Holiday Special!

I did a last-minute portrait session 2 days before Christmas proving that 'it's never too late'! It was pouring rain and freezing cold but we all had a GREAT time. I always say 'it is what you make it' and if you keep a smile on your face and have fun no matter what happens, you can NEVER go wrong. Each member of the family had a very distinct personality and I made sure to bring them out. Although they were twins, Jessica was outgoing and flamboyant while her brother, John, was quieter and so not into having his picture taken! It was great!

For this holiday season, I'm offering all families and couples a chance to have a portrait session done for only $100 (regular rate is $300)! This limited time offer is only available until January 30, 2008 so call or email me now! Let's have fun and celebrate the season as it is in beautiful Vancouver!

A "World Vision" Christmas

Every year I struggle with "Christmas" and what it really means versus all the hype, commercialism and expectations it brings. I LOVE that it brings my family together and I LOVE how generous people become (did you hear the story of the Starbucks Drive-Thru in the U.S. where customers were buying coffee for the people behind them??? This went on for 2 HOURS!). I LOVE the excitement in the air and I LOVE the smell of a pine tree filling the house as we put decorations on it. However, when it comes to buying gifts for people who already have everything (love, health, prosperity, not to mention the 'material' possessions) I find it really difficult to consciously think of something they might want or need. I'm the kind of person who, at any given moment throughout the year, will see something that I absolutely have to get for a friend or family member because it's just so 'them'. I'll give it to them right away because it makes me so happy! (It's all about the 'immediate gratification'...)

THIS year I've discovered something that I think is just BRILLIANT! World Vision has a Gift Catalogue in which you can give a life-changing gift in the name of your friend or family member to a child or family in need anywhere in the world. For example, you can provide a Goat to a family in Malawi which will nourish them with fresh milk, cheese, yogurt, etc. There's hundreds of gifts you can choose from!!! If you have difficulty trying to think of what to get for that 'person who has everything', check out www.worldvision.org! It's BRILLIANT!

Whistler Film Festival

I can't believe the caliber of films presented at the Whistler Film Festival! Among them is a short produced and directed by a friend of mine, Gary Hawes. If you get a chance, check out Swap. I went up with my friend Ally and we stayed with Gary and his beautiful partner, Courtney who was a very gracious hostess. We all played a wicked game of... (can't remember the name, but it WAS pretty wicked) and went to a few of the parties... As amazing as the festival was, it was driving back to Vancouver Sunday afternoon that proved to be a BIG challenge. I drove past 5 separate accidents and watched as most vehicles slid out of control and couldn't get up the hill by Horseshoe Bay. I did a fair bit of sliding too but thankfully I learned to drive in Calgary and know how to stay in control in the ice and snow. I thank God for getting me home safely and pray that no one was seriously hurt.