Giveaway Opportunity with Gratitude for YOU, my subscribers

Hello Friends of My 3 Girls Photography! 

Thank you for stopping by my blog to get the details on this special Giveaway announcement!  I'm so excited to offer these wonderful prizes that I have chosen just for you!  I think you'll be pleasantly surprised and will want to take a minute to follow these simple steps to get yourself entered for the drawing!!  This is, after all, my one and only giveaway for the year!!  Interested?  Keep reading, and thank you for your support and love!   

The Details:

To be entered into the drawing all you need to do is become an email subscriber.  Yep.  It's that easy.  ;)  Please take a minute to enter your email address below in the box that says "Become an Email Subscriber" TODAY!  Be sure that your email is verified by going to your email's inbox and clicking on the link from Feed Burner that reads something like "You recently requested an email subscription to My 3 Girls Photography. We can't wait to send the updates you want via email, so please click the following link to activate your subscription immediately."  If you do not see an email in your inbox asking you to verify your email, please check your "SPAM or BULK" file for the confirmation email.  If you require any help or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I'm glad to help walk you through the process!  The deadline to enter for this giveaway opportunity is Friday, January 31, 2014.  The drawing will be videoed and posted right here on my blog on Sunday, February 2.  The winners will be contacted via email after the drawing takes place. 

The 3 different prizes: 

(1)  The first prize is a $100 credit* towards a photo session with me anytime within 2014 or 2015.  This is for any and all of the different custom portrait photography work that I offer:   Weddings/ Engagements/ Family/ Children/ Maternity/ Newborn/ HeadShots/ Business/ H.S.Seniors/ Events/ Parties - Basically, anything that has to do with photographing and making connections with people.  :o))  I'm an all around people-loving kinda gal!  This credit offer is transferrable - which means that you may pass it along to anyone that you'd like!  Photography makes the best gift!!   

(2)  The second prize I have to offer is a $25 Panera Bread gift card!  I do love Panera and would love to pass this yummy treat along to you!  If you haven't tried their offerings yet, you'll be thanking me that you did!  And they are nationwide!  

(3)  The third prize is a $25 Michael's Craft Store gift card!  Get your crafts or photo frames (display your photos!) and plenty of inspiration at Michael's!!  And they are nationwide, too!    

*To sweeten the FIRST prize offering:  

For each additional person that becomes a subscriber and mentions your name in the comments section - will increase your winning total credit by $25!  The cap is set at $250 and completely doable!  Just get yourself and 10 of your friends/family to subscribe, mention your name in the comments, and you'll be eligible to win up to a $250 photography credit!!  Be sure to invite friends and family to subscribe, and tell them that after they subscribe, and verify their email, they need to return to this blog post and leave a comment with your name!  That way I can keep track of how many additional subscribers you have sent my way.  Easy as pie! ;)

The exception:

If I am related to you and/or can call you "family" you will not be eligible for the drawing of prizes.  Hopefully, most of my family members have already become subscribers and I've probably given you a reduced price for my photography services anyhow.  Am I right?!  ;o)  Thank you for understanding. 

Why become a subscriber: 

You're asking yourself "why does Barb want me to become an email subscriber?"  Well, the answer is simple.  You won't miss a thing.  You'll be privy to all of my musings, my personal posts, my latest and greatest sessions, PLUS, each and every special offer I post!  You'll get exclusive offers, as well.  We're all busy with our lives and do not always have time to check in with the different social media sites.  By becoming an email subscriber you won't miss anything.  If you're like me, I use my email daily - sometimes many times per day.  Email is the best way of keeping up to date with all of my offerings.  And I do love my subscribers and am grateful for each of you (family included!).. :)  

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Let's review: 

(1)  Become an email subscriber:  To enter yourself for this giveaway offer, become a verified email subscriber on or before Friday, January 31, 2014 

- your email must be verified in order to qualify for the drawing. 

(2)  Share the love:  Invite your friends & family to become email subscribers and earn the chance to increase your overall winning credit 

- for each person to become a verified email subscriber and mention your name in the comments section increases your prize winnings by $25. 

$250 is the allowable, capped credit amount (up to 10 verified email subscribers may increase your winning total!!)

(3)  The photo session credit amount:  (either $100 and/or up to the capped total of $250) is transferrable!  You may use the credit as a gift, if you so choose.  The credit must be used within 2014 or 2015.  The total winning credit will be good towards any of the different types of custom portrait photography that My 3 Girls Photography offers. 

(4)  The drawing for the 3 different prizes:  will take place on Sunday, February 2, 2014 by video and posted on My 3 Girls Photography's blog!  

All entries will be drawn at random.  

Best of Luck and Good Wishes to you, my friends!! 

P.s.  If you happen to be my lucky winner of the photo session credit, but for whatever reason won't be able to use it.  Just let me know, and I'll redraw from the list of verified subscribers and pass it along to the next lucky individual!!  Thanks kindly!  

P.s.s.  If you have already become a verified subscriber, you are automatically entered into the drawing!  :o)  Thank you!!  

she who seeks inspiration …

Isn't it fun to explore new territories?  I was on a mission this past weekend to properly investigate by lifting each stone, gazing at each piece of art and peering into each window and/or studio door possible of the entire 5-story building known as the Goggle Works: Center for the Arts in downtown Reading.  I found myself having these lovely visions of opening and maintaining a studio space in this building filled with textures of wood, brick, glass, steel, and the wafting aromas of turpentine, paint.  Dancers were stretching, preparing and we could hear music playing on every floor.  I noticed other artists completely filled with artistic expression and it inspired me.  For any of my artist friends - in whatever media you so choose to express with - I would highly recommend visiting your own local arts center or gallery.  You just might find yourself swept up in the inspiration, the passion, the love of the arts - ever encompassing, delighting all of your senses!   

I had the privilege of bringing my family along with me.  And they even let me point my 85mm lens their way!!  They are generous like that, at least sometimes.  I'm still amazed that my guy allowed me to get a few of him, also!  But I had to be quick - for that window of opportunity doesn't last very long with him!!  ;-)   

In the seeking, inspiration emerges.  Thank you, Goggle Works and Artists!  

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I *heart* my subscribers!  Please take a quick minute to enter your email address below.  You'll then need to verify your email address in your inbox (if you don't receive an email from FeedBurner's service, please check your "spam/bulk" file).  And thank you kindly for following along!!   

Welcoming 2014 with One Word

I've been meditating on my 2014 word, searching for the "just right" one word.  It has finally settled in my soul.  Last year my word was "simplify."  Twenty-thirteen was anything but simple for me and my family.   There were many trials, tribulations, and I found myself being tested more often than not.  It was a roller coaster ride of a year - filled with LOTS of UPs and downs.   Although, I like to focus mainly on the upside of the past year, and look at the downs with quiet care and reflection; making mental notes on how to improve in the new year.  The great news is that my business is blossoming; my girls are growing beautifully, healthfully and blossoming each in their own unique ways; my marriage is strong, loving (my guy and I celebrate 20 years together on Jan 20!); plus, I grew the. best. heirloom tomatoes ever last summer!!  Life is good.   

As for 2014.  I have begun the year much the same as I do every year.  January and February are the months that I get organized.  Instead of "spring cleaning," it's "winter cleaning!"  I go through the girls' toys, clean out the basement, clean out drawers and closets, and get my accounting files in order, too.   Basically, I get the "reorganize bug!!"  Being cooped up inside in the winter months makes me turn my thoughts to our home, our finances, our girls, our life, and I take stock.  I get a clearer picture for the year ahead - I make lists (I'm a perpetual list-maker!!) of the goals I have for myself, for my family, and for my business.  So far, 2014 is showing signs for plenty of positive growth.  I keep my hopes alive and fingers crossed that my family and I have more of a "merry-go-round" year or, I'd even settle for a ride on the "swing carousel" as opposed to the roller coaster of last year!  Oh, please.    

Which brings me to my one word choice for 2014… 

My one word for 2014 is grace.  I am relying on grace to guide me, protect me, remind me of the unseen forces at play in this world.  A word to offer me the patience and understanding that I so desire.  I have learned many things in this life and the grace that I have received so far has been a constant, humbling reminder of God's loving care and gentle nudges guiding my path.   Like a patient friend who travels ahead, time and time again, extending a hand without judgment, with kind eyes, always with me - showing me the way.  Grace.  I like this word.  And need this protective word, also.   I welcome 2014 with grace in my mind's eye; meditating on it; and continually learning from it.  Thank you "grace" for blessing me with your presence in my life.  Let's see how this year shapes up with grace in the forefront, leading my way. 

For those of you, my readers and friends, who also find it inspiring each year to choose a word to guide your new year, have you chosen yours yet?  Or, should I say, has your word chosen you yet?  Do share your thoughts in the comments sections below.  I'd love to hear from you!  : )) 

Happy 2014 to YOU!!  
Onward! 

P.s.  Please feel welcome to subscribe to my blog posts by entering your email address below in the "subscribe by email" section.  Once you do so, simply "verify" your email subscription in your email's inbox.  Then you'll be set!  I do appreciate everyone that has already subscribed.  Thank you kindly!   

come away with me | a midweek excursion

I am still meditating on my "One Word" for 2014.  It hasn't grabbed me yet.  The word "fresh" kept popping up yesterday, and, oh, it's a wonderful feeling when it runs through my mind and repeats over and over again.  Fresh.  The frigid cold temperatures of late due to the polar vortex (eeks, that sounds terrifying!) have me thinking of warmer days gone by and "fresh" beginnings are always welcome.   Fresh - sounds so refreshing!!  Doesn't it?

I have been neglecting my blog over the past few months and really shouldn't.  Part of my goals for my photography business this year is to spend more time here.  In an effort to begin 2014, while implementing this soul-soothing exercise more often, I decided to pull out my album from Bermuda and scan a handful of lovely images to share with you.  Some family members, and family-friends (you know, the ones that we adopt into our family by choice) and I visited this gorgeous island in October of 1996.  Goodness, it's hard to believe that it's been more than 17 years!  It was a delightfully invigorating trip, with plenty of adventures, and the memories are forever etched upon me.  Scotty, beam me up!!  I'm all set to take a mini-mind vacation… Ah, the azure sea peacefully lulling, incredible rock formations, abundant natural beauty woos me into a different frame of mind.  So, let's go together!!  Let us take a little trek down memory lane. 

Come away with me… 

my firstborn, Chelsea, was 6 at the time and, well, she's always had lots of "spunk" - some might call it attitude. ;)-  Isn't she a cutie?! 

I think so!!

Thanks for taking time out of your day to view.  Hopefully these images warmed your spirit, my friends.  Stay warm everyone!  

P.s.  All film images were scanned using my HP printer.  Also, my stepdad, Papa John, is responsible for the beautiful images #4, 5, and 8.  Thanks for sharing, John & Kay!  When are we going back?!!!  Yes, please!!  Love you!