I don't think people would generally characterize me as an optimist.  Pragmatist is much more my speed, with a big scoop of survival instinct on top.  I do things based on facts that are either tangible or recorded.  I don't spend too much time in what could be because, well, because there is no guarantee of what it could be and that is all fluffy stuff to me.  I know, that is not very artsy-fartsy/touchy-feely photographer of me is it?  However, when I think about 2011- I am surprisingly optimistic for the first time in a long time. 

My family and extended family have been through so much in the last few years, it has been difficult to greet the the new years with anything but the need to brace oneself for what else was to come.  The difference this year is that I think the calm I feel is finally after and not before the storm.  Having said all that I wanted to share something that I came across the other day when I was on the Tom's website.  I think I am going to order a canvas of this. 

Again, this is very unlike me.  I have a tactical mind that likes to plan out my day and check things off a list and I don't deal well with things that aren't on the list, especially if they prevent me from checking off what is.  But I think the lesson I have learned in the last few years is that you never, ever know.  You never know when the last conversation you had with someone could be the last one you ever have, and sometimes the last meaningful one.  You never know when you will get a call that will change your life forever.   I don't think it's all gloom and doom.  If there is one thing I have learned in my life it is that all this stuff makes us stronger.  Which brings me back to why I am feeling so ready to go these days.  When I look back all of those trials in the last few years have been devastating to say the least, but we have made it through.  No, life isn't how we planned it, and at times seems a lot harder that I had hoped.  But I have a family that really loves and cares about each other.  I am lucky enough to be doing what I really enjoy.  And most of all, I have a Faith that helps me realize life here on Earth is short, and there is much to look forward to beyond that. 

So to wrap this whole thing up, as my husband and I were on our date last night we talked (as we always do) about what we want to do this year.  He said travel more, try to come home from work earlier, there were some financial tidbits, etc...  After almost ten years, he knows I like to have goals that I can check off at the end of the year and say that we have accomplished (he kinda rocks for doing things my way).  At any rate, then he asked me about my goals and I said, "enjoy".  He said "enjoy what?", and I replied "everything".  Seems simple, huh?  Almost Oprah-ish.  Not so simple for me, Miss wake up at 4am because I have so much on my mind, but I am going to give it a try.  I am sure my husband and kids will need to remind me about this every now and then, but for now...that's the plan.  As I drag reluctant redheads outta bed, whip those lunches out, screech into the carpool, get ready for my annual doctor's appointment and then hit the grocery- I am going find the joy and see what happens.  Wish me luck.   

steph

Thanks to all of you who entered our card contest.  The judging panel was a culmination of all who walked through my doors on the 24th.  The winning card was based on "wow" factor.  There were two winning cards, one was done by Amewsme and one was done by www.tinyprints.com.  I have to say that I really enjoyed both working with so many clients on their cards as well as seeing so many come in the mail.  I am impressed to see how everyone used their photos so stylishly. 

And your winning cards are below:

The Klinger's card-  It definitely has the wow factor and I am sure will stand out wherever it was sent.  Trifold cards have a big impact and are hard to ignore since they are always open.  More than anything about this card, I liked the choice of photos. Some were silly and some a little more subdued.  And for those who generally try to not be in the photo with their kids, this was a way to be included without really having  to. 


The Lowrey's card.  The photos here do not do this card justice.  It was done in a pearl finish, which really made it stand out, especially with all the white space in the card.  I also love the photo choices here, because again, you can see some different sides to each of the kids.  Lastly, the verbiage on the card was something that the judges really liked. 

In retrospect, it would appear that Nancy and I have lost our minds, gone a little cuckoo and flown the coop all together.  We worked with way too many families to count last Saturday on an eight hour shutter binge that was not for the faint of heart.  Oh sure, we had help....the elves.  Did you see the elves?  They were the ones taking naps, dancing, making their own home videos, all the while with their little gullets full of chips, pizza and candy.     

In a way it was like a little bit of a holiday get together for us and our clients with everyone dressed to impress, smiling and having a big time.  But you know how there is always that one party guest who is a little too much of a good thing? Who wears out his welcome?    We had one of those too (the annoying one on the right).  

Below are some of the fun shots from Saturday.  Thanks again for all your patience and smiles.  You all make us look so good with your beautiful families. 

If you are like me, then right now you are scrambling.  Scrambling to do all the things that last year you said you would do early, do better, or cut out all together.  You are scrambling to do all the things you think you should be doing and all the things you think everyone else has already done- but you.  That is me, every- single- year for the last 5 years at least.  Sure, there was a time that I was a one kid kinda gal.  I had all my presents purchased and wrapped before December could even think about arriving.  Not today.  Today, well I might get that pumpkin off my porch and I might get that Halloween accoutrements put away, but then again I might not. 

For all you like me, who haven't even begun to think about your cards, I am here to help.  A) by letting you know that odds are yours will be out earlier than mine and B) to let you know that we have ordered some of the cutest templates to help you out.  But you are in a rush right?  No time for custom cards?  Just the other day I placed an order on Wednesday afternoon and it was sitting on my doorstep by Thursday....and no big shipping fees either.  The labs do a great job of turnaround time even in the thick of things.  So, if you like what you see, let us know.  We have some great options like metallic or pearlescent paper, custom designs and verbiage, etc....  Our prices are really very reasonable and we'll make sure it's right for you.  Here are some samples of our newest templates.
The templates are from Luxceter
 

Around here we "fank" people.  A new term that is pervasive in our vernacular since Master Rocco has uttered his first sentiment of appreciation.  So today, on the day that we all reflect on our many, many incredible blessings, I will give you mine.  I am ffffankful for:

• first and foremost -my Savior. 
  
• my partner in crime, Nancy.  If it weren't for her, I'd still be just thinking about starting a business. 
• our Amewsme friends and clients.  We have had such a blast this last year.  Thank you for trusting us with such important moments. 
  
• my sister for picking herself up when most people would fall apart, being a great mom to my neice "G-Dawg" and for showing me and everyone else that Faith will get you through everything life has to throw at you. 
  
• my dad, "Poppi" for taking care of and loving my mom, who has alzheimer's, around the clock, for hanging in there when most men wouldn't, for putting his love for her above everything else and showing us all what true love is. 
  
• my in-laws for loving our kids, eating 8pm meals, and always telling me I am their favorite daughter-in-law...of their only married son.
  
• Suz-I know I will hear it if she's not in here.  Without her, there would be no Mews. 
  
• my youngest- "Heavy D" for keeping me on my toes, always sharing his happy meals and for finally showing he's a Mama's boy.
  
• my dreamboat, middle nugget, "Rocco", for making me laugh every, every, every single day.  For giving me more affection than I can possibly handle.
  
• my gorgeous, smart, strong, witty and way too much like me "Precious"- "miss Lulu".  I fank her for keeping me on the right track, for encouraging me to sing in church, for being a huge reason to do the right thing for the last 13++ years.
• my dog Cloe- "The Pig" for sharing my chair with me, my space on the bed, my pillow, my food, etc... she's sweet like that. 
  
• my handsome husband for putting up with me, listening to me, supporting my dream, loving our kids, working so hard for us every day, being our leader and loving me- relentlessly. 
  

Our second installment is a fantastic little local company called a "Bling and a Prayer".  It's owned by a friend of mine and fellow McKinney-ite, Annette Safstrom.  She is one of those fantastic moms who seems to do it all effortlessly and always with a smile.  "Bling" sells tastefully embellished bibles, journals, frames, address books, frames, recipe books, etc.. and has something for everyone.  From the stylish teen who loves all things funky and modern to the classical bride to the new mom, Bling has it all.  You have seen Annette's wares in many stores around town, but she also sells direct and so often offers discounts for her FB readers.  This season get something beautiful and unique for your loved ones from Bling. 

In the previous post you met the Pilgrims.  Do you think they get plenty extremely tired puns this time of year to last them?  At any rate, the youngest of the siblings is Chelsea.  Such a cute girl in high school and carrying around maturity and wisdom that is so rare.  So Chelsea tells me that she wants a few shots of her and her guitar, which led to a conversation about her style of music, which happens to be singer/songwriter, specifically of the Christian flavor.  I love the James Taylors, Elton Johns and Carol Kings of the world.  I am sure there are some in this century, but my dial is stuck firmly at 60/70's old people music.  However, I am a mom of a teenager, so I happen to know about a cool dude From Waco named David Crowder.    I mentioned to Chelsea that I do love his music.  She pondered for a second and then began How He Loves

Now if you have never had someone sing acoustically,  live, in a beautiful field on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon a song so beautiful and touching...you might not understand the impression it made on me.  When you can hear every move of fingers along the frets.  It was one of those moments when time seemed to stop.  Ok, I digress, but let's just say that I love doing what I do and this is a big reason why.  We meet the neatest people and such a great variety of folks that otherwise would not be in our path. 

Back to Chelsea.  So later on Chelsea's sister told me that she is an aspiring artist looking to hopefully sign with a record label in the near future.  Chelsea, we wish you so much luck and are honored that you used photos from that beautiful moment for your website.  My only regret is that I didn't request a second song of her own pen.  At her very young age she also writes incredible moving music herself.  I encourage you to follow this young lady, she is incredibly talented and more importantly has a heart to spread such a beautiful message. 

You can check out Chelsea's music here

Working with large groups of people and pets combined can be tricky and takes a little extra time and extra shutters to get those shots where everyone is smiling and not blinking, kids are behaving and don't forget the four-legged ones.  Those dogs are a whole other ball o' wax.  This is why we always try to book double sessions for extended families.  Although it sounds simple enough, it is really an art...and let me tell you Miss Nancy is working her magic these days. 

We had a new client come to us looking to take photos of 14 humans and 2 canines.  She contacted us months in advance and checked in on us periodically to make sure we still had her on the books, she sent us a list to rival that of a brides for groupings of people, and last but not least she consulted about clothing and location. 

What a pleasant surprise when we arrived.  Every single person looked like they had been personally stylized.  It was as though our new client had taken the whole group out on a shopping trip and selected each piece in sync with the others.  Perfection.  So now, the task of warming up and taking a few shots to see how everyone looks in pixels.  In other words, "find out what we're workin' with".  In these shots we figure out who doesn't like to stand by who, who loves to be in the center and those who prefer to be way in the back...sitting on their sofa watching that 3rd quarter of the football game (eh hem). 


This is what that looks like.

Then we all start to get a little more comfortable and start hitting our stride.  And there it is.  The family has waited over a decade to have group photos made and in just a small amount of time, relatively painlessly we have accomplished that task.  Now for all the individual families and the pups who love them. 

Can I just say here that I loved this family?  I could immediately sense that they are so much fun and have so, so much love.  I envision them all gathered around the hearth at holiday time with egg nog, belly laughs, hugs and music...lots of sweet music, (more about that to come).  So thanks to this newest client (wearing the rosette) for being a perfect client and giving a an excellent demonstration on how to pull so many folks together into one cohesive look.  Lastly, Congratulations to the Pilgrims on such a beautiful family.  We hope to see much more of you all in 2011!

I would like to introduce you to a new page on our site.  It's called Birds of A Feather- a place to feather your nest.  It's a line up of folks who, like us, have been pouring their heart and soul into something they love.  With the holidays coming up, I thought it would be a great time to introduce as many as I can to you.  We'll do it one at a time via the blog and add them to the page so that you can refer to them any time you need.  We don't take payment from these folks, they are just good people we want to show a little Amewsme love to. 

First on the list is BBs Tees.  I have mentioned them on our blog here a time or two when they have appeared on WFAA.  The ladies of BBs happen to be clients of Amewsme, both for their company as well as for their families.   Their startup is a fun place to find unique ways to let siblings to be or anyone else, know that your family is growing.  

In case you ever wonder if we go to just any lab to get prints, here is an email I just received from a Christmas Card order placed 2 days ago. 



Dear Client:

Your color order has been gently taken through our production process and has reached a state of 99.9% perfection.
Our packing specialists have made sure your print is nestled comfortably inside the finest materials money can buy.
We said our final goodbyes on 11/05/10.  You can track your orders adventure with this number xxxxxxxx.
Please don't tackle the Fed Ex driver when they arrive. You can wait a few extra minutes for them to stop the truck.

Thanks again for choosing our lab. We are anticipating the day we do business with you again, so much we can't sit still!


It's the little things...but the same level of difference is present in their print/product quality.  Colors are spot on, cropping is good and if I happen to mess something up, they'll call me and ask if I intended it to look that way.  And if they mess something up, they have always reprinted for me. 

Now I dare you to get an email like that from your local drug store/ or hour processing place. 

I will be posting some photos of our products soon so that you can see the cool stuff available. 

Enjoy your weekend and stay warm.