Stand With Love | A Call to Action

Welcome Winter!  The solstice has officially unveiled the changing of the seasons for us and it's time for all things warm, cozy and celebrated.  I am just about finished with Christmas preparations, with only a few minor things to accomplish.  It feels good to check those never-ending lists, a real sense of accomplishment for me.   I am eager for Christmas morning and our family time around the tree - wrappings strewn, steaming mugs of coffee, sweet confections, and the looks of wonder and surprise on our children's faces - oh man, these are the days to live for, I tell you!!  It's a feeling of serenity, calm and mostly, love. 

Checking on my own privilege: the home I share with my family; the food in our fridge and pantry; the cars we drive; the clothes in our closets; the presents under the tree; the love we share.  We are blessed.  Not all are so fortunate this holiday season.  It's a good time to take stock and reflect and give to friends, our sisters and brothers in need.  I've been receiving these messages of hope from writers I admire and follow closely:  Elizabeth Gilbert, Brené Brown, and Glennon Doyle Melton.  They, along with others, have come together to call us to action by giving, joining, sharing their message of help/aid for the humanitarian crisis of Syrian refugees flooding Europe and beyond.  As quoted on The Compassion Collective's website:  "Today’s refugee crisis is the worst humanitarian emergency the world has seen since World War II. Just as the Greatest Generation’s response to the holocaust defined them, so will our response define us.

We want to be remembered as the generation that chose Love over Fear."

Whoa.  

I choose love.  And I gave to this organization.  100% of the charitable offerings will go to aid the refugee crisis.  Please join me, my friends.  I would be honored to have you stand with me and spread this important message of hope and love.  Thank you. 

Please go to this link to learn more, and give:  http://thecompassioncollective.org

And, go have yourselves a Merry little Christmas!!  

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'  -- Matthew 25:40 (New International Version)

Oh, Christmas Tree

Star Date :: Saturday, December 12, 2015. 

We did this thing today. We went hunting and gathered our Christmas tree for the 2015 season of festivities.  Plus, and this is a big plus, we finally met our new neighbors, the Sigfried family. We are terrible neighbors, what can I say?  We are glad though to have met our new friends at their beautifully kept Christmas tree farm.  We are happy & proud to support our local farmers, especially who maintain joyful traditions and the open spaces of our gorgeous state of Pennsylvania (or Penn's Woods).  We love to see the occasional fox, or a clan of wild turkeys, and the herds of deer that wander through the fields always entice us with an "Ooo, look! Deer!" And don't get me started on the wide variety of birds we are able to admire.  We wish our new friends/neighbors much success with their Christmas tree farm and will happily recommend them to everyone we know!  So, if you haven't got your tree yet, please do make a point to visit their Mohnton/Plowville area farm.  And tell them we sent you!!! 

Here's our daily digest of photos (my Captain's Log) and Christmas tree story... and if you'd like a little musical accompaniment, here's one of my all-time favorites:

O Tannenbaum - Vince Guaraldi - YouTube

    

Traditions Honored

Thanksgiving 2015 is in the books and we are moving towards the season of advent.  My friends, I have had a full week of family, food, celebrations, friends, and love.  My big girl, Chelsea and her fiancée, Lindsey are home from California for an all-too-short-visit this holiday.  Plus, my Mom is visiting with us this week from Nashville.  We have a house full and it's been a wonderful holiday!!  While we have the family in town, we decided this would be an optimum time for us to celebrate our Alanna's 10th birthday (double digits, oh my!).  We celebrated her birthday with her classmates at a family fun center, complete with arcade, roller-skating, and an adventure challenge (tubes to climb through and swaying bridges suspended as high as the ceiling)!  It was tons of F U N!!!  The kids were awesome - Alanna has some of the best friends.  I was thoroughly impressed by these 9 and 10 year olds.  Super kids!!  

Before we headed out to have birthday fun, Chelsea had the great idea to commemorate our golden retriever, Bear's 14th birthday by cementing his paw prints.  We've noticed a significant decline in his health over the past 6 months and, well, we're not sure how much longer he will be with us.  I will never forget surprising Chelsea with our brand new puppy for Christmas (2001)!  She had been asking and asking and begging for a puppy for a long while.  She was over the moon with exuberance when we revealed her gift!!!  He's been a steadfast friend and companion to all of us ever since.  Thanks to Chelsea's thoughtful idea, we honored our old "Bear-boy" and now have his paw prints secured, whatever the future holds for him.  For those of you who have loved a dog, for any amount of time, you will understand the importance of treasuring our old, loyal, furry friend, Bear.  

    

I hope you have had a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday, filled to the rim with smiles, traditions, fun, and family.  

Thankful for Thanksgiving and for You

"Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." 

-- Eckhart Tolle 

My friends.  I felt compelled to stop by and send you a note this Thanksgiving day.  Just like you, I've been buried under a pile of work lately plus family obligations.  We're all juggling many responsibilities and different roles and sometimes the weight of it all seems overwhelming.  I have been feeling a pull - that still, small voice inside - at my writer's hand to put thoughts, reflections, and stories (my stories) down.  At the very least, take a few minutes everyday to write in my journal.  But, alas, it just feels like more work.  And I'm tired.  Lucky for me, though, my day job fills my heart with such an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and love.  I spend my days with small children helping them to grow and discover themselves and the world around them.  Friends, this life experience is a wonder-full challenge and I take it seriously.  I am ever mindful that I am helping - even in small ways - to forge the future.  I stand back and feel the **wOw** in this idea that I'm sending out ripples in the great pond.  I thank God that He gave me these seriously enjoyable responsibilities.  I realize all the paths I've taken in life (and there've been many) have led me to be a part of these families lives.  Whoa.  The big plan is such a wonder and an amazement - rattles me when I look back at life and how far I have come and I know there's more good stuff ahead.  :) 

On this Thanksgiving day my prayer of gratitude is for my family: my fabulous, devoted, loving hubby; my beautiful, healthy, spirited girls.  For our sturdy home amongst the trees that keeps us close, warm and dry (and provides us with creative potential and unending projects).  My young students and their families, who give me their faith and trust.  For my own parents:  who have given me the freedom to become all that I can be - for the lessons and love.  For art, music and photography -- sheesh, I really do not know how I could exist (happily) without you.  For my client-friends - your smiles, friendship and trust are treasures to me.  For my health, sobriety and well being.  For my ever-faithful, loving God - you are always patient with me; I feel your steadfast presence in my life every single day.  Thank you, from the bottom of my being.  I am grateful.  

I am thankful for you, my friends and loved ones.  I am so grateful you are on this journey with me.  You bring me joyful laughter and smiles.  My heart is full.  I count you among my many blessings.  Let's have ourselves a very merry, thankful Thanksgiving!!!  Sending big love your way!!!  

  

Announcing: Fall Family Mini-Portrait Sessions

Another year has passed; another summer enjoyed to the fullest; everyone's back to school, including me.  It's now time to begin thinking of autumn colors, sweaters & jeans, boots & scarves, cooler days to splendor in, and, of course, fall portraits!  

I will be scheduling mini-portrait sessions for up to three families per date (October 18 & 24) at Historic Poole Forge in Narvon, with rain dates of November 7 & 8.  This year I decided to include a very special offer just for families of 6 or more.  If you've been thinking of getting a large family group portrait done, here's your opportunity!

Dates and Times: (ALL BOOKED)

Sunday, October 18:  12noon, 1pm, and 2pm

Saturday, October 24:  2pm, 3pm, and 4pm

Package details are as follows:  

Large Family Group Mini-Portrait Package:

Families with 6 or more members 

30 minute portrait session time

10-12 retouched, edited images in online gallery

$85 print credit to use with online gallery print service

All low-resolution images on disc for keepsake and sharing

1 high-res digital download from online gallery with print rights

*Total package price:  $225

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Family Mini-Portrait Package One: 

Families with 6 or less members 

30 minute portrait session time

10-12 retouched, edited images in online gallery

$85 print credit to use with online gallery print service

All low-resolution images on disc for keepsake and sharing

1 high-res digital download from online gallery with print rights

*Total package price:  $200

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Family Mini-Portrait Package Two: 

Families with 6 or less members 

30 minute portrait session time

10-12 retouched, edited images in online gallery

$45 print credit to use with online gallery print service

5 low-resolution images on disc for keepsake and sharing

1 high-res digital download from online gallery with print rights

*Total package price:  $150

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*Half of the total package price is due in advance in order to reserve your date/time. 

These mini sessions tend to book quickly, so please get in contact with me to reserve your date/time asap.  First come, first booked!!!  Email me:  my3girlsphotography@gmail.com or call:  610.856.1783

Thank you very kindly!  I'm looking ahead to a wonderful autumn with your friendly smiles and laughter, my friends.  See you soon!!  :)

Welcome Summer - Newsletter of Events

Welcome Summer!  Hooray!  I love this time of year - the long, hazy days of pool time and beach days; frequent library visits and tons of reading; my family's tradition of evenings spent at our tree swing playing charades and watching the glorious sunsets take place.  Not to mention my garden - planting, weeding, watering; watching what transpires; the ebb and flow; the hummingbirds darting in and out; and nesting chickadees or house wrens that take up residence in our yard.  Oh, yes, life is easy living in the summertime.    

There's so much going on that I thought to make this blog post a "newsletter" worthy post.  I have business news to share and personal.  I'll start with my business portion:  

*Summertime Family Special

I had originally mentioned this special "Empty Nest" complimentary 20"x24" Fine Art Wrapped Canvas print offer in a springtime blog post particularly with thoughts of those families with kiddos ready to head off to college this fall, but then, I thought, "hey, this is a great incentive!  All families should have dibs on this offer!"  I do believe the summer after high school ends and just before college begins is such an incredibly important time in a family's life.  The great pause, if you will, before the big transitions that are about to take place for everyone involved.  This summertime in a family's life is invaluable and deserves documenting with portraits, showcasing the myriad of stories you have created together.  Before diving into the busy fall schedule and new routines, new schools, new adjustments, I'm offering you a way to hold this family time still, even if it's only an hour to two out of your day.  I speak from experience, friends.  I remember well saying "see you later" to my oldest daughter as she took flight from the nest, beginning her years of higher education.  Truth is, from a parent's perspective, the years fly by and before we know it (or might be ready for it to happen) our children are grown.  The summer before they begin their university work and career can feel uncertain, a bit shaky, yet thrilling at the same time.  Can you relate?  To take advantage of my special incentive, please contact me today.  My schedule is filling fast!  

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July:

I normally take the month of July off from portrait work, however, I will be scheduling sessions throughout the entire summer.  

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Senior Photography:

I have received interest in photographing, highlighting high school seniors.  I know many parents have already received information/pricing from your school's contracted photography studio.  I want you to know that there are other alternatives to the standardized norm.  I have put together 2 different packages especially for senior portraits. Please visit this link for all the details:  Class of 2016 Custom-Made Senior Portraits Offer 

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with my offerings.  Again, please contact me today to get on the ever-filling-fast-schedule.  Thanks much! 

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Inspire Workshop Series:

I have decided to offer one-on-one DSLR workshops throughout the coming months.  I have found that it just works out better this way.  I can offer my guidance, wisdom in a more informal, personalized manner in this way.  I won't be setting dates in stone either.  Instead I'll schedule appointments with anyone that contacts me with interest in learning more about your own camera.  So, you have that beautiful, big camera and, obviously, a strong interest in photography, but just aren't quite sure where to go from here.  I'm here for you, friends!  And I'm flexible and willing to teach you.  

My fees for a beginner DSLR workshop are: 

You come to me (hang out with me at my home for up to 2 hours):  $50  

I come to you (I travel to meet you at a mutually agreed upon location, where we talk camera gear for up to 2 hours):  $75 

By now, you know the drill.  Contact me to schedule a workshop date.  And thanks!  

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Wedding Photography Contracts:

My friends, it seems that a new window of opportunity has opened for me at the preschool where I've been substitute teaching for the past 2 years.  They have invited me to teach in a couple of different classes on a regular, full time basis and I could not be happier.  I absolutely love the little ones and teaching them brings me such joy.  Although, as you can imagine, this commitment means I'll have less time for my portrait business.  As they say, when one door closes another opens.  I have decided that the best plan of action for me and my family is to slowly phase out my wedding photography work, since that takes up a great more of my time.  With that in mind, if you have interest in securing my photography services for your very special day, I will only be drawing up new wedding contracts until the end of August.  For each couple that signs with me or has already, your contracts will be held in good standing and upheld with the greatest esteem.  Any new contracts prior to August 31, 2015 will receive a complimentary $100 print credit to be used with your wedding gallery of images.  I hope this makes you smile.  I love weddings and am the eternal romantic at heart, and I hope you will consider me for your wedding photography needs.  Thanks!  

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Onto personal business:

Our Alanna performed in her ballet show this past Saturday.  We are proud as can be by her diligence, week in and week out for the past 10 months.  Here's the video of the girls' Sleeping Beauty ballet performance at the historical, ornate Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading.  Alanna is 3rd from the left, second row when first appearing on the stage.  I hope this makes you a smile big!! :)  It sure makes my heart smile!!! 

We adopted a kitten!  Oh goodness, she's a cute one, too!!!  Her name is "Lucy."  There were 3 kittens in the litter and we playfully named all of them for characters from C.S. Lewis' fantasy literature series, The Chronicles of Narnia.  There is the brave, righteous Lucy, the sweet, hospitable, Mr. Tumnus and the ever powerful, Aslan!  We had debated about taking 2 kittens, but then decided Lucy would be hands-full enough for us.  :)  Come on over to my Flickr photostream to see more of our Lucy love.  I update images there almost daily. --->  https://www.flickr.com/photos/barbliszcz/

At this point, I think I've packed this newsletter full of goodies.  

Joyous summer days and nights to you, friends and family!!   

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*The Summertime Family Special - 20x24 fine art wrapped canvas print offer is valid only for family's that purchase a full, 1 to 2 hour portrait session.  This offer does not apply to any fundraising types of events or winnings.  To view my rates for a full session, please visit my website:  www.my3girlsphotography.com/session  Please feel welcome to contact me with questions, and/or to schedule your portrait session.  Thanks very kindly.  

Senior Portrait Sessions for the Class of 2016

High school seniors and the proud parents that love you, this is especially for you!  For those individuals that don't get overly excited about the studio photography, cookie-cutter portraits your school offers, I have 2 portrait package options to make you and your budget smile by adding value with this personal portrait experience. 

Collection One

1 to 2 hours of personal on-location portrait session time

One to two wardrobe changes (3 different outfits)

An online gallery of up to 25 retouched, edited images to choose from

Print package includes: (32) wallet sized, (6) 5x7, (4) 8x10, and (1) digital image download

Digital Keepsake DVD with ALL of the gallery images

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Total package price:  295

Collection Two

30minutes to 1 hour of personal on-location portrait session time

One wardrobe change (2 different outfits) 

An online gallery of up to 15 retouched, edited images to choose from

Print package includes: (24) wallet sized, (4) 5x7, (2) 8x10, and (1) digital image download

Digital Keepsake DVD with 8 of your favorite gallery images

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Total package price:  200

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I have bundles of ideas, and location options to share with you, whether you prefer an urban setting, country garden, high school football field or possibly an edgy, retro setting, I have you covered.  Whatever you decide is the best fit for you, your personality, your style, I'm ready to help you shine and break the "standardized mold."  This is an exciting time in your life as you have worked diligently towards your goals and achievements.  This special chapter in your life deserves documenting with professional, fine art portraits. 

To get scheduled and book your appointment, please contact me via email:  my3girlsphotography@gmail.com or call:  610.856.1783

Please note:  This special offer is only applicable until the end of September 2015.  Summer, weekday appointments are preferred.  Two or more friends confirming shared appointments together, will receive additional print package credits of $25 each.  The digital downloads are high-resolution JPG files with print rights capabilities.  The Keepsake DVD of images are resized, watermarked files intended for internet, digital sharing, but not for printing.  No two portrait sessions are ever the same, just as no two seniors are ever the same.  Portrait session availability is limited, please contact me ASAP.             

Mother's Day Mini-Portrait Sessions

I found a photo of my Emmy and I at a preschool Mother's Day tea from 2 years ago and it took me back.  More like, floored me and brought me to tears.  Something so powerful in that moment of seeing her arms wrapped around me with a big smile caused me to consider how many other mommas would adore these treasured moments as much as I do.  I can't even believe how much she has grown in those 2 short years, well, all of my girls, for that matter!  

My oldest daughter, Chelsea, is about to graduate from college and begin her career with a big move out west to California.  My Alanna is taking her PSSAs this week in the 3rd grade; she has big dreams of entrepreneurship with a bakery called "La Patisserie;" and her ballet show is quickly approaching this summer.  My Emilia is an energetic bundle of go-go-go!  She's just about riding her bike on two wheels; preparing to finish kindergarten, steadily building on her reading, writing with a fervor, and painting or drawing more often than not!  These are just some snippets as I'm sure my mom friends have lots of their own that they want to hold onto and remember for always.  

I'd like to offer you, my friends and readers, a very special way to honor mom this Mother's Day -- with mini portrait sessions!  Here's what's included:

20 minute session

online gallery with 10 edited images

(2) 8x10 prints and (2) 5x7 prints

(5) images on disc for web sharing, keepsake

fresh bouquet of flowers for every mom

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Total cost = $75 

(half is due to secure your spot)

Location:  My home and neighbors' tree farm (with pond)

Just 7 spots available 

First come, first booked

Rain date:  May 16

Please either call 610.856.1783 or email:  my3girlsphotography@gmail.com  to secure your appointment.  Sessions begin at 2pm, Sunday May 10 and will run on the half hour.  This is a special time for Moms and their children, of course, Dads are welcome to join in, too. ;)  Grandmas and Great-Grandmas are encouraged to join in, also!!!  All ages are welcome! 

I eagerly look forward to these very special mini-portrait sessions with you filled with play and fun!  I'll bring along bubbles, tea sets, quilted blankets and, hopefully, lots of sunshine!!  

See you soon, friends!  And a Happy Mother's Day to us!! :)