gifts for family and friends.  The engagement session is the first time most couples are photographed professionally.  No matter who photographs your wedding this is a wonderful way to have a Lori Grice experience for your wedding.  Engagement and Bridal sessions are extremely popular -especially this time of year. 

If you are engaged, check with us about engagement sessions, bridal portraits, save the date cards or magnets, and sign-on board art pieces for your reception. 

Congratulations Chrissy and Ben!!